They say timing is everything, and it never hurts to have luck on your side. The first ever “Roar in the Rockies” event was held on September 7th, and was, by all accounts, a roaring success.
On one of the most spectacular September weather days in memory (plus 30 Celsius and not a cloud to be seen), 9 Astons departed Calgary and made our way towards the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the world-famous Banff Springs hotel along scenic secondary highways. We were greeted by enthusiastic Valet staff who ushered us into premium parking spots around the main circle of the hotel, creating an impressive display that did not go unnoticed by the various hotel guests and visitors. Private lunch had been arranged in the Vermillion Room featuring views of the spectacular mountains in front of us, and the various weddings taking place!
Following lunch, and allowing some time for our photographer to grab some images, we paraded down main street of the Banff townsite on a busy day and made our way for the scenic Kananaskis Highway 40 and the top of the Highwood pass (the highest paved road in Canada). But not before having to avoid many local mountain goats who seemed somehow strangely interested in the roar of Astons unfolding in front of them! Vehicular traffic was, thankfully, lighter as we headed further south. And the scenery as we approached our final destination on this early fall day, became more and more stunning.
Our accommodation for the evening was at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. After storing the cars and freshening up, we were treated to a Whiskey and Champagne tasting in a Hospitality Suite overlooking the main hotel grounds (featuring Bowmore Aston Martin Whiskey and Pommery Champagne of course). A video compilation of every Aston ever featured in a James Bond movie played in the background while we re-hashed the day’s events and all got to know each other a bit more. Finally, our dinner in the Cedar Private Dining room was spectacular, and we were treated to a slide show highlighting a sampling of the images our photographer had captured throughout the day. Our server for the evening capped off an extremely eventful and memorable day by serenading us with a couple of songs to close out the night!
Everyone was elated with all we had experienced, the cars and the people assembled were spectacular, and there was already talk of what we might do next year. Plans are already underway. Stay tuned …
(Photo credit to Randy Savoie and Ian Cuthbertson)