Beauty in the Rocky Mountains


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North America » Canada » Alberta » Banff National Park
December 28th 2018
Published: January 1st 2019
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Dawn over Lac des ArcsDawn over Lac des ArcsDawn over Lac des Arcs

Pink light reaches the mountain tops first
The mountains boasted crisp cold on this morning a few days after Christmas. Bold skiers and snowshoers from the Skrastin's Outdoor Club strapped on their gear for an active day at Lake Minnewanka. We, the "townies" stayed on the bus for the short distance to Banff. With great cheer we walked along the streets filled with tourists, winding our way to the pedestrian bridge across the almost frozen Bow River.

Thanking the town workers for an excellently groomed path through the trees, we chatted and strolled in the bright sun and striped dark shadows. In the winter blue of Bow Falls, the river bubbled through the naturally sculpted ice. Glacial snow gleamed from the mountains in all directions.

Climbing up the path and stairs to the Banff Springs Hotel, I discovered the "other" side of the Banff Springs Hotel, where it looks like a huge French chateau. Glad to be warm, we bought lentil soup and turkey sandwiches and lattés. In the order line-up, I heard about the Oak Room, specially decorated for Christmas. Of course, we went to see it, as well as the model of the Hotel splendidly rendered in gingerbread and kilos of candies.

Our
Bow River iceBow River iceBow River ice

Geometrically abstract
stroll back through town wandered in and out of crowded stores to look at the sales. Nothing was good enough to overcome the thought of taking off all our layers and layering again in a dressing room. Better to enjoy our relaxed joy amongst the festivities of this winter community.


Additional photos below
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Lake MinnewankaLake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka

Cracks look like paths
Cascade MountainCascade Mountain
Cascade Mountain

Banff's iconic peak
Rundle MountainRundle Mountain
Rundle Mountain

along the Bow River
Maple Leaf shadowMaple Leaf shadow
Maple Leaf shadow

A Canadian quirk!
Rocks near Bow FallsRocks near Bow Falls
Rocks near Bow Falls

ripped from the earth
Banff Springs HotelBanff Springs Hotel
Banff Springs Hotel

Castle in the Rockies
Banff Springs Hotel in GingerbreadBanff Springs Hotel in Gingerbread
Banff Springs Hotel in Gingerbread

Delightful to the child in all of us
Fantasy Christmas displayFantasy Christmas display
Fantasy Christmas display

Banff Springs Hotel Oak Room


1st January 2019

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
There's something about that traditional Christmas decor - dark wood, warm lights, trees, and glitz - that always warms my heart. Loved the light in your mountain shots; especially liked the geometry of Bow River ice. Carry on!
1st January 2019

Happy New Year!
May 2019 be full of more beautiful shots!

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