I had heard of The Sound of Music for many years, but I had never felt a strong desire to see it. Given its enduring reputation as one of the world's most beloved musicals, I eventually became curious and decided to find out if it was playing anywhere nearby. Fortunately, I discovered that The Sound of Music was coming to the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts on July 22, so I decided it was finally time to experience it for myself.

I was able to purchase excellent seats (row 11, seats 1 & 3) right in the center for a perfect viewing. The show was amazing, with excellent performances by the cast (especially by Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria). The decorations and set design were first rate, and the show never felt boring or slow.

I am so happy to have seen it, and would love to see it again.

Here is a summary by ChatGPT:

The Sound of Music

Broadway San Jose – Center for the Performing Arts

July 21–26, 2026

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Few musicals have captured audiences' hearts as enduringly as Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. Sixty-five years after its Broadway premiere, the current North American tour proves that this beloved classic remains as moving and entertaining as ever. Directed by Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, the production combines outstanding performances, beautiful orchestration, elegant staging, and one of Broadway's greatest musical scores into an unforgettable evening of theater.

Unlike the famous 1965 film, the stage version spends more time developing the characters and their relationships, making the emotional journey even more satisfying.

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Principal Cast

Character	Actor
Maria Rainer	Cayleigh Capaldi
Captain Georg von Trapp	Kevin Earley
Mother Abbess	Christiane Noll
Max Detweiler	Nicholas Rodriguez
Elsa Schraeder	Kate Loprest
Liesl von Trapp	Ariana Ferch
Rolf Gruber	Ian Coursey
Friedrich	Eli Vander Griend
Louisa	Ava Davis
Kurt	Benjamin Stasiek
Brigitta	Haddie Mac
Marta	Ruby Caramore
Gretl	Luciana VanDette

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Plot Overview

The musical is set in Austria in 1938, just before the Nazi annexation of the country.

Maria Rainer is a spirited young postulant at Nonnberg Abbey whose boundless enthusiasm and love of nature make her an unlikely nun. Concerned that Maria is not suited for convent life, the Mother Abbess sends her to serve as governess for the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp, a retired Austrian naval officer.

The Captain runs his household with strict military discipline following the death of his wife. Music has disappeared from the home, and the children obey commands signaled by whistles rather than affection.

Maria quickly wins over the children through kindness, imagination, and music. She teaches them to sing, encourages them to play, and restores happiness to the household. As the Captain watches his family come alive again, he gradually falls in love with Maria.

Meanwhile, Austria faces increasing pressure from Nazi Germany. The Captain, a patriotic Austrian, refuses to serve the Nazi regime. After marrying Maria, the family must make an impossible choice between safety and freedom.

The story culminates during the Salzburg Music Festival, where music becomes both a celebration of Austrian culture and the family's opportunity to escape before the Nazis can force the Captain into military service.

The musical ends not simply as a love story but as a story about courage, family, faith, and standing by one's principles.

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Musical Numbers

Act I

"Preludium"

Performed by: The Nuns

The evening begins with solemn Gregorian chant, establishing the peaceful atmosphere of Nonnberg Abbey.

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"The Sound of Music"

Performed by: Maria (Cayleigh Capaldi)

Maria joyfully sings in the Austrian mountains, introducing her free spirit and love of nature.

Capaldi's bright soprano immediately establishes a warm and engaging heroine.

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"Maria"

Performed by: Mother Abbess (Christiane Noll) and the Nuns

One of Broadway's funniest ensemble numbers as the sisters wonder how anyone can solve "the problem" of Maria.

Christiane Noll's commanding presence anchors the convent scenes beautifully.

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"My Favorite Things"

Performed by: Maria and the von Trapp children

Maria uses imagination and music to comfort the frightened children.

This marks the beginning of her bond with the family.

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"Do-Re-Mi"

Performed by: Maria and the Children

Perhaps the show's happiest number.

Watching the children transform from timid, regimented youngsters into joyful singers is one of the evening's greatest pleasures.

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"Sixteen Going on Seventeen"

Performed by: Liesl (Ariana Ferch) and Rolf (Ian Coursey)

A charming duet that captures young romance while quietly foreshadowing the political conflict that will soon divide them.

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"The Lonely Goatherd"

Performed by: Maria and the Children

Presented as a puppet show, this delightful comic number consistently earns some of the evening's biggest laughs.

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"How Can Love Survive?"

Performed by: Max Detweiler (Nicholas Rodriguez) and Elsa Schraeder (Kate Loprest)

Not included in the movie, this witty duet adds sophistication and humor while revealing the values of Vienna's upper class.

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"The Sound of Music" (Reprise)

Performed by: Captain von Trapp (Kevin Earley)

After hearing his children sing again, the Captain joins them.

Kevin Earley delivers one of the production's first deeply emotional moments as the Captain begins to rediscover the joy that has been absent from his home.

