This morning after breakfast we got some Vicks and cold tablets at the
hotel shop. Stuart slept better but still has cough. From our room we took some
lovely photos of sunrise on the glacier. It is such a stunning view. We went
for a little walk to the lakes edge and Lesley took some photos of a little
squirrel which posed for her. We learnt about The Boss, a big grizzly bear which
has territory near here. He is famous for eating a black bear!
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| Lake Louise at sunrise - sun yet to hit the glacier |
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| This little chap posed for Lesley while she talked to him - so obliging! |
Banff, our next stayover, is only about 60km from here, so we spent the
morning doing some sight-seeing. Our journey took us down the Big Hill. Here
there used to be a railway line (early 1900s), which in places had a very steep
gradient. Lots of runaway trains later, and the line was rebuilt, incorporating
a spiral tunnel which had the line doubling back on itself but lower down the
slope. It reduced the gradient considerably and made the line safe. The
tunnels, over 100yrs old now, are still in use and going strong. The road has
been built over much of the original steep rail line. We stopped at a view point
where we could see three sections of line including one tunnel entrance/exit.
Unfortunately no train came while we were there, though one came along
afterwards!
We will be going on this track in a few days time.
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| one of the tunnels |
We stopped at Emerald Lake, a green/milky lake, again fed by glacial
melt water. It was a beautiful colour, and people were canoeing on it. Mountains
surround it, giving a lovely scene.
From there we went to Yoho National Park so see the Natural Bridge. A
lot of water went through the narrow gap under the bridge.
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| milky water due to glacial silt |
We were travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway, and in this area it had
a number of wildlife crossings – bridges covered in vegetation, much like ones
near the Gold Coast. They are wide enough for even the biggest of animals to cross
over without being seen from the road.
Mountains and fir trees:
Arriving at Banff the group wandered off to have lunch. Stuart put in some
washing at the laundromat (we’ll pick it up tomorrow). We tried to find the
doctor for Stuart but didn’t have time. That would have to be later. The group
went on to the gondolier up to Mt Sulphur – Stuart went to the doctor instead.
[Verdict: he has a head cold. It hasn’t gone to his chest, despite him thinking
it had. He was given antibiotics anyway, and should continue taking the cold tablets.]
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| Railway station where we get on the Rocky Mountaineer in two days time |
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| river where we'll do float rafting tomorrow |
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| this little fellow wanted some food - the man didn't know the squirrel was on his foot |
The group also went to a viewing place to see the hotel, and also to
photograph a waterfall (which, it turns out, is just behind the hotel but we
didn’t know that).
The hotel is castle-like – quite spectacular. It is very big, and quirky
so guests are given a map on arrival!
All visitors to Canada want to see bears and Mounties, so this afternoon
just after arriving at the hotel we attended a talk by a retired Mountie who
now volunteers. The red uniform is ceremonial only. They are just police in
ordinary uniforms every day. He then made himself available for photos!
From there we went to our rooms – most of us on the eighth floor,
overlooking the waterfall and river. Great view – again!!
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| view from our room |
Dinner was with another couple from the tour, one we hadn’t really
spoken with previously. They are younger than the rest of us at not quite 50. He
is a barrister. It was nice getting to know them.
More number plates:
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