What a difference a day makes.  Long hike #2 at Johnston’s Canyon today was so much more peaceful than yesterday’s Screamfest.  Brooke was enjoying riding on Scott’s back so much that she would occasionally would lay back in her “easy chair”.  The hike today was almost two hours long, three and a half miles, and again about 500 foot elevation gain.  This trail was very popular and we spent a bit of time waiting to be able to pass others on the narrow walkways along the creek.  The views were incredible.  This hike was a recommendation from a Canmore Park worker at the dog park.  Thanks!

The pictures below are of our lunch spot.  We cooked up our brats and hotdogs from two nights ago and ate some fruit.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise.  Brooke wanted to go canoeing so badly.  They wanted $45 an hour to canoe.  This was after lunch and really mid-nap time, so it didn’t seem like a good idea.

We have been consulting The Mile Post for suggestions of places to stop and things to see.  The book was a suggestion from one of Scott’s coworkers, Brittany, who used to live in Alaska.  She gave us a lot of helpful information and websites prior to our trip.  She asked only for lots of pictures in return.

The Mile Post suggested stopping at the turnout and trail to Mistaya Canyon.  It was a ten minute walk just to the bridge and snaking canyon.  Then we decided to hike up a while further to see a lookout.  There was a tree down, so it looked like the trees were birthing Cody and I.

The view where we stopped was gorgeous, but it was 5:15 at this time, and we still needed to find a campground, so we didn’t go all the way to the top.  We stayed at Thompson Campground off of Route 11 just outside of Banff National Park. Camping here is a steal at $15 a night.  No showers, but we squeezed those in earlier this morning.

It’s only fair since I published Cody’s bashed eye that I should also publish his goose egg head.  I am really glad that we brought his Fisher Price booster seat.  It has great straps that when latched can strap Cody to almost any picnic bench or camp chair.  Scott was cooking dinner, Cody was eating a lovely dinner of peas, chicken, and black beans, I was rooting around in the bottom of the van getting out nighttime diapers for Brooke and Cody, and then there was a loud thud.  Without even looking I knew it was a bad thud.  Somehow in my haste to feed Cody I didn’t latch the booster.  Luckily his booster hit the concrete first and then his head, but it was still pretty horrible.  I still feel an ache in my stomach from the whole incident.  He stopped crying within ten minutes and even went on to eat and slept just fine.  Something tells me I should stop worrying about the wildlife hurting my baby boy.  He seems at greater risk from his loving family members…

Views from our campsite