The last time I went here two years ago on a school camping trip.

Coming from Calgary on a school bus with a bunch of jr.high, ride was rather long, but still very pretty. Once we has gotten out of the city, the rolling foothill farms seemed to go on forever. Slowly but surely the mountains I see everyday creeped closer and closer. It rained the first night, dampening our camp fires, but not the ones in our souls (lol cliched but true). We hiked down from our site into town and spent the morning and afternoon wandering through this seemingly simple town. Not many people realize that once you get past the tourist shops, there are tons of clubs and fine eateries hidden in little nooks and crannies.

In the afternoon, we pushed up the long road to the Banff Hot Springs and Spa-which was a great relief. Just to swim in soothing mineral waters while being surrounded by giant ancient stones is wonderful.

When we got back we played the usual camp games and were left to make our own suppers and just to wander close to camp. As the sun sets in the glimmering Rockies, one feels so small in the universe. The stars, blocked by the ignorant city lights come out in the uncountable millions and the trees bristle with intelligence, large and looming. The mountains enclose all of this around you, and nothing else seems to matter.

It’s a beautiful place to be, and please leave it as you found it.