Banff, Canada – 11/4/2014 – http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

NOVEMBER 4, 2014 (Tuesday)

Michael realized he had left his telephone in the car overnight so we decided to just get up and get moving. We left our “home” around 10:00 AM and hit the road to Banff. Our plan was to go into Banff and just be a tourist, checking out all the shops and things available.

We took the turn-off to Banff and decided to go to Lake Minnewanka, about four or five kilometers from Banff. We drove to Lake Minnewanka, over the bridge, and down to Two Jacks (another beautiful lake). Gorgeous. So much beauty here.

These folks were cross country skiing/roller blading up hill. We were impressed.

Man made lake with earthen dam, which we drove over.

Perfect camouflage. See the deer in the center?

We got into Banff and went looking for parking. We discovered a parking lot across the street from the Whyte Museum. Lovely museum that only charges a donation. Lots of information, art work, and things to read and see. They also have a nice store with quaint items.

Lots of displays about the early struggles to map and traverse this amazing country.

After the museum we just walked the streets of Banff, going into many of the fun souvenir stores, clothing stores, and candy stores. Lots of fun but we just can’t do prolonged shopping anymore. We gave up after we went into the Banff Visitor’s Center and asked about a place to eat. We went looking for a place to eat and discovered Banff is quite proud of their restaurants and it shows in their prices. We ended up eating at a little Mexican restaurant called Magpie and Stump. Good, not great, but not overly pricey.

Pretty woman cutting through to Main St.

Kinda wanted to get this hat for Lex, she is sometimes an angry bird.

Harp Seal omega 3 oil. I am not home right now.

I liked the train running through the store.

Cashew logs. Didn't try one, but was tempted. — Cashew logs. Didn’t try one, but was tempted.

I really like the graphics on the buses.

Interesting crosswalks, 25 seconds to go left, right, or diagonal.

Like the burls in the poles of the shelters.

Didn't try to find out how much a ride was. — Didn’t try to find out how much a ride was.

After eating we headed back to the car but stopped at the local grocery store called Nester’s. We ended up getting a couple more things for our dinner tomorrow night with our friends from Canada who are here in Banff this week also.

Nestor's Grocery is on the bottom floor. — Nestor’s Grocery is on the bottom floor.

We got to the car and just drove around taking in the sights, and looking for the Banff Upper Hot Springs. We found the beautiful Fairmont up the hill in Banff.

We then went up another road and found the Upper Hot Springs. We had packed our bags in case we decided to go for a dip in the hot springs, which we decided to do. Quite refreshing. I was surprised that they recommend you only stay in the hot springs for ten minutes. We stayed in for fifteen minutes and got out. When we got out we were both warm and didn’t wear our coats for quite awhile. Felt really good in the hot springs, and what a view. Just beautiful. (What isn’t here. Would love to see something ugly and be able to comment on it.)

Steaming hot flowing out the side of the mountain and flowing like a creek.

We drove back towards home but stopped in Canmore. I had a hankering for a piece of pie. We walked a few blocks in Canmore looking for pie, nothing. I’ll have to settle for the candy we bought while getting things from Nester’s in Banff. I guess I’ll survive without the pie.

Back at our resort, this bush has caught my eye each time I have walked by it. Pretty fall colors.

I want to sit in this with Pretty woman before we leave.

That has been our glorious day. Hope yours was great!