Banff & Yoho National Parks

Tuesday, Aug. 2nd: Banff & Yoho National Parks
 We began today shivering at the Waterfowl Lakes Campground.  After getting some high-quality recommendations from our knowledgeable camphost, we started on our way.  The temperature gauge on our car read 48 degrees at 11 a.m.  We drove south on the Icefields Parkway toward Lake Louise.  Wildlife encounters occurred at the Lake Louise townsite and consisted of herds of randomly moving tourists.  We bypassed some of the masses only to meet up with loads of more at the Lake Louise parking lot.  It was crowded and it took time to find a parking space but we had been forewarned by a park ranger.  "It will be like the parking lot at Walmart on December 24."  His description proved to be quite accurate.  We hiked to the Lake Agnes Teahouse where we enjoyed tea and biscuits & jam.

Lake Louise

Finished with the Lake Louise area, we zipped west on Canada Hwy. 1 to Yoho National Park.  Unfortunately the only campground with showers (Kicking Horse Campground) was closed for the season due to spring mudslides.  Luckily our super informative host at the Waterfowl Lakes Campground had told us of an alternative, the cart-in (~1/2 km) tent only sites at Takakkaw Falls.  We drove up the narrow & winding road to Takakkaw Falls.  The campground offered commanding views of the falls and an icefield-but no showers.

We set up camp and then Mike (desperate to bathe)  hopped in the glacial river downstream of the falls.  We found a lodge in the town of Field to do laundry.  We ate dinner at the restaurant connected to the lodge, the Truffle Pigs Cafe.  The fine-dining establishment seemed a bit out of place in such a small community.  Mike's black truffle pierogies were delicious.

On the way back to camp, the road treated us with some adventure.  On a treacherous switchback we were met with 8 elk.

Down the road we were met with a marmot that was very entertaining.

Tonight we write this blog entry on a piece of paper in the tent.  We're listening to the pitter-patter of raindrops in our mostly dry tent & the the sounds of the waterfall nearby.
Tonight's projected low in Field, BC is 3 degrees celsius.  We've brought some extra clothing in the tent tonight just in case.