Donaldson Crew Adventures

2nd half of October and weather looking like it might pop into the 70’s in town we decided to head out for a short fall getaway to one of our favorite family spots - little crater campground at Paulina Lake. It’s the latest we have been there in the year and the campground was almost empty with only a few locals there. The hot springs were almost empty on a sunny Saturday afternoon!

Dinner, smores, fire and a sunset made for a good evening and we also got to see the comet again after dark. 

Sunday morning was cool and windy but warmed up nicely and we went to the obsidian flow for a quick hike. 

First snow on the mountains (light dusting at our house in the morning), a fire in the fireplace.  

Visible each night after sunset the second half of the month.  Really cool to see.  

Last day!  We had our airport shuttle pickup in Banff so we went back there for the morning.  To cap the trip we decided to do the Banff Gondola which was really amazing!  It was super cold but really cool sky / views. 

Some more shopping and off to the Calgary airport and then home. An amazing trip 

Early morning hike near our condo in Canmore

In and around Canmore (Canmore a great town just outside Banff National Park)

Today we went to Moraine Lake. When we were here with the kids back in the 20-teens we drove right into the parking area. Now you cannot get in without a pass. We got a free pass with canoe rides from the lodge we were staying at so that worked out amazing! 

Canoe Ride on the Lake

Hike to the Larch Valley

Today our target was Lake Louise. It’s now very difficult get parking up at Lake Louise so thankfully Kelly and I were doing a horseback trip and we could park there! 

Horseback Ride -  Amazing!!!

Kelly and Sue had afternoon tea at the hotel while Pat and I had lunch on the patio.

This was our lodging for the next 3 days  -Cathedral Mountain Lodge  

Today, we explored some site near the lodge.  Emerald Lake, natural bridge, and Takakkaw Falls.

From Vancouver we boarded the only passenger train allowed to journey on the rail line from Vancouver to Banff. This would be day 1 of 2 on The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops.  

Day 2

Kamloops to Banff