More Banff

After tent camping for 7 nights we opted to stay in the Banff Springs Hotel/Castle.
We appreciated:

• running water
• hot running water
• restroom within 6 feet
• lights
• ice machine
• a bed
• carpet
• etc, etc, etc...
  

Our final trail followed a series of strenuous switchbacks to the summit ridge and upper terminal of the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, just over 5 miles.

Bear warnings were every where, along with instructions on fighting back if stalked/attacked, or playing dead if the bear felt threatened. We found it incredulous that if we surprised a bear we were to speak to it calmly then play dead for 2 minutes. If the bear was still harassing us we could then begin to fight back.

• We attended the Banff Branch (satellite broadcast of Stake Conference in Calgary
• Gorged ourselves on chocolaty, caramel, cashew bear claws
• Headed for home via Radium Hot Springs
• Regrettably camped near Whitefish, Montana (10 trains overnight)

And hurried home without stopping for gas. That was a mistake. Our prayers were heard and when we did find "fuel" we pumped 20 gallons into our 18 gallon gas tank.

The Lord is mindful of us. He is watching over us and will continue if we will let Him, trust Him and follow Him. We show our love to Him be loving you, our family and friends.

You gotta see Banff for yourselves.
Lane & Carolyn
Dad and Mom

Camping Trip to Banff

Tonight we arrived home from a spectacular road trip into the Canadian Rockies. Particularly, BANFF National Park in Alberta Canada.

• tent camping a total of 7 nights
• cooking our meals over fires

Enroute to Banff we:

• stopped at Glacier National Park in Montana
• drove the famous "going to the sun road"

• camped at Waterton National Park in Alberta Canada
• visited the Cardston LDS Temple

A highlight of Banff is Lake Louise. We canoed on it for an hour before treating ourselves to lunch at the Chateau on the lake (our first purchased meal in 6 days). Unforgettable service, view and food. Other highlights are pictured here...

to be continued...

Labor Day Weekend

So lucky for us there were 2 cancellations for the Havasupai hike. Our group of 19 had reservations for the Havasu campground in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Jerel, Stephanie, Caden and Carlie let us tag along for the Labor Day weekend adventure. If the Bullocks ever invite you to do anything do not hesitate! Buy some sleeping bags, borrow two back packs and jump in with both feet.

Havasu memories:

• in-SUV movies and snacks
• Upon seeing my country-fried steak Carlie exclaims "a huge chicken nugget!"
• sleeping under thunderclouds
• drying out the dripping bags
• Jerel making Lane's backpack disappear (onto a mule)
  
• skipping down the 10 mile trail
• the hiking Bullock's linking hands
  
• the milky turquoise colored water
  
• oatmeal breakfasts and tuna lunches
• Authentic Navajo tacos for dinner
• Mooney Falls via caves, chain rails and ladders
• sleeping under the stars
  
• Lane's jacuzzi discovery
• the sense of relief when we climbed out of that hole

See how lucky we were!
Lane & Carolyn
Dad and Mom