Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival

Peg and I attended the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour for many years beginning in Columbus in the early 90s. We decided several years ago that after retiring we would attend the real deal. This was to be the year so here I am.

I flew into Calgary last Friday and took the shuttle to the Banff Centre For Arts and Creativity which hosts the Film and Book Festival. I am staying at a hotel within the complex. I purchased the super duper ticket package so I will be attending all of the film screenings, lectures and book author talks.

On Saturday and Sunday I viewed twenty two films ranging in length from five minutes to seventy four minutes in length. They were all good and some were just plain fantastic. I was also treated to a presentation by Sonnie Trotter, Canada's premier rock climber, and Florian Schulz, a German nature photographer. What a treat.

The most intriguing film was titled "3000 Cups of Tea" which is a film in defense of Greg Mortenson who wrote the book "Three Cups of Tea" and has been responsible for building schools and educating thousands of girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Five or six years ago 60 Minutes and Jon Krakauer did a piece that really threw Greg under the bus. They claimed Greg stole from the non-profit that he set up and that many of the schools Greg claimed to build did not exist. Neither Greg or his non-profit were ever consulted. The film was EXCELLENT! Both the Director, Jennifer Jordon, and her Producer husband, Jeff Rhoads, introduced the film. The audience had a very pleasant surprise when it was announced that Greg himself was in the audience. I sat about ten seats from him.

After the film Jennifer answered some questions and Greg was invited to say a few words. He appeared as a very humble man who stated that although he made mistakes his primary goal has always been the education of girls and young women in Afghanistan and Pakistan. At the conclusion of his comments he made an interesting observation. I summary and paraphrasing "For almost all of recorded history men have been in charge and on the whole we haven't done a very good job. We must continue to educate women and allow them their say as to how the world operates." I could not agree more. Thanks Greg.

I have hiked everyday and have also taken advantage of the Banff Centre's great gym.

Today marks one year since Peg's death. I know Peg is where she always knew she would be....eternal peace and joy. We had an unbelievable 49 year run that produced three extraordinary children and now their extended families. Thanks Beav. I'm a happy camper and still loving life. Peg can now see things through my 20/20 eyes.

ILYB

                                          Banff Centre Complex

                                          Banff Town Centre from the summit of Tunnel Mt.

                                          Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. For the 1%.
                                          Afternoon tea is $45. Ouch!

                                          Nice view from the golf course

                                          Looking east from Tunnel Mt.

                                          Me and Beav near the Tunnel Mt. summit

 

More Maui

UAggie and Tim left for home on Tuesday evening so I'm on my own for a few days.

Yesterday I took a big step in my snorkeling career. For those of you who are unaware my motto has always been; "why would you get a perfectly dry face wet". To date here in Maui I have snorkeled every day but always within 50 yards of shore. So yesterday I participated in a snorkeling cruise. The boat was a catamaran and about 50 people were onboard. Our first stop was Molokini Island which was about a 45 minute ride from the dock. We anchored in about 40' of water and snorkeled between the boat and the island which was about 100 yards away. The water was crystal clear and the fish were everywhere. All sizes and colors. I rented an underwear camera and hopefully got some good pictures. The water was VERY choppy and after about 15 minutes the captain called everyone back onto the boat. 

Our next stop was in much calmer water at a location called "Turtle Town". I'd not see any turtles but several people did and there was also an octopus siting. Lunch was served and we began the 75 minute ride back to the dock. By that time the wind had really picked up with 4-6' swells. Fortunately I had taken seasick pills and was one of the few who suffered no ill effects. 

This morning I got up at 4:00 with the intention of seeing the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala at 10,023'. There was nearly a 30 minute wait at the National Park entry station and I barely made it. There was a crowd of several hundred. It was really cool. 

I then hiked about 4 miles and 2,500' down into the crater. The hike was great but I must admit the hike up was difficult but I took my time and thoroughly enjoyed the entire 8 miles.

This evening I witnessed the sunset at sea level standing in the water. 

A great day!

