Day one in Banff and it's definitely another one of my favourite places so far. We're staying just a little bit out of the centre of town on Tunnel Mountain in cute little mountain cabins that have a lovely view down through the woods. Last night we all went into town to have our group Contiki photo taken before heading on to dinner, which was by far the best meal we've had yet - buffet style with a giant serving of cooked veges…I've never eaten so many beans and carrots in one sitting! Haha I shared a bottle of win with the girls on my table and we lamented over missing Margaret River wines. A couple of them are staying on Vancouver after Contiki ends and we vowed to get a bottle sent over, along with Tim Tams and some vegemite. It's funny cause I can't even remember the last time I had Vegemite, but suddenly now it's absence makes it seem all the more appealing!

Today has been a totally chillaxed day, which was much needed. I had a nice long sleep in before getting up and walking into town. I'd been feeling just a little homesick the night before I decided to treat myself with a little bit of retail therapy - turns out it's the perfect remedy =D I showed considerable self restraint in the Roots store (possible the nicest clothing store ever, exclusive to Canada, and sells trackies so comfortable I may never wear anything else!) in only purchasing two items (one of which I'm ashamed to say was a pair of tracksuit pants with elastic round the bottom of the legs - I know, I know, sounds hideous right? But really you have to see them to appreciate their awesomeness!! I swear I'm cool really…=P), and all my fears about not having enough warm winter clothes melted away! I also found a cheap cowboy hat, because we're going on a horseback trail ride this afternoon and Jordan is determined that we all dress the part, and I'm not complaining cause it will nicely protect my albino skin haha So after all my retail therapy I decided to walk back in the mountains to pay for my sins =P haha and it turns out it's a lot longer on the way up…

Well, I'm gonna go grab a nanna nap before the trail ride begins! Yeeeeeeeeehaw!!

LIVxo