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’ !!