Banff and Family

Leaving Revelstoke, we had a bit of ground to cover to make it to Banff to meet up with my family.  We stopped in Glacier National Park (Canada) for a quick hike on the way, then drove through Yoho and Banff national parks to get to the city of Banff where my family was hanging out.  Along the Canada 1 through the parks, large fences keep wildlife away from the freeway.  Bridges with trees and grasses planted on top and tunnels allow wildlife to safely cross the traffic.

We rolled in after dinner to meet the my family.  My parents had some warm leftovers and mountains of cookies waiting for us.  My whole family had made it up to Canada for the first summer that we all vacationed together in quite a few years.  My sisters and parents had already had a couple days of adventures hiking around Moraine Lake and some waterfalls in the park.

My fam having fun at Moraine Lake.  

The next day we headed to Lake Louise, a glacial lake with a wild color.  Setting out early to nab a parking spot, we packed lunches and loaded in the suburban.  Lake Louise was a surreal setting, and we picked out a hike to take us up the side of a mountain to some higher lakes around the main lake.  The weather was perfect as we hiked up to a tea house and then to the top of the Big Beehive, a cool feature rising above the lake.  We ate a great picnic lunch, and headed back to Banff to resupply.  I got a haircut while my family got groceries.  

 The Big Beehive

"Leg Shredding" switchbacks

 Adrianne with Lake Louise, from the top of Big Beehive

Margaret, Christine, Adrianne and me on the Big Beehive with glaciers in the background.

While my parents slaved away over dinner, my sisters and Adrianne I relaxed in a jacuzzi with a glacier view.    It was a special treat to have all the trip planning and meals taken care of, all Adrianne and I had to do was show up and have a good time.