Banff - day one

We have arrived in Banff, our base camp for the next four weeks. We left Cochrane this morning after arriving back in Calgary, from LAX, last night - it was only an 80 mile drive.

After we un-hitched we were eager to see some of the incredible mountain views so we took the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail - 10.2 km (6.4 miles); easy. Here are some pictures -

The trail meanders along the Bow River.

We stopped to get a look at the Inukchuk - bottom, center right - and this float trip went by. 

Here's the larger view with the Inukchuk at bottom right.

Mount Rundle across the Bow River valley.

Mt. Rundle with the Bow River and Hoodoos.

Close up of the Hoodoos. I must say, we have seen more impressive Hoodoos in other locations.

We thought this one looked a little bit like a prairie dog.

On the hike back.

The Fairmont Banff Springs - built in 1888 - a fairy-tale chateau.

Our campground is at the base of this mountain - I don't know the name, but we'll find out.