Our son, Philip, and friends Martha and Randy (Porter’s mountaineering mentor, best man at our wedding, and Philip’s godfather), gathered in Canada to give Porter a great send-off from Banff on our change of direction, now north to south. 
Believe it or not, the northern end of the 2,774-mile Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is behind the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (below), in Banff National Park. (No, we didn’t stay there, at $750 a night, but in the charming Alberta town of Canmore, which we loved.)
Porter’s route was by far the toughest yet, with ascents so steep he had to push his fully loaded bike for several of these 150 miles. The way was hard to find and the mosquitoes thick at his campsites, but the Canadian Rocky Mountains spectacular at such close range. 
We’re overjoyed to be in Canada on July 1, celebrating Canada Day with the Canadians! We’re smitten with Canada–the scenery, weather, excellent food and drink, and most of all the people, who seem exceptionally kind and friendly, well adjusted and content, practical yet fun-loving. 
HAPPY CANADA DAY, and HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Best of luck! Have a great trip. Love from ML and Ted.
Love to you and ML too, Ted! I was just thinking of you both yesterday!
What a lovely celebration. Does Amber speak any french
Tom O
Tom, Amber speaks French fluently and with elan! Happy Fourth to you and Rosemary!
Gail and Porter,
What a fabulous trip you’re having! I’ve been to Banff twice years ago and did stay at the Banff Springs Hotel. As I recall our room was more ike $50 a night, but that was in the ’60s. Banff and Lake Louise are bits of heavn on earth as is
most of Canada. Happy biking, Porter!
Hugs, Mary Jane
Mary Jane, yes, Canada is heaven on earth in many ways! That’s wild that you stayed at the Banff Springs for $50 a night in the 60s! Hope all is fantastic with you! Hugs!
Love you! Happy Canada Day and Happy Fourth of July when it rolls around in a couple of days. Safe travels!
Thank you, and love you too, Connie! Happy Fourth of July as well!
Your trip sounds spectacular and hard! Hope all continues to go well.
Thank you so much, Gwen, and Happy Fourth of July to you and all our swim friends!
Amazing trip!!! Thank you Dad and Gail! It was wonderful to see you two. Best of luck as you head south!!
Thanks for making the trip to Canada to see us, Philip, especially at such a busy time between your residency and fellowship! It was fabulous to hang with you for a few days!
What a beautiful trip! What beautiful people.
Thank you, dear Tree! You’re so beautiful yourself!