ILYB

    Sunrise at 10,023'

    In the crater

    In the crater II

    In the crater III. The trail

    Sunset

Maui, Hawaii

I am in Maui for a vacation that Peg and I had scheduled for last October 20. So here I am nearly a year later. It's tough but I am going to make the best of my time here. I invited Peg's brother Tim and my sister-in-law Aggie to join me. We are staying at a friend's condo in Kehei. The beach is just across the street. I arrived early in the afternoon last Saturday and Tim and Aggie came in that evening.

The first couple of days we spent most of our time relaxing at the beach and the pool while trying get our body clocks reset.

On Tuesday morning we headed up to Haleakala National Park. Haleakala is a dormant volcano with the summit ridge being at just over 10,000'. We travelled from sea level to 10,000' in about 45 minutes. The temperature went down 36 degrees. In the early '90s Peg and I rode bicycles from near the summit down to nearly sea level. 

On Monday evening we attended a Luau. The weather was perfect as was the food and entertainment.  I purchased a Hawaiian shirt for the occasion. Peg always teased me for wearing solid colored Oxford buttoned collared shirts for occasions such as a luau. So I hope she noticed.

Yesterday we circumvented the eastern half of the island starting with the road to Hana. The road to Hana is VERY winding with the top speed at around 15 MPH. We did short hikes to a black sand beach, a red sand beach and the Seven Sacred Pools. We arrived back in Kihei about 8:30. 

    Haleakala Crater in the clouds

    Handsome in my non-Oxford shirt

    The luau stage at sunset

    The black sand beach.

    Tim and Aggie at the red sand beach.

    Two of the lower pools.

Monday, August 15, 2016 - Another shitty day in the Canadian Rockies

First of all the saga of the great camera reconnection. The plan was that this morning I would go to the shop of Breeze HVAC and see if the office would contact the service tech that was at Lake O'Hara last Friday and see if I could rendezvous with my camera. I thought that chances of a reunion were good. So yesterday while in Banff I got on the internet to get the address of Breeze. Being the anal person I am I wanted to locate the business yesterday so I could go right to it this morning. I got to the address but there was no signage or trucks anywhere to be found. It was an industrial area so I decided to drive around in the vicinity to see if anything popped up. No luck so I headed back out of the Industrial Park. As I was leaving I saw a van with ladders on the top so I knew some sort of service vehicle was headed toward me. I figured that I could flag it down and ask where Breeze was located. Better than that it was a Breeze van and better still it was the guy who gave us a lift from Lake O'Hara. I waved to him and he pulled over and we both got out of our vehicles. I told him that I was the guy he picked up at Lake O'Hara and that I left my camera in his van. He hadn't even noticed but there it was right between the two front seats. So now through some extraordinary circumstances (or whatever) I have my camera back. Go figure!

Our campsite at Tunnel Mountain Campground has no hookups but is very nice. We had a campfire last night and will have one again tonight. Last night we splurged for dinner with grilled steaks, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob.

When we were on the Twin Falls hike we met a young couple and I asked them for a hike suggestion near our campground. They both suggested Healy Pass which is accessed at the Sunrise Ski Resort about ten miles west of Banff. We arrived there at 9:30 this morning. The hike is an 11.5 mile out and back with about 2,500' of elevation gain. The first four miles are a walk in the woods with only moderate elevation gain. We then popped out into a beautiful meadow and began some serious elevation gain before arriving at the pass. Neither my description or my pictures begin to give the area its due. Let's just say the views from the pass were some of the best ever. I continue to marvel at how fortunate I am to be able to visit places such as Healy Pass. I wish this for all of you.

Tomorrow we will start the journey home. I am taking the long way so I can take Sandy on the "Going to the Sun" road through Glacier National Park. We should be back home late Wednesday evening.

                                          Lake O'Hara

                                          Still smiling after 11 km.

