Tag: Banff

Tunnel Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (8-1-17)

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!

Even though the air was hazy and clouds hung over the Bighorns, approaching Buffalo, Wyoming SPHP stopped at a pullout along I-90 so Lupe could get out and stretch her legs.  With the haze, the view wasn’t nearly so good as it might have been, but Lupe was in great spirits!  It was the last day of July, and the first day of what was going to be her most stupendous Dingo Vacation of the entire summer of 2017.

Lupe was in great spirits even though the air was hazy as she passed by Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. This last day of July was the very 1st day of her most stupendous Dingo Vacation of 2017! More than 6 weeks of non-stop fun and adventures was just beginning! Photo looks W.

Lupe’s day had started early, before 6:00 AM.  She’d had to take a bath, not her favorite thing.  Then she’d had to wait hours while SPHP packed the G6 and scurried around taking care of a seemingly endless list of last minute details.

Events started improving rapidly after that.  Getting Beggin’ Strips and breakfast on the deck overlooking the canyon at Grandma’s house had been fun.  A last minute check on things at home and Lupe was on her way!  (10:29 AM, 84°F)

Nearly this whole day would be spent on the road, but Loop didn’t mind that in the least.  Perched up even with the dash on her traditional pile of pillows and blankets, she was having a riot barking at cows, horses and anything else that struck her fancy as the G6 sped on by.

After a short stroll and as good a look at the Bighorn Range as conditions allowed, Lupe and SPHP were ready to hit the road again.  Before Lupe reached Billings, Montana, the temperature hit a high of 102°F.  Beastly!  Of course, Loopster rode in air-conditioned comfort, so it hardly mattered, except when SPHP stopped in Billings.  SPHP had to race into Albertson’s to buy fried chicken for dinner, then dash back out before the G6 became a Dingo oven.

NW of Billings, SPHP turned W on Hwy 12.  The long drive up the Musselshell River valley heading for the Little Belt Mountains was relaxing and delightful.  Near Harlowton, Lupe could see Crazy Peak (11,209 ft.), and it’s long SE ridge which she had been on with her mountaineering friend Jobe Wymore only 9 days ago at the tail end of her last Dingo Vacation.  The mountain was barely visible in a smoky haze, but SPHP was certain that was it.

Lupe reached King’s Hill Pass (7,393 ft.) on Hwy 89 in the Little Belt Mountains shortly before sunset (8:17 PM).  No time to lose!  Lupe and SPHP set out immediately, following the gravel road W up to the fire lookout tower and Showdown ski area on Porphyry Peak (8,192 ft.).

The sun had already sunk into a bank of clouds on the W horizon by the time Lupe and SPHP reached the summit.  It was pretty clear the sun wasn’t going to make a reappearance, and light was fading fast.  Conditions weren’t all that great for seeing anything anyway.  A smoky haze hung in the air here, too.  At least climbing the mountain had been good exercise after a long day in the G6.

While twilight lingered, Lupe and SPHP strolled around Porphyry Peak’s summit.

The sun had already sunk behind a bank of clouds on the W horizon by the time Lupe made it up to the Porphyry Peak fire lookout tower. Photo looks E.
An information plaque at the base of the lookout tower.
Lupe near the Showdown ski area facilities on Porphyry Peak. Photo looks NE.
Big Baldy Mountain (9,177 ft.) (R) is the highest point in the Little Belt Range in W central Montana. Porphyry Peak was the first mountain Lupe climbed on this Dingo Vacation. Big Baldy Mountain would eventually prove to be the last. Photo looks NE.

Before the light was completely gone, SPHP wanted to go at least partway up the fire lookout tower.  The tower wasn’t staffed at present.  In fact, not another soul was around anywhere on the mountain.  The access door to the observation deck was locked shut.

That was fine with the American Dingo.  While Loopster doesn’t mind clambering around on high mountains, she doesn’t care much for lookout towers.  From her perspective, there’s too much air between those big steps.  It’s not natural and just plain scary!  Lupe refused to go any farther up than the first flight of stairs.

Light of day fades away in the Little Belt Mountains. Photo looks WNW from partway up the Porphyry Peak fire lookout tower.
Nope, not coming any farther up than this, SPHP!