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"So Long, Farewell"

Performed by: The von Trapp Children

One of the show's signature numbers.

Each child receives a memorable farewell before leaving a dinner party.

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"Climb Ev'ry Mountain"

Performed by: Mother Abbess (Christiane Noll)

The breathtaking finale to Act I.

Noll's soaring performance is one of the evening's vocal highlights, encouraging Maria to follow her heart rather than hide from life's challenges.

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Act II

"No Way to Stop It"

Performed by: Captain von Trapp, Elsa, and Max

This stage-only trio explores the difficult choices facing Austria under Nazi rule.

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"Something Good"

Performed by: Maria and Captain von Trapp

A quiet, intimate duet in which the newly married couple reflects on the unexpected happiness they have found together.

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"Edelweiss"

Performed by: Captain von Trapp (Kevin Earley)

The emotional centerpiece of the musical.

Although many believe it is an authentic Austrian folk song, Richard Rodgers composed it specifically for the show.

Earley performs it with understated emotion, making it one of the evening's most moving moments.

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"So Long, Farewell" (Festival Reprise)

The children reprise their famous farewell during the Salzburg Festival before the family's dramatic escape.

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Finale

With help from the nuns, the von Trapps evade Nazi soldiers and begin their journey toward freedom.

The final image, accompanied by Rodgers' soaring orchestral score, leaves audiences inspired rather than merely entertained.

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Performance Highlights

Cayleigh Capaldi is a delightful Maria. Rather than imitating Julie Andrews, she brings warmth, humor, sincerity, and youthful energy to the role. Her chemistry with both the children and Kevin Earley feels natural and genuine.

Kevin Earley gives perhaps the production's finest dramatic performance. His Captain begins as rigid and emotionally distant but gradually reveals compassion, vulnerability, and quiet heroism. His rendition of "Edelweiss" is worth the price of admission alone.

Tony nominee Christiane Noll is magnificent as the Mother Abbess. Her authority, compassion, and vocal power culminate in a thrilling "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," which routinely earns one of the biggest ovations of the evening.

The seven young actors portraying the von Trapp children perform with remarkable confidence and individuality. Rather than blending together, each child develops a distinct personality, making the family's transformation especially believable.

Nicholas Rodriguez and Kate Loprest provide welcome sophistication and comic relief as Max Detweiler and Elsa Schraeder. At the same time, Ariana Ferch and Ian Coursey bring youthful charm—and increasing dramatic tension—to the relationship between Liesl and Rolf.

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Final Thoughts

The current Broadway San Jose engagement of The Sound of Music beautifully honors one of Broadway's greatest classics. Its unforgettable score, heartfelt performances, graceful direction, and timeless story remind audiences why this musical has remained beloved for generations.

Whether you're experiencing it for the first time or returning after years of loving the film, this production offers something richer: a more nuanced portrait of Maria, a deeper understanding of Captain von Trapp's transformation, and a powerful reminder that music, love, and moral courage can endure even in the darkest of times.

If you attend this production, you'll likely leave the theater humming "Do-Re-Mi," moved by "Edelweiss," inspired by "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," and reminded why The Sound of Music remains one of the crown jewels of American musical theater.

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2026 World Cup Final: Argentina vs Spain

Using a Brazil VPN, I was able to watch the entire match on our LG big-screen TV (via my laptop's USB-C port and a USB-C-to-HDMI cable).

All of the World Cup matches were free to stream on YouTube in Brazil. This was a somewhat disappointing match to watch, as the Argentine team was on the defensive throughout.

Here is a detailed write-up of the match by ChatGPT:

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final delivered a tense, tactical battle between the defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain. After 105 minutes of deadlock, substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in extra time, giving Spain a 1–0 victory and its second FIFA World Cup title, the first since 2010.

Match Summary

Unlike the goal-filled third-place match a day earlier, this final was defined by discipline, patience, and outstanding defending.

Spain controlled possession for most of the afternoon, calmly circulating the ball through Rodri and their midfield while forcing Argentina to defend deep. Argentina, meanwhile, relied on quick transitions and looked to Lionel Messi to create moments of magic, but found few openings against Spain's organized defense. Spain finished with the vast majority of possession and significantly more shots, while Argentina were largely limited to counterattacking opportunities.

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First Half (0–0)

Spain established control almost immediately.

Rodri dictated the tempo from midfield, while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams repeatedly attacked the flanks. Argentina defended compactly, with Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi clearing several dangerous crosses.

The best chances belonged to Spain:

• Lamine Yamal forced Emiliano Martínez into an excellent save.
• Nico Williams narrowly missed the far post after cutting inside.
• Álvaro Morata had a close-range effort blocked.

Argentina's best moments came through Lionel Messi, who twice slipped clever passes behind Spain's defense, but neither attack resulted in a clear shot on goal.

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Second Half (0–0)

The match became increasingly physical.

