Day 8 - We're so very lucky.

Oh my. What a time we seem to be having. As you know if you've been following along, today we are leaving Calgary to continue our journey West. It's hard to leave our friend's in Calgary, but we are both of a mind that Stampe is no place for Gord (yet?) - and we have reservations. 

We kicked the day off right with a lovely send off breakfast at the Blackfoot Diner. This is a MUSTvisit if you're coming to Calgary. It's as 'authentic' as you get for those seeking this sort of thing. It's a true blue trucker diner - but it's big, has VERY interesting decor (it was hard to get Gordie to eat with all of the neon paintings, bright pink walls, even more colourful staff, and even a working model train that tours the restaurant from its track on high. As usual, Gord drew a crowd (he copped a feel from the hostess - "that's ok, I've been grabbed before, and by bigger than you") - but the food was great. With so much camping and early mornings we'd been missing our greasy spoon breakfast, but no longer.

After breakfast we bid Matt adieu (a working man, he had to get a days work in before the Stanpede festivities began) and headed home to pack the car and say goodbye to Linds. We'd spent a few nights there so we had a chance to do laundry! We knew our drive was relatively short so we were in no immediate rush. In any event, we said our goodbyes to Lindsay and pointed our windshield for Banff and the Mountains.

How can we possibly describe the majesty of the Rockies looming up in front of us as we put Calgary behind us. I remember cresting that first rise and seeing what lay ahead, and I couldn't he utter 'wow' in spite of myself. And that was just the beginning. By the time we paid our entry fee for the Nat'l Parks just outside of Banff we were in heaven.

Here's the view as we wait to pay our fees to get into the Parks. The lady checking us in eas very sweet, bit why wouldn't she be? Is the view from your office as nice?

Our destination for the night was a private camp ground between Glacier Nat'l Park and Revelstoke Nat'l Park called Canyon Hot Springs Resort. You can't make reservations at the Nat'l Parks, so this controlling Dad asked for a recommendation from park staff and that's what they recommended. In any event, that was a few kilometres alway, and on the way there we were treated to all the majesty the Rocky Mountains have to offer.

We made only two stops, at the Lake Louise village for bathroom/diapers, lunch and rstocking ou groceries, and at Lake Louise herself. The aqua-marine water and icy peak had always been a dream destination for T, and it didn't disappoint. 

The view was outstanding, and in spite of being busy, it did nothing to take away from the beauty. We took a walk around the lake and were onoy disappointed at the garbage smell emanating from the Fairmount Lake Louise area - the only downside to an otherwise   spectacular visit. 

From there we got back in the car and were treated to the wonders of Yoho, Kootenay, Golden, and Glacier. The two of us (Gord slept most of the way) were left with dry mouths and stunned visages as the various peaks and valleys of the Rockies kept us astounded. The drive is stunning, we re moment it to anyone.  By the time we made it to our destination Gord was just waking up and we were quiet and introspective. 

Now I've always been a proponent of publicly owned campgrounds (there ours, for goodness sake) - but this place was terrific. It was a bit pricey (not so much the site as the amenities - wood, showers, and the hot springs themselves), but they had thought of everything. Our site was great -  near a water/comfort station, but not too near. We could hear the rushing Albert River, and tall Sikita Spruce dwarfed us on all sides. The bathrooms were clean and modern, and there was even a wash tub for dishes. This was truly Glamping!

Anyway, we went swimming in the hot springs, had a great dinner and settled down by the fire. It was a little buggy, but nothing like Lake Superior. Theresa stayed outside with the boys tonight! The best thing about this place, however, was that around every turn was another peak. We were quite literally in the middle of the mountains. 

Tomorrow is a short jump to Kelowna (200 km), and we're not even sure when we can check-in to our BnB, so we're planning on a slow morning. Coffee/tea, breakfast, some yoga for the misses, a walk for the men, and another swim in the hot springs before we leave around noon.

Have a good night everyone, I'm pretty sure we will!

TOTAL FUEL FILL UPS: 4

DAILY WILDLIFE: A hare, some red squirrels, and some very cool birds (not sure what they were) - and lots of dogs!