The Lucky Charm moseyed on over to the 104th Annual Calgary Stampede, billed as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” This title had us curious about the Greatest INDOOR Show on Earth, but after investigating a series of brothels and poker lounges, we had to accept that the lowly West Edmonton Shopping Mall had already claimed this title. But...
Ahhh, Banff. A beautiful resort town in the Canadian Rockies, when compared to where we’ve been lately, the “big city” is a little overwhelming! It’s trendy. It’s busy. It’s urban. After having been in (relatively) quiet and desolate places like Jasper, we feel a little like the Unibomber, blinking and...
Sprinkles and Bella are basking in their (temporary) dual citizenship and enjoying Canada Day, July 1st! They are celebrating Canada’s version of the 4th of July in the charming hamlet of Lake Louise and nearby Banff. Although Lake Louise does contain a lake called Lake Louise, it is actually a village named Lake Louise, which also contains numerous...
At the north end of the Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park is the embodiment of Canadian charm. And what could be more charming that a cuddly grizzly bear, up close (but not too close) and personal (but not too personal)?! Thanks, Yogi, for sauntering on by! This picture shows the grizzly’s distinctive shoulder hump … but this...
Canada has two official languages, English and French. Unfortunately, Philip has taken this to heart and generally speaks in English, but with a swarmy French accent (think: Pepé Le Pew after a two-day bender). But I won’t let this dampen my enthusiasm for our beautiful neighbor to the north! As we drive the 144-mile, world-renowed Icefields Parkway, I...
Last stop USA … Whitefish, Montana. Dear friends and Whitefish residents Kurt and Susan Blades were happy to abandon all work and responsibilities on our behalf! Chilly Glacier National Park was the perfect antidote to city living and sweaty armpits. Going-To-The-Sun Road is the “main drag” through Glacier, 32 miles of going up up up...
As we book it north through Montana at warp speed to get as far from Arizona heat as quickly as possible, certain roadside attractions just cannot be passed by! BANNACK STATE PARK GHOST TOWN Bannack (near Dillon, MT) is one of the best preserved ghost towns in Montana and is rich in history. Over 50 buildings are still standing, each with a story to tell...
The Lucky Charm’s 2016 Summer Adventure may end up feeling more like a Winter Adventure as we head north two weeks earlier than usual, to MUCH colder weather: Destination Canadian Rockies! But first, a stop at Utah’s utterly astounding Bryce Canyon National Park. We’d seen photos, but weren’t prepared for the gasp-worthy...
The Lucky Charm was not involved this time, but we did feel very “lucky” indeed to venture down into the Grand Canyon on the occasion of my 49th birthday. How could you not feel glad to be alive when surrounded with beautiful sights like Havasupai Falls? The Havasupai Tribe are the native people of this portion of the Grand Canyon, with the hiking...
Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to stay at a place named “Dead Horse”? Sales experts around the world shudder at this marketing faux pas, but we were intrigued. Why is it dead? And like Michael Jackson or Prince, why was its death so noteworthy as to be commemorated over 423 acres of prime real estate with naming rights and a gift...