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Here are some photos from my “Alternate B.U.T.T. Epic,” as organized by Leslie’s Keith. As some blog readers know, Leslie and Keith hosted a HUGE trail running party about 3 weeks ago. I couldn’t run much, so Keith made sure lotsandlotsandlots of fun was still had. I have to say that the Canadian Rockies are ridiculous in terms of scenic bang for your buck. More than that, though, Leslie and Keith are just plain freaking wonderful people. Thanks to them for a great mini-summer vacation in Banff National Park!

Day 1, a mini run and an epic tandem bike ride

Day 1 is chronicled here.

Day 2, the many-sport day

First, an early morning float on the Bow River. Man alive, is that a beautiful place!

Keith, the fearless stern "paddler"

Me, the intrepid bow "sitter"

The world would be a happier place if we all could work just like Keith. He's doing business on one of our multi-sport transfers!

The second sport of the day was road cycling. Really, it's that pretty up there!

We rounded out the day with some mountain biking, Expert bikers Miles and Keith showed me the way, and I'm happy to report that I still possessed all my teeth when it was over!

Day 3, this is the song that never ends

On this day, Keith and I played tourist on a drive up to Jasper National Park‘s Columbia Icefields.

This is the Saskatchewan Glacier emerging from the icefields above it.

Hey, look, it's a glacier!

Keith and I went on a little run. The flowers underfoot were gorgeous, including this paintbrush of some sort.

Here's Keith leaving me in the dust. He totally dropped me on this run, but I'm okay with it.

I LOVE running!

The long ride home

Our 2 hour drive home turned into a 7 hour slog because of an accident on the road. We entertained ourselves by telling stories (We covered them all.), singing (I hope that never happens again.), and playing games (I tried to let Keith win.). Suffice it to say, the day went on, and on, and on, like the song that never ends.

Day 4, a long road ride

On my last day in Banff, we rode road bikes a long way, and stopped midway for a brilliant lunch at the Storm Mountain Lodge.

Post-lunch happy Keith smiles in front of the Storm Mountain Lodge.

Leslie let me ride her bike, and it was a fun little ride. Thanks, Leslie!

I'm on the final stretch of my Banff vacation, cycling back towards town.

My week in the Canadian Rockies was great, and I’m especially grateful to Keith for being my event planner, and Leslie and Keith for being outstanding hosts and even better friends!