Banff National Park, Banff
When I was much younger, I'd get up early to watch Sunday Mornings with Charles Kuralt. Specifically, I'd watch the last few minutes of the show when the tv screen came alive with just nature scenes. There'd be no talking, no roll of credits, just a beautiful lake or marsh with the sound of ducks quacking as they flapped their wings and took off. It was heaven. I wanted so badly to be there rather than watching it on tv. Well, this morning we were transported to this world.
The early morning sky woke me up about 4:30. Everything was calm, the sky blue with a great band of orange streaked as far across the horizon as you could see. As the sun began to rose every bird was singing out a unique call, the bullfrogs were croaking and in the distance the coyote were howling. Ned and I got a front row seat just sitting lying in bed, watching and listening to it all. We fell back asleep and when we woke to full sunlight, the prairie dogs were scampering about. This is why I love road trips, it's all about finding my Charles Kuralt moments.
Our big outing for the day was Heritage Park Historical Village. We had about a 2 hour or so drive there and gosh did the skies open up on us. We decided it was a good time to stop at a small coffee shop, get out of the rain and connect via wifi. By the time we arrived at Heritage Village it was early afternoon. Since this is mainly an outdoor recreated village we didn't know if the weather would cooperate. Turns out the sun came out and it even got quite warm.
If you're ever in Calgary I highly recommend making a full day of Heritage Park. It's touted as Canada's largest living history museum. Basically, it's Canada's version of Williamsburg, Va. There are recreated villages spanning Western Canada's History from 1860 to 1910. We walked through an aboriginal village, fur traders settlement, early pioneer settlers homes and a 1910 village. We rode a steam train, were pulled in a wagon by draft horses and even took a paddle boat on Glenmore Reservoir. Each settlement had knowledgable actors telling us about their craft or trade. My favorite was visiting the newspaper shop. We got to see a real linotype in action! Amazing how labor intensive typesetting used to be. 70% of the buildings in the park are actual historic structures that have been moved there. The other 30% are historically accurate reproductions so you really get an authentic experience. The Aboriginal Village had people from the Blackfoot Nation and they sang songs and drummed in their "tipi" as the fire roared inside and the smoke came out on top. (Chirs & Vic, campfire in your teepee next winter!). Ned really enjoyed the wagon driver. He grew up in rural Canada driving draft horse teams and was very knowledgeable about a working village and farm. The real steam engine was a hoot too. They actually fill it with 1800 gallons of water every morning out of the authentic water tower. (Dad, yes they even sold fudge. You would have like it here.) What a fun day!!
We left the village just as rush hour traffic was in full gear so we decided to sit outside, enjoy the great weather and share a dark beer over fish tacos and salmon.
We are just now arriving in Banff National Park. The drive from Calgary into the Canadian Rockies was jaw dropping spectacular! However, the campground leaves a LOT to be desired. It's basically a parking lot. Tomorrow are plan is to explore the park and at least find a decent camping spot. Since it'll be light until at least 11 tonight we're off to explore the town of Banff. First glance it seems like Newer South Lake Tahoe and Jackson Hole combined. At least they have wifi!! Stay tuned!
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