How Big is Your Bald Spot?
Well it can’t be as large as Banff’s!
Did you know that Banff has a bald spot?
Some people call it a green spot, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to think more in terms of bald.
Know where it is? Yup, on top of Banff. Look to the North- Northwest. No, not that way — towards Mt. Norquay. That’s ok.
The 2nd thing to go, right after your hair, is your sense of directions.
See it?
It’s about the size of a football field!
Apparently it looks the same now as it did 100 years ago.
What do you think caused it?
Not stress!
Not aging.
Speculation runs wild.
Maybe it was hit by a meteor shower. Maybe a UFO landed there. Was it a “crop circle” in the mountains? If you know, let us know. So, in the meantime, what do you do with a bald spot that is the size of a football field? Well, it’s a great place for a picnic. You can enjoy an amazing view of the Town of Banff and Mt. Rundle. There aren’t any picnic tables up there, though, so take along a blanket. And there is only one garbage can, by the parking area, so if it’s full, please pack out your garbage.
There is no “parking lot” up there, just a turnout at the side of a very wide corner in which there is room for about 10 cars to park. The main road up the mountain is full of switchbacks, so go slow. The parking area is about 3.4 kms up the hill, and it is right beside the bald spot.
Want to try something truly amazing? Take a blanket and a star chart up to the bald spot at night, and watch the night sky. On a clear night, you can see a million stars—maybe even a falling star. If you do, you know what to wish for, don’t you? That’s right—not going bald. How Big is Your Bald Spot? Did you know that Banff has a bald spot?
By Bob Harris
(Image “Flying a Kite, Mt. Norquay, Banff National Park“ courtesy of Travel Alberta)