Argentina grew into the contest after halftime, pressing higher and disrupting Spain's rhythm. Messi found more space between the lines, but Spain's central defenders Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte consistently broke up attacks before they became dangerous.

Spain continued creating the better opportunities:

• Ferran Torres, after coming off the bench, tested Martínez with a powerful strike.
• Rodri nearly scored from outside the penalty area.
• Yamal repeatedly stretched Argentina's defense with his dribbling.

Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez kept his side alive with a remarkable series of saves, producing one of the finest performances ever seen in a World Cup final.

Near the end of regulation, Argentina suffered a major setback when Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a late red card, forcing the defending champions to play extra time with ten men.

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Extra Time

Spain immediately took advantage of the extra space.

With Argentina tiring and down a player, Spain patiently worked the ball around the penalty area.

⚽ 106th minute — Spain 1–0 Argentina

Ferran Torres

The decisive moment finally arrived midway through the second period of extra time.

Nico Williams drove forward on the left and delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area. Ferran Torres timed his run beautifully, controlled the ball, and finished calmly past Emiliano Martínez to give Spain the lead. It was the only goal of the final—and enough to decide the championship.

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Final Minutes

Argentina threw everyone forward despite being down to ten men.

Messi attempted to orchestrate one last attack, but Spain's defense remained composed. Rodri controlled possession in midfield while Cubarsí and Laporte cleared every dangerous ball into the box.

After several tense minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew the final whistle.

Spain were world champions.

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Standout Performances

• Ferran Torres (Spain): Scored the World Cup-winning goal after coming on as a substitute.
• Rodri (Spain): Completely controlled midfield and was named the tournament's Golden Ball winner for his performances throughout the competition.
• Lamine Yamal (Spain): Constant attacking threat who repeatedly created chances.
• Emiliano Martínez (Argentina): Outstanding despite the defeat, making numerous spectacular saves to keep Argentina in the match until extra time.
• Lionel Messi (Argentina): Worked tirelessly to create opportunities in what he indicated would be his final World Cup appearance, but Spain's defense successfully limited his influence.

Final Statistics

• Final score: Spain 1–0 Argentina (after extra time)
• Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
• Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
• Winning goal: Ferran Torres (106')
• Halftime: 0–0
• Full time (90'): 0–0
• Champion: Spain (second FIFA World Cup title)
• Tournament Golden Ball: Rodri
• Tournament story: Spain finished the tournament having conceded just one goal, one of the greatest defensive campaigns by a World Cup champion.

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2026 World Cup 3rd Place Playoff: England vs. France

Saturday, July 18: France vs England (3rd Place Playoff), 2:00 pm PST

Using a Brazil VPN, I was able to watch the entire match on our LG big-screen TV (via my laptop's USB-C port and a USB-C-to-HDMI cable).

All of the World Cup matches were free to stream on YouTube in Brazil. I really enjoyed watching this match and was hoping for a French comeback (which almost succeeded).

Here is a detailed write-up of the match by ChatGPT:

England capped their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a thrilling 6–4 victory over France in the third-place playoff on July 18, 2026, in Miami. The match became the highest-scoring third-place game in World Cup history, featuring dramatic momentum swings, a hat-trick by Bukayo Saka, and another record-breaking performance from Kylian Mbappé.

Match Summary

England started at a blistering pace and completely overwhelmed France in the first half. Thomas Tuchel's side pressed aggressively, won second balls, and repeatedly exploited France's defensive errors.

By halftime, England held a seemingly unassailable 4–0 lead.

France, however, mounted an extraordinary comeback after the break, scoring four times to briefly threaten an unlikely equalizer before England finished the game with two late goals.

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Goal-by-goal

⚽ 1–0 England — Declan Rice

Rice opened the scoring with an excellent curling strike from outside the penalty area. His shot bent beyond the goalkeeper into the corner, giving England an early lead and setting the tone for the match.

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⚽ 2–0 England — Ezri Konsa

England doubled their advantage when defender Ezri Konsa capitalized on poor French defending and finished confidently, putting France under significant pressure.

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⚽ 3–0 England — Bukayo Saka

Saka scored his first of the afternoon after another flowing England attack. His composed finish effectively put England in complete control before halftime.

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⚽ 4–0 England — Bukayo Saka

Just before halftime, Saka struck again to complete England's devastating first-half performance. France entered the break facing what looked like an impossible deficit.

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France's comeback

Whatever was said in France's dressing room produced an immediate response.

⚽ 4–1 France — Bradley Barcola

Barcola finally broke through for France, giving them a glimmer of hope early in the second half.

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⚽ 4–2 France — Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé powered home France's second. Besides keeping France alive, the goal also moved him to 10 goals in the tournament and made him the all-time leading World Cup scorer across all tournaments.

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⚽ 4–3 France — Ousmane Dembélé

France's pressure continued, with Dembélé finishing another attack to reduce the deficit to a single goal. Suddenly, England looked nervous.

