Banff

Skiing in banff has been great. I went to Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise. The snow was deep at Lake Louise and Sunshine, a foot of fresh powder. The views were spectacular. The hotel had an outdoor hot pool and when you sit in it you are surrounded by mountains. Beautiful views. The hot pool (large hot tub) was great to sooth the aching muscles after a day of skiing in prep for the next day of skiing.

The town is very small but full of young people from around the world working there. They all wear name tags indicating where they are from. It is a great little town and Karan Leal would be impressed as they have two Keg restaurants in the downtown, which is smaller than Peterborough's.

I got so much skiing in. I met people at Norquay who were members and they took me all over the slopes. I hills are very challenging and make your legs burn in some cases.

On my way out of Banff my shuttle to the airport did not pick me up. Luckly after an hour of trying to call them, they weren't open anymore, another shuttle came by to pick up others going to the airport. For $40 cash I was able to hitch a ride. This was cheaper than I had paid for the phatom ride. Still trying to get a hold of them to get my money back. Luckly was not flying until the morning and was only going to a hotel.

I checked out almost all of the spots on Natasha's hot list. She lived here and told me where to eat and check out. They were great places, beats McD's. The food was great.

I went to the Banff Springs hotel and used their pools and hot tub also great. Also checked out Lake Louise what a beautiful hotel, and surroundings. They offer free shuttles from the ski hill to check it out.

Have I mentioned how beautiful it has been and how excellent the skiing is. I will have to come back to ski again. Everyone is here to ski and the shuttle busses run all day taking skiers back and forth. It really has been tourist friendly.

Hope all is well. I am currently in Vancouver for 2 days. Staying now at a hostel. Hope it is an uneventful hostel stay.

Checked out the Granville market today on Granville island. It was awesome. I happened upon a winter festival (no snow in Vancouver, 4 feet on the roofs in Lake Louise) and was able to tour some local artisans stalls. It was great the market and huge the tour helped find things. I think I spent 5 or 6 hours there. I went to an improv skit thing there too. It was neat.