The last light of day faded away.  A half moon hung in the evening sky as Lupe and SPHP made the trek back down to King’s Hill Pass.

The next morning, Lupe was underway again as the sun peeped above the horizon.  This was another travel day, and at 11:00 AM the Carolina Dog crossed uneventfully into Canada at Sweet Grass.  Southern Canada looked drier than Lupe had ever seen it before.  The smoke of forest fires farther W filled the air even here.

By 3:00 PM Looper was in the huge metropolis of Calgary.  It was sunny when she arrived, though the sky was clouding up.  An hour later, as Lupe headed W on Trans-Canada Hwy 1 toward the Canadian Rockies, dark clouds dropped light rain showers.

Loop in Calgary, Canada enjoying the drive so far.

Lupe reached Banff at 5:00 PM.  It was August 1st, 3 years to the day since she’d last been in beloved Banff.  SPHP drove slowly down Banff Avenue, crossed the bridge over the beautiful Bow River, and parked near the tennis courts and picnic ground.

After spending most of the day in the G6, Looper was more than ready to get out.  Loop and SPHP went for a stroll down by the Bow River.

Lupe at the beautiful Bow River in Banff, Canada. It was 3 years to the day since Lupe had left Banff toward the end of her 2014 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies & Beartooths. The S end of Tunnel Mountain is on the L. Mount Rundle on the R. Photo looks ESE.

Being back in Banff was great!  Montana’s blistering summer heat and smoky air were a thing of the past.  Low clouds and cool mist hung over the mountains.  Lupe and SPHP strolled E along the S side of the Bow River.  When Loop got to the pedestrian footbridge over the river, she took it.

Crossing the Bow River. Photo looks WNW.

On the N side of the river, Lupe came to a posted map of Banff.  The map showed a trail leading up Tunnel Mountain E of town.  That was a great idea!  There was time enough to do that right now!  Lupe and SPHP kept going.  Soon the Carolina Dog was on the Tunnel Mountain trail.

This map of Banff posted on the N side of the Bow River shows the trail leading up to Tunnel Mountain E of town. That was a great idea! The trail wasn’t far away, and Loop still had plenty of time to climb the mountain this evening.
On the popular Tunnel Mountain trail in Banff. Even though it was cloudy and cool out, Lupe met plenty of people and dogs along the way.

The Tunnel Mountain trail is an easy climb and hugely popular.  Even though it was cloudy and cool out, Lupe met plenty of people and dogs.  Since it was getting to be dinnertime, most were on their way back down to Banff.

The views weren’t nearly as spectacular as they would have been on a clearer day, but Lupe did see the famous Banff Springs Hotel at the base of Sulphur Mountain (8,005 ft.), and the Banff Springs golf course at the base of Mount Rundle (9,675 ft.).

The famous Banff Springs Hotel from the Tunnel Mountain trail. Photo looks SSW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.
Mount Rundle (R) towers above the golf course and Bow River. Photo looks SE.

The absolute summit of Tunnel Mountain (5,551 ft.) was a rock formation surrounded by thick forest.  However, not far away was a sloping rock ledge with a great view of the town of Banff.  Lupe visited the summit first.  A large crowd of people, who turned out to be in town for an ergonomics convention, were occupying the ledge with the view.

Lupe reaches the summit of Tunnel Mountain. This was about it for views at the very top, even on a clear day.

While waiting for the ergonomics people to finish their sight-seeing, Lupe proved to be quite popular with them.  Many wanted to pet her, and SPHP heard quite a few tales of how much others were missing their dogs.  Lupe didn’t even know what ergonomics was, but she was getting a good impression of it.  She willingly submitted to being adored for however long the ergonomics people wanted to keep it up.

When the ergonomics people finally moved on, Loop was a little sad to see them go.  However, she could now get a good look at the beautiful town of Banff from Tunnel Mountain.  It was sort of a shame that it was so cloudy out.  The view would have been totally gorgeous on a sunny day.

