Beautiful Banff

Well folks, I have made it to the Rockies after a long and tiring journey to Calgary. It seemed like I had been travelling for days because of the 7hr time difference, and after our tour manager Robyn had scooped us all up at the airport and we were on our way to stay in Banff for three nights, she insisted that we try and stay up until 10pm! Quite difficult as most of us were practically asleep on our feet.

Anyway, today is another lovely sunny day and we have spent most of it in Banff National Park. The scenery was amazing, jagged peaks, alpine forests and beautifully blue lakes. Apparently the origins of Canada's parks began in 1885 when three railway men stumbled across a series of caves concealing emerald green pools. Highlight of today was a a cable-car ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, reaching about 7000 ft above sea level (most of it done with my eyes shut!!) At the top the panoramas were quite breathtaking when I went out on the observation deck.

From the top of Sulphur Mountain 

We are quite a large group of 42. Apparently it is that number because Saga cancelled the previous date in Sept so we are two groups together as one. It is not a problem as all the folks seem very nice and of course we have walking in common. Not had chance to try the wine yet (WHAT, I hear you ask) but could not face it last night, so think I must give it a go to this evening......would be rude not to! Hope the weather stays as nice as this, warm and sunny, but a bit chilly in the evening. Have good internet here in Banff so will try and do another episode tomorrow before we move on to Jasper.