We met in San Francisco in the late nineties/early naughts. We formed a fast friendship, even when one, then another, then another, then another moved away (then one moved back). We met up in new homes, on vacation, on work trips around the world, keeping in touch via group texts, Facebook, and occasional calls. When we met up it was usually in twos or threes, rarely all four of us in the same place. This year we decided to plan a long weekend away together – all four of us. As we started planning, we aimed for a spot none of us had been and decided on Banff, Canada. From the moment we landed in the airport (“Yes to YYC”) to the moment we left, Canada delighted us. Highlights of the trip included:

• scenics drives along the Trans-Canada Highway
• free admission to Banff National Park (Happy Birthday, Canada!)
• an extraordinary dinner at Three Ravens
• stunning views from our lodge (and it had a fireplace!)
• waffles and bacon for breakfast
• a hike around Lake Louise (I never knew water could be so breathtakingly blue) and up to Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
• hot tomato soup, crusty bread, and hot chocolate at the Teahouse
• dusting of snow
• a hike in Johnston Canyon to the Lower Falls, Upper Falls, then on to the Ink Pots
• Thanksgiving poutine (turkey and stuffing and gravy over french fries? be still my beating heart…)
• a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs at dusk
• late night and early morning conversations in jammies
• four fabulous days with three dear friends.

This really was a great idea.

Yes to YYC (photo by Megan WIlliams)

View from the backseat

The best welcoming committee ever!

View from our lodge

Lake Louise

Walking around Lake Louise

Climbing up the trail

Looking back at Lake Louise

Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House (photo by Megan Williams)

Panorama

Best lunch ever (photo by Megan Williams)

Group shot at the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House

Back at Lake Louise

Scenes from the highway

Johnston Canyon

Selfie at Johnston Canyon

Further up Johnston Canyon

Ink Pots

Ink Pots 2

Selfie at the Ink Pots

Johnston Canyon Falls

Leaving Johnston Canyon

Scenes from the highway 2

Because no great story starts with a salad

Hot Springs at dusk

Banff Upper Hot Springs