"Your statement was "seeds and cones" Cones are not propagatable living plants, just receptacles for the seeds. The EU at least does not restrict their entry in the same way that live plants are restricted. "If you are a researcher or have a legitimate need for seeds you can apply for a collection permit" Ever tried getting one? The red tape, and restrictions, in some cases that I've seen, are ridiculous, and make it impossible for all but an extremely small number of official state institutions. Private individuals, however legitimate and valid their research might be, are not entitled to apply. (Note, this may not apply to Canadian National Parks, I don't know what specific regulations apply there). "Seeds can be legally purchased" Though most such are not accompanied by any documentation of source, etc., that a grower might want, or may not come from a particular population that a grower may wish to study. And never accompanied by a vouchered herbarium specimen to document the identity. "Over 4 million people visit Banff every year, imagine if they all removed seeds" Not a very valid argument. 99.999% of those 4 million have no interest in collecting seed. What would be sensible, is if they had say, 1000 collecting permits per year, freely available on request, without any red tape. That would enable management of collecting at a low level that would not harm the environment. Some places in the US at least, do have arrangements like this (e.g. BLM land). Resin

I was just in Banff in May and will be going back the last week of August. We flew into Edmonton, and drove to Jasper, on to the Lake Louise area (we actually stayed just outside LL at the Emerald Lake Lodge), on to Banff and then into Calgary where we flew home from. I know many people prefer Jasper over Banff, but personally I disagree. Jasper really didn't thrill me whatsoever. The the drive from Jasper to Lake Louise, however, was spectacular - especially in the Saskatchewan River Crossing area. I'm not sure how far outside of Banff you want to go - will you have a car? I'm assuming yes if you'll be there for 6 days. LL is about an hour beyond Banff, and Field, BC is just outside Lake Louise - that's the area Takakkaw Falls is in. We wanted to do that hike when we were there in May but the trails hadn't opened yet. We also wanted to do the Lake Agnes Tea House trail ride in LL, but our visit was just a bit too early in the year. Emerald Lake is very beautiful and is a nice drive. If you like historic properties the Fairmont Hotels in both LL and Banff (especially Banff) are beautiful and fun to explore. We spent one night at the Fairmont Banff Springs and could have spent the entire time we were there just exploring the hotel and grounds. Even if you're not staying at the hotel you can visit for lunch or a drink, and there is a little gallery on the second floor with lots of historical memorabilia and photographs, etc. They also do a historical tour each day at 1 pm I believe. There are hot springs right in Banff if you feel like a soak, and also the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Many people find Banff busy, and it is, but I prefer a bit of hustle and bustle. This was my first visit to the Canadian Rockies and we spend a lot of our time just driving around and taking in the various sites. There are lots of hiking and walking trails and scenic look outs to visit. Every turn you go around is photo worthy. When we return in August we are spending two nights in Banff and two in Calgary, and also heading South this time down into Montana and are going to cross the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. You're probably flying into Calgary?? Enjoy your visit - it's a beautiful area!

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, but as it turned out, Sony decided not to send anyone to Toronto and is going to let the staff in Toronto work it out on their own without a director. I guess that is one way for them to save money. So I will wait for warmer weather before I visit Toronto, and Kevin will not be there, unless he goes with me. Last week a friend asked me to go to Brazil with him some time next year after April. He has to settle an estate there, and he knew that I could take the time off. We'll see if that materializes. I would like to visit Brazil, but I've been afraid to go because I do not speak Portuguese, but my friend does, and that would make me feel more comfortable. He will be mainly going to Rio de Janeiro, but would be making side trips to Petrópolis and other places.

I have only been on this forum today for a question- was unaware it was so diverse! Love all the fun pics and of course scenery! I underdtand you are going to visit Montana. Good choice. I just left Cody Wy recently to Florida due to an injury. Miss it terribly! Also worked at Crow Hospital (RN) when working for Federal Gov't Bureau of Indian Affairs. Little Big Horn is 2 miles south of the hospital. Billings is 45 minutes north. If you go in summer it may be 90 plus degrees at 6,000 feet but the Sun highway will find you with 10 feet of snow along the road. Evenings/nights can be 'cold'. Bring some warm clothes. Same with Top of The World which is between Red Lodge and Cody. Billings is just any ole' town. Nothing special at all. Depending how glamorous you want your lodging to be or if average yet clean is ok you should be fine in most of Montana but closer you are to Yellowstone (any entrance) you will need reservations unless you go after Labor Day-if traveling in an RV you must have reservations- many places in and out of the park are booked a year in advance. Kiss the ground for me please! The biggest bat cave in the world is just north of San Antonio Tx. (Lived there also in winter.) Best season for watching bats is springtime until month of September. Take a small jar of Vicks to put a SMALL dab under your nose if the smell makes you gag. Or a hankerchief damp with Listerine to hold against your nose. Much type of rock layers to look at in that area also but nothing like the Rockies. If you love nature you will love Montana/Wyoming! AND.... do NOT try to get close up pictures of large wildlife. Be prepared if hiking. Be prepared when the large animals are seemingly quiet as your houdecat on a sofa- they can have 'attitude' and sre amazingly fast. These animals, particularly Grizzly (brown bear) elk, moose and bison can and have seriously hurt foolish people. You are in their home, not a zoo. Take lots of pictures. You truly are in God's country.