Hageman's and Meyer's in Canadian Rockies

Linda, Norm, Chris, and I spent an amazing 10 days in the Canadian Rockies the first of this month.  The rave reviews for this area we were previously given by the Wampach's and by Fr. Dan Clayton were gratifyingly fulfilled.

Linda and Norm left from Kansas City; Chris and I left from Raleigh Durham.  We met up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on August 28.  We focused most of our time in Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.  We were delighted with stunning, snow-capped mountain peaks; the blustery, bitter-cold Athabasca Glacier; numerous, dazzling water falls; gripping canyons, large and small, with treacherous hiking paths; countless, breath-taking, turquoise and emerald green lakes; hiking through forests and on mountain tops; and the endless, serene Columbia River Valley as it nourishes all life forms on its way to the Hudson Bay.

After a long drive on Wednesday, August 29, we arrived in the dark of night at Black Cat Guest Ranch, remotely located in Yellowhead County, Alberta, Canada.  Situated in the tranquil foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this Bed and Breakfast reminded me of a classic, weathered ranch house.  We enjoyed our accommodations and appreciated the attentive service of the owners.

After two nights at the Black Cat Guest Ranch, we traveled to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia, Canada, on Friday, August 31.  Here we stayed in a condo at Radium Valley Vacation Resort for the next week.  Norm and Linda had been able to reserve these accommodations through their time-share plan.

Without becoming bogged down in the details of a travel log, I will share a few of the highlights and special moments we experienced during our travels around the Canadian Rockies:

• The Columbia Icefields - We walked and kept ourselves upright with difficulty on the Athabasca Glacier in the bitter-cold, blustery wind.  What a stunning experience!
• The Glacier Skywalk - We stepped gingerly onto this glass-bottomed platform that stretched out from the mountainside over the Sunwapta River Valley.  Taking our breathe away! 

Looking over Sunwapta River Valley

• Unique Restaurant Names - Evil Dave's, Something Else, Horsethief Pub, Blue Dog Cafe, Bear Street Tavern.  Speculate on menus!
• Peyto Lake - Our waiter for lunch at Deer Lodge suggested we check out this lake.  What a gem hidden in the midst of forests and mountains!
• Rock Pile at Moraine Lake - Yes, a very high pile of rocks to challenge the bravest of climbers.  I stumbled and fell in attempting to get to the pile.  Norm found the easy way.  Moraine Lake was likely the most engaging lake, set in the Valley of Ten Peaks!
• Canyons - The unmistakable sound of the flowing water, from unrelenting roar to melodic tinkling.  The music of a Beethoven symphony!
• Lunch on Lookout Patio at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - The hotel, the food, and the scenic setting of Bow River Valley with its surrounding mountains were elegant.  We were richly blessed to be there!

 

Linda and Chris on Lookout Patio after Lunch

• Yarn - Chris is a "yarn lover."  Wherever she travels, she seeks to find that special yarn.  Invermere On The Lake was her "pot of gold"!
• Wedding Anniversary - We celebrated Norm and Linda's 49th Wedding Anniversary with dinner at Helena's Stube in Radium Hot Springs on September 6.  Memorable!

We four drove back to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on September 7 to catch our return flights home.