Before we left the Crossings Motel, we walked around the large gift shop and hoped to get breakfast, but we missed that by five minutes. The only thing we could find to eat in the little food area was oatmeal and raisin cookies and nuts, which we got, and a drink. Just as well, as there was nothing to eat until we reached Jasper later that evening! The drive up towards Columbia Icefield was again spectacular, aided by the clear blue skies and oatmeal and raisin cookies! We pulled over at the numerous scenic stops and admired the views as well as keeping an eye out for any sudden appearance of bears or other vicious carnivorous animals on the prowl. Depending on the density of the surrounding forest, we would keep a safe running distance (usually ... read more

Had a leisurely morning, getting up late and having a bowl of Lucky Charms before heading out for the day. Today we were just concentrating our sightseeing in and around Banff, stopping first at the still frozen Lake Minnewanka - ‘Lake of the Water Spirits.’ It was pretty, and after stopping for a short period we then drove further on to Two Jack Lake. Rounding a corner, there in the middle of the road, were three Big Horn Sheep busily licking the minerals off the asphalt. Can’t imagine that would be very tasty mixed in with car oil and the rest! Took some pictures before moving slowly on, and then rounded another corner and came across two big boys with very large horns, again with tongues lapping away at the road. They gave us a curious ... read more

Skipped breakfast choosing to have a lie in instead, then set off at 10am towards Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is a Cree expression of awe and wonder, which is hardly surprising given that the park is set amid 28 peaks over 3000 metres in height. We stopped at the visitors centre in the park and picked up information before heading up Emerald Lake Road to view Natural Bridge and Emerald Lake which is supposedly one of the jewels of the Canadian Rockies. Natural Bridge is a spectacular natural rock bridge arching over the Kicking Horse River; it was once a waterfall which over time has gradually worn away the rock to form a bridge. We clambered out of the car with all the photographic gear and trudged to the falls. I soon became Liisa’s ... read more

Today was a lazy day. Didn’t get up until around 9am, and then sat and updated the blog and sorted photos out until 1pm. The cleaners were banging impatiently at the door, wanting to come in and clean, but we made them wait until we left for the afternoon. Decided against yet another Mc D’s gourmet breakfast and had a chocolate instead - probably more nutritious too! Our first stop for the day was the Capilano Suspension Bridge originally built in 1889. This suspension bridge stretches 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. Not for the faint hearted or those who suffer from vertigo, as this bridge when you walk on it, moves up and down and sways from side to side. Unfortunately they don’t allow jumping up and down on the ... read more

Started the day with great excitement at the thought of seeing pods of Orcas, followed by great disappointment at our breakfast! Our hotel claims they provide a free continental breakfast, and when we checked in they informed us that we would need to collect vouchers; however we didn’t think too much about that at the time. At reception we collected our breakfast vouchers which turned out to be Mc Donald vouchers for a free coffee and muffin!!! Continental breakfast my foot! I guess we will be frequenting the neighbouring Mc D’s. Liisa nipped in to collect breakfast, orange juice and fruit and fibre muffin, then we made a swift departure and drove to the nearest camera shop 30 minutes away so Gail could buy a new camera lens cover! As Liisa hopped out the car, her ... read more