Banff, Alberta

 As Trish and I continue west into the Canadian Rockies, we stopped for several days at the lovely little city of Banff.  We are staying here at the impressive Fairmont Springs Hotel, in itself  reason enough to come to Banff.

The Fairmont was built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railroad in their ongoing work to bring tourist money to Canada.  In those days one could sail from Europe to Canada, travel by rail across Canada, spend three months at the Fairmont Springs, then travel west to Vancouver and sail on around the world and back to Europe!  Imagine having that much free time as well as money.

We forget how very much Canada lives out its identity with the British Commonwealth. Each afternoon a bagpiper sets up outside and plays for a while just so we will remember where we are.

The views from our windows here are impressive.  These mountains are so very gigantic and much above thee tree line appears to be solid rock.  At the same time there is rich greenery as far as the forests go.

We are happy just sitting on the back porch of the hotel and reading in this restful and lovely atmosphere.