BANFF

Two days after we got back from Europe, we left on another trip to Banff, Canada.  Every year my parents go on a trip with their "hiking buddies"; Jeff, Jane, Keith, and Rhonda.  They have tackled the Grand Canyon, the Tetons, and Glacier Park to name a few.  After getting married, Dave and I were invited to join them for the first time for a trip to Canada.  Their style of hiking is the opposite of "roughing it" with a destination of a warm lodge complete with clean linens and a staff to cook and entertain.  

Mom and Dad before the hike

Mom and I taking a break

Our destination for this particular hike was the Shadow Lake Lodge, a series of 12 quaint log cabins.  The hike in was VERY un-eventful.  The trail was completely flat and a shock to Dave and my systems after hiking in the Alps just a few days before.  On the second day, the men plus me, took off on a day hike up to Ball Pass and a view of a beautiful glacier.  Special excitement for the day:  there was a grizzly bear sharing the trail with our group.  He was headed down the mountain and veered off the trail when he heard us coming.  The next section of our trail was loaded with fresh bear tracks as evidenced in the picture below.  

The view from the top was incredible.  At one point we heard what we thought was thunder and later found out it was a chunk of the glacier breaking off.  We saw the chunk fall off the mountain...a once in a lifetime experience.  

Our hike out was long and steep passing over two mountain passes accompanied by ferocious mosquitoes.  We were all pretty miserable until the last section when we encountered a beautiful lake (sans mosquitoes) and a well maintained trail.  All in all, a wonderful trip.  

The Posse

Ah...Shadow Lake

The Ladies