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⚽ 4–4 France — Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé struck again to complete an astonishing comeback from 4–0 down. At this point, all the momentum belonged to France.

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England regains control

⚽ 5–4 England — Bukayo Saka (Penalty)

England earned a late penalty after sustained pressure. Saka calmly converted to complete his hat-trick, restoring England's lead at a crucial moment.

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⚽ 6–4 England — Jude Bellingham

Deep into stoppage time, France pushed everyone forward in search of another equalizer. England broke away, and Jude Bellingham finished the counterattack to seal the victory. It was his seventh goal of the tournament, the most by an England player in a single World Cup.

Standout performances

• Bukayo Saka (England): Hat-trick and Man of the Match.
• Declan Rice (England): Controlled midfield and opened the scoring.
• Jude Bellingham (England): Capped an outstanding tournament with the decisive final goal.
• Kylian Mbappé (France): Scored twice, won the tournament Golden Boot race, and became the all-time leading World Cup scorer despite France's defeat.

Final statistics

• Final score: England 6–4 France
• Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Third-Place Playoff
• Goals: 10 (a record for a World Cup third-place match)
• Halftime: England 4–0 France
• England scorers: Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, Bukayo Saka (3), Jude Bellingham
• France scorers: Bradley Barcola, Kylian Mbappé (2), Ousmane Dembélé

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GE Profile Refrigerator

Inna selected the GE Profile PGE29BYTFS, 28.7 cu ft. 4-door French door refrigerator to replace our failing 2013 LG LFX31945ST (the freezer stopped working). I thought about repairing the LG, but ChatGPT said that the lifetime of a refrigerator was between 10 and 13 years (and our being 13 years old was at the end of its useful life). Repairing the LG might cost $1200 - $1300; almost 50% as much as a new refrigerator.

We had the GE Profile refrigerator delivered on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 am. We needed to first unload our existing LG into coolers. The installers had to remove my front door to get the old fridge out and the new fridge in.

When we removed the old fridge, we found a huge amount of grime underneath it and had to spend some time cleaning up.

The GE Profile PGE29BYTFS is one of GE's premium 36-inch, standard-depth, 4-door French door refrigerators. It competes with higher-end LG, Samsung, Bosch, and KitchenAid models, but emphasizes food preservation, lighting, and convenience rather than gimmicks.

GE Profile PGE29BYTFS

$2,594.00•Abt Electronics, Inc.

$2,594.00•Abt Electronics, Inc.

Specifications

• Capacity: 28.7 cubic feet
• Dimensions:
  • Width: 35.6 in
  • Height: 69.9 in
  • Depth: 36.8 in
• ENERGY STAR certified
• Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish
• Standard-depth (not counter-depth)

Features

Dual-Dispense AutoFill Pitcher

• Automatically refills a removable pitcher whenever it is docked.
• You can pour from the pitcher or use the normal door dispenser.
• One of the refrigerator's signature features.

Adjustable Temperature Drawer
The center drawer can be independently set for:

• Meat
• Beverages
• Snacks
• Wine
• Custom temperature

It's excellent for entertaining or storing drinks without opening the main refrigerator.

TwinChill Dual Evaporators
Separate evaporators cool the refrigerator and freezer independently.
Benefits:

• Less odor transfer
• Better humidity for produce
• More stable temperatures

LED Light Wall
Instead of a few small lights, the entire back wall is illuminated, making it much easier to see food in the rear.

Built-in Wi-Fi
Works with the SmartHQ app to provide:

• High-temperature alerts
• Door-open notifications
• Turbo Cool
• Turbo Freeze
• Temperature adjustments
• Water filter reminders
• Remote diagnostics

Cooling performance

Independent testing has found:

• Excellent refrigerator temperature uniformity
• Quiet inverter compressor
• Very good produce preservation
• Strong freezer performance

Things owners like

• Very bright interior
• Large capacity
• Flexible center drawer
• Excellent organization
• Quiet operation
• Attractive design

Common complaints

The most frequently discussed issue is the AutoFill pitcher:

• Some owners experienced occasional overfilling or leak alarms.
• GE has addressed many of these under warranty by replacing the pitcher or sensor, and many owners report no further issues afterward. 

 GE Profile PGE29BYTFS Review

Highlights

• Plenty of shelf space
• Separate middle door for storing meats and wine
• Built-in WiFi connection works with the SmartHQ App (Apple Store) to provide refrigerator warnings about opened doors, improper temperatures, and water filter replacements.
• Indoor water storage uses less room (more efficient storage)
• Fairly quiet operation

Lowlights

• Expensive
• It was difficult to turn on WiFi (should be more user-friendly)
• Less reliable overall than Bosch

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Kananaskis Village Hotel & Nordic Spa

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

From the Takakkaw Falls, it took us about two hours to reach the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, where we had planned to stay one night. Inna had found an amazing Nordic Spa, and she wanted everyone to rest after so many days of hiking.

