Another early morning (ok, ok, they're two hours behind Eastern time so early wasn't that early for our body clocks) arrival into Banff National Park served us well. We were one of the first three cars in the trail-head's parking lot. SCORE!
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular spots in the park because it is an easier hike with dramatic payoffs.
Waterfall almost right away!
Taking it all in!
Petefish. (Finally figuring out our GoPro's remote abilities)
Sneaking a kiss in the cave! ;)
We'd read that there can be a 45 minute wait to get into this little cave to see the waterfall up close. Not for us. We walked right in. It was awesome. I cannot explain how much more fun things are when you're not crammed in with fellow tourists. ;)
Jackson had to hunch through the cave. I stood the entire way! :)
Lovely walkways
Another fall higher up
We finished the entire Johnston Canyon circuit (there are multiple waterfalls and a couple of hiking options) in about an hour and only ran into heavy walkway traffic near the exit. It made us very glad that we'd gotten there early, though. Tourists are sure annoying. ;)
We hopped on down to Emerald Lake from there to do another hike- this one around the lake which usually makes for a quick and easy hike. Not today! The first half of the hike was lovely and pretty. The second half was a muddy, nasty mess. We thought the entire look was 2km and it turned out to be like 6 so we just kept hiking and hiking. Too funny! (Not funny at the time, however.)
Emerald Lake
Cloudy day
Another "trail chicken"
A roadside river view- lovely!
After those two hikes we left Banff National Park and headed into Canmore's little downtown for a coffee break. We needed a little time to sit and enjoy the scenery. By we, I mean me. Jackson never wants to quit. Sigh!
Coffee, Hot cocoa and a view
The weather in the valley (Canmore) was much nicer and downright warm. It was a lovely day to sit on the patio and people-watch. All good things must come to and end, though, and soon it was time for our third hike of the day at Grassi Lakes again. It was only about 4 miles from town and since we did not get to finish (or really start it) the first day, I owed Jackson a chance to see it.
Another lovely waterfall on Grassi!
A tricky part of the climb
Grassi Lakes
Note: We'd gotten spoiled with views by this time so we got to Grassi Lakes with an attitude of "this is it?!" Whoops! :) It started to rain while we were there so we took the easy way down instead of trying to maneuver down those stairs when they were slick. It was a nice little hike for an afternoon cool-down.
CANADA!
Jackson made me get out of the car and CLIMB ANOTHER HILL (I HAD BEEN HIKING ALL DARNED DAY) to get this shot that he called "perfectly Canadian." I now agree that it was worth a little more physical effort because it is pretty cool.
Jackson enjoying a "Jerkface 9000" beer
Shockingly, we went to the Iron Goat again for dinner. We really like the place. It was a little too chilly that evening to sit on the patio, though. Bummer. We were seated in their upstairs area next to a little wedding reception. The groom was in the Canadian military so their little cake was just adorable.
Note: They did not share their cupcakes
The Iron Goat
We took an evening stroll after dinner and met the nicest woman who lived behind the Iron Goat. We must have talked with her (and petted her little pup) for about an hour before parting ways. One of our very favorite parts of traveling is meeting new people (just not normally fellow tourists- ha!) and learning about their lives.
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