Once in a Blue Moon ?

A start to a very unusual day, by watching the moon disappearing over the horizon as the morning crept on, and when it re-appears tonight it will be the mythical ‘Blue Moon’ – a day not to put things off !

So, me and Thomas were out in the cool early morning sunshine for our examination of the campground next door, and as he snoozed I chatted to a Canadian Granddad..doing a similar walk, although his Grandson was slightly older with his ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ cap on.. then it was back to the Resort whilst we prepared for later – Nicola was having a shopping day with Thomas, whilst I had to go mountain biking with the Ironman himself… so the question is – How do you beat an Ironman? – I’ll tell you later !

So once ready we all went into |Banff for a late breakfast of Pancakes and maple syrup, then me and Joseph went and hired some good mountain bikes for all the trails he’d selected for us to do – and I must admit I wasn’t looking forward to it, as it was hot, and I knew the initial trails were all up a severe hill ! 

Firstly starting on the Sunshine view to Hoodoos trail http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/activ2/velodemontagne-mtnbiking.aspx followed by the Loop and then the toe, a moderate and 2 difficult trails, but with great views as we started out up alongside Bow falls http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_Falls where a bear was seen a couple of days ago !, then up along the steep side of tunnel mountain onto the top of the Hoodoos, where we switched onto the Toe, a ride with some excellent technical ascents and descents, then along Moraine Loop, along the top of the Moraines at the head of the valley, with some jaw dropping drops alongside us, on rough loose ground…Ooops ! Then we linked up with the Tunnel Loop, and flashed back to our accommodation – no sign of Nicola, so we rode back into Banff at a furious rate, overtaking cars on the big downhill…no sign of Nicola, so…we climbed back up the hill again, to find her just as we got to the top,and so down again to return the bikes, and back to the accommodation..where I could…relax in the hot pool, before the big night…looking after Thomas whilst Mum & Dad went out for a meal…

I had an early BBQ, after I’d bathed him, and he settled well, whilst a nervous Mum and dad left me to it !

So, duty calls …Goodnight !

I’ll be looking for that ‘Blue Moon’ !

Oh, the answer to the question…-take him on some technical ascents and descents, with rough ground, and big drops either side of him….his power counts for nothing against the delicate riding skills of ‘Jotown’ !!

Still No Bears !

Another great start to the day, with a lovely sunrise (see I’m always ‘up early’ !) quickly joined by the others, and we set off just after 8 a.m. for Lake Louise, just over an hours drive away, arriving there just before 9-30 a.m. ,it wasn’t as sunny there, but still reasonable, as I looked across the lake, towards the glaciers at it’s head  http://www.lakelouise.com/ 

We had decided to walk up to Lake Agnes http://www.banff.com/hiking/lake_agnes.shtml for a reward of a snack at it’s famous tea house.. the trail set off upwards at a furious pace  and I was soon looking down at the turquoise coloured lake below and panting after everybody else..and all the time keeping our eyes out for the ‘plentiful bears’ which are in the area… we firstly arrived at Mirror Lake and then quickly arrived at the teahouse,before 1030 for our reward.. soup,sandwiches,tea,teacakes with jam and cookies !- not forgetting Thomas also had his mid morning ‘snack’ and the highest (and dirtiest!) change ever !

After quite some time within the teahouse, we had a look around the Lake and then started our descent, quite a lot quicker than the climb,and enjoying the spectacle of seeing others struggling their way up ! As we walked along we could see the glaciers hanging over Lake Louise and soon had arrived back at the car park, and off..to Moraine Lake http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moraine_Lake        where again we had a walk around, and up and onto the famous rock pile for the $20 view !…however, still no bears !Then home for a soak,BBQ and bed…Goodnight !

Phew, where’s that Pong ?

well the heavens opened during the night, with a tremendous rainstorm,although I didn’t hear any thunder, the electricity on the complex was knocked out, so it was eerie listening to the rain thundering down in the blackness, although by dawn the rain had eased, and as the morning wore on it brightened up (and the electric came back on !)

