Hardwear Sessions

By Uncle T-Party (better known as Taylor Shoop)

Holy Underwear Batman; Banff rocks

For those who have not been to this jewel of a town, book your ticket now. This was my first time, and driving from Calgary, I was speechless; barring religious, four letter words. Standing in town, looking down Banff Ave. one could not help, nor avoid, being humbled by Cascade Mountain, grinning down at you, like someone who knows something you should. There is no apparent approach to the peaks of this region, it looks like you would just strap on your crampons sitting in the back of your pick-up and tie up. This makes it hard to imagine a finer venue for the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Coupled with the mountains, you will also find yourself surrounded with the warmth of Banff's locals, ready and willing to steer you to one of the fine pubs the town has to offer.

The festival itself is well organized and accommodating. With rooms available at the Banff Center, the location of the film screenings, it is easy to get around on foot and explore.

I have taken the liberty to assume that any mention of the films is frivolous, as they have not disappointed in the 30-odd years that this festival has been around.

And the Editor Adds: For those of you who didn't get a chance to party with Taylor, continue reading for a list of this year's Film and Book Award winners.