{"id":12579,"date":"2018-03-21T08:10:59","date_gmt":"2018-03-21T14:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=12579"},"modified":"2023-12-17T16:29:58","modified_gmt":"2023-12-17T23:29:58","slug":"tunnel-mountain-banff-national-park-alberta-canada-8-1-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=12579","title":{"rendered":"Tunnel Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (8-1-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 1 & 2 of Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 With the haze, the view wasn’t nearly so good as it might have been, but Lupe was in great spirits!\u00a0 It was the last day of July, and the first day of what was going to be her most stupendous Dingo Vacation<\/span><\/strong><\/a> of the entire summer of 2017.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe’s day had started early, before 6:00 AM.\u00a0 She’d had to take a bath, not her favorite thing.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Events started improving rapidly after that.\u00a0 Getting Beggin’ Strips and breakfast on the deck overlooking the canyon at Grandma’s house had been fun.\u00a0 A last minute check on things at home and Lupe was on her way!\u00a0 (10:29 AM, 84\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

Nearly this whole day would be spent on the road, but Loop didn’t mind that in the least.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 Before Lupe reached Billings, Montana, the temperature hit a high of 102\u00b0F.\u00a0 Beastly!\u00a0 Of course, Loopster rode in air-conditioned comfort, so it hardly mattered, except when SPHP stopped in Billings.\u00a0 SPHP had to race into Albertson’s to buy fried chicken for dinner, then dash back out before the G6 became a Dingo oven.<\/p>\n

NW of Billings, SPHP turned W on Hwy 12.\u00a0 The long drive up the Musselshell River valley heading for the Little Belt Mountains was relaxing and delightful.\u00a0 Near Harlowton, Lupe could see Crazy Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,209 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and it’s long SE ridge which she had been on with her mountaineering friend Jobe Wymore<\/span><\/strong><\/a> only 9 days ago at the tail end of her last Dingo Vacation.\u00a0 The mountain was barely visible in a smoky haze, but SPHP was certain that was it.<\/p>\n

Lupe reached King’s Hill Pass (7,393 ft.) on Hwy 89 in the Little Belt Mountains shortly before sunset (8:17 PM)<\/em>.\u00a0 No time to lose!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP set out immediately, following the gravel road W up to the fire lookout tower and Showdown ski area<\/strong><\/span><\/a> on Porphyry Peak<\/a> (8,192 ft.)<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The sun had already sunk into a bank of clouds on the W horizon by the time Lupe and SPHP reached the summit.\u00a0 It was pretty clear the sun wasn’t going to make a reappearance, and light was fading fast.\u00a0 Conditions weren’t all that great for seeing anything anyway.\u00a0 A smoky haze hung in the air here, too.\u00a0 At least climbing the mountain had been good exercise after a long day in the G6.<\/p>\n

While twilight lingered, Lupe and SPHP strolled around Porphyry Peak’s summit.<\/p>\n

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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<\/strong> fire lookout tower. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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An information plaque at the base of the lookout tower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe near the Showdown ski area facilities on Porphyry Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Big Baldy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,177 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R) is the highest point in the Little Belt Range<\/strong> in W central Montana. Porphyry Peak<\/strong> was the first mountain Lupe climbed on this Dingo Vacation. Big Baldy Mountain<\/strong> would eventually prove to be the last. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before the light was completely gone, SPHP wanted to go at least partway up the fire lookout tower.\u00a0 The tower wasn’t staffed at present.\u00a0 In fact, not another soul was around anywhere on the mountain.\u00a0 The access door to the observation deck was locked shut.<\/p>\n

That was fine with the American Dingo.\u00a0 While Loopster doesn’t mind clambering around on high mountains, she doesn’t care much for lookout towers.\u00a0 From her perspective, there’s too much air between those big steps.\u00a0 It’s not natural and just plain scary!\u00a0 Lupe refused to go any farther up than the first flight of stairs.<\/p>\n

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Light of day fades away in the Little Belt Mountains<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW from partway up the Porphyry Peak<\/strong> fire lookout tower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Nope, not coming any farther up than this, SPHP!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The last light of day faded away.\u00a0 A half moon hung in the evening sky as Lupe and SPHP made the trek back down to King’s Hill Pass.<\/p>\n

The next morning, Lupe was underway again as the sun peeped above the horizon.\u00a0 This was another travel day, and at 11:00 AM the Carolina Dog crossed uneventfully into Canada at Sweet Grass.\u00a0 Southern Canada looked drier than Lupe had ever seen it before.\u00a0 The smoke of forest fires farther W filled the air even here.<\/p>\n

By 3:00 PM Looper was in the huge metropolis of Calgary.\u00a0 It was sunny when she arrived, though the sky was clouding up.\u00a0 An hour later, as Lupe headed W on Trans-Canada Hwy 1 toward the Canadian Rockies, dark clouds dropped light rain showers.<\/p>\n

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Loop in Calgary, Canada enjoying the drive so far.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe reached Banff at 5:00 PM.\u00a0 It was August 1st, 3 years to the day since she’d last been in beloved Banff.\u00a0 SPHP drove slowly down Banff Avenue, crossed the bridge over the beautiful Bow River, and parked near the tennis courts and picnic ground.<\/p>\n

