Today we decided on a gondola ride and we all took in the rich views of the mountains and Banff. The town of Banff is literally surrounded on all sides by mountains and the town seems insignificant from a couple thousand feet above. We chanced upon some big horn sheep feeding near the observation post and saw the first weather station located near Banff. For forty years, Norman Hanson faithfully checked weather instruments even though the trip took 9 hours from the town! The weather was overcast most of the time and it was cold. Everyone was thankful for the hot chocolate and hot coffee except for dad whose nice cup of caramel mochacino was accidentally spilled. Dad was a little grumpy after that.

Later we had our chance to test out the sulphur water we saw yesterday when we hit the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The water is a cool 40 degrees Celsius (104 degree Fahrenheit). Laura loved the shallow part and Kyle believes the spring is the finest part of the trip so far. It is hard to disagree with her when you have one of several mountains as a scenic backdrop and the kids are literally fish in the water. I have never seen them happier and more content. Maybe there is something to that therapeutic effect of the waters.

We ended the day with a visit to the Fairmont Hotel at Banff, a beautiful turn of the century hotel that the Canadian Pacific Railway used to pamper visiting railway tourists. The grounds were full of fresh flowers and the place was immaculate. We also took a quick hike down to the river’s edge and saw a wonderful waterfall. The kids loved feeling the water and it resulted in several muddy shoes and a couple of wet pant legs. After the days various adventures, everyone slept well that night!