August 1, 2012 Part I - Calgary to Revelstoke - Banff

Well today was Day 10 of our Canada adventure and after two nights in Calgary, we were ready to get back on the road.  This morning we awoke to partly cloudy skies, but no rain or hail, which was a good thing.  The photo below is of how we left the motorcycles last evening to protect them from the rain.  No room for valet parking after we showed up.  

After packing the motorcycles and drying them off, it was time to get on the Trans Canada Highway and head west for the first time in the trip.  As we left the skyline of Calgary, we saw the Ski Jumping Venue from the 1988 Winter Olympics on the south side of the highway.  A couple of very impressive structures that are still used by the Canadian Olympic Team to train ski jumpers. 

It was then on towards Banff National Park and the town of Banff.  

Mike and Carolyn

Fred and Susan

Steve and Sharon

John and Barbara

Lonnie and Terry

George

As we headed towards Banff, we were soon greeted by a view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.  We had never seen such a beautiful display of nature's power to shape and carve beauty.  The photos below, as all of the photos posted, do not do justice to the amazing scenery we saw today.

After about 90 minutes of riding, we arrived at the entrance to Banff National Park.  After paying the entry fees, we traveled on to the town of Banff for some rest and sightseeing. 

There were waterfalls everywhere.

Motorcycle Paparazzi

George driving down the main street of Banff

Parked in the town of Banff

Main Street of Banff facing Northwest

Barbara, John  and George formulating a plan of attack.

Evidently there is a temporary truce in the Photo Face Off between Linda and Susan

Brian at the corner of walk/don'twalk

George and Steve in a strategy meeting.

Brian and John trying to figure out how to get out of Banff.

Brian getting animated with John while figuring out how to get out of Banff

Linda, step away from the motorcycle. 

Leaving Banff

That is it for Part I.  I am at the mercy of the Hotel's Internet connection to upload photos so it has taken a while to complete this.  I will cover our visit to Lake Louise tomorrow in Part II.

As I finish up this evening, the wind is blowing and a steady rain is falling outside the hotel here in Revelstoke.  The Canadian weather dudes say the rain will stop by morning.  Lets hope they are more accurate than thier American Counterparts.  

Brian