After the ergonomics people left, Lupe got her chance to take a look at the town of Banff from the rock ledge near the top of Tunnel Mountain. Photo looks W up the Bow River valley.
Looking down on Banff with help from the telephoto lens.
Sulphur Mountain (8,005 ft.) is the ridge across the valley. Both a trail and a gondola go to the top of Sulphur Mountain, but Lupe has never been there. The Banff Springs Hotel is seen below near the center of this photo. Photo looks SSW.

August 1st, yet it was almost chilly up on Tunnel Mountain when the breeze came up!  Temperatures were only in the upper 50’s °F.  Lupe started back down the trail.  She was back in Banff before 8:00 PM.

Loop ready to set off back down to Banff on the well-worn Tunnel Mountain trail.
On the bank of the beautiful Bow River again after climbing Tunnel Mountain (Center). Photo looks E.

Lupe and SPHP enjoyed a late dinner.  It was dark out by the time SPHP asked Lupe if she wanted to go on the Pretty Puppy Parade.  The Pretty Puppy Parade?  Loop hadn’t done that in 3 years now.  Oh, yes, she did want to go on the Pretty Puppy Parade!  She had forgotten all about it until SPHP mentioned it.

Back on her 2013 & 2014 Dingo Vacations to the Canadian Rockies, Lupe had gone on the Pretty Puppy Parade virtually every night she’d been in Banff.  All it really amounted to was an evening walk among the throngs of tourists all up and down Banff Avenue, the main drag through town.  People had often commented on Lupe’s good demeanor and wanted to pet her.  She got to sniff with lots of other dogs on their own Pretty Puppy Parades, too.

Even though it was the heart of tourist season, the crowds on the streets of Banff had thinned out quite a bit.  The evening was cool and breezy, and Lupe had gotten a late start.  Some people did notice her, though, and she did get to sniff with a few other dogs.  Lupe went up and down both sides of Banff Avenue.

What Lupe really wanted to do was go shopping.  The restaurants and stores had their doors open, and Loopster wanted desperately to go in and have a look around.  It was all so intriguing and smelled so good!  Of course, she couldn’t.  The poor American Dingo had to settle for getting her photo taken with some of the big animals guarding shop entrances.

Lupe was pretty nervous about this scary Musk Ox guarding the entrance to one of the shops in Banff. SPHP had a hard time persuading her to stay put for a photo. She was worried she was about to be attacked from behind by that strange shaggy beast.
Bear, shmear! This bear wasn’t nearly so scary as that darn Musk Ox!

While SPHP sympathized with Lupe’s frustration at not being able to go exploring the shops in Banff, it wasn’t really necessary to feel too terribly sorry for her.  After all, she was at the very beginning of a long Dingo Vacation to lots of fabulous places, and was going to get to do loads of fun stuff other Dingoes only dream of.

I wish you had put a sign like that on me, SPHP! Let me know if that shaggy monster moves!

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Banff, Alberta, Canada (7-20-13)

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Banff, Alberta, Canada (7-20-13)

After Lupe’s success at reaching a viewpoint over Sky Pilot Lake in the Beartooth Mountains of southern Montana and subsequent somewhat exciting retreat during a thunderstorm on 7-17-13, SPHP thought it was about time for Lupe to move on to the next part of Lupe’s 2013 Dingo Vacation.  It was time for Lupe to see a new country – beautiful Canada!  So the plan on 7-18-13 was to get everything organized, packed up, and head out for Canada.

It didn’t happen.  Mick from the motorhome parked near Lupe’s “tiny house” (tent) came over in the morning.  He was very friendly and chatty.  He had lots of interesting and amusing tales from his wild partying days years ago in the music industry in England.  As the day wore on, Mick offered free beer.  The first beer pretty much put an end to any ambitions SPHP had for the day.  After the 15.5 hour adventure to Sky Pilot Lake the previous day, both Lupe and SPHP were perfectly content to spend the entire day lounging around at the beautiful campsite on the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River hanging out with Mick.

While Mick clearly missed the good old days back in England, he was pretty high on America, too.  He told about how his wife had put $17,000 into some tech stock after the stock market crash in late 2008 or early 2009.  Mick had been a bit nervous about it, but that stock was now worth over $400,000.  After that, he no longer questions his wife’s investment decisions.  She is free to invest as she pleases.  Mick was quite a character and regaled SPHP with one tale after another like this.  After a few beers, it all became somewhat fuzzy, but very amusing nonetheless.

