Rangers at both Glacier and Yoho warned us that it is high season in Lake Louise.  Day use area parking is full by 7 in the morning they say and shuttle bus lines are hours long.  No way, I say, it can’t be that busy!  Wrong.  We just want to stop for fuel but flagmen are actually at the exit off 1 directing traffic to get back on.  Town is gridlocked and they won’t let anyone else off.  Hey, not even to buy fuel?  Ok, take the first right, get fuel, and head back out.  Believe me, you don’t want to go into town.   The line for diesel is about half an hour after which we gladly take the traffic director’s advice and head on to Banff.  We register and settle into a nice site with open area beyond it, perfect for wildlife watching. 

After a couple hours to recoup we risk a foray into downtown Banff to replenish groceries.  It is a touristy town so lots of pedestrians to weave our way through but the grocery has a parking lot so we don’t have to fight that battle and they have lots of cashiers working.  It takes forever to find everything in an unfamiliar store but eventually we are headed back home.  Time for a relaxing dinner including S’mores of course and unwinding with a nice glass of wine.  Banff is definitely a little less zooie than Lake Louise but timing will be key in enjoying this beautiful area….early mornings and evenings are likely the way to go.  We shall see.  Mike, Tracy and Willa arrive tomorrow.   Hurray!