Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Banff March 18, 2025

When the stars line up I listen intently to what they are telling me!  They said “Go West!”  So here I am!  I have been feeling restless, wanting to be on the go, my big trip is not until May, I don’t want to wish my life away waiting for May.  My city is mostly brown, very icy or muddy on paths, it’s not pretty. I looked at a friend’s photos of the beauty to behold in Banff and Lake Louise since the big snowfall on the weekend. As I was doing so, an email popped in from a home away from home in Lake Louise with a further discount on top of the discount offered in a previous email.  I love retirement and the fortune of spontaneity that comes with it. 

On my way to Lake Louise I stopped off in Banff to cross country ski and do a short hike.  Before heading up to Tunnel Mountain to the groomed trails, I stopped off at Cascade Ponds. These three guys were hanging out near the facilities which prompted me to take my bear spray in with me in case I needed it for defence as I exited. They just waited and watched until all was said and done and I drove away.


Ready to hit the trails throughout the Tunnel Mountain Campground, a place I have never skied before.  Snow had fallen since the tracks were groomed. It was mostly a slow go on flat trails with a few short hills throughout the loops.  


The views were gorgeous.  It was me and a few deer.  The snow was deep in places so I blazed my own trail. It was minus double digits Celsius but the mid March sun added heat.  




It was time for lunch so I drove to Johnson Lake to dine before hiking around the Lake. These three guys were now making their way from Cascade Ponds along the road to I don’t know where.  I just had to patiently wait for them to cross the road.  They were in no hurry!

walking the trail around Johnson Lake



stopping for some sips

As I was driving the road, leaving Johnson Lake behind, I once again had to wait patiently for him to cross the road. I don’t believe this is one of the previous three. Once he crossed, he stopped and starred me down while I drove by.  I stopped long enough to capture this gorgeous photograph!

Once on the main highway, 

there was nothing stopping me along the drive to Lake Louise!


12 comments:

  1. Simply stunning.
    Your photographs are majestic.
    Great post.

    Sending my good wishes across the miles.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I was presented with many majestic sights by being in the right place at the right time!
      Returning back to you, good wishes!

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  2. Oh, I so wish offers too good to resist would drop into my email box. An absolutely supurb way to make your arrival at Lake Louise.

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    1. Probably my last visit to Lake Louise until next winter so tried to make the most of each day there!

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  3. The park animals get used to all the people. the deer in town now know how to navigate. I've seen them wait to cross the road until it's safe.

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    1. It was obvious these big guys were used to people and vehicles!

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  4. Perfect to be able to escape to somewhere so beautiful and a short drive away. Fabulous photos of the deer. B x

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    1. I'm a lucky gal to have all this as my playground not far from home!

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  5. Alexandra,
    “I love retirement and the fortune of spontaneity that comes with it.” Amen, and I second that completely. Really enjoyed all your photos from Banff. I especially appreciate your large images (click to enlarge) which, on my big screen, often make me feel like I’m right there. Big thumbs up on your photography skills. I also like the way you set up the camera to get yourself in the picture. If we can call these “selfies” they are way better than the kind folks usually take holding the camera (usually a phone) a few inches from their face. I like that pic of you walking the trail along Johnson Lake. I’m often surprised there are so few others out there enjoying that beautiful country. Congrats on getting out there! The only thing I miss is the video of the coffee pour … but that is easily solved by going back to an earlier post and smiling at a previous pour. 😊 I beg your patience with my long comments. There are really very few blogs that inspire me to write long comments, but yours is one of them. 😊 As always, thanks for sharing!
    John

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    1. I don't care for the close up face selfies when you cannot see the surrounding scenery, but do them once in a blue moon especially for frosty fringes and when I am adding vocals! Being at these places on weekends is a whole other story, I'm thankful I can go on weekdays and avoid the crowds.

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  6. Happy to see you getting in some extra “snow” time & that photo of the large elk is phenomenal! ❤️Norma

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    1. Seeing the elk this close from the safety of my vehicle was an experience, I was ready to put the pedal to the metal though if need be.

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