We reached the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge at around 16:30, and it took some time to check into room #2013, make reservations for the Nordic Spa (for one-time entry between 17:00 - 21:00), and unload and park the car in the hotel's underground garage.

Note that as we approached Kananaskis Village, we ran into a herd of bighorn sheep and mountain goats. One needs to be extra careful when driving, as these animals can cross the road at any time.

At around 17:30, we decided to eat before going to the Nordic Spa (since we could not return after dinner). We had a pre-existing dinner reservation at the Cedar Room for 19:00, but this time would no longer work for us. Consequently, we ended up canceling our dinner reservation at the Cedar Room)

We explored the hotel's restaurants and decided to dine at Forte's buffet, as it was reasonably priced (Canadian $ 57 per person) and offered the quickest way to finish dinner.

Luckily, the restaurant was mostly empty, and the buffet was unusually excellent. We did not expect such high-quality salads and entrees, including steak, fried chicken, and fish. The cost was not unreasonable - 57 Canadian dollars per person (much cheaper than any restaurant in Banff or Lake Louise).

After dinner, we rushed back to our room #2013 to change into swimwear and headed to the Nordic Spa. The spa had a special twilight session from 17:00 - 21:00, with one entry allowed (If you exit, you cannot return).

We enjoyed all the saunas, thermal pools, and cold plunges in the spa and stayed until the 21:00 closing time.

The Kananaskis Nordic Spa a 50,000-square-foot outdoor wellness sanctuary located adjacent to the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis Village, Alberta. Surrounded by alpine forest and rugged peaks, it combines Scandinavian wellness practices with a distinctly Canadian mountain setting.

The Hydrotherapy Circuit

The core experience centers around a multi-step hydrotherapy cycle designed to stimulate the circulatory system and promote deep relaxation:

• Hot Phase: Features large warm and hot outdoor pools (including the large Gathering Pool and the quiet Reflections Pool), alongside multiple distinct steam and sauna facilities. These include a traditional Finnish sauna, a Russian-style Banya sauna, a Forest View sauna, and an essential oil-infused steam cabin.

• Cold Phase: Features a dedicated cold plunge pool and bracing cold cascades designed to shock the system, reduce inflammation, and stimulate endorphins.

• Rest Phase: Includes indoor relaxation lodges, an outdoor "Calm Cabin" built for silent reflection, heavy cauldron fire pits, hammock areas, and comfortable Adirondack chairs.

• Exfoliation Cabin: A unique facility dedicated entirely to self-guided body scrubs and skin rejuvenation.

The Nordic Spa was amazing, and we could have easily spent a few more hours there. It was too bad it closed at 21:00 (there was still plenty of daylight). 

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Our last day in Canada! We were so sad to leave (and wanted to stay longer)

After waking up at 07:00, we dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast at Forte. We initially considered just getting coffee and pastries at a small coffee shop, but the breakfast at Forte seemed like a better value.

I picked the following items from the buffet:

• plain Greek yogurt with nuts, shredded coconut, and raspberry jam
• scrambled eggs with fried tomatoes
• small pastries
• small cheeses
• coffee

It was an excellent breakfast, and I enjoyed it a lot. It was not a bad value for 31 Canadian dollars.

Our original plans called for driving to Canmore (about 45 minutes away), but Alex and Inna were more enthusiastic about returning to the Nordic Spa for additional relaxation.

After breakfast (and before heading back to the Nordic Spa), we decided to walk around the village to burn off some calories and explore the surroundings.

Initially, we followed the standard Kananskis Village Rim trail, stopping at designated lookouts to take photos of the surrounding mountains (which looked amazing). At some point, Inna and Alex wanted to explore other trails, and we diverged slightly from the normal, circular path around the village.

After we finished the short, rim trail hike, we headed back to our room to pack and check out. We loaded all of our suitcases into the Hyundai Kona (parked in the below-ground garage) and then walked to the Nordic Spa.

At first, we were worried that we might not be allowed into the spa, as we had not made any additional reservations on the day before. Luckily, we were allowed entry and were quickly relaxing in the saunas and thermal pools.

At around 13:00, we decided to grab lunch at the Spa's Two Tree Bistro, where we ordered the following:

• Appetizer: Chickpea Hummus & Naan
• Boris: Two Trees Chicken Club (on pretzel bread) with Cajun chips
• Inna: Poke with Tuna
• Alex:  Coconut Curry Bowl

The Chickpea Hummus & Naan appetizer was delicious (and a generous portion). The Chicken Club was also delicious, and Inna liked her Poke with Tuna too. 

After lunch, we spent a few more hours relaxing in the saunas and pools. My favorite sauna so far is the Finnish sauna, as it's the hottest of all the saunas there.