                                          In the meadow headed to Healy Pass

                                          My lunchtime view

At Healy Pass

Monday, August 15, 2016 - Another shitty day in the Canadian Rockies

First of all the saga of the great camera reconnection. The plan was that this morning I would go to the shop of Breeze HVAC and see if the office would contact the service tech that was at Lake O'Hara last Friday and see if I could rendezvous with my camera. I thought that chances of a reunion were good. So yesterday while in Banff I got on the internet to get the address of Breeze. Being the anal person I am I wanted to locate the business yesterday so I could go right to it this morning. I got to the address but there was no signage or trucks anywhere to be found. It was an industrial area so I decided to drive around in the vicinity to see if anything popped up. No luck so I headed back out of the Industrial Park. As I was leaving I saw a van with ladders on the top so I knew some sort of service vehicle was headed toward me. I figured that I could flag it down and ask where Breeze was located. Better than that it was a Breeze van and better still it was the guy who gave us a lift from Lake O'Hara. I waved to him and he pulled over and we both got out of our vehicles. I told him that I was the guy he picked up at Lake O'Hara and that I left my camera in his van. He hadn't even noticed but there it was right between the two front seats. So now through some extraordinary circumstances (or whatever) I have my camera back. Go figure!

Our campsite at Tunnel Mountain Campground has no hookups but is very nice. We had a campfire last night and will have one again tonight. Last night we splurged for dinner with grilled steaks, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob.

When we were on the Twin Falls hike we met a young couple and I asked them for a hike suggestion near our campground. They both suggested Healy Pass which is accessed at the Sunrise Ski Resort about ten miles west of Banff. We arrived there at 9:30 this morning. The hike is an 11.5 mile out and back with about 2,500' of elevation gain. The first four miles are a walk in the woods with only moderate elevation gain. We then popped out into a beautiful meadow and began some serious elevation gain before arriving at the pass. Neither my description or my pictures begin to give the area its due. Let's just say the views from the pass were some of the best ever. I continue to marvel at how fortunate I am to be able to visit places such as Healy Pass. I wish this for all of you.

Tomorrow we will start the journey home. I am taking the long way so I can take Sandy on the "Going to the Sun" road through Glacier National Park. We should be back home late Wednesday evening.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, August 12, 13, 14, 2016 - Yoho and Banff National Parks

On Friday morning we left Jasper National Park and headed to Yoho National Park hoping to get a site at the Kicking Horse Campground which is first come, first serve. We arrived at 11:00 and were fortunate to get the last site available.

After lunch I decided that we should do the hike to Lake O'Hara. I have seen many pictures of the lake and have always wanted to see it. There are campsites there as well as a small lodge. All are hike in. The hike is 7 miles each way and is along an old logging road that is used by service vehicles for the lodge and campground. We arrived in about 2 1/2 hours and the lake did not disappoint. We walked around for about an hour and then headed back out. After about 3 1/2 miles on the return trip a service vehicle, Breeze Heating, AC and Refrigeration, was about to pass us and I hitched a ride. That is the good news. The bad news is that I pulled a "Leave It To Beaver" and left the camera in the van when we got dropped off at the parking lot. So at this point no pictures of Lake O'Hara. The company is in Banff and I will contact them tomorrow and try to get the camera back.

Yesterday we did the Twin Falls lollipop loop that Peg, Karen and I did 18 or so years ago. Neither Peg or Karen realized at the start of what was supposed to be a ten mile out and back hike turned into a 17  mile day. They were not particularly happy campers at the end of the day but later acknowledged what a great hike it was. Sandy knew from the beginning what was in store and agreed to give it a go. It was another long but great day. This is a hike that I could repeat many times. We got to see multiple waterfalls, glaciers and a vast amount of wide open country. The total elevation gain was close to 5,000'. And I'm happy to announce that 18 years later I was no more tired than the first time. 

We are now in Banff and are at the Tunnel Mountain Campground. Today will be spent doing laundry, grocery shopping, touring Banff and relaxing.

ILYB

    One of many falls

    Twin Falls - Still a two mile climb to the top

    Bridge over the Little Yoho River just before the falls

    I have the same picture from 18 years ago

    Wide open country

    Wide open country II

Thursday, August 11, 2016 - Whistler Summit, Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon

Did I mention how much I love the Canadian Rockies?

