Day 10 ~ Monday 31st August, 2015

Left Golden early to find that snow had fallen on the very tops of the mountains overnight – very pretty but very cold. We headed to Yoho National Park where we bought the first of our National Parks Pass ($10 ea). Unfortunately it wasn't the best of days with the weather, it was cold and very wet and being up so high we were constantly in cloud.

First stop was “Natural Bridge” - gorgeous land formation where the river had pushed through the rock!

We then drove onto “Emerald Lake” - very pretty little lake with very emerald coloured water, surrounded by the beautiful forests! The forests here are just like in fairytales! So pretty. We took some lovely photos in between the rain and left just as the majority of the tourist buses arrived!! :)

Takakkaw Waterfall was next. OMG, the thing is enormous – coming off the side of the mountain up so high and with the amount of water falling, it was breathtaking. But of course the rain set in, so all that happened was our cameras got VERY wet and with no good images to show for it ` oh well, you get that!”

We pushed on through the rain and we were heading to the famous Lake Louise. Considering the day wasn't the best, she was still breathtaking. The colour of the lake is spectacular and the snow in the valley is awe-inspiring. The colour was very pretty light green – almost a light jade colour.

The wind had whipped up – now I know what they mean when they talk about wind chill – it was REALLY cold! White caps on the lake meant no canoeing was allowed.

We moved into the Fairmont Resort and had a look around and then Steve took his girl (me of course) out to lunch at the Fairmont with spectacular views across the Lake. We stayed there for a couple of hours enjoying the views and conversations with the locals!

But alas we weren't staying there the night, so we continued on. Next stop – Moraine Lake. The weather was still awful, so we left the camera's in the car! I know – but we'll be back here, so not to worry. WOW – now the colour in this lake is amazing. The mountains surrounding it are amazing. Did I mention amazing? The forest walk around the lakes edge are again those only found in fairytales. We weren't allowed to walk off into the woods due to bears. It is law that you can only travel in groups of 4 or more….so being we are only two, we weren't allowed – bugger.

Steve found a sign that said “DO NOT FEED THE SQUIRRELS” - so that would lead you to assume there would be lots of the buggers around, and did we see any? NOPE – not one! Bloody weather must have seen them all hibernating! Lol Even at the gift shop they sell fridge magnets of the local resident Squirrels….and I still didn't get to see any!

But we did walk up the “rock pile” only to see the local PIKA's – these are a small rodent, from the rabbit family, they were busy gathering up food for the winter, running back n forth. Cute little critters! The view from the top was amazing and it will the “the shot” we take when we bring our camera's up here – praying for good weather!! On the way back down we came across a few chipmunks! One even came up to Steve and sat up on his back legs and begged!! HOW CUTE !!!

Once again we headed on the TCH towards Banff. Of course the weather was starting to clear the closer we got to Banff. Did we see any of the famous animals that are shown to be walking along the highways here – nope. Still not one animal – not even the highland sheep that are supposed to be everywhere. Never mind – maybe tomorrow?

So we arrived into Banf at 7pm and checked in to the YWCA as it was the cheapest place in town $149. Most hotels start at $300 and go up – right up. WOW, what a beautiful town. It is everything I had hoped it would be. I can't wait to get out and explore.

But we did venture out for a late dinner. This place goes off till late. Shops all open until 9 or 10pm. We ate dinner at a great place called Tony Roma's – famous for their Ribs. So I ate ribs for the first time and I loved them! Steve ate the Swiss Bacon Burger – meat, bacon & cheese – he was a happy boy! We ate in a huge booth and just relaxed.

I even got to try on a few Canada Goose down jackets that I've had my eye on for ages. The ones I tried on were rated to -20 degrees – way too warm for Australian conditions, but still, when the girl wants something…. The “Kensington” is the one I want….its beautiful, but its too damn warm. I was freezing to death and this jacket had me hot in minutes. Hmm… for the AUD$1,000 its going to cost me, I am not sure I should spend the money damn it…. Anyway, we are here in Canada for a few more weeks yet! I might have justified it by then! Ha ha ha

…. we do live in Kalorama and it gets very cold up there, so I might use the jacket (...do you see where I am going with this?) LOL

We did a lap around the town before coming back to bed – we were exhausted. Was a huge day and we saw heaps. We can finally say we are now in the Canadian Rockies and loving it! :)

SQUIRRELS: 0

CHIPMUNCKS: 2

PIKA: 3

BEARS: 0

MOOSE: 0