Day 21- Cranbrook to Lake Louise

Today was the first cold and dreary day. Those who had wondered why we were carrying the heavy clothes and blankets now understood why they were told to bring them. It didn't rain, and a few bits of sunshine peaked out at intervals.

Otherwise it was a pretty drive into Banff then Lake Louise with a stop and a walk at Marble Canyon.

We first went to Banff, quickly left after a short lunch just out of town at Phil's. It was Canada Day so the town was packed and very active. Basically there was no where to park. We did notice a few Morgans in the Hospital parking lot, but we wouldn't park there to take up patient parking. Having been given an off highway route to Lake Louise, we took the Parkway and saw some goats, and others saw bears.

As it was close to my birthday (tomorrow), we upgraded our room at the Chateau Lake Louise to get a lakeview room, and it was worth every penny. (view from the window0). I sat in the window seat and read 1/2 of my book looking out at the beautiful view.

Although I doubt mom had ever stayed at this hotel as a child, she spoke often of going there as well as to Jasper, since she lived in Calgary. When I mentioned to Philip that we would probably never be back there, he said he would like to do the transcontinental train across Canada, staying at the big hotels, so perhaps we will be back. Ken and Richard had made dinner reservations for many of us, so we enjoyed a gourmet, although a bit skimpy on the volume and pricey, lovely meal in the Fairview dining room. (my trout dinner)

Alan reported he was having coolant problems and would be late to arrive today.
We cancelled the 8 AM drivers meeting the next day, in order to alllow people to enjoy the location a bit longer.