Banff and Canmore

Yesterday (Weds 15 May) we went to Banff. We saw elk, just on the sidewalk (pavement). Banff is a nice looking town. Nice buildings and of course surrounded by mountains Reminds me of Switzerland. Not that I've been there!

It was warm, which seems wrong in a place with mountains that have snow on. We looked round some of the shops. There was a Christmas shop in which I bought an ornament of any elk with two bears. I got presents for the kids and a Banff t-shirt and some coasters for me. Then I bought two of the same hanging ornaments that jingle; one for me and one for Gail. Whenever we hear the jingling it'll remind us of our trip together.

We had a spot of lunch and a drive round. Passed an impressive inukshuk.
The word “inukshuk” means “in the likeness of a human.” For generations, Inuit have been creating these impressive stone markers on the vast Arctic landscape. Inukshuks serve several functions, including guiding travellers, warning of danger, assisting hunters and marking places of reverence.

We've been so busy and we needed a break, so we went back to our condo (apartment/flat). I sat on our balcony, playing on my phone, and every now and then looked up at the mountains. Gail and I have been competing again at each other in Wordle and Connections. I'm not doing so well! I also started gathering ideas for a tattoo. It's something I've been thinking about having for the last couple of years. I may not be brave enough to get one, but you never know. I also had a lay down on my bed with Barkley. She's a cute dog who loves being stroked. She also likes banana and cucumber!

Today we were having breakfast when Gail spotted a rainbow outside. Great photo opportunity! We went on a short hike in the Rockies. Bit worrying to see a dried up creek. Shouldn't be dry just after winter. We also saw a warning sign telling us to make sure bears and cougars can hear us on our walk!!

There was a mineral factory that gave another dystopian view.

We could see the weather was changing and we just got back to the truck before it started raining. We drove to a spot with a nice view for our picnic then returned to the flat for another rest. Poor Gail has had to drive so many miles and needed a snooze. The wet weather cintinued too. I curled up with a book (still reading Dave Grohl).

This time next week I'll be in bed having had my first day back at work. What an awful thought!