At 9:30am on Sunday, 6/23/2024, we left Fairmont Hot Springs and headed to Lake Louise within the Banff National Park. We are part of the “Advance Team”, going ahead of the group, to see to it that all is in order at the next campground.

Heading north we drove through more spectacular mountains…

There are lots of these wildlife crossings along the Trans-Canada highway…

After setting up in our campground (no internet, no cell service…) we joined a few other Airstreamers for dinner at the Truffle Pigs in Field, AB. It was highly recommended for its creative and excellent food…

The Truffle Pigs did not disappoint! Two of the ladies who never eaten duck before ordered the Duck Confit. The licked their plates clean (figuratively).

On the drive back to the campground we saw a beautiful rainbow!

Next morning, Monday 24, we had a joint breakfast at the Lake Louise Ski Area. We also heard another talk all about bears…

After breakfast and the bear talk we headed out towards the gondola…

It was almost like Disneyland!

We had this spectacular view across the valley to the mountains beyond…

As we went higher, and as I zoomed in the camera we saw the prize: Lake Louise in all its turquoise glory…!

On the shore of Lake Louise is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a 100 year old hotel…

At the top of the gondola ride we enjoyed the view…

It’s cold up here! So we headed back down.

Now that we knew what Lake Louise and the Chateau looked like, we couldn’t wait to visit. We drove up the narrow roads. Construction was everywhere, with surly construction workers telling us where to go and what to do. We finally, after many delays arrived…

What a difference! The hotel was helpful and gracious, offering to park my giant truck in their tiny lot. We were welcomed and greeted by many staff members. I think one even offered to carry us to our restaurant reservation…!

As we waited at the bar we enjoyed a peek of the lake…

We were promptly seated and we enjoyed a delightful lunch and a fine bottle of chilled Rose’ wine…

After lunch we were able to walk out to the lake. It is, of course, fed by glacier run-off. Its turquoise color is caused by the “rock flour” carried into the lake by the glacier melting…

Yes, people are canoeing on the frigid lake.

Some people are even crazier…

After our great time at the Chateau we headed back to the campground…

We walked about the campground a bit…

Tuesday 25 was a quiet day of catching up and borrowing some Starlink internet so we could catch up with the world. Tomorrow we have two nights of dry camping – no power, no water, no internet, no cell service…

Dinner tonight was a group event at a old timey restored train station…

A lovely dinner ensued. We returned to the campground. An enjoyable time was had by all..