Rockies IV - Lake Louise

Wednesday 6 July
On our last visit I did wonder what all the fuss was about Lake Louise. However after spending a few glorious hours exploring the area it is truly one of the most spectacular place we have visited.

On the shores of beautiful Lake Louise (what you don't see is there were more tourists than mosquitoes!)

Whew, I would love a cup of tea.

 On such an amazing day we decide to go for a stroll to the Lake Agnes tea rooms - over 2000 meters (7000 feet) up hill! But was it worth it when we arrived.

Lake Agnes Tearooms - a cuppa made half way to heaven

Lake Agnes - with a view like this it doesn't matter what you are called!

Next stop was Lake Moraine - another stunning lake surrounded by ten peaks. Saying it was spectacular just doesn't seem to do it justice.

A few peaks at  the "Lake".

Even the logs were queuing to see the wonderful view

To end the perfect day, a beer and discussion on what Kate and William should visit first.

Rockies IV - Lake Minnewanka & Johnson's Lake.

Tuesday - 5 July 2011

Today we just had to visit Lake Minnewanka - nothing to do with the name, those crude and rude amongst you may be thinking, but because it is a glorious boat cruise up the longest lake in Banff National Park. (It is pronounced like Willie Wonka's chocolate factory).
We had lunch at the beautiful Johnson Lake and finished a magic day by imagining white water rafting down the lively Bow Falls.

I hope I.m driving on the right side of the lake!

The end of the Lake, the end of the Rockies

Three wise tourists enjoying the view over Lake Johnson

Looking for the Lake Johnson monster

Bow Falls

Rockies IV – Banff

 Back to magnificent mountain scenery

Monday 4 July – Start of the Loyal Tour

What a glorious day to start the loyal couple’s “Rocky” tour.

  Naturally we started in Banff with a trip on the gondola.

Loyal couple, Mike and Linda, mingling with the common folk.

Whilst Mick and Linda took the carriage to the top, Hanneke and Michael took in the views from Sulphur Mountain.

We will do anything to save $30.00

Next on the agenda a walk along the spray river

Walkabout

3 Wise tourists - Hear no evil, speak no evil, do no evil.

 We then went to check in to our accommodation

Whoops, we left the window open.

 Unfortunatley they were booked out so we settled for somewhere in Canmore

Michael and Linda on the balcony of our alternative accommodation.

Great weather, magic views, wonderful company, just another day in the Rockies.

A "big" road trip.

Sunday 3 July
Lloydminster - Canmore (via Calgary and some of the world's biggest things).

On the road again, this time to pick up our visitors from the UK (part of the Loyal Tour) and on to the Rockies.
Naturally no trip in Alberta would be complete without seeing some of the world's biggest things:

Caught in the act - World's largest baseball glove.

Three huge wishes after rubbing this lamp.

We  just need to find the world's biggest golf ball.

Scratch ans sniff this for the world's smelliest icon!

Impressive summer storm near Calgary

And we all arrived safe and well - let the adventures begin!

Celebrations all round

Schools out - Holidays begin.
Busy last few days for the students - Final exams on the Friday and Monday.
Tuesday (28 June) was the students' last day and  we spent a relaxing, well earned day at Budd Miller park; playing tennis, swimming, volleyball, strolling the grounds,playing  mini-golf, listening to rock music and BBQ lunch. Great way to finish the school year, especially for the grade 9 students who are off to the high school in September.
Wednesday and Thursday staff frantically ensured exams and reports were finalised, classroom sorted and cleaned and enough food was eaten to last the holidays.
A huge thank you to Amy for allowing us to wreck her home and the neighbourhood at the staff wind up. In amongst the frivolity I learned some new party games that will transplant very well Down Under.

More celebrations for Canada Day - July 1st.

Best wishes for Canada's  144th Birthday.
Even Royalty visited to help Canada celebrate and show where there's a Will there's a Kate.

Spot the odd one out!

Locally, white and red festooned The Barr Colony Heritage Centre for a festive day of celebration. The sun shone and Canadians showed they can celebrate in style with historical displays, dog shows, food and drink and a fireworks display to end the day.

Not sure which is older?

Dirty Ann and Calamity Jane.

They don't make them like this anymore.

or this

or this

Guess what he does next?

Paris Hilton's entry!

Guarding the Flag and ensuring another successful Canada day.