Anything But Regular

The adventure begins with a trip to the top of Cascade Mountain.

Wow. If you recall, it was Monday August 27th when I flew to Calgary to meet Rick and then be zipped by Brewster Travel to Banff so that we could begin our Big Mountain Challenge. Just over a week later I am exhausted physically, but completely energized at the same time. This challenge was exactly what I needed: the perfect mix of activity, adventure, and relaxation.

Thanks Banff and Lake Louise!

For those keeping score, The Big Mountain Challenge was to include three major hikes: Cascade Mountain, Mount Temple, and Sulphur Mountain. Sadly, because of bears and then because of the weather, Mount Temple was not to be. Did we fret about this? Hells no. Instead, we climbed three other mountains, added a teahouse challenge, went canoeing, and pretty much worked ourselves to the point of physical exhaustion. Because that’s what Rick and I do.

Simply put – the challenge was AWESOME.

The official list of hikes and other activities are as follows:

• 

  On top of Mount Fairview.

  Monday: Arrive in Banff

• Tuesday: Cascade Mountain (~19.00 km)
• Wednesday: Spa day
• Thursday: Leave Banff, Arrive in Lake Louise, Canoeing on Lake Louise (~4.00 km)
• Friday: Mount Fairview & Saddleback Mountain (~10.00 km)
• Saturday: The Lake Louise Highline Teahouse Challenge (~15.00 km)
• Sunday: Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass & Mount Eiffel, Leave Lake Louise, Arrive in Banff (~15.00 km)
• Monday: Sulphur Mountain & Spa day (~5.50 km)
• Tuesday: Leave Banff

This means we managed to hike/paddle almost 70 km while successfully climbing 5 different mountains and collecting a two-piece Teahouse Challenge magnet. Not too bad for a week’s work. And definitely not too bad considering we were pampered by the Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotels.

On top of Mount Eiffel – with Mount Temple in the background.

I can honestly say that waking up this morning – back in my own bed – knowing that I’d have to make my own breakfast, make my own bed, pour my own coffee, and pretty much do everything for myself (like a sucker) made getting out of bed difficult. Very difficult.

I know, I know – whoa is me.

But seriously – we were treated so well by Fairmont that now my regular life seems, well, regular.

I think what I need to do is begin planning another adventure. Because nothing cures wanderlust like a new adventure. It also doesn’t hurt to look back at the photos and relive the experience while it’s so fresh in my memory. So that is what I’m going to do – plan some new adventures (more to come on that), and review my photos.

And because I can, I’m going to share my favourite photos with you (in no particular order).

Enjoy!

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I loved this mirror.

If you look closely, you might be able to see the fisher.

I also have conquered Cascade Mountain. It’s also what I do.

Rick has conquered Cascade Mountain. It’s what he does.

Everywhere I looked was a potential picture. So much beauty.

Canoeing Lake Louise. I’ll remember this for the beauty, the colour of the water, the glaciers, and the most obnoxious families from Texas and Washington.

Sunrise as we aim to make the summit of Mount Fairview.

Hiking to the peak of Mount Fairview. Enjoying the sunshiny goodness.

On top of Mount Fairview.

At the top of Mount Fairview.

Hanging out with Mr. Rick at the top of a mountain. It’s what we do.

Checking out the world from Mount Fairview. Feeling thinky.

I wish the perspective and depth came through here. This is at the top of Mount Fairview.

The minute Rick learned that Banff Lake Louise Tourism was going to set us up with another attempt to summit Mount Temple. Best. Moment. Ever.

Lake Agnes – crystal clear.

Rick, Paul, and me prior to making our way to Sentinel Pass

Rick and Paul criss-crossing to Sentinel Pass. There was a mighty wind here.

Rick and me near Sentinel Pass

Rick and Paul descending from Sentinel Pass.

Sentinel Pass (the lower part of the mountain) and Mount Temple – on the right.

Another mountain, more smiles. We’re simple that way.

On top of Mount Eiffel with Rick – with Mount Temple taunting us in the background.

On top of Mount Eiffel with Rick – remembering the reason we’re climbing these mountains.

Rick on top of Mount Eiffel. Looking fierce. Sasha fierce.

Descending Mount Eiffel. Slippery. Muddy. Cold. Awesome.

Paul’s equipment. Looks deadly.

Lake Moraine – after climbing Mount Eiffel

Hiking up Sulphur Mountain – our last mountain to conquer.

Rick receiving the cheque for The Kidney Foundation of Canada. This felt AMAZING.

All smiles after finishing the Big Mountain Challenge.

Hiking towards Cascade.

Pfffft. Cascade Mountain – you aren’t so big.

Sunset in Banff. As sunsets go, this is pretty freaking amazing.

Our home for many days – the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Also known as Hogwarts.

Breakfast with a view. I miss breakfast with a view.

Mount Temple – why do you tempt us so?

Tasty goodness. Thank you Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It was delicious.

More amazing scenery.

Mount Temple. Mocking us. Mocking us so much.

A rainbow and snow at Lake Louise. Am I dreaming?

On our way to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.

A snack on my last day at Evelyn’s.

Sunset on my flight home.

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