Banff December 11, 2023

As I left the city behind under a dull grey sky, I wondered what would be facing me the further west I drove towards Banff National Park.  As I passed through the Park Gate, the clouds began to disperse revealing all the beauty there is in Banff.  With four hours on my side to savour sights, I first stopped at Cascade Ponds to stroll about for an hour or so.  This was my initial view of Cascade Mountain peeking out above the clouds.

The trails were somewhat packed and where they were not, I ventured along anyway.  

It was places like this I wanted to get to. 

There was loads of open water to offer up reflections of Cascade Mountain.

The focus here was to capture the icy edges showing delicate designs.  

It was not until I loaded my photos onto my iPad that I saw the leaf.

view while wandering along the creek that runs through the meadow

The next order of business was to make invests in some of the local businesses.  Strolling along Banff Avenue is enjoyable even if investments are not made.  It was quite quiet while I was there. That is Cascade Mountain in the background.  See the flag waving?  It was windy and cold!

the Visitor Center 

Many cafes and restaurants had their outsides set up so you could comfortably sit outside, no one was though.  It was quiet and no place was busy, I could see some patrons inside.  I admired these locations then passed on by.  It would be a novelty to partake in dining outside at a cafe or restaurant during these temperatures.  

faux fur skins on the benches

fire pit surround by red chairs 

many blankets to wrap around you 

After strolling the shopping streets and making my investments,

 it was time to enjoy the views along the Bow River.  

There were a dozen or so Bohemian Waxwings savouring the berries from a mountain ash tree.  Three others, along with me, spent lots of time enjoying this sight and their songs.  We were very close, in fact, the birds were about an arms’s length away. 

By now four hours had passed and it was time to 

check into my favourite home away from home in Banff.