Me and Thomas went for a spin round in the morning sunshine, whilst we decided what to do – we had planned to go to Lake Louise, but with the uncertain weather decided against it

Finally approaching mid day we decided to do a local hike, and went down into Banff, where we parked at the foot of the Gondola…and then chose to walk up Sulphur Mountain, rather than go by Gondola ! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphur_Mountain_%28Alberta%29 The overnight rain had left snow on the top of the higher mountains, which looked good in the early afternoon sunshine, and we all set off upwards, on a quite steep trail, which seemed to just shoot upwards immediately from the start, and hardly eased off all our way up. We entertained the people on the passing Gondolas,waving to them as they passed overhead  , and smelling the sulphur springs on the air as we climbed higher and higher, eventually cresting the top of the mountain after about 2 hours, during which we realised Thomas’ dummy was still in the car,much to his distaste,and Mum had to end up carrying him most of the way, so it was a great relief as we came out into the sunny top..and surveyed the town of Banff below. We then had a great bit of grub at the Panorama cafe, before moving across the boardwalks to Sanson’s Peak, 2 mountain tops in a day for Thomas (and the rest of us) in the sunshine, and not too much wind..and then it was time to trundle across the tops and make our way down – the easy way ! – on the Gondola http://www.explorerockies.com/banff-gondola/?utm_source=BLL&utm_medium=PkgListings&utm_campaign=BLL_Web12 not cheap, but good fun (as can be seen…) perhaps someone may have inherited Granddad's love of Danger…??? although everyone else had a good journey down as well

As we got to the bottom we were all worn out and headed straight home for dinner,baths and bed..Goodnight !

 

Who do the Hoodoos ?

Another nice sunny day in Banff, with a lazy start for us all, and after Breakfast me and Thomas went out for a little orientation walk in the area, along Tunnel Mountain Road, around the nearby campsite http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/visit9a-1a.aspx  and back home, where I delivered him snoozing peacefully !

After lunch we all went for a dip in the hot tubs, looking across at the mountains, as we had the area to ourselves in peace..

then after a short ‘rest’ of the eyelids we were off walking again, up along tunnel mountain road,http://www.banff.ca/locals-residents/recreation/banff-trails/hoodoos_trail.htm and to some viewpoints overlooking Banff in the distance,with some unusual cloud formations to accompany us  and the Hoodoos, strange shaped rocks – we were to walk further, but the mosquito’s were very busy, and so we returned to the lodgings, for another excellent BBQ, and a nice early night !

Goodnight !

Where’s the Bears ?

How’s this for a view from my bedroom…??So, a good day was in prospect, as everyone arose, and we breakfasted, made lunch and were on our way to meet Kathleen and Stewart at their Hotel in Banff and then we were all off to Lake Minnewanka  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Minnewanka for a days walking . We parked up in the early morning sunshine, although it was still chilly and set off on our expedition, soon to be joined by two girls from the International Hostel who wanted to walk also- but because of the ‘Bear restrictions’ could only do so with a group of 4+- and off we all trotted, along the clearly defined paths looking up at the mountains above..

We walked along the lake shore initially, then went left along the side of Stewart Canyon http://www.albertaeh.ca/banff-national-park/stewart-canyon.html and up to the end of the path, at the Riverside, where we stopped for some food, and Thomas’ ‘pitstop’ ! 

Returning back along the trail, we headed further into ‘Bear Country’, and along the Lakeside,  although up in the woods, getting very hot, the sun by now high above us, passing a large ‘warning sign’ threatening C$25,000 fines if we didn’t carry bear spray (one of the girls had some !), so we kept our eyes peeled looking for the Grizzly’s..as did Thomas – but didn’t find any – Stewart thought it was a fallacy !

Continuing high along the shoreline, looking down onto the Lake we could see pleasure boats chugging along,and across the other side of the Lake the mountains loomed straight up out of the Lake into the crumbling Heavens

Eventually we decided we’d walked far enough, had another break and food, and turned around to re-trace our steps back along the Lake shore, and to the warning sign… still not been eaten by the Bears, and happily wandering along, although I had subjected them all to some singing (to keep the bears away !)

Then back to the car park, with some ice cream on the way, and back home

We were joined later by Kath and Stu for a nice BBQ, and said our farewells to them as they were returning to Calgary the following day…and so, to bed, Goodnight !

On the Move again !

