Playing Ladies!

Well, have we got stuff to tell you since yesterday.

At around 1am there was a power cut – the whole village of Banff. We were, of course, asleep! But not for long. Alarms, sirens, flashing lights. The whole works. This lasted for just long enough to throw clothes on and grab the torch.

Then, silence. There was a lot of noise out in the hallway – it was filled with twittering quilters. Back into bed and off it goes again & again & again! This went on for….. well, it felt like an hour, but it probably wasn’t. Maybe 30 minutes. Turns out they couldn’t reset the alarm and had to call out an electrician from 15 min away.

This morning saw many red eyes. BUT the bonus was waking to a clear day in a village covered with snow. Just like a Christmas card.

In the bus and off around town to see the sights. We drove by the Hot Springs; saw the residential part of town then up Sulphur Mountain to ride the gondola. Another jaw-drop event. Sulphur Mountain is 7,486 ft above sea level and has 360 degree views. From the Observation Deck it measured 12,262km to Wellington.

Down the mountain with the sun beaming through. Our next stop was Bow River Falls. These falls are bubbly and broad in contrast to Athebasca being steep.

After a brief stop at the gardens (covered in snow, but beautiful) it was on to the Fairmont Banff Hotel for High Tea. Built in the late 1800’s it dominates the area. Have a look at their website, it’s wonderful. The views from the Rundle Lounge are truly incredible and we really enjoyed our tea, salmon rolls, ginger & carrot sandwiches, petite fois and scones. An occasion to remember. Several ladies (and I say that quite tongue-in-cheek) had their photos taken with Anthony, a kilted African-American gentleman!

From there it was onto Sugar Pine Quilts to flex the credit cards. A wonderful shop with great staff.

We’ve just returned from dinner at the Irish Pub, I have had Guinness Pie. Yum!
Tomorrow the bags have to be out at 8am and it’s onto Calgary.