Wednesday - Banff National Park

We were early risers today to make it to Banff in time for our four hour scenic horse ride around Lake Louise.  This is an excursion that none of us will ever forget.  It was not your typical trail ride where the horses follow one another in a slow line on a trail.  We ascended a mountain through forest, rivers, snow and rocky cliffs to our destination all the while viewing the pristine Lake Louise, towering mountains and enormous glaciers.  Our destination was a remote tea house where we had a 30 minute break.  The tea house had no power or running water and large supplies are delivered via helicopter.  The staff hike in and stay for five days at a time.  While we were there, we heard several  booming cracks that ricocheted throughout the mountains.  We were told that this was glaciers calving on the other side of the mountain.  Um, wow!

These are pictures of Sarah Ellen going over the snow with her horse.  She was so nervous as she watched Lily's horse in front of her slipping on the snow.  With encouragement and trust in her horse, she made it over.  Then it was my turn - eek.  That was a little bit scary.

Zoom in on that little Buggy smile up on that big ole horse.

From left to right Lily P. on Pepsi, Lily W. on Pacer, Sarah Ellen on Walker, Angie on Guy, Taryn on Spur, Tripp on Ransom and James on Bobby.

It was fun getting to know our horses and their individual personalities.  Some wanted to eat, some were pokey, some were gassy and some liked living on the edge (mine).  Tripp asked me several times why I was leaning so far over!  Occasionally the horses would trot to catch up with one another.  At first this was fun.  Towards the end - OUCH!  There are several muscles and bones that obviously must build up a tolerance to horse riding.  Lily led the way with our guide, Abby, and fell in love with horse riding. I'm thinking we may have lessons in our future.  

The Lili!

After our ride, we walked down for a closer look of Lake Louise.  We touched the water and stayed for about 2 minutes.  Way too many tourists!  Tripp, Angie and the Lily drove over to Lake Morraine and walked around, while SE and I went back to Golden with James so he could make it to the doctor.  Let's hope antibiotic number three does the trick!

Riding horses is exhausting!

Tonight was the girls' night to cook.  They made breaded baked chicken with smashed potatoes and peaches.  It was delicious!