As we walked down the sidewalk to our destination, the cool morning breeze negating the blazing sun, a few dark spires came into view, towering over the treeline. Those spires were the top of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel- or should I say castle!!! I could do nothing but gape as we strolled up the sidewalk to the gigantic stone citadel. Founded by Sir William Cornelius Van Horne (they say that he just felt the need to build a magnificent castle in the Rockies; he was a railroad superintendent. I want that job! It seems like all the awesome 'hotels' were built by those guys!), the castle was enormous and had been refurbished with modern technology... Let's just say that it made our American National Parks' historic lodges look rustic compared to this. Never before have I been in such awe of a building; nobody told me that we would be touring a North American castle!!!
After spending a goodly amount of time around Fairmont, we hiked around the Bow River that flowed near the castle, which had a trail that led us back to our hotel for lunch (we also purchased delicious milkshakes from a local restaurant called 'Shakes'). Having spent a small margin of time at our haven of rest, we departed to hike around Lake Minnewanka, seeing many Bighorn sheep (two of which had the distinctive big horns) and a Bald Eagle!
After our hike, we headed back to town to eat dinner (a chili cheese dog and another shake for me from 'Shakes'; it's a really good place!) and then back to our hotel for the night. Mom and Dad are out exploring some more, while Kendal and I hang out. Adios!
~Logan
P.S. For the record 'Eh' is actually used alot in Canada! Also to all those who answered the Metric/Imperial Conversion question: you are all correct!
Spires above a grove of pine
Castle Fairmont
One of the many... decorations...
Bow River
Another view of the magnificent citadel
Hoodoos!
The castle within the mists
Behold! Our first Bighorn
Me with Bighorns... don't know why this picture was chosen but... meh *shrugs*.
Lake Minnewanka
More of the Minnewanka Lake
Boy, are you guys are having a great time. We, in the states, do not study the history of Canada very much. They too have an interesting past and what an opportunity it is for you to get an “up close and personal” look at their land. Logan, I could never get the video to play yesterday or today it would always say “This video is currently not available. Please try again later”. I’m sure the zip line was an adventure that you will not forget and I see that Kendal was right there with you. How is the exchange rate of the dollar? Thanks for all of the beautiful and detail pictures you are posting they look great but I’m sure they do not do justice to seeing it in person. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteLogan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your trip with us. It's fun keeping up with you guys. Even if I am more than a week behind!
Logan,
ReplyDeleteAs you know I'm a history lover, too, so it has been neat seeing our neighbor to the North (Canada) through your eyes. Talked to Sandy Combs yesterday and found out Josh is in Canada above Washington, so nowhere near you all. He loves it, too.
Must admit I'm a bit envious as I saw those jackets. It is already over 89 degrees here. I'm thinking about taking a walk after I water the flowers and garden (have gotten four cucumbers but still only lots of green tomatoes). No rain but my walks in the evening have been hindered by lots of thunder and lightening.
After we dropped off Cyndee for the Youth Trip, Brooke and I made the dreaded trip to Walmart. Love having Cyndee or her with me because they know where to find everything - except she was stumped on the oven cleaner, so we had to ask. Came out $200 poorer but at least have the supplies for the jam, pickles, and jelly. It was a blessing having her do the jar labels for me because it hurts my thumb. Just enjoyed having Brooke for the day. Looking forward to having you and Kendal soon??
Granddad was wondering if they have Canadian silver dollars in circulation or you have to pay extra and purchase them?
Have a wonderful day and stay cool for us! Love ya, Grandma
This is so much fun following your daily activities. The sites are breathtaking. Logan, if you think the citadel in Canada is magnificent you would love seeing the architecture over in Europe. Your dad can attest. It’s like nothing you’ve see in America.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures you’re posting beautiful. I’m thinking I should borrow your camera for our trip in August (just kidding). You really have to know what you’re doing to take the pictures they you guys are taking.
I agree with Joyce regarding the jackets you were wearing in some of your pictures. When I left work yesterday, the temperature in the car read 102 degrees. Today we are expecting around 98 degrees, but with the heat index they say it could feel like 110 degrees. Nevertheless, it’s just plain hot.
I think the van is missing being driven. It has been sitting in the same spot in the driveway since 30 June. I’m sure Logan will need to wash it very well when you get home.
On a side note, we had a ground hog take up residence under the breezeway. Borrowed a trap from the neighbors but haven’t caught him yet. Hopefully after Dan squirted the garden hose into the opening he decided to leave. Not sure, but we haven’t seen any signs of him since then.
What’s the average temperature in Canada for this time of the year?
Until tomorrow, Robin
Epic blog Sir Logan Van der Adams (that sounds very noble).
ReplyDeleteAnother literary work of inspiration from you ... sounds like the prologe from the "Adams Outfitters Epic Tales - Volume I"
Your dad has outdone himself treating his family to the best vacation in North America. It looks very majestic up there in the great white north.
Great pictures again !!!
Did you get any Loonies yet?
BTW, Mike says "hi".
Godspeed,
Mr. Purel
Hey Logan!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your having a good time. The castle looks very cool! I wish I got to see that when I was on my cross country trip!
It's too bad we're in Canada different weeks. But you may be home by the time I'm in Canada. So I hope you have a safe journey. Thanks for keeping us informed in your many adventures.
See you soon! I hope you and Davey can teach me some Monster Hunter when you get home. :)
Christina