Day 14 -- Banff

somewhere in Banff, stylized by google

A pretty lake

Summary:

• Explore the town of Banff and some of the surrounding area
• Wildlife seen: (4)
• stone sheep
• mountain goat (misidentified as long-haired sheep yesterday)
• Canadian Geese (and baby goslings!!)
• Elk Deer

accurately describes my life

Today was a nice, relaxing, lazy day.  I slept in a bit and then explored.  My knee wasn't up for hiking today, unfortunately.  I guess the last few days have taken their toll.  I did enjoy strolling around the town of Banff itself.  It's as touristy as you'd expect, given the park.  But I happened to be in town on the day of the local market so I stocked up on local craft beer and locally distilled spirits.  Don't worry, I'll share when I get back home. 

While there, I saw this sign at one of the booths in the market ... made me smile.


I also popped into some of those silly tourist shops ... can you believe this geode pair costs $75,000?!?!?!  That's insane!  (it's called angel's wings ... if you're interested).



I took the time to visit a few galleries to take a look at local photographers.  Breathtaking!  Check out Jason Leo Bantle's work (www.allinthewild.com)

View on TransCanada leaving Banff (through windshield)

 After a delicious lunch and more wandering around town, I went exploring.  This area is so beautiful!  My pictures don't do it justice but I've posted a few more for you to look at.

Another lake

On yesterday's drive, I actually saw an avalanche occur off in the distance.  It was truly amazing ... I happened to look in the right direction at the right moment and saw sheets of snow and ice just pouring down a mountain face ... Amazing.

Along the drive

Tomorrow, I'll leave the mountains and make my way through more of Alberta.

Me at one of the lakes, stylized by google