Banff and a Reindeer

Sunday, 27^th December 2015

Reindeer

No closer!

There's a bear in there ...

Bear prayer flags installation

A horse

Hope the next helicopter has doors!

Log cabin

Headdress

Very impressive chandelier

Bushwalking

Ice walking

Bow River

Not venturing onto the ice, thank you

Bow River and road bridge

Bow River

Obligatory selfie

Carollers

Late yesterday afternoon, everyone except Dave (who had dropped the family off and gone to the supermarket) were nicely settled after removing all the outdoor clothing, when Dave arrived home to say that there was an elk or something at the end of our street in the trees.  It was a mad rush to put on the necessary clothing for the dash to the car and a short drive.  The elk was actually a very large reindeer which appeared to have settled down for the night.  We had to explain to Jack, especially, that it was a very large, wild animal and we really shouldn’t get too close; it is probably wiser to stay in the car.  However, the reindeer didn’t appear too perturbed by our presence.

This morning was much milder, only -11, and it was still very dark when Dave & Co departed for the first day on skis.  Lessons had been booked and Aidan was going to ski school/childcare for the day.  We weren’t really sure just how enthusiastic Shan was about the outing.

Having a full – and quiet – day to ourselves, we wandered along the back streets to the Whyte Museum, which detailed the early history of the Banff area and also had a large art gallery.  The exhibits were very interesting, with some interactive displays as well.  Following this, we enjoyed a walk along the Bow River and the pedestrian foot bridge.  There were some lovely views of the mountains, some of which had a lot of snow swirling about them.  We welcomed the sit down at lunch time and rest – the paths and roadways today seemed to be icier than usual and there were a few balletic poses along the way.  Our return was along Banff Avenue, checking out a few souvenir shops on the way, enjoying the group of carollers and dodging tourists and ice.