Johnston Canyon and Moraine Lake

New Adventures in RV-ing
The day started well and we had planned on going to Johnston Canyon and either Lake Louise or Lake Moraine. Following breakfast and on return from my shower calamity had struck. Eilidh had burnt her hand on one of the air vents and there had been an incident with the emptying of both the black (which should be brown if you get my drift) and grey waste. A large quantity had escaped from the hose and was slowly seeping away under the RV. As you can imagine sally was in her element! Eilidh’s hand slowly improved as the day went on, large amounts of ice and cold water to take the heat away from her blistered fingers. As we travelled to Johnston Canyon the waste incident was left far behind. The scenery was just stunning. Every twist of the road opened up a new and even more stunning vista. I was quickly feeling more confident behind the wheel and experimenting with the automatic gearshift and cruise control. What a revelation, your feet become almost redundant for large parts of the journey. After Johnston Canyon, which was stunning (Pics below), it’s on to Lake Louise Village where we hoped to do some laundry and decide which of the lakes we would visit. The village itself is fairly non descript and seems to be a general service area for tourists etc. Eventually got the washing done and was ready for the next challenge, reversing! Manoeuvre successfully completed with Sally adopting appropriate traffic police mode to help guide me round and out! We opted to go to Lake Moraine. Breath- taking scenery, which we could really appreciate having planned to arrived later in the day when it would be quieter. Following a stroll around the Lake, we ended up being the last on the lake in a canoe as the sun started to go down. (See pics below). We had dinner in the RV before heading back to Tunnel Mountain on the Trans Canadian Highway using cruise control most of the way. Hi, blistered hand here! I have to say I’m growing more and more paranoid about spoons! Anywhere I go I’m on the hunt for spoons. So far I still don’t have crazyitis but I may be developing spoonitis! My hand is much better and only two fingers have come out in blisters! I have told mum and dad I am never ever pulling the lever for the waste again after yesterday! I am also glad to report that I no longer scared of bears! Bye for now! xxx What Gordon very kindly omits in the above description is that I had a total hissy fit shortly up the moderate level hike at Moraine Lake. I could not relax as all I could see round every bend was an imagined bear ready to jump out and attack Eilidh. To be fair at the bottom of the trail I had read the very informative and helpful guidance from the Rangers. “This is bear country – beware. Walk in tight groups of four or more hikers, make a lot of noise, holler before going round a bend.” They then told you what to do in case of attack. First you needed to decide if the bear was being defensive or aggressive. If defensive you play dead, however, if that does not work you attack and run like hell for the nearest house or car. We were in the mountains – it was too far at this point from house or car never mind if we made it up the rest of the hike. Somehow Gordon picked up on my negative vibes and in that happily married couple way we agreed to go back down. Eilidh at this point was oblivious to most of this and thought we were heading back down because my back was too sore. Bless! It was absolutely beautiful canoeing on the lake. For those not in the know canoes are open and look like Indian canoes. What I used to think of as a canoe is a kayak. We had a few problems paddling at first but once we explained to Eilidh that paddling was like four beats in a bar she got it. Those who know I am not musical and cannot do rhythm may be mystified at this point but once she got going I followed her and Gordon steered. At times it was slightly tricky as we tried to stay absolutely still as Gordon got that shot. Today we are heading to Banff – and the convenient bench beside the bus stop where you can get wi fi from a kind man called John. We are then heading up Sulphur Mountain on the Gondola. It might be cooler there. We have managed with the 29 degrees and hiking but today it is going up in the 30s. Eilidh and I feel we need to shop as we have loads of jeans and fleeces but not enough summer stuff. Laundry is a bit of an issue and in the words of the View …” I’ve had the same jeans on for four days now …”

RVing for the 1st Time / Rodeo Pictures

RV!
Calgary now behind us. Last day there not so good for me as time lag seemed to catch up with me and had to retire to bed for an afternoon nap. Please note, blaming this on the travelling experience and not old age. Did manage to revive for Death By Chocolate which was extremely indulgent but may have been why I have been doing weight watchers for the last 10 months!

Tuesday was RV day. The hire company picked us up at the hotel and took us to their site in Airdrie! All was going well but we had about 4hrs there while they dealt with the large number of bookings they had. Following a very detailed orientation we were off. First task was to fill up the propane gas tank. Very pleased with how well we managed to navigate left turns, garage forecourt and traffic signals.

Next up was a stop for supplies at The Real Canadian Superstore. Think of the largest uk supermarket you know and double it. Stocked up on all essential items, pancakes, beer, steaks and a little fruit for a healthy and balanced diet.

