A 2 tears day @ Banff National Park

Adam Collins, Helen Clark

— 2 min read
A 2 tears day @ Banff National Park

After breakfast we cleared out Vicky’s side bags. Then being the rebellious motorcyclists we are, we left our bulky airbag vests at camp, put on our protective one piece suits, gloves, CE level 2 boots (no socks, but don’t tell anyone), and full-faced helmets to ride 2-up to lake Minnewaka through Canada’s 30 km/h speed limits.  

We arrived at the crowded parking lot and experienced a power trip as the attendant ushered us to a motorcycle-specific parking spot. We packed up our gear, put on sandals and walked to get a look at the lake. We briefly considered renting a kayak but our unemployed bank accounts balked at the prices. 

We found a trail around the lake and began walking.  As transitory locals, we were eager to get away from the tourists. We found a hiking trail that wrapped around the lake and traded the shouts of young family for birds chirping and the hasty footsteps of the occasional trail runner. After about a mile the trees opened up and we were greeted to more stunning vistas where Helen cried tears of joy for the first time this trip.

We eventually found a secluded little spot on the lakeshore. We laid in the sun, read books, ate sandwiches, skipped stones, and admired the unique shades of Lake Minnewaka.

After hiking back, we went to town to get a cold beer and poutine in celebration of the 4th.

Inspired (or fooled) by the late 10pm sunsets we went to the grocery store at 6pm to get food for a ‘fancy’ camp dinner. In our mania we bought:

  • 2lbs of chicken
  • half a pound of turkey
  • a loaf of bread
  • 4 yogurts
  • an eggplant
  • arugula
  • feta cheese
  • 2 avocados
  • a tomato
  • a lime
  • Chips

Keep in mind we have no way to keep food cold. As we realized we bit off more than we could cook, chew, or preserve, emotions ran high. Helen cried tears of frustration, but in the end we persevered and made an orzo feta salad, guacamole, and chicken over the camp fire. We cooked, ate, and cleaned through until quiet hours. Despite everything the food was delicious and after a hot shower we went to bed with full stomachs.

In the morning we made egg sandwiches; then packed up our camp to move on to our second and final Banff camp site.

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