After spending most of the day in the G6, Looper was more than ready to get out.\u00a0 Loop and SPHP went for a stroll down by the Bow River.<\/p>\n

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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<\/strong> is on the L. Mount Rundle<\/strong> on the R. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Being back in Banff was great!\u00a0 Montana’s blistering summer heat and smoky air were a thing of the past.\u00a0 Low clouds and cool mist hung over the mountains.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP strolled E along the S side of the Bow River.\u00a0 When Loop got to the pedestrian footbridge over the river, she took it.<\/p>\n

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Crossing the Bow River. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the N side of the river, Lupe came to a posted map of Banff.\u00a0 The map showed a trail leading up Tunnel Mountain E of town.\u00a0 That was a great idea!\u00a0 There was time enough to do that right now!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP kept going.\u00a0 Soon the Carolina Dog was on the Tunnel Mountain trail.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Tunnel Mountain trail is an easy climb and hugely popular.\u00a0 Even though it was cloudy and cool out, Lupe met plenty of people and dogs.\u00a0 Since it was getting to be dinnertime, most were on their way back down to Banff.<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/a> (8,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and the Banff Springs golf course at the base of Mount Rundle<\/span><\/a> (9,675 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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The famous Banff Springs Hotel<\/strong><\/span><\/a> from the Tunnel Mountain trail. Photo looks SSW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mount Rundle<\/strong> (R) towers above the golf course and Bow River<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The absolute summit of Tunnel Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,551 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/span> was a rock formation surrounded by thick forest.\u00a0 However, not far away was a sloping rock ledge with a great view of the town of Banff.\u00a0 Lupe visited the summit first.\u00a0 A large crowd of people, who turned out to be in town for an ergonomics convention, were occupying the ledge with the view.<\/p>\n

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Lupe reaches the summit of Tunnel Mountain<\/strong>. This was about it for views at the very top, even on a clear day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While waiting for the ergonomics people to finish their sight-seeing, Lupe proved to be quite popular with them.\u00a0 Many wanted to pet her, and SPHP heard quite a few tales of how much others were missing their dogs.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t even know what ergonomics was, but she was getting a good impression of it.\u00a0 She willingly submitted to being adored for however long the ergonomics people wanted to keep it up.<\/p>\n

When the ergonomics people finally moved on, Loop was a little sad to see them go.\u00a0 However, she could now get a good look at the beautiful town of Banff from Tunnel Mountain.\u00a0 It was sort of a shame that it was so cloudy out.\u00a0 The view would have been totally gorgeous on a sunny day.<\/p>\n

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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<\/strong>. Photo looks W up the Bow River valley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking down on Banff with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Sulphur Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is the ridge across the valley. Both a trail and a gondola<\/strong><\/span><\/a> 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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

August 1st, yet it was almost chilly up on Tunnel Mountain when the breeze came up!\u00a0 Temperatures were only in the upper 50’s \u00b0F.\u00a0 Lupe started back down the trail.\u00a0 She was back in Banff before 8:00 PM.<\/p>\n

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

Lupe and SPHP enjoyed a late dinner.\u00a0 It was dark out by the time SPHP asked Lupe if she wanted to go on the Pretty Puppy Parade.\u00a0 The Pretty Puppy Parade?\u00a0 Loop hadn’t done that in 3 years now.\u00a0 Oh, yes, she did want to go on the Pretty Puppy Parade!\u00a0 She had forgotten all about it until SPHP mentioned it.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 People had often commented on Lupe’s good demeanor and wanted to pet her.\u00a0 She got to sniff with lots of other dogs on their own Pretty Puppy Parades, too.<\/p>\n

Even though it was the heart of tourist season, the crowds on the streets of Banff had thinned out quite a bit.\u00a0 The evening was cool and breezy, and Lupe had gotten a late start.\u00a0 Some people did notice her, though, and she did get to sniff with a few other dogs.\u00a0 Lupe went up and down both sides of Banff Avenue.<\/p>\n

What Lupe really wanted to do was go shopping.\u00a0 The restaurants and stores had their doors open, and Loopster wanted desperately to go in and have a look around.\u00a0 It was all so intriguing and smelled so good!\u00a0 Of course, she couldn’t.\u00a0 The poor American Dingo had to settle for getting her photo taken with some of the big animals guarding shop entrances.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bear, shmear!<\/em> This bear wasn’t nearly so scary as that darn Musk Ox!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/em> sorry for her.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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I wish you had put a sign like that on me, SPHP! Let me know if that shaggy monster moves!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Related Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Banff, Alberta, Canada (7-20-13)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2017 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0 With the haze, the view wasn’t nearly so good as … Continue reading Tunnel Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (8-1-17)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[835],"tags":[8,105,135,32,30,106,26,154,104,417,11],"class_list":["post-12579","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2017-yukon-alaska","tag-omniten","tag-american-dingo","tag-banff","tag-banff-national-park","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-little-belt-mountains","tag-lupe","tag-montana","tag-peakbagging"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/IMG_5826.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12579"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12579\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49519,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12579\/revisions\/49519"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}