The next morning found Lupe and SPHP still camped at the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River.  Both Lupe and SPHP felt way more energetic after the very relaxing prior day spent with Mick.  After a couple of hours spent cleaning, writing and packing up; it was time to bid a fond farewell to Pilot and Index Peaks and the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River.  Mick was up and bid Lupe and SPHP bon voyage.  Lupe and SPHP then hopped in the G6 and headed out over spectacular Beartooth Pass.

The rest of 7-19-13 was spent on a very pleasant drive heading N across central Montana.  Lupe had loads of chances to bark enthusiastically at cows, horses and haystacks along the way.  After various stops along the way, evening came.  Lupe and SPHP spent the night in the G6 at a rest stop along I-15 N of Dutton, Montana.

At 8:00 AM on 7-20-13, Lupe entered Canada for the first time.  SPHP had all the proper documentation along for Lupe to enter Canada, but the border agent didn’t even ask for any of it.  At Lethbridge, Lupe and SPHP went for a walk in a park along the Oldman River.  Then it was back into the G6 and on to the fabulous Canadian Rockies!

Lupe reached Banff a little after mid-afternoon.  Banff is a very busy tourist town on the Bow River in the Canadian Rockies.  Normally SPHP doesn’t like busy places, but Banff is an exception – Banff is great!  The scenery is gorgeous and there are lots of things to see and do in Banff, although many are not for American Dingoes.  SPHP was thrilled to be back in Banff again.  Lupe was here for the very first time.  It was time for a walk!

Lupe and SPHP found the cemetery near the Bow River where Bill Peyto is buried.  Naturally, Lupe couldn’t go in, so she continued on to cross a nice, new (since SPHP was last there) footbridge across the Bow River.  There were lots of people around and plenty of other doggies to sniff with.  Lupe followed a trail downstream along the Bow River until coming to a place where she had to turn back, because dingoes weren’t allowed any further.

Lupe along the Bow River just downstream of Banff, Canada. The new footbridge across the river is visible upstream.
Lupe along the Bow River just downstream of Banff, Canada. The new footbridge across the river is visible upstream.
Cascade Mountain from near the footbridge over the Bow River in Banff, Canada.
Cascade Mountain (9,836 ft.) from near the footbridge over the Bow River in Banff, Canada.
Banff Avenue bridge over the Bow River, Banff, Canada
Banff Avenue bridge over the Bow River, Banff, Canada

Lupe and SPHP took various walks along the Bow River and in downtown Banff.  Lupe was rather bewildered and overwhelmed at first by the throngs of tourists, but soon learned to enjoy crossing the street as part of the crowd whenever the light changed.  She also discovered there were plenty of opportunities for brief encounters with all kinds of other dogs.  On the grounds of the Whyte Museum of the Rockies, Lupe saw one of Bill Peyto’s original rustic cabins.

Lupe at one of Bill Peyto's cabins on the grounds of the Whyte Museum of the Rockies. Bill Peyto was a famous outfitter and guide based in Banff in the late 1800's.
Lupe at one of Bill Peyto’s cabins on the grounds of the Whyte Museum of the Rockies. Bill Peyto was a famous outfitter and guide based in Banff in the late 1800’s.

In the evening, SPHP ate at a café with some outdoor tables.  Lupe very much enjoyed sharing SPHP’s buffalo burger and milkshake.  Lupe and SPHP then went for another walk up and down both sides of Banff Avenue (main street).  This was Lupe’s first ever Pretty Puppy Parade, which has become a tradition every evening Lupe is in Banff ever since.  By now Lupe was getting used to the crowds and even seemed to be enjoying herself.  She stared curiously and hopefully into open shop doors, sniffed with other doggies, and allowed friendly tourists to pet her.

Cascade Mountain from Banff Park.
Cascade Mountain from Banff Park.
Looking N across Banff Avenue bridge towards downtown and Cascade Mountain.
Looking N across Banff Avenue bridge towards downtown and Cascade Mountain.