When it was time to leave (around 15:30), we returned to the lockers and changed back into our traveling clothes. We returned to the Hyundai Kona parked in the underground garage and set out on the 90-minute drive back to Calgary. There was a thunderstorm warning, but we didn't see any rain or hear any thunder.

I had to stop by to refuel the Hyundai Kona before dropping it off at Alamo Car Rental. Gasoline was 1.69 Canadian dollars per liter, which translated to U.S. $4.51 / gallon (about $1 USD cheaper than gasoline in California).

Dropping off the Hyundai Kona at the Calgary Airport's Alamo Car Rental was quite easy, and we quickly walked back to the airport, passing through passport control and security. Our WestJet Flight #1504 from Calgary (YYC) to San Francisco (SFO) was scheduled to depart at 19:55. Still, it was delayed by 90 minutes (due to runway construction in San Francisco - apparently only 2 runways were operating, which limited the number of flights).

While waiting for our flight, we decided to dine at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck. The restaurant had a high 4.0 rating on Google Maps, and our waitress was fast and efficient. However, the following items were all mediocre:

• Appetizer: Mezze with Hummus
• Boris: Salmon with quinoa
• Alex: Salmon with quinoa 
• Inna: Shrimp Kabobs

I didn't really like my Salmon entree, but it was edible. The mezze appetizer was also bland. I don't recommend dining here again.

The Calgary Airport is quite nice inside, but a lot of the restaurants and coffee shops close early.

Our WestJet Flight #1504 took off at 21:30, and we landed in San Francisco at 23:30. We had to wait about 10 minutes on the ground because our gate was occupied by another Delta jet. Once we deplaned, we quickly ordered Lyft.com (UberX was $20 more expensive) and arrived home at 0:30.

We were very tired from the long flight and the drive.

Kananaskis Trip Review

Highlights

• Relaxing at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa
• Walking around the Kananaskis village, surrounded by beautiful mountains
• Eating breakfast and dinner at Forte (usually, buffets are of low quality, but Forte was excellent)
• Lots of paved trails for bicycles; it's a great area for cycling
• Encountering wild sheep and mountain goats on the road to and from Kananaskis
• The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is a very nice hotel (better than Google ratings indicate)

Lowlights

• Kananaskis Nordic Spa usually requires prior reservations (3 weeks in advance)
• Reservations are mandatory during the busy ski season
• High prices (150 Canadian dollars per person per day) for a one-time entry
• No re-entrance to the spa is allowed
• WestJet airline delays (due to SFO runway repairs)

Links

• Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
• Kananaskis Nordic Spa
• Two Trees Bistro Menu

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Yoho National Park

Tuesday, July 6, 2026

We checked out of the Storm Mountain Lodge (Lake Louise area), where we had been staying for the past 3 nights, and started our drive to Yoho National Park, where we had planned multiple hikes.

Our first stop was at Emerald Lake. As we started our drive at 09:00, we were worried about the limited parking there. 

When we arrived at 09:45, we managed to find one of the last spots in the parking lot - and it was still 0.5 miles away from Emerald Lake.

Emerald Lake is the crown jewel of Yoho National Park, located just over the Alberta-British Columbia border and about a 30-minute drive west of Lake Louise. Like its famous neighbor, it features striking, vibrant water, but it offers a distinctly quieter, more serene wilderness atmosphere.

True to its name, the water features a deep, intense green-turquoise hue. Because it sits at a slightly lower elevation than Lake Louise, it thaws earlier in the spring (usually by late May), and its coloration is caused by a mixture of glacial rock flour and fine white calcium carbonate (maritime marl) suspended in the water, which beautifully reflects the intense emerald spectrum.

Key Highlights & Activities

• The Lakeshore Trail: A highly accessible, mostly flat 5.2 km (3.2 miles) loop circles the entire perimeter of the lake. The first half of the trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible, crossing a wooden bridge and wandering through an ancient, humid cedar and hemlock forest, while the back half opens up to dramatic views of avalanche paths and the towering President Range.

• Canoeing: A rustic historic boathouse sits near the entrance, offering canoe rentals for visitors who want to paddle across the glassy water. Because it sees slightly fewer massive tour crowds than Lake Louise, paddling here often feels incredibly peaceful.

• The Emerald Lake Lodge: Perched on a small peninsula reachable by a footbridge, this historic lodge features cozy log cabins, massive stone fireplaces, and an upscale dining room. It blends seamlessly into the forested shoreline, providing a striking focal point for photography.

We really enjoyed the Lakeshore Trail hike around Emerald Lake. It was flat, scenic, and beautiful. Inna also observed a loon diving and took a few photos. After the hike, I returned to our Hyundai Kona, where our packed sandwiches were stored in the portable Igloo cooler, while Alex and Inna sat down at a picnic table.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch of pastries and sandwiches, but were repeatedly harassed by multiple butterflies. Nevertheless, we managed to enjoy our lunch with a gorgeous view of the lake.

