Peace River

Off to Peace River for Dane's new teacher orientation for 5 days!  It was nice to actually stay in one hotel for more than a night, so I caught up on sleep, while he got up bright and early for his orientation.  He learned a lot and found it really helpful, and they gave him tons of great resources.  Of course, nothing can prepare you for what you will really face in the classroom, but it helped.  He also met many board members, which could come in handy in the future!  It was a relaxing week for me after driving across North America, and a good learning experience for him.  By the end of the week, I was just ready to finally make it to Fort Chip.  We had beautiful fall weather in Peace River in mid to late August.  The hotel was very accommodating and even gave us poop bags for Lucy!!  

Dane and his first real teacher cheque!!

Can someone please tell me why you would name your tattoo shop this?

I really hope it was a family business, the family with the last name "Brutal"

Subs on the shores of Peace River

Dane and Lucy having a wrestling match.

It also seems that every time we run into Dane's board supervisor, we are walking or playing with Lucy.  I wonder what he thinks... maybe thinking we are crazy dog people isn't so bad?  Off to Fort Chip we go!  And I'm finally blogging about it 3.5 months later!

Leaving Banff National Park

Unfortunately, our day in Banff had to come to an end, much to my dismay.  Dane had to remind me that we still had a few hours ahead of us on the road to Red Deer.  Look what we saw on our way out!

I have never seen a bear in it's natural habitat! 

Bear Country USA was my first time ever seeing a bear!

So beautiful.  I didn't want to leave!!

We will be back Banff, hopefully for longer than one day!!  Plan to come back April 2012 to meet up with mom and dad!

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon was one of my favourite spots in Banff National Park.  A must-see for sure.  It isn't the most popular spot, and we went around 5 pm and it wasn't too busy, so that might have played a  part in it but it was just beautiful.  Crystal clear water in the river, and water coming from cracks in the canyon.  Not to mention the beautiful waterfall at the end!  We could have hiked up to a higher waterfall, but we had to get going and Lucy was pretty afraid haha!  Next time I will make the trek up even further, I hear it's worth the hike.  Definitely a must see in Banff!

Lucy isn't so sure...

Beautiful.  I feel like a bear should be catching a salmon in this!

I wanted to go for a dip!

Scared and sad looking Lucy.

Anyone else wanna do a cannonball in that?  I know I do.

Lucy still very unsure.

Dane and Lucy thought they'd take the "short cut" (which was short lived)

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake.  The smaller version of Lake Louise, but maybe even more beautiful.  Again, it was very busy here too, but we snatched a prime parking spot (one of the small things that just makes your day).  We ended up having bagel-sandwiches and 2 drinks here... for about 30 dollars.  It was delicious, but wow.

I love the logs in this picture.

The waters look like the beaches of Cuba!

Dane didn't think I'd make it out there without falling in or getting a soaker!

I proved him wrong!  Reminded me of my 10 year old self here.

The Amazing Lake Louise

Next stop after the gondola was the beautiful Lake Louise.  I have seen it in pictures, but it is actually just breathtaking.  And turquoise is my favourite colour, so it makes it that much more exciting.  It was crazy busy with people, but I read that in the Banff National Park book... in the summer it's insane.  But worth it :)  Would have loved to take a canoe out, but we wanted to see as much as possible in one day, and we had a pooch.  Next time for sure, would have been worth the money.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

The wildlife crossing! 

Man's best friend.

Lucy drinking the glacier water.

Sulphur Mountain: Banff Gondola

One of the first things I noticed when arriving back in Canada, is how dog friendly it is compared to the States.  While we were touring the states, Lucy wasn't allowed even on the trails of Devil's Tower or Mount Rushmore (outdoor trails through the woods - doesn't make a lot of sense to me?)  Maybe I am being biased because our poor pooch had to stay in the car, and we had to somewhat rush what we were doing, but as long as you clean up after your dog, I don't see what the issue is.  All in all, Lucy was allowed up the Banff Gondola with us!!  They even gave us dog treats for her, talk about pet-friendly!

Lucy's thinking "I would rather be stuck in that car!!"

(Overall she did really well.  Was shedding and panting like a crazy dog, and the smells up top must have been overwhelming for her - but she is a trooper!  I was convinced she was sniffing out mountain lions.)

Absolutely breathtaking.

View from the highest point you can walk to.

This is when Lucy is sniffing mountain lions out.  Or bears.  I am convinced.

Lots of trees!

And thanks Maggie for giving me the advice of going up the gondola!  We were stretched for time (and money) and had to choose one activity for the day, it was definitely worth the 60 dollars + tax it cost.  But hey, tax is only 5% in Alberta compared to the 13% in Ontario.  Love that.

Back on Canadian Soil!

As much as I love travelling, the feeling of returning to Canada is so comforting.  It really does make a difference once you cross the border.  The laws are the same, I have health care, and I can use my cell phone.  It did take a bit of questioning to get across that border though...

Waiting in line at the border.  The border man seriously questioned us for 5-10 minutes.  I don't know if he was having a slow day or was being watched by his supervisor, but it was quite the process to get back home to Canada...

But look!  We did make it across!

 Dane's first glimpse of the mountains.

He was in awe of them.  How can you not be?

Oh how good it felt to be back!