Well got back from my little camping excursion. Went quite well actually, I'm surprised. Compared to the last one I went on at least. The next one should be even more prepared and a better experience as well.

Picked up my girl in Calgary around 4:30 PM on Saturday. From there we went straight to Banff. It's about 100 KM or so to Banff so it didn't take too long. The drive was very beautiful too which is nice. Landed in Banff, and went into the town to look at some stuff and then hit the road again and figured with the sun setting so qucikly, it was best for us to find a camping spot. Started driving up towards Lake Louise and towards the camping sites on the map we were provided with at the entrance of the park. Well, the first 2-3 camping sites all were full and we were both hungry and getting tired. But found another spot that had a lot of sites. Drove around it and FINALLY found a camp site. By this time it was practically pitch black dark out. Couldn't set up the tent so we figured get some food made and sleep in the van. My roommate Brad lent me his portable propane grill which we quickly got going and cooked the hot dogs on it. We didn't have a firepit site so this is what we were forced with. We settled in for the night, in the van, and went to sleep. It was about 11 PM at this time we figured wince we didn't have a watch and cell phone had no service, so couldn't even see. Up at around 9:30 AM, as I figured out the camera I had, kept the time and date. So from that point on we used it as our clock. We ate breakfast, which consisted of cereal, gathered our wits and were on our way towards the the Columbia Icefields and the next campsite. Figured might as well get in, pay for it earlier and then come back and settle in.


Part 2: Lake Louise and the Icefields.

Made the next stop Lake Louise since it was on the way to the Icefields. Always a huge tourist attraction and today (Sunday) was no different. Rather calm day and the lake was beautiful. Got some nice pics of it. Was a bit cloudy but otherwise was a nice day overall. Got there about 1:00 PM or so. Didn't spend too long there as there isn't much to see except the lake. And we didn't have a lot of time to go hiking and such. So got back on the road towards our next campsite. Arrived there and set up camp.

It happened to be at the same campsite I stayed at 3 years prior. A small little place with only about 17 sites but it was the cheapest at $17.70 per night. A lot of people were on the way out of the park because the next day was Monday and they probably had to work. So I figured we had a good chance of getting a spot. Arrived and found a great spot and got settled in. Now, I don't I've EVER set up a tent but it turned out quite good. Just had to add some common sense and it was all good. As you can see by the picture :) So, we set up and decided ok let's drive the hour and a bit to the icefields.

Now it doesn't look like much but it is a glacier for Pete's sakes !! Not many just kicking around. Anyways we did the mini hike up to it, however it was a bit different this year. When I went 3 years ago, they had a section roped off, about 30 onto the glacier itself, that you could actually walk on, however with the warm temperatures and such, it was too unsafe. Rats.... Oh well, maybe next time. If I was to take the the bus guided tours, they bring you to the top of the glacier where you can walk on and such. Maybe next time... We hiked back down and it started to lightly rain, so I figured we head back to the campsite, get some food, and relax for a bit, much before nightfall.
Drove back and cooked some food over an open flame of the firepit.

Look, I have created FIRE !! LOL. Now, it wasn't a one match fire, however, I did get it going and we were eating fire cooked hotdogs, and beans, and for dessert was marshmallows and raspberries ! YUM !!

The only bad thing was I started the fire way too soon, so we had to keep it burning for a while before the sun set, but by that time, I was wiped and ready for bed. A long day. Went to bed around 10:30 PM I believe. One thing I must remember to bring for next time is a sleeping bag (Brad gave me his, but I gave it to my girl to use) and a foamie. Ended uyp sleeping on the ground and it was one of the most uncomfortable sleeps ever. But survived it nonetheless. Waking up sucked though, especially at 7:30 AM or so. It was probably about 5 C if not colder. There was frost on my car window, on the rain tent covering, and on some of the firewood. So needless to say, we were cold. I got a fire started again, and used it to heat up. Then we packed up shop and decide to head back and out of the park. On the way out, saw two women that were hitchhiking. So I figured, give them a ride. Found out that they were from France, so at least I could speak french to them. They weren't going as far as we were though. They needed to take the turnoff that goes towards BC. I drove them as far as I could, dropped them off again and said bye.

Not much more to the story than all of that. If you are a nature lover and want some great pics, this national park is for you. Saw a huge herd of elk, goats, squirrels, birds but still no bear :)



The scenery is awe inspiring and I will try and get back here as much as possible. Only thing I didn't really like is how expensive it was. Close to $20 a day just to be in the park, about $30 on average per night at a campsite. But I guess it's what it is....