Banff

Set off early yesterday for Banff, going via Emerald Lake which would be beautiful in the summer but still snowed in. They had an avalanche this winter and all the trees etc are still laying halfway across the lake, awesome sight, it barely missed the lodge located there.

Next stop was the cable car to the top of a mountain (whose name I can't remember) in Banff.  By this time the weather had closed in and it was snowing like mad and very cold on top of the mountain. But managed some great views inbetween snow showers.

We then arrived at the Banff Springs Hotel( photo 2).  Talk about jawdropping! Its just like all its photos and absolutely awesome.  Its been built to resemble a scottish castle and has majestic ballrooms, little alcoves, hotel rooms, massive open spaces etc.  Its a real rabbit warren and very easy to get lost in but great fun finding your way around and getting little surprises wherever you go.

Had dinner at the Walhause restaurant last night.  It is German/Swiss and the best meal we have had so far - absolutely faultless and we thoroughly enjoyed it.  It was included in the trip but suspect that it would be very expensive to eat there normally but well worth it.  Great place on a snowy night as its built like a swiss chalet with lots of dark wood and open fires and big hearty meals.

This morning it was up early, wandered around the hotel till we found yet another ballroom where we were scheduled for breakfast - like walking thru underground caverns and emerging into this spectacular room and a great breakfast.

Followed breakfast with a helicopter flight - again it was a magical experience as it snowed last night but this morning was brilliant sunshine, cloudless blue skies and pristine snow capped mountains.  Very special. 

This was followed by checking out the town of Banff, which was bigger than I expected and full of tourist shops.  By lunch time my sore throat was making itself apparent so headed back to the hotel for a little rest.  Nose is now running like a tap, the head hurts and the throat is raw, its bed for me.

Alan has gone to a Country and Western Show and BBQ- yeah I know he hates them but its a freebie that is being filmed for some promotional thing and the tour group has been invited so there will be an audience - no way was I going out in the cold tonight.

Photo 3 is the Lake Louise Hotel - another postcard spectacular one, although the rooms are small and the bathrooms tiny

Meant to say that when in Vancouver we saw all these street signs with a closed on 1 May sign and found out that they are filming Criminal Minds there today, so will have to watch for that episode.