Another lovely sunny morning in Calgary,as we packed up, and said our Goodbye’s to Siobhain Brian Ginger & Freddie – a big Thank You from all of us for opening your house to us – as myself Joseph Nicola and Thomas set off on our travels into the Rockie mountains..

we were soon flying along the Trans Canada highway, and into our destination town for the next week Banff http://www.banfflakelouise.com/?gclid=CLHD1ofmirICFWThQgodSVsApQ where we plan to do some walking and climbing

First stop…lunch at the Timbers restaurant http://www.timbersbanff.com/ followed by a ‘pitstop ‘ for Thomas whilst Joseph and I went shopping in the local Safeway

Then it was up to our accommodation, at the plush Hidden Ridge Resort, up at the top of the Tunnel Mountain Road, with great views of the nearby mountains http://www.bestofbanff.com/hidden-ridge-resort/ and I finally had the chance to unpack my stuff !

So, first stop were the Hot Pools, where all of us (including Thomas) had a soak in the pools, looking at the surrounding mountains…then back for a quick change, and down into Banff centre where we met up with Kathleen and Stewart at the St James Gate Pub http://stjamesgatebanff.com/ a real ‘Olde Irish Bar’ !!where we had an evening of chatting,eating and listening to the music from the band …and planning for the next day

Then it was back home, for a not so early night !

Goodnight !

What – Another Birthday ?

Another bright and sunny day in Calgary, so together with Joseph,Nicola and Thomas we went into downtown Calgary, for a look round

We started off in the Stephen avenue area  http://calgarydowntown.com/saw.html, where we had lunch at a diner, and then whilst Joseph and Nicola went up the Calgary tower http://www.calgarytower.com/ I took Thomas down to Eau Claire Square http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eau_Claire,_Calgary for his first pop festival ! – a hip hop beat band competition was taking place, with all the razzmatazz to go with it , then across to Prince’s island http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Downtown-parks/Princes-Island-Park.aspx then we had to rush back to collect his parents, before returning to the island park, for a more leisurely stroll around , and Thomas’s first go on big boys swings ! Then we continued walking, and taking in the sights of Downtown Calgary ,before we realised the day had gone, and it was time to head to Sean & Mary’s house for another Birthday celebration – my brother Anthony’s !

All the ‘boys’ gathered on the deck in the evening sunshine…and stayed there all evening chatting,singing,drinking and enjoying ourselves, en though the women had to keep supplying us with coats,blankets, and even the odd bit of food and beer ! Another great evening and Happy Birthday Anthony, aka Tony H !!

Still Partying in Calgary

The day after the party before, and what to do ?

Well firstly call over to see all the gang at Sean and Mary’s, before heading into Downtown Calgary, for a visit to the famous Mountain Equipment Co-op http://www.mec.ca/AST/ContentPrimary/Services/Stores/Calgary.jsp for a look around the store, and buy some, but not much stuff ! after a lunch at the Holy Grill opposite http://www.yelp.ca/biz/the-holy-grill-calgary

Then it was back to Siobhain’s to change before the party continued at Buon Giorno Italian restaurant http://bestcalgaryhomes.com/best-calgary-pasta/ where once again the gang all met up for a meal supplied by the ‘Mancunians’ in true Manchester style ! with little Thomas snoozing peacefully at the top of the table, whilst chaos reigned all around..

another good evening of reminiscing Salute’

Well, it Should Have Been a Surprise !!

What a great flight I had from Anchorage to Denver (surprised ?) We seemed to take off on time, and once away from the bright lights,what should come out ? Yes, those elusive Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights)…not a brilliantly spectacular display, in fact I think there was only me and the lady in the window seat next to me who saw them ! We watched them for some time,a curtain dancing on the Horizon, between the stars and then..I nodded off !

I awoke to see a lovely red sunrise on the edge of the sky, and thought how lucky I was to see all these things, then the Pilot must have put his ‘foot down’, because of a ‘medical emergency’, as before we knew it (still no watch) we were landing in Denver…crossing great expanses of wheat fields, stretching as far as the eye could see..which was probably the explanation for the ‘Tornado Shelter’ signs as I wandered through the terminal, all these differing sights and experiences, and the day is still young !

Soon I was on my large aeroplane, more like an executive jet, and en route to my real destination Calgary, Canada, for my brother Sean’s 60th Birthday, and what was originally planned as a ‘surprise’ celebration, with all his brothers (3 of us) and a sister, arriving in Canada to celebrate with him. The surprise had been burst some weeks ago, which as it happened worked for the best..

