Tuxedo Stan’s World Tour

We haven’t had many World Tour submissions for a long time but here’s a great one from our regular Alberta, Canada correspondent Diana Piggott.

(click on any thumbnail to see a full-sized image)

Summer Holiday Edition, Tuxedo Party Alberta Division Journals

Much as we love snow, and the beauty of snow-covered mountains, there comes a time when we yearn for a wee taste of Spring.  Thus we packed up the camping gear and headed into B.C. in early May to find some signs of life.  We struck it rich in the Okanagan, at Ellison Provincial Park.

 

Albert, Victoria and Tony were quite taken with the beauty of the place, and the big flowers!

 

By early July, summer had finally arrived in Alberta, and we took the minions for a few days camping in spectacular Waterton Park, where they enjoyed some time on the beach.

 

 

There was a very friendly bear in a lovely flowery meadow.

 

And then there was the mama with three adorable cubs  (we all stayed in the car!!)

 

At the end of the Akamina Parkway we found Cameron Lake and went for a walk.

 

 

All in all it was an enjoyable escape to another of our fantastic national parks.

Back home, more of Kananaskis Country is being repaired, rebuilt and re-opened.  We went to investigate a trail up a creek of particular interest to the tuxies…..

 

This trail sign is being reclaimed by nature!!
Up Cat Creek is an attractive waterfall, which, unlike the rest of the valley, was not ruined by the flood.

 

Back in Banff, we took the minions on a classic hike from Sunshine Meadows to Healy Pass.  It was a little smoky, but we could still see Mt. Assiniboine from Healy Pass.  There has been a huge amount of smoke in the mountains this summer from all the forest fires.  Quite a lot reaches Calgary too.

 

 

Albert, Victoria and Tony had developed quite a thirst after all those adventures!  It was time to celebrate with a “champagne” fit for a tux.

 

Regards to all from the Calgary Tuxedo minions!

Addendum:  Meanwhile to the west of Calgary, it looks like some rich tycoon is building his own “Downton Abbey” or something!  These pictures were taken in mid-September, after a big snowstorm.  

 

 

Anyway, that about wraps up this installment.  Best wishes to all inhabitants of Catopia, from our humble abode in Calgary.

Cheers,
Diana

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Thanks, Diana and Alberta minions Albert, Victoria and Tony for another great Western Canada adventure!

Love,

Earl Grey and TJ