Our program allowed for two nights in Banff, a beautiful tourist town, know for winter skiing and summer adventure sports, or sightseeing anytime.
The town was thick with tourists from all over the world, some speaking Mandarin (and in their hordes, blocking footpaths) others Spanish, and of course we Kiwis. Walking up and down Banff Ave (the main drag) is to weave in and out of slow moving foot traffic, but I was advised by my resident shopping adviser that there were things of interest (I having long since wandered of to places less crowded). The Rockies continue to impress, (particularly as a when the remnants of the smoke residue from wildfires permit), with my particular highlight being the spectacular Banff Springs Hotel, originally built in 1888, and like a medieval cathedral, gives the impression it will be around for centuries to come. The crows that appear to be the most prevalent form of wildlife, and quite plentiful in both town and country are as solid as concrete blocks, a deep and glossy black, and big enough to put a saddle on - you wouldn't want to run foul of them. Lake Louise is a must for every tourist, and whilst a beautiful Lake and quite impressive hotel, possibly more famous for being famous. Traffic and parking for anyone other than Harley riders who get directed to park wherever we like, is a nightmare, with shuttles operating from overflow car parks 2 & 5km away. Again, even first thing, tourists are very thick on the ground, with "selfie sticks" being a much preferred accessory by many, at l sat those from Asia, courtesy often being sacrificed in the process of capturing those many magical shots. To date signs of police (on the roads) have been few and far between (thankfully), but that all changed on Sunday, the last day of local school holidays, the local Sheriff's Dept being quite evident and very busy, one female deputy seen standing in the fast lane, pointing and demanding an errant motorist pull to the side and be dealt with, which he did. Phew, risky business. Tomorrow, a circuitous route from Banff to Calgary. Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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