It was late afternoon when we left the Icefields and we still had 65 miles to go to get to Jasper.
The Triple Divide. There are only a handful of places on earth where this occurs--the melt from the top of this mountain drains into 3 separate oceans--The Atlantic, The Pacific and the Arctic.
The partial view of the backside of the ice field that feeds the Athabasca Icefield gave some indication to the size of that glacier.
We were seeing wildlife now and many signs saying, "Beware the Bears"...Promises! Promises!
The Triple Divide. There are only a handful of places on earth where this occurs--the melt from the top of this mountain drains into 3 separate oceans--The Atlantic, The Pacific and the Arctic.
The partial view of the backside of the ice field that feeds the Athabasca Icefield gave some indication to the size of that glacier.
We were seeing wildlife now and many signs saying, "Beware the Bears"...Promises! Promises!
Clouds were starting to appear ahead but we couldn't help ourselves--we had to stop at every waterfall and vista and get a picture. You are so lucky that I am not putting every picture in this blog...
Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta Falls
The Athabasca River links the freshwater ice of the Columbia Icefields to the salt water of the Arctic Ocean. The waters here journey through Lake Athabasca, Great Slave Lake and the Mackenzie River before spilling off the northern edge of the continent.
The trail meandered back and forth along the top of this canyon...
What is the difference between a mountain goat and a mountain sheep?
Come on, Ron, we've got to get moving.
Wait--I need this photo.
It was raining in Jasper when we arrived. We stopped for dinner and did a tiny bit of sightseeing...
This is a replica/ replacement Totem Pole, put in place in 2009.
The original Raven Totem Pole was carved in the 1870s in Haida Gwaii by an Haida Chief of the Raven clan.
For 94 years, a magnificent Haida totem pole stood proudly near Jasper's railway station.
The totem pole deteriorated over the years and in 2009 had to be taken down. In 2010 the old Jasper Raven Totem Pole returned to its birthplace in Old Massett, Haida Gwaii and was repatriated to the Haida in a heartfelt ceremony.
The return trip to Canmore went much faster with only an occasional stop for a photo.
The wildlife was very accommodating...
Coming right up to the vehicle to get there picture taken. Alas, we did not see a bear.
We arrived back in Canmore right at dusk--about 11pm. Great day, Ron. Thanks again.
Wow. Just..... Wow.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting really bad wanderfoot looking at these photos. Maybe next year!
ReplyDeleteThe 140 mile Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper is something that I think everyone should try to experience at least once in their lives. It was amazing. I am so glad that I was able to go.
ReplyDeleteI would rank it up there with some of the most amazing drives in the world, such as PCH Big Sur, New Zealand's South Island, the Columbia Gorge, Almafi Coast in Italy.
Also, there are no billboards on the road. And no big rigs. The only civilization is gas station and restaurant at the half way point.