Then it was the real deal. The open road and the vastness of Canada. Roads stretch into the distance as far as the eye can see and are used by the biggest 4x4s and pick ups I have seen, 16 wheel trucks and fellow RVers.1st impression is that highways are excellent with good surface and well maintained in general. A roads are a bit of a different matter!

After about 2.5 hrs arrived safely at Tunnel Mountain Campsite with no hiccups and surprisingly quickly had the RV hooked up to all the services and settled in for a well earned cuppa. Bit of an issue for laundry but decided to sort this out tomorrow.

Went for a pre bedtime stroll around the campsite and saw some spectacular views of the sun setting against the Rockies. Sunset is a at about 9.30pm so will be out there tomorrow with the camera…weather permitting.


Hey, Eilidh here! So far I think the R.V is great! My area is above the driving cabin, it is really good because I can draw over a curtain. This means I will be able to have some me time!

I am very impressed with dads driving (although going round some of the corners were quite scary)! I like the fact that I have to sit in the back because it means I can draw and things like that! I have another spoon update! The hotel gave me a table-spoon to eat a small egg! So the Canadians either don’t give you a spoon at all or give you the wrong size! But I have to say I’m amazed that the R.V has spoons! I still don’t have any signs of Crazyitis but I’m still unsure whether I’ll make it! Signing of now, I am hopeful that I will stay sane………………………

She who must be obeyed here (think I should adopt a First Nation approach to my name) however Eilidh has just pointed out that this is only wishful thinking on my part. Must say I am dead impressed with frozen microwave pancakes. I am sitting here at our picnic table with trees and mountains all around us. There are many other RVs here but it is incredibly peaceful and beautiful. We are maintaining a “bare campsite” as per our ranger’s instructions. As there ARE bears, cougars and wolves here. I am adapting from city girl to country girl and can confirm that Eilidh has given up on hairdryers and hair straighteners. We are heading off on a mile or so long trek to find the launderette as our minimalist packing means we are running low on essential clothing.

YEEHA!!!
Two days in to our trip and starting to get into the cowboy lingo. Sally and Eilidh sporting appropriate head gear, but the general consensus is that I do not have a head for hats! Might have to get a cowboy shirt to compensate.
Calgary so far is good. Stampede was awesome and photos may give a flavour of the event (some pics below).
Food has been very good and varied but steak and prawns last night so far top of the list for me.
Off to the market and some shops today with a visit to Calgary Tower this eve. Pick up the RV tomorrow and then off to the Rockies, slightly apprehensive but hopefully have plenty of time for a full orientation!

Hi everyone! i am having a great time! Every night i write a journal and buying glue so i can stick things in. i thought writing a journal would be a good way to remember everything! I have discovered that Canadians don't like spoons because whenever we go anywhere there are no spoons. Yesterday morning i had cereal and there were now spoons, there was no spoon for my hot chocolate and today there was no spoon for mine and mums fruit salad! I will keep my eye out for anymore cases of no spoons! On our first day i got a photo taken with a mascot today I'mthat is a snowman type thing! It was very scary(dad put a pic below)! I have really enjoyed the stampede rodeo and chuck-wagon races! the one thing I'm not looking forward to is going up the Calgary tower in a lift in case it stops working an we get stuck! Also I'm still slightly worried about coming back crazy after spending five Weeks in a r.v. with mum and dad! if i do come back crazy you will know who to blame! lots of love Eilidh xxxxxxxxx

Sally here. I am developing an obsession with finding a drinkable cup of tea. Coffee is not perfect but there are coffee houses. However Canadians do not do tea. Yesterday I asked for tea and was given Earl Grey and offered "real good cream mam" (this was condensed milk - ugh). In our posh hotel room we have a coffee percolator but no kettle. Hot water for vile tea bag can be heated up through percolator. Perhaps I should just stick to coffee.
Yesterday at dinner Eilidh summed up our full on two days by saying she would be "I could go home now and be quite happy". The Rodeo and Chuckwagon Racing was fun and the evening show was the most over the top extravaganza I have ever seen. At one point - which I hoped after 90 mins of numb bum syndrome was the finale - there were around 90 all singing and dancing Young Canadians on stage supplemented by various adults all in neon colours singing their little hearts out. A ramp was then dragged on stage and stunt bikes began to leap in ever more death defying stunts over the cute kids. Health and safety would never allow this. The tap dancers got louder, the singing reached a crescendo and the fireworks went off. Phew! This was only half way through. This show is a once in a lifetime experience and I believe the designer has ADHD and uses acid. It is a show for the MTV generation as at every point on the stage something is happening. The men here refer to the pretty little ladies doing well. There was great amazement that there was a lady cowgboy. The girls are given their own race but are not allowed to (or don't want to) take part in bucking horses and bull riding. We are now off to check out downtown shopping.