Stop 35: Banff NP

Tuesday morning, and time to find a new campsite, hopefully in Banff NP. Waterfowl CG and Mosquito Creek are two that don't require reservations.

Thankfully the overnight snow didn't stick to the roads, or the ground near us. The mountains around us had a healthy dusting. As we drove South the snow line dropped closer to the road and soon we were in a snowstorm. The road was wet, but not freezing. Throughout the day we enjoyed flurries, though the accompanying cold wasn't enjoyed quite as much. June 26th, 30s and 40s, light snow, definitely a Rocky Mountain experience.

We skipped Waterfowl CG as we drove South, putting our faith in the smaller and farther south campground. And our faith was rewarded with 3 sites to choose from, one beside the river. We paid, put our tag on the site post, and then continued on down the road.

To Lake Louise, where we refueled, bought a sticker, and visited the Lake. The biggest issue we had in Jasper were the crowds. Lake Louise brought back those feelings, and the desire to just get away. It's why we want to avoid Yellowstone, reminiscent of Yogi Berra's line, "Nobody goes there, it's too busy."

Instead, we headed to Banff for groceries. Alas, Banff is farther away than Sharon thought, so we got to listen to Louise Penny's second book for an extra hour. But Banff seemed as touristy as Lake Louise, and the IGA was probably no better than the grocery store we skipped in LL. All the cars with Alberta and British Columbia license plates and look new are likely all rentals, driven by people who don't know the area, nor how to drive on twisty roads, or even how passing lanes work. Regardless, we had groceries and fuel and we got through it all without incident.

Back at Mosquito Creek, we lit out for a hike. Unlike Beauty Creek, the Mosquito Creek trail was inland and quickly above the river, through the woods. It was a pleasant hike, even mountain bike-able after the initial climb, but we've become a bit jaded on our hikes, obviously. Maybe I need a week of hiking the trails of Hanna Park to re-calibrate my antennae.

Sharon cooked a delicious dinner over the Coleman stove as we listened to the book. For the second night we slid into our sleeping bags, which should keep us warm in sub-freezing temps. It's easier to be prepared than to be cold.

Pictures are at https://photos.app.goo.gl/MvgTkuDdHKUxwaoK8