We took our time this morning and were on the road about 9:30. The tram up Whistler Mountain was nearby and if the cost wasn't beyond stupid we were going to do it. $40 a head; stupid but not beyond stupid. These things always give me the weebe geebys but I knew I would be fine. It was an eight minute ride up to 7,424 and from there you could hike another 423' of elevation gain to the summit. It was a little over a mile in length. The 360 degree views were spectacular even thought there were a lot of clouds.

After Whistler we drove the 60 or so miles to Maligne Lake which for my money is one special lake and location. I had hoped that we could do  of the boat tours (close to beyond stupid at $80 a head) but they were all booked for the day. We walked around a little and then headed back toward Jasper and Maligne Canyon. T

The canyon is short but very narrow, maybe 15', and quite deep, maybe 125'. We walked a little along the canyon and took a few pictures.

We are now back in Jasper at the same coffee house where I posted yesterday. One hour of wifi for $3. Reasonable.

Tomorrow we head to Yoho National Park. All of the campgrounds are first come first serve so I plan to leave by 7:00 for the three hour drive.

                                          Tram

                                          Maligne Canyon

                                          To the top of Whistler Mountain

                                          At least one happy camper on top of Whistler Mountain

                                          Pyramid Peak

                                          Happy Camper at Maligne Lake

 

Maligne Lake

 

Thursday , August 11, 2016

Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway and Jasper

I love the Canadian Rockies. Peg and I really enjoyed our visits to this part of the world. As we travelled the world we saw many beautiful places. Hundreds if not thousands of times at one of those places I would say to Peg "almost as pretty as you". I would have said it many times today. I sure am missing you Beav.

Sandy and I were up about 7and had our usual breakfast of Cheerios, blueberries and milk. We then headed north to Lake Louise. I have always said that Lake Louise is a must see but there are way too many people there and a short visit and a few pictures is sufficient. We got there about 9:30 and beat most of the tour buses but the place was already packed. I took some pictures and then took Sandy in the Fairmont Hotel to see how the 1% lives. The cheap rooms are $500 a night.

From Lake Louise we got on the Icefields Parkway which for my money is one of the best drives in the world. We stopped at the Visitors Center which is at the foot of the Athabasca Glacier. Peg, Karen White and I were there in the mid 90s and I could hardly believe how much the glacier has receded. We toured the exhibits and watched a 20 minute film. We had lunch in the camper in the parking lot (the lunch buffet in the cafeteria was $30) and headed to Jasper.

We are not in a Laundromat doing the laundry before heading to the Whistler Campground. I am going to try to find a place in town for tomorrow night so we can get some hiking done while here.

ILYB

                                          Sandy at Lake Louise

                                          Can't remember the name of this glacier

                                          Peg, what are these flowers?

                                          Athabasca Glacier

                                          Happy Campers

August 8 & 9, 2016 - Backpack to Floe Lake and aborted plans

Sandy and I had breakfast at the campsite at Radium Hot Springs and the headed to the Floe Lake Trailhead which was about an hour away. An issue that was facing us at the end of the backpack trip was the fact that the camper was eight miles away. I figured we would somehow find a ride and was not planning to walk. As soon as we pulled into the trailhead parking lot I saw a guy getting out of his car with a backpack. I walked over and asked if he intended to do the same loop that we were doing. The answer was yes and his plan was to also finish on Friday. I suggested that we take one of the vehicles to the Paint Pot Trailhead, the end of the trip and then come back to the Floe Lake trailhead. That way we would have a car at the end. He said great and Grant and I took off while Sandy waited with the gear. On the way to the Paint Pot Trailhead I thought it a good idea to leave his car there and return with my camper to the start point. My thinking was that if we had any issues in the first two days we could return to the start point and have a vehicle there. I must say.....a stroke of genius.

As our hike progressed throughout the day it became apparent to me that I had chosen a trip that was too difficult for 70 year old Sandy. The last couple of miles to Floe Lake was very steep switchbacks and just about depleted her energy and leg strength. It was one of the more difficult climbs that I have done. It was steeper than Cervidae for those of you familiar with that hike. And just to make things a little worse a hard rain began to fall. We did make it to the lake and campsite and were glad we did. We set up the tent in the rain but managed to keep the inside relatively dry. I suggested that we head back today and Sandy reluctantly concurred. We awoke this morning to clear skies and a temperature around 40. We took our time heading back and arrived at the van about 2:30.

