We're back. Back from mountains that is.

Four days in mountains seemed like a blessing (at least in the beginning he-he).

Everything started with us deciding to spend some time in mountains while the season is "low" and prices are "low" and while mountains are still accessible. So that is what we did: we went on a trip from Jasper to Banff through Icefields parkway.

I can't describe in simple words how beautiful Jasper-Banff area is. Although Jasper leads the pack in my opinion :) First day of driving was nasty driving through falling "sticky" snow at speeds sometimes lower than posted speed limit on the highway (how ridiculous! :-D ). Anyway we got to Jasper just fine.

Very next day we were supposed to get our "breakfast" part from "bed-and-breakfast" at hotel's local restaurant but owner decided "he was bored" (according to waiter) so we were sent over to "sister" hotel across the road. I must tell it was some luck. It was THE BEST breakfast I had in a long time. Name of the place (take pen and paper now) - Chateau Jasper. It was so good - we ended up having dinner at that place. What striked us - prices were ridiculously low for the quality! So any time in Jasper - give Chateau Jasper a try - you wouldn't regret it.

First day we spend some time "up there" taking gondola lift up to the top and walking almost in the clouds. Views and feeling of beeing "on par" with Rockies was stunning.

Very same day we went to check out Mt. Edith. Awesome place to visit - but be prepeared for cold. It was downright chilly out there so our excitment was brief as we were both tired and cold at the end of the day. NEvertheless Mt. Edith is our target for visit next summer or so.

Next day was a "trip" day - we went from Jasper to Banff stopping by and checking out views and small trails leading to well-hidden lakes and such. Very relaxing activity, although physically somewhat demanding (don't forget you have to drive all day too :( ).

Reaching Icefields was a culmination point of the day. Max was promissed a "surprise" so he's got it: ride in a big, huge Ice Explorer. Big wheels and revving engine were major score points with Max.

As it was getting late and we were getting pretty tired we drove straight to banf that day with no more stops.

Banff... well banff was less exciting either because we were somewhat tired or maybe because it's Banff... I don't know. But we took it real easy there - strolling along the edge of the lake we couldn't get too far as there was big red "grizly bear" warning sign so we retreated promptly.

The rest is even less exciting as we drove home the next day. And guess what - I started to miss mountains already.

Now that your appetite is wet enough - check out pictures from the trip