So, to greet me at Calgary airport http://www.visitcalgary.com/ was the birthday boy himself- Happy Birthday Sean !, and my brother Lawrence..

I was then taken to his house, where the rest of the gang were, prior to the evening celebrations at his daughter Siobhain’s house…and we all chatted excitedly, drank tea, and then I was whisked off to Siobhain’s where I was to be staying for the next few days , there already was son Joseph, with Nicola and Grandson Thomas having flown in from New York..

Soon the party started with all the crowd arriving…Sean and wife Mary

Their children Jack,Siobhain and Rory

My sister Kathleen , brothers Lawrence and Anthony, along with all the partners (and dogs) for the evening of celebration, in the lovely evening Calgary sunshine and reminiscences of all things Mancunian…and the family photos  , helped along by the picture book sent by sister Annette, giving us lots of prompts to our recollections !

What a great day/evening, and we were all glad we’d come to be part of it, once again Happy Birthday Sean !!

All Packed Up..with Somewhere to Go !

I’ve all packed and left my accommodation in ‘Downtown’ Anchorage, leaving them to look after most of my luggage whilst I have a final wander round the place (in pleasant sunshine), before getting an overnight flight to my ‘surprise’ destination …!!

(not to most though, including ‘Big Daddy’ !!)

So, I’ll bid you adieu from America

and

Tell all tomorrow from my latest destination.…or soon after !

well, not quite, I thought I would fill you in on my final day in Anchorage, which has been hot and sunny, so I’m not sure what I’ll be like sleeping next to tonight ?!

Firstly having left my bags I wandered down into Anchorage, into the National Park/Federal building, which I could get in today as I had my passport with me, and managed to watch a film about the Earthquake in 1964, amazing the power of nature… then I went across the road to a small park, where a free concert was being held, and the performers today were Alaska Brass http://www.bandofthepacific.af.mil/ensembles/BandEnsembleBio.asp?EnsembleID=13 a band from the US air force, and very good they were too !

After the concert, I had a quick ice cream, and then wandered down to Ship Creek to walk along the trail there http://www.trailsofanchorage.com/mountain_view.htm  and wandered along quite hotly in the afternoon sun, trying to spot salmon swimming in the creek – I did spot some, although not many, and those that were had lots of fishermen after them ! They weren’t as successful as the birds though, who were helping themselves to dead fish, no doubt having laid their eggs, and dying, and being swept downstream..tasty

Then it was around the town for a last time, and a visit to the market bear , before a delicious Mexican meal at La Cabana http://www.alaskalacabana.com/ (again, I wouldn’t like to sit next to me tonight!), collect my bags, and off to the airport, where I now await my next flight…

So, I should be in touch in a couple of flights !!

Adios  Amigos ! Buenos Nochas !

Riding The Trails..

It was still overcast in Anchorage this morning, but it had at least stopped raining,and so I decided I would rent a bike, and go on the coastal trail. So I walked into town ,had breakfast, and went to the Downtown bike rental store http://www.alaska-bike-rentals.com/default.aspx where the talkative owner quickly rented me a bike, gave me some directions, and I was off, through town and on to the Tony Knowles coastal trail http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aktrails/ats/anc/knowlsct.htm which I followed along the coast, looking out over the sea and towards the end of the runway to the airport, with big jets taking off over me.. then I was at the Earthquake Park, where about 50 ft of the coast slid into the sea, in the quake of 1964. I continued into the woods where Moose were frequently seen, and after a short time I saw two moose scrunching in the vegetation, eating the low lying tree branches , about 20 ft away from me.. I stood watching these huge animals, so near

Then I continued up to the end of the trail,at Kincaid Park and decided to continue around the airport, which I did, and arrived at Lake Hood http://www.alaskaanchorage.net/anchorage/lakehood.php the busiest float plane base in the world ! I watched several take off and land, then continued on my way, realising I had lost my route directions, but managed to make my way back to the coastal trail, turned back to the end of the airport runway, beneath the jets taking off . Then it was time to return back along the trail, in the ever brightening sunshine, and views over the very still sea waters and into Downtown where I returned my bike, had some food and wandered back to my home…to do the washing, and prepare for my next moves tomorrow…so an early Goodnight to all