Now the challenge was to find a place to stay tonight. We ended up in Banff at the Tunnel Mountain Campground after having no luck at several others. This campground has over 600 sites. Peg, Karen White and I stayed at this location many years ago.

I was able to make a reservation at a campground in Jasper National Park for tomorrow night but haven't found any availability for Thursday night. I'm sure something will work out.

                                          Happy campers at Floe Lake Trailhead

                                          Me and the Fireweed

                                          Floe Lake

                                          Tent site

Saturday and Sunday, August 6-7, 2016 - Headed to Canada and Kootenay National Park

Sandy and I left home at 6 AM Saturday headed to Cranbrook, British Columbia via US Route 95. We arrived at the Mount Baker RV Park in Cranbrook at 5:30 PM with 575 miles under our belt. We breezed through Canadian Customs. The weather was mostly clear with temperatures in the low 70s. We did a little grocery shopping, fixed dinner and spent the rest of the evening sitting outside relaxing and reading.

This morning we were up at 7 broke camp and headed to the grocery store for some ice. I can tell you that the Canadians are very proud of their ice as a ten pound block was $5. We also fueled up at $4.75 a gallon. We stopped at a Starbucks for my coffee and a McDonalds for Sandy's "fountain Coke". We ate our breakfast of Cheerios, milk and blueberries in the McDonald's parking lot.

Today took us to the town of Radium Hot Springs and the southern entrance to Kootenay National Park. We are camped at the Red Streak Campground. It was only a 100 mile drive from Cranbrook. It didn't take me long to figure out why the Canadian National Parks are better maintained than their counterparts in the US. Our ten day National Park Pass cost $156. At age 62 I purchased my lifetime US National Park Pass for $10. Go figure.

This afternoon we did a four mile out and back hike to the Radium Hot Springs which at this point is nothing more than a swimming pool with hot spring water in it. We saved the $25 and walked back to the campground.

Tomorrow morning we will drive the 40 or so miles to the Floe Lake Trailhead to begin our 5 day backpack trip on the Rock Wall route. We should be out on Friday afternoon and will have to hitchhike back to the camper.

    Happy campers at the Kootenay NP Visitor's Center

    Mountain Goat at the Visitor's Center

    Viewpoint during our hike

    A disappointing Radium Hot Springs

Friday, July 15, 2016 - Back to Fairbanks

Even though we decided to try to sleep in this morning we were all wide awake at 6:30 so we got up, packed up and were on the road at 7:15. We decided to treat ourselves to breakfast at the Tangle Lakes Resort which was about 1 1/2 miles further down the road and was on the paved portion of the Denali Highway. There is no power in this part of the world so everything is run on a large diesel generator. They have Verizon cell service but no land line.

After breakfast we had a little over 200 miles to Fairbanks. Some of the drive paralleled the Alaskan Pipeline. It was truly an amazing construction feat. The pipeline is 48" in diameter. Most of it is elevated but the parts that had to be buried required blasting due to the permafrost. 

We arrived in Fairbanks in the early afternoon and did a little grocery shopping before checking into the RV Park. We sat around for a while, showered and then went to the University of Fairbanks Museum. Bet and Jim had been there before I arrived but decided it was worth a return visit. Aside from the fact that the entry fee was $12 and they had no "senior" discount it was a good visit.

We went out to dinner and not Bet and Jim are getting things organized for out 5:00 AM departure to the airport. They are then headed to Anchorage for a couple of days and then out to the Kenai Peninsula for a few days. They are having a great time and to date have logged just under 7,000 miles. 

This is my last blog entry of this adventure. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I know I sound like a broken record but it sure would have been better with "The Beav". 

My next adventure begins on August 6 when Sandy and I spend nearly two weeks in the Canadian Rockies backpacking and hiking. Stay tuned.

ILYB

    Great Lake reflection

    Alaskan Pipeline

    Dall Sheep

    Polar Bear