Day One - Mount Norquay, North face

October 5, 2020 (COVID days)

One of the options for less adventurous folks is the Via-Ferrata. You get the full body harness with carabiners to tie yourself to the steel cable anchored into the rock wall. We're budget scramblers though, so we opted do it on our own. No harness, no tying to cables, no helmet, just magical sneakers and a pack of grub. The uncharted path slowly ascended as it took us around the back of the mountain, another peek showing itself every time we rounded a corner.

Photo Library

20201005_125816.jpg (4167587 bytes) Adventures can begin by being lifted up and up and up... 20201005_132115.jpg (5875551 bytes) He's got a real eye for picking out just the right rock for a sure step. (Trail making 101) 20201005_132321.jpg (5224745 bytes) So this is the collection of hiking path paving rocks we collected. We'll help out again on the return trip.  20201005_132446.jpg (6283582 bytes) We take time to enjoy the moment.
20201005_133021.jpg (5773467 bytes) and then power on again. 20201005_134252.jpg (6237065 bytes) For those with extra energy you can keep running up and down as you go along the path. You never know the view could be better. 20201005_134648.jpg (11342385 bytes) He's still sweating it, but I'm good. 20201005_134830.jpg (5512359 bytes) Nice to look back and see how far you've come.
20201005_135741.jpg (5847884 bytes) Then look up and take the challenge ahead. 20201005_141800.jpg (10067164 bytes) Who knew? But its' nice to have that scratch proof sling.  20201005_142613.jpg (5711558 bytes) Tyler carefully watches Skylar's choice of steps and holds. 20201005_142613.jpg (5711558 bytes) One wrong choice and the slide of your life begins.
20201005_142634.jpg (7487084 bytes) Being able to use both hands is coming in handy here. 20201005_143704.jpg (5365069 bytes) Turn-back point. Squirrel Suit on, ready to soar to the bottom? It would be cool and super freaky if I had one. Then I could fly down with the 2 eagles above me? Check them out on the peak. 20201005_144702.jpg (7270494 bytes) The descent begins... Video on our acquired bouldering technique. 
20201005_144906.jpg (6786204 bytes) The descent speeds up... 20201005_145459.jpg (5090878 bytes) Look, more choice trail paving rock. You carry that one Tyler. 20201005_145532.jpg (4900156 bytes) So many, if only I have my boulder back pack on.  20201005_150419.jpg (6627758 bytes) Way more secure hiking back with your good arm to the rock face. 
20201005_150454.jpg (6719925 bytes) Hey look, there's this cool bug here.  20201005_150510.jpg (6479255 bytes) Can I pick him up?  20201005_150514.jpg (7057241 bytes) Dang, he got away... 20201005_150711.jpg (4274499 bytes) Are we 2 lucky leprechauns or what.  
20201005_150716.jpg (4255710 bytes) Did we leave our pot of gold over there, just there, where the rainbow ends?  Skylar's 1st attempt at an avalanche. Video. Tyer's attempt. Video 20201005_152318.jpg (4304229 bytes) Back to working rocks for the trail improvements.
20201005_152324.jpg (4035186 bytes) Their best picks... 20201005_152349.jpg (4710938 bytes) descent collection for a few more steps up the trail. 20201005_152615.jpg (5152190 bytes) Should be able to do this part in high heeled sneakers. 20201005_154329.jpg (3944782 bytes) Quest is done. Time now to ponder on some wise words:
You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to try new things. Nate Berkus
20201005_154333.jpg (3295924 bytes) Deep stuff Bro. 20201005_155555.jpg (4793826 bytes) Did you know that's Nancy Burndorfer's favorite mountain? 20201005_155601.jpg (3513110 bytes) You are this tall. 20201005_160032.jpg (3612796 bytes) Beam us down Scotty.
 

Next Day

Quick morning trip to Bow falls and the Banff Springs Hotel

  
20201006_110216.jpg (4972568 bytes) Alright, lets hike to the falls. 20201006_110409.jpg (5018227 bytes) OK, short hike, but just listen to the power of that water pounding behind me. 20201006_110444.jpg (6258237 bytes) Feeling the moment. 20201006_110453.jpg (5027972 bytes) Could that feeling also be hunger?
20201006_123236.jpg (6643035 bytes) Yup, guess it was. Torpedo buns from the Italian market with assorted cheeses.  Cold cuts and sausages from Polcan deli.  Doesn't get better than that.