Since we last spoke we snuck extra wine into Canada, took a tall tall gondola to the top of Banff, hiked the extra kilometer up to a windy, but breathtaking spot atop the charming city.
We dined on a yummy lunch at the Banff Springs Hotel before taking yet another bubble bath in our hotel (with the challenging fireplace.) Those of you on facebook already know that our first night in Banff I tried to set the stage for some romance by opening a bottle of wine and lighting a fire. To say it was a failure would be a joke. The room filled with so much smoke that Jas' allergies kicked in and he was miserable. We ended up watching tv (oh, and I think I recall blogging that day... maybe I'm not as far behind as I think I am.)
Anywho...
After our second day in Banff we were headed to Lake Louise, but with only a 50 minute travel time between locations we decided to spend our day by driving up the Canadian Ice Fields Parkway. I don't have the vocabulary to describe the views - but these pictures should help.
Upon arrival at the Chateau Lake Louise we were greeted by a snappy valet in kicky shorts and green tights. Nothing says $800 a night like a grown man proud to wear green tights. Our suite was a delight, with ANOTHER fun bathtub. No jets like in Walla Walla, or smokey fireplace like Banff, but pretty darned wonderful anyway.
We rested for a bit, took a gander at the lake and dressed for dinner. We had reservations for a dress up dinner at the restaurant recommended by the hotel (back in June when we made reservations.) I think perhaps Bavarian faire isn't my favorite, but I give the hotel kudos for having the balls (yes, I said balls) to charge $47 for 6 ounces of thinly sliced beef that we cooked ourselves (fondu). The following night we dined at the "Saloon" on the lower floor and were pleased with our casual but more substantial dinner. It is an topsy turvy world when I don't get enough to eat at dinner.
We spent our day at LL by taking the 7km hike to the little lake "up the way". It was advertised as a 3 hour hike, but we enjoyed tea at the rustic tea house at the top (where supplies are helicoptered in, and they have no power) and to be honest it was an athletic event and it took us longer than it might have for those of you who do things like "jog" or "work out". In the end, it was a delightful way to spend the day.
This morning, we had a light hotel breakfast (meaning it was under $40) and then made our way to Kelowna. The travel book said that Rogers Pass is the most scenic pass in Canada, but I'm sorry, after the Ice fields Parkway, Rogers Pass was only mildly amazing. Rico arranged for a friends and family rate at the Holiday Inn Express and we were sad to learn our room wasn't ready. But, keeping in line with our bathtub themed room, we were upgraded to the suite. A rather roomy room with a bathtub for two. Woo Woo.
We are sampling a glass of Isenhower wine (in shitty plastic cups)and deciding where to dine for dinner. This room has a 50 inch big screen tv and I think we'll be watching a movie after dinner (and ANOTHER bubble bath - thank you Claire for the fun bubble bath.)
I'm going to post this, download photos and come back later to show you the pictures, so please check back.
3 comments:
Wait, I'm confused: You'll be posting pictures of the bubble bath? That seems wrong, somehow.
Glad the gift is serving you well, you two lovebirds! :)
Isn't that teahouse above Lake Louise fun?? T and I hiked up to it in 2001 (taking turns carrying a sick, ridiculously heavy 10 month old baby on our backs!), and we thought we were never going to make it... but we were glad we did.
Just caught up with events and you both look so happy....I guess that's what a big party, gorgeous dress and fantastic honeymoon will do for you. TP - you looked fab in your dress....have fun lovebirds and please make sure that you use every bathtub and bit of bubble bath you get!
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