Another Day in Beautiful Banff

Well, I don't know where to start really. I have had a lot of things on my mind today. Over the last year or so I have been doing some serious soul searching. Before that, and for I think even longer, I have been practicing sort of mind control. That is, if I keep something in my mind long enough it will come true. So I decided that living in Slave Lake, Ab, at least the lifestyle I was living there, was not taking me towards what I desired. I wanted to be in southern alberta and before long there I was, living in the booming metropolis of Calgary. For a year or so I think I liked it. I continued partying and pretty much all around gluttony. But what I had was not making me happy and my emotions were telling me once again that I was in the wrong place.
Landing back in my hometown of Banff was the answer. How could I find a way to employ myself while enjoying what I am doing all the time. So for the last few weeks I have embarked on the journy of building a website about the town that gave me so much as I grew up. Maybe I could give something back.
Another goal. I have about 15 pounds to lose and much of it is on my belly. Not exactly sure why all the weight still sits there I am getting into quite good shape actually by hiking and biking all the areas so I can document them on the site.
But now I know that all of this is simply mind over matter. The belly. The job security. Cash flow, oh that thing we all so dream of. Its time to stop worrying about bills and start finding cheques instead in the mail.
I have my doubts about the income though sometimes. I'm never really sure if I am putting effort into the right place. I think though my doubts came in when I was working on the laptop inside on a hot day while my son played with his friend in the yard. I was hot, one of our hottest days in Banff this year and getting tired. I had been sitting around all day and had about four cups of coffee and only two bannanas for food. Was kinda shaky actually. I think this should just tell me to plan my fitness and diet a little better.
Anyway, my sons Grandma arrived at around three thirty in the afternoon and gave me a break. Well, she was like, "Go for a bike ride, you must be restless". Tired was more like it. But again, more proof of mind over matter. I even had someone reminding me.
I went on my mountain bike down the road past the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and to the Spray River Loop. I got over being tired pretty fast. My legs are more in shape for this ride as I have done it about five times already and my goal was to go about 5k further today. The trial also serves as a fire access road for parks Canada and is great with a few gruling hills but lots of down and flat for resting. Once I got to the bridge where most people either turn back or go around the loop taking you down to the golf course or Bow Falls. I ventured further. I had heard a day before that there was about a fifteen minute uphill next and he was right. A places the hill seemed never to end a provided for me get totally soaked with sweat. This belly is going to come off. When I finally got to the top of hill, I turned around and made the long decent. It took likely less than five minutes to get back to the Bridge over the spray river. I wasn't sure which way to go. I was a bit tired and wanted to take the easiest route. I decided if I took the trail back to the Banff Springs Hotel I would have to go up that one tough hill and so instead took the trail back to the golf course. It was a good ride. Cleared the head a bit and getting home to a steak dinner was a real treat. Living the dream really.
At times I do get sick of being in front of the computer though. But you know what? It keeps me busy. It seems I have a very active mind and if I'm not busy. Such as writing this blog post. I'm looking for something else to do and that is often buying a case of beer or a couple of bottles of wine and looking for anyone who wants to get blotto. So, I guess its all coming together. The blogging stops me drinking, the stopping drinking reduces the belly and gives me energy to go on the magnificent hikes, bikes, swims and all the Bow Valley has to offer. Maybe I'll even start getting cheques in the mail!!

Banff Area Guide

In this guide, you will find links and reviews of the areas recreation, arts, hotels, restaurants and trails. Whether you are a hiking fitness enthusiast or just want to visit Banff for some relaxation, you will find what you are looking for in this guide written with true Banff local knowledge of the area. To the right you will find a Map, if you close in on the links there is reviews and directions I have laid out in easy to understand fashion. Plan your stay and look at the beautiful scenery you can expect to find in our wonderful mountain town.

Stoney Squaw above Banff

Banff Area Recreation Guide

Banff Area Recreation Guide

Stoney Squaw mountain trail

Today i woke up and thought of going the
Sally Borden Building for some swimming. All the details for the SBB can
be found on their website. I decided instead
to go take some pictures up at the Bear spot(its called bear because it just
doesn't have any trees on it. Not sure why. After, I drove to Norquay
thinking I was going to snap a couple more and found myself at the Stoney Squaw
trail head. I thought what a great short hike to get the blood flowing and
take some pictures for this Banff area Blog. Anyway grabbed a couple and
of the trail up stoney. Take a look!!

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There is a wonderful scenic stop just up
above Banff. If you are at the west exit for the town, you head north, up
the hill and follow a number of switchbacks taking you to the wonderful
viewpoint and if you continue on you can stop off at the Norquay lodge in summer for snacks or
even a meal, and ride the lift to the top. In winter it is a great ski
area offering everthing from beginner, intermediate, to advanced skiing.
So close to the Banff town.

The trail head

I walked up this trail and it took about
forty minutes. A little guide advice, on the way down, I got a little
bit lost. One trail, where mountain bikers had used that just goes
down the side of the slope caught me and and I was halfway down to Banff.
Dumb yes, I traversed back across after I lost all parts of a trail and met up
with the bald spot. I had to be carefull as there were some small cliffs
and drops that I had to edge myself around.

Heres a few more pictures of the trail.

SSTRAAIL

SSDIFF

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