Fairmont Hot Springs to Canmore


  The bikes barely warmed and we entered Kootenay National Park. Winding down
a beautiful valley with a mountain range on both sides of you. Normally there is a fee
for entering unless your just passing through.  Across the road at the entrance is a
cattle grate to keep the wildlife in. Known for vehicle/animal altercations, we become
even more alert.  Maybe it was all those big yellow signs warning you constantly! Speed
limits low at 60kph (around 42mph)or even  lower.  Not long into the park, brakes lights up ahead
slowed us way down.  Right on the shoulder a group of 6 Bighorn Sheep. They were oblivious
to the humans around them.  No one drifted to close or threatened them so they walked right
in front of us (20 yards) to get to the others on the opposite side of the road. Way cool!!

 













  Later in the park, up ahead, we noticed something moving. Rambling across the road in front
of us, you guessed it, a black bear. Joe scored with his camera and got a decent shot going
about 60kph (photo below).












 Our next notable stop was Lake Louise, named after Queen Victoria's fourth daughter.  A
glacial Shangra-La with the upper and lower Victoria glaciers sitting prominently above
it. (Pictures below)
LAKE LOUISE

  Next was the trip to Banff, a charming but touristy town. Not what were looking for but
an incredible location.  More to our liking is the town of Canmore. Same setting like Banff
but more down to Earth. This became our home for the night. Within striking distance of
Calgary for a short jaunt in the morning. The biggest festival in western Canada starts
tomorrow. I hope I can keep the other two from becoming cowboys and getting in trouble!
CANMORE


Mark

Notes:

-1st use of Canada highway #1
-tried video camera on handlebar mount, complete bust
-114 degrees, water temperature pumped out of hot springs,cooled for the pools to 105
degrees.
-Exchange rate is 1 US $ for 1 Canadien $
-where's a piper when you need one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!