The next day, Lupe and SPHP woke up as the sky was just starting to get light.  Lupe found $10 Canadian on the sidewalk near the Bow River.  Lupe and SPHP drove down to Bow River Falls.  While Lupe was there, a raft full of people was launching a short distance down the river from the falls.  Someone dressed in Scottish garb was playing bagpipes from a hill they floated past shortly after launch.

Lupe at Bow River Falls, Banff 7-21-13
Lupe at Bow River Falls, Banff 7-21-13
Bow River Falls is located within walking distance downstream of Banff.
Bow River Falls is located within walking distance downstream of Banff.
Bagpiper on the Bow River.
Bagpiper along the Bow River.
Bow River downstream of Bow River Falls 7-21-13
Bow River downstream of Bow River Falls 7-21-13

Lupe and SPHP went up to the famous Banff Springs Hotel for a look around.  The Banff Springs Hotel was first opened in 1888, and is one of Canada’s grand railway hotels.  It is built in Scottish Baronial style and is often referred to as a castle.  Although Dingoes can stay at the Banff Springs Hotel, Lupe didn’t get to stay there.  SPHP’s spouse, unlike Mick’s spouse, has never invested $17,000 and turned it into $400,000, although SPHP would have been eternally grateful.

Looking E from a veranda at the Banff Springs Hotel.
Looking E from a veranda at the Banff Springs Hotel.
Cascade Mountain from Banff Springs Hotel.
Cascade Mountain from Banff Springs Hotel.
A section of the Banff Springs Hotel.
A section of the Banff Springs Hotel.

Banff Springs Hotel 7-21-13

Lupe was pretty certain the Banff Springs Hotel would meet Carolina Dog standards, but cheapskate SPHP didn't book her a room.
Lupe was pretty certain the Banff Springs Hotel would meet Carolina Dog standards, but cheapskate SPHP didn’t book her a room.
This view of the Banff Springs Hotel is from Surprise Point on the opposite side of the Bow River.
This view of the Banff Springs Hotel is from Surprise Point on the opposite side of the Bow River.

Banff Springs Hotel 7-21-13SPHP started thinking that maybe Lupe could ride the Sulphur Mountain gondola.  Sulphur Mountain has a wonderful commanding view of Banff and the Bow River Valley.  The gondola ride to the top is a very popular attraction.  SPHP drove over there, but it was a madhouse.  The giant parking lot was full and busloads of more people were arriving all the time.  When SPHP found out it was $35.00 per ticket to ride the gondola, SPHP didn’t even bother to ask if Lupe could go.   SPHP seemed to be the only cheapskate in Canada, though.  People were lined up in droves to pay it.

Instead, SPHP took Lupe to see the flower gardens at the Parks Administration Building located just S of the Bow River from downtown at the end of Banff Avenue.  Lupe had a dull time of it, since signs there said dingoes weren’t allowed on the grounds.  SPHP snapped a few photos and then it was already time for lunch.  After lunch, Lupe and SPHP took another stroll downtown.

Parks Administration Building, Banff, Canada. There are extensive flower gardens on the grounds.
Parks Administration Building, Banff, Canada. There are extensive flower gardens on the grounds.
Oh, nice... no thrilling gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain and now no dingoes allowed to even sniff the flowers... you sure know how to show a dingo a good time, SPHP!
Oh, nice… no thrilling gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain and now no dingoes allowed to even sniff the flowers… you sure know how to show a dingo a good time, SPHP!

Flowers at Parks Administration Building grounds, Banff, Canada 7-21-13Parks Administration Building grounds in Banff, Canada 7-21-13Although it was great to be in Banff, SPHP was ready to be done with crowds.  There were many more things for people to do in Banff, but not that many for American Dingoes and Carolina Dogs.  SPHP was satisfied that Lupe had had a chance to experience Banff.  It had been 4 days now since the big adventure to Sky Pilot Lake in the Beartooths.  It was time to get out of town and go explore some mountain trails!  Lupe was ready for some action!  So, early on the afternoon of 7-21-13, Lupe and SPHP left beautiful Banff heading W in the G6 on Trans-Canada Hwy No. 1 looking for adventure.

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