This hotel is truly an architectural feast both visually and experientially. We’ve wandered around the vast halls of this baroque giant for days now and still wings remain undiscovered. Other than pointing out that we sit here in a mountain valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks which appear so close one could seemingly touch them out the hotel room window, I shall perhaps give up further description. No promises.

We are having a wonderful time with friends, exploring the area in our snow boots, taking the organized local tours of Banff and Lake Louise, spotting elk and deer (no grizzlies yet, thank you), and preparing for the wedding. A few snowball fights have erupted. We took a number of photos yesterday and think we’ve landed upon one for our holiday cards. It was shot during one of the mini blizzards that come throughout the day and I had a hard time keeping my eyes open. Snowflakes hitting into the eye do indeed cause the eye-closing defense move that causes photographers to shout, “Your eyes were closed again!” Drat. But as I said, I think we finally captured a good one.

Must say at this altitude (4540 ft) breathing gets a little difficult. I work out in the fitness center each morning which causes no difficulty and we walk and explore during the day again without difficulty but by late evening we notice breathing becomes labored. Reports abound of waking during the night to find one’s body gulping for more oxygen. Perhaps it’s a mix of altitude and cold air. And perhaps the consumption of bountiful caloric offerings contributes…I’m just sayin’.