I was hoping to canoe on the lake, but the rental line at the canoe boathouse was too long (no personal watercraft are allowed on this lake), so we decided to skip it (we already had many other activities planned).

Our second stop was at the nearby Natural Bridge. The parking lot had only a few spaces, but we managed to find a spot. Although there were no hikes for us to do here, the views of the rushing water beneath the natural rock formations were breathtaking, and we took lots of photos.

Natural Bridge is a striking geological formation located just a short drive down Emerald Lake Road in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. It makes for an ideal, quick stop on your way to or from Emerald Lake.

This unique rock formation illustrates the sheer erosive power of rushing water. Over millennia, the roaring, silt-laden waters of the Kicking Horse River carved a path right through a solid wall of ancient limestone. What began as a small crack eventually wore away into a massive, wide opening beneath the rock face, leaving a sturdy stone bridge spanning across the roiling canyon.

Our third and final stop was at the Takakkaw Falls. We had to wait for about 10 minutes to find an available parking spot. Once we parked, we started the short stroll to the actual waterfalls. The Takakkaw Falls were spectacular, and we took many photos. 

We walked closer to the falls themselves, but the fine mist rising from them grew quite heavy, and we turned around. We did not want to get soaked. We observed a few brave souls scrambling up rocks, trying to get even close to the falls.

Takakkaw Falls is one of the most spectacular sights in Yoho National Park. The name is a Cree expression meaning "it is magnificent," and given its scale and power, the name is well-earned.

The Landscape and Science 

• The Scale: With a total height of 373 meters (1,224 feet), it is widely considered one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls. The main, free-falling drop is 254 meters (833 feet) of sheer plunge.

• The Source: It is fed by the Daly Glacier, which is part of the high-altitude Waputik Icefield. Because it is glacial-fed, the volume of water changes dramatically throughout the day—it is usually at its most thunderous in the afternoons of July and August as the day’s warmth melts the ice above.

• The "Rooster Tail": A distinct feature of the falls is the "rooster tail"—an effect where the water hits a rock shelf partway down the cliff face and gets kicked outward, sometimes shooting dozens of meters away from the rock before continuing its descent.

Visitor Experience 

• Access: A very short, easy, and paved 1.4 km (0.9 mile) round-trip trail leads from the parking lot to the base of the falls. You will get soaked if you walk to the very end of the path during peak flow, so a waterproof jacket is a good idea.

• The Drive: The journey to the trailhead is an adventure in itself. The Yoho Valley Road includes a series of tight, steep switchbacks. Note: Trailers are strictly prohibited, and vehicles over 7 meters (23 feet) in length (like many RVs) must reverse to navigate the turns.

• Seasonality: Because the road crosses high-frequency avalanche terrain, it is closed for the winter. It typically opens in mid-June and closes in mid-October.

On the way back from the falls, we noticed a Canadian Search-and-Rescue helicopter loitering overhead. We saw the helicopter carry someone to the base of the waterfalls and pick someone up.

After we finished exploring Takakkaw Falls, we returned to our car. We started the long, two-hour drive to our final destination - Kananaskis Village Hotel (where Inna had made reservations to use the Nordic Spa).

Yoho National Park Trip Report

Highlights

• Hiking around the gorgeous Emerald Lake
• Walking around Natural Bridge
• Seeing the magnificent Takakkaw Falls

Lowlights

• Finding parking at Emerald Lake was tough. We barely found a spot at 09:45 (need to come earlier)
• Long lines to rent a canoe on Emerald Lake

Links

• Storm Mountain Lodge

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Stunning Lake Moraine

Sunday, July 5, 2026

We awoke at 06:00, brushed our teeth, and quickly dressed. At 06:30, we started our drive toward the Summer Gondola at Lake Louise, where we planned to park before catching the shuttle to Lake Moraine. Our shuttle was scheduled to depart at 07:25, so we had a 15-minute wait to drink coffee (from our Thermos) and eat pastries (pastel de nutta) before boarding.

We rushed to the Lake Moraine shuttle and made it just in time (the last ones to board) before the 07:25 departure. Our shuttle made a brief stop at the Samson Mall (our guide mentioned Trailhead Cafe as a great coffee shop) before continuing on to Lake Louise. It took about 40 minutes to reach Lake Louise.

Our first order of the day was to follow the Rockpile trail to the best Lake Moraine overlooks. In a short time, we ascended the rocky steps, reaching multiple overlooks. We marveled at the turquoise waters of Lake Moraine and took hundreds of photos.

Lake Moraine is one of the most famously beautiful bodies of water in the world. Nestled in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park, this glacially fed lake sits at an elevation of roughly 1,884 meters (6,181 feet) and is globally renowned for its brilliant, surreal turquoise water. 

