Banff Upper Hot Springs

We walked again along the Hoodoos to Bow Falls trail to meet Bob and Sue in Banff town centre. A very interesting, well laid out and maintained place, rather too many gift shops but nevertheless, and enjoyable place to visit and browse.

Our fist destination was the Wild Flour Cafe for a much needed coffee (hot chocolate for Sue) and a selection of scones. We whiled away well over an hour, sitting outside in the sun, enjoying the drinks and the food. We then gravitated towards a bus stop for the ride to the Banff Upper Hot Springs for a dip in the restorative waters.

What a pleasant experience, the water was a relaxing 39 deg C, the pool on a terrace encircled by mountains and bathed in bright sunshine. Despite the air temperatue being in single figures we didn't feel cold when out of the pool. In winter, when the air temperature can be -30 the pools steam and people end up with crazy hair styles as their wet hair freezes immediately in the cold air. That must be an experience in those temperatures.

We spent well over an hour in the water or sitting on the edge of the pool when the heat got too much. When our fingers had gone all wrinkly we thought it was about time to get out else we'd look like prunes all over.

A bus ride back to Banff by which time we were famished so we repaired back to the Old Spaghetti Factory to fill the hole. Enjoyed the food again. All too soon it was time for Bob and Sue to drive back to Lethbridge. It was sad to see them go as it was so wonderful to see them both. We at least are hoping this will be the start of seeing them more often either in Canada or, more frequently in the UK.

After they'd gone we spent an enjoyable hour or so meandering into some of the shops and specifically the many galleries on Banff Avenue, admiring the photographs and paintings of mountain scenery and wildlife. I was looking for something to buy as a memento of our trip but in the end decided to perhaps try and use some of my own shots to capture the memories of our travels.