Our decision to stay in Winnipeg meant we had to snub Minneapolis. Don’t worry fare twin, we’ll be back. Until then we have these moments to remember you by.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The sleeper award goes to the city of Winnipeg. A revamped hockey team, the yearly influx of youth, and the repurposing, sans destruction, of historic buildings contribute to a growing vibrancy. We planned on staying one night but decided to take it for two. We ate our last Canadian meal at a place called Deer+Almond. The pork belly was perfect and our server, Lauren, was wonderful — thank you!
I did a lack luster job of capturing our visit in pictures, please accept the Pontiac Parisienne as a substitute.
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Alright, back on track with the fan favorite “Medicine Hat Trick”
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
The Hoopin’ Hootman series ran dry for a bit, Canada apparently likes the sport of hockey. Calgary got us back up and running. This city was tons of fun and demanded you eat at least five meals a day.
Staring contest in Banff National Park, they always win.
Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Yoho National Park, Canada
Yoho National Park, Canada
Bottom - Celeste Lake
Yoho National Park, Canada
The Cree word meaning “magnificent” and the maiden name of Chuck’s mom, Yoho sits snug between Jasper and Banff. We were deep into the Canadian Rockies by now and started to notice how different they were from other ranges we’ve spent time in. They’re a deeper, darker cut of mountain. I imagine their sheer, worn, toothy faces are mirroring those of the homesteaders who traversed them centuries past, or vice versa. The peaks are sudden, plentiful and have elbowed their way into every available opening. One after another after another they are jockeying for your attention, and you give it to them, undivided.
Top - hydrating post backpacking with a couple of wonderful folks we met on the trail.
(l to r ) Chuck, Hanno, Sally, Nick
Bottom - Chuck said this was my early Christmas present; four fit, friendly, smiling, Swiss men emerging from the woods like a pack of wolves. They had just finished a few days in the back country as well and we happen to have four more beers, so they stuck around. (l to r) Bernard, Remo, Angelo, and Tomas.
