Calgary

August 24, 2012

Day 8

 

While everyone had their first cups of coffee for the day we sat around and caught up.  Even heard a few stories about my dad and him being on his best behavior as a little boy ;).  Solly and I wanted to take Linda and John out for breakfast as a thank you for letting us stay for the evening.  We went to Smitty’s, which was quite good, Solly and I always love a good breakfast.  We really enjoyed John and Linda’s company  and catching up since it had been such a long time since I last saw them.  After breakfast they guided us back to Cross Iron Mills so we could buy Solly some school supplies.  We said our good byes and then it was shopping time.

This mall is massive, especially the Bass Pro Shop.  It probably makes a lot of grown men feel like a kid in a candy store.  We managed to get Solly his chest waders, warm socks, and binoculars at a good price since they don’t have provincial tax in Alberta.  Afterwards, we roamed the mall and I found a Bench store.  I don’t know how I walked out of that store with nothing, because I was trying on several jackets.  Solly doesn’t know I plan on checking out the online store for those jackets in my size!!!! LOL

After a good amount of time spent at the mall, we headed downtown Calgary because we planned to meet Dustin after he was done work.  We went for some MORE coffee, yes I know I know, this seems like we are coffeeholics.  But then we had some wifi service for an hour while we waited for Dustin to finish work.  We met Dustin for drinks at Earls and talked for several hours.   It was really good to catch up with him, he looks great and sounds like he is doing really well in Calgary.  I’m very proud of DC and his success, plus he’s matured a bit ;). 

Had a great time catching up with Dustin

 

After Earl’s we were on our way to Banff!!! This is the part I have been waiting months for!!! Now every time Solly says mountains he says it like the little girl from Despicable Me – “IT’s so FLUFFY!!!!”  But fluffy is replaced with the mountains.  IF you do not know what I am talking about you NEED to watch this movie!!!

First glimpses of the mountains

 

 We stopped for a few photos, which this location excited Solly because of this sign.

Solly didn’t meet his furry friend 🙁

Solly wants to wrestle a bear badly, or he’s convinced he wants to.  Wait till he sees once, then he might run, or at least I will. 

Mountains!!!

We drove through Banff for quick tour, then headed to our campsite at Two Jack Main, but once again we got lost and it took us a while.  Along our travels we stopped and Solly read a sign that said on the trail at this location you must carry bear spray or you will be fined.  But when we arrived the guy at the front entrance gave Solly information about where not go because of bears (hint hint Sol!) But we are not allowed to travel that trail anyways because you must be in a group of 4 or more, oh darn! LOL 

Once inside the camp, we set up tent and had a good fire before bed.  We prepared for a cold night ahead and wore several layers.