Celebrating Canada: Visiting Banff & Lake Louise

Today we spent most of the day at Lake Louise and in Banff National Park. The Rockies were nice to see in all their majesty, and it made me feel quite small and in awe of our Creator. 

I loved the winding roads up and down the mountain side--even though I had to keep popping my jaw to get my hearing back :D

Only spot that wasn't comletely frozen over. I was pretty disappointed not to see the emerald green waters of Lake Louise. I suppose May is still too early for spring/summer temps up in the North!

Chateau we ate lunch in.

Lake Louise is a little ways past Banff, so we headed there first and then backtracked to the mountains.

It was overcast pretty much all day, but didn't rain until we headed towards Banff. Most of the rain came while we were traveling, and we were able to stop and get pictures in Banff.

The "Castle". That's what someone referred it as when describing the Banff Springs Hotel. I can see the resemblance!

Bow Falls

The Gondala. You can either walk up the mountain and get a free ride back down or take both ways in the Gondala. Personally, I liked having my feet on solid ground, so I didn't go up. However, my parents did, back when they visited Calgary several summers ago, and really enjoyed it.

So, now I have been to Banff National Park, and Lake Louise!

Winter Wonderland

 Several weeks ago on a Saturday, I woke up to this all around and crystal clear skies and brilliant sun.

 I was wowed and jumped in my car to see if I could capture any of the awe I felt for God's creation.

 I decided just to drive further north to see the pristine beauty the snow caused on the land.

 It was relaxing to be only one of a handful of people driving around in a sea of white. I looked for some deer {for Dave} but they must have been in a hidey-hole or something.

 It was so pretty. So still and quite.

 Filled my heart with awe for my Creator.

 Driving up and down hills gave sweet views.

 It may get dark really early,

 and temperatures may drop to below -30,

 but, when you look for the beauty in winter...how can you not love this season?

 The road just...vanishes into a cloud of white.

 I just love the back country roads...you could drive for miles and still be in the middle of nowhere!

 Such magnificent views.

 Lots of ranches and farms around here. And lots of animals...both domestic and wild!

 While driving out of my cul-de-sac yesterday, I saw a shadowy figure on one of the lawns. It looked like a horse, but...in the middle of town? No way...we're close to farms, but not that close. Anyway, I angled my car a bit and turned on my brights. Um...that shadowy shape? Yeah, not a horse...just a cow moose lumbering around in the neighbour's front lawn. I rolled my window down in disbelief and watched as she made her way to the backyard. Alright, if I had any doubts before, now I KNOW I live in the middle of nowhere :D

 {And loving it, by the way :}

 How could I not with such beauty around me?

Happy Winter!