Why It's Famous

• The "Twenty Dollar View": The iconic vantage point from the top of the Rockpile—looking out across the intense blue water framed perfectly by the towering, jagged backdrop of the Ten Peaks—was famously featured on the reverse side of the Canadian twenty-dollar bill issued in 1969 and 1979.

• That Vibrant Turquoise Color: The lake's striking hue is completely natural. As glaciers melt in the late spring and summer, they deposit fine particles of rock silt (often called "rock flour") into the water. When the sunlight hits these suspended particles, it refracts and scatters light, creating an intense, milky blue-green color that peaks in intensity by late June or July.

Seeing calm waters below and multiple canoes on the water, we decided to try canoeing next, while the weather held. There was plenty of sunshine, without a cloud in sight, and almost no wind.

At the Canoe Rental boathouse, we signed several electronic legal forms before being handed life jackets. We were led to a standard red canoe. As the chief paddler, I sat down in the back first, while Inna sat in the center and Alex sat in front.

At 10:05, we paddled quickly across the glassy Lake Moraine, enjoying the beautiful views of the nearby Canadian Rockies and lush surroundings. We paddled around the entire lake, while taking multiple photos and recording several videos. We returned our canoe at 11:05, having thoroughly enjoyed exploring the lake.

We decided to walk along the Lake Moraine lakeshore, and we did so, reaching the end of the trail in 30 minutes. Inna decided it would be a great time (and location) for a snack, so we grabbed our pre-made Italian sandwiches and started eating.  

On the way back along the shoreline, we stopped for hot coffee at the local Lake Moraine Cafe:

• Boris: Cappuccino
• Inna: London Fog
• Alex: Hot Matcha
• Dessert: Banana Bread

My cappuccino was not bad at all, and Inna enjoyed her London Fog. After we rested for a bit, we decided to start hiking the main hike to Consolation Lakes.

The Consolation Lakes trail is one of the best "high-reward, low-effort" hikes starting from the iconic Moraine Lake area in Banff National Park. If you want spectacular alpine scenery, towering mountain backdrops, and a dramatic glacial lake without a grueling all-day climb, this is a fantastic choice.

Because it branches away from the heavily trafficked trails like Larch Valley or Sentinel Pass, it also offers a much quieter, more serene experience. 

Trail Profile 

Metric	Details
Distance	6.0 km (3.7 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain	~120 meters (393 feet)
Duration	1.5 to 2.5 hours
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate (mainly due to uneven footing at the ends)
Trailhead	Moraine Lake (just past the Rockpile)

Route Breakdown 

1. The Start & The First Talus Field

The hike begins right near the Moraine Lake day-use area. Follow the path toward the famous Rockpile trail, but look for the distinct signage branching off to the left for Consolation Lakes. Almost immediately, you will cross a 200-meter boulder field—the ancient remnants of a rockslide from the towering Tower of Babel on your right. The path through these rocks is well-defined and easy to track, but it requires a bit of deliberate footing. 

2. The Forest Walk & Babel Creek

Once past the initial rocks, the trail plunges into a dense, old-growth subalpine forest. This stretch is a gentle, steady, but very manageable uphill grade. The trail runs roughly parallel to Babel Creek. Keep an eye out for roots underfoot and occasional muddy patches, especially in the early summer as the high-elevation snowmelt runs down the valley. 

3. Arriving at the Meadow and Lakes

As the forest thins out, you’ll enter a wide alpine meadow that opens up to spectacular, rugged mountain views. To reach the actual shoreline of the first Consolation Lake, you have to navigate a large, scrambling talus field of massive boulders.

We really enjoyed our hike to Consolation Lakes, especially walking across the snow and climbing large boulders at the Meadow (at the end of the hike).

After the hike, we stopped by for another coffee at Lake Moraine Cafe and also browsed for gifts at the nearby Gift Shop (finding nothing worth purchasing, as all of the T-shirts were made of polyester).

Since we still had time (before our shuttle arrived), we decided to take another stroll along the Lake Moraine lakeshore trail. We enjoyed it a second time, too!

We returned to our shuttle stop at 16:00, right as it started to drizzle. We actually boarded the 16:00 shuttle  - not the 16:15 designated by our ticket. The shuttle driver was very accommodating.

After a quick shuttle ride back to the Summer Gondola parking lot at Lake Louise, we drove our Hyundai Kona back to Storm Mountain Lodge. Since we wanted an early dinner, we talked to the receptionist and had our dinner time moved to 18:15 instead of 19:30.

Lake Moraine Review

Highlights

• Canoeing on the amazingly beautiful, turquoise Lake Moraine
• Enjoying superb views of the lake from the Rockpile trail
• Hiking the lakeshore trail around Lake Moraine
• Hiking to Consolation Lakes (discovering unmelted snow)

Lowlights

• Need expensive, advanced shuttle reservations to reach Lake Moraine. There are no other easy ways to reach Lake Moraine.
• Large crowds of people

                                                                 

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