The Amazing Journey Part II

Day four:  We traveled through the remainder of Montana and into Calgary.  Mostly prairie with some hills but we did see a herd of bison.  That is a pretty common meat selection in that part of the country we learned.  We arrived in Banff and here is where the budget went out the window.  Following the advice of many (thanks mom!) we decided to do things right.  Staying at the Banff Springs Inn we pulled up to the front.  Wow!  A castle!  The bellhop asked our name and immediately the tone of of our trip changed.  Splurging I had booked a "gold" room.  I didn't really understand all of the benefits of this until the bellhop immediately radioed a message and another bellhop ran out and loaded our luggage onto a cart.  He asked us to follow him and we totally bypassed the front desk.  Taking us directly to the concierge floor he had our key in hand.  He showed us the room and pointed out the binoculars sitting on the window sill.  We tried to tip him but he said "No thank you."  He then led us to the concierge suite where canapes were waiting along with free non-alcoholic drinks and an honor bar.  The canapes included steak and salmon.  Here is the view from our room.

Seriously, that is the actual view taken through the window.  Incredible huh?
And here is the hotel.

That is snow and again, not a postcard.

We walked to town, and yes we were that close.  This guy didn't move a bit as we walked by and photographed him. 

12 points!  He was huge!

In town we shopped a little then went to a restaurant/microbrew that had balcony seating so we could eat and watch the town.

Finished we took a different route back to the hotel and along the river. 

The note left with the chocolates on our pillow said to please call to request a special pillow.  There were 5 listed so I ordered the "body pillow".  It was fabulous. 

Tune in tomorrow for more of the story.

Tip for the day:  Try "Gold".