At first I wasn't so sure because the weather was pretty awful this morning, but then I said "Screw it." and figured that if it was bad driving towards my destination, then I would simply turn around and come back into the city again. Fortunately, Mother Nature decided to look favourably upon my impromptu journey and the weather just got nicer and nicer the further north (well ... northwest if you want to be technical) I drove.
I had only been planning on going as far as Canmore which is about an hour away from home. I drove around the city and walked a bit, then decided to check out the Nordic Center and briefly debated if I should try some skiing. Unfortunately, the wind was a bit too brisk and I hadn't brought my hat or snow pants with me so I probably would not have made it too far and wasted the money to rent skis and for entrance into the actual park.
So I figured, it was only another 15 minutes to the town of Banff and I could make the national park entrance fee worth it. Besides, I think it was necessary that I go on my own and explore - clear my head, enjoy the sights for myself. It was still a bit brisk, but sunny - way better than the forecast here at home - and there were hardly any people around - mostly locals and only a few tourists. Needless to say, Banff was super enjoyable without having to stop and walk around people taking pictures, stopping to figure out where they were, or slowing down simply because of the crowds.
I walked around for an hour and a half, wandering kind of aimlessly, and just forgetting myself and the world for a while. I stopped for a break in the Second Cup and warmed up with a honey vanilla tea latte and the sheer friendliness of the barista. After a half hour I went back to my car and hit the road again, debating if I should start heading home or head further north. Once I hit the fork in the road, I kept going north and opted to take the scenic drive to Johnston Canyon. I figured I might be able to hike up to the Lower Falls at the very least.
Ha! Fooled myself. The drive up to the canyon was gorgeous, as it always is, but there's just something about seeing the trees and foliage (and of course, mountains) covered in snow that makes it extra stunning. I got out of my car and was nearly taken away by a huge gust of wind. There was no way I was making it up to the Lower Falls, not without snow pants/wind breakers, and a hat. Do I really need to tell you what I did next? I got back in my car and decided to drive back.
I was super tempted to drive towards Lake Louise, but figured that I would get stuck in rush hour back in the city if I went. Oh well ... another time. At least now I can say that I made my own memories in a bunch of these places ... not to mention, got a complimentary refresher crash course in winter driving (not all stretches of the roads had been paved and sanded so it made for a bit of an exciting course through the winding roads).
Anyway ... I had a fabulous day. It was incredible having the chance to get away to clear my mind and relax for a day, especially since it's the middle of the week. Tranquility on a Wednesday? Unheard of until today, for me at least.
Just me, my tunes, some snacks, and the open road (with the added bonus of gorgeous scenery). I'll never get sick of seeing the mountains, especially in their majestic snow-capped states. And for being only an hour away? I love calling this place home.
Here are four of my favourites from today (ignore the spots ... my windshield wipers are evidently not doing their job properly!):
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