Thursday 30th May
Hi All
We have had 2 really busy days sightseeing around Vancouver and today a full day trip to Vancouver Island The Butchart Gardens and Victoria. I had hoped to get the blog up to date but need to head to bed as we need to pack everything back into our cases and check out in the morning. Tomorrow we leave Vancouver on our 7 Day Cruise to Alaska followed by 2 weeks with a hire car. Looking like the weather is going to clear up for the start of the cruise so let's hope it continues for the remainder of the week and beyond. Will update the blog when I get the chance. Hope you are all keeping well and enjoying following us on our journey. Bye for now luv to you all Debbie
Friday, 31 May 2013
Vancouver - Day 1 - Girls & Boys drive to Seattle
Peter & Geoff up 5.45am very early this morning as they had to take the hire car we have had for 3 weeks since we arrived in San Fransisco back to Seattle. They left here at 6.30am, after negotiating some traffic jams, USA Border crossing and the detour around the Bridge collapse on the I5 they arrived in Seattle at 9.50am. Dropped the car off and then went to the Railway Station to organised bus tickets for the return trip to Vancouver. Geoff then realised he had left his sunglasses (fit ons for his prescription glasses) in the car so they got a Taxis back to the hire car drop off to collect them. Another lucky save on sunglasses.
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| Collapsed I5 Bridge |
They then enjoyed lunch of Chowder, Fish & chips on the Waterfront at Ivar's Fish Bar. Back to the Railway Station bus departed at 1.50pm with a total of 8 passengers on board. Another detour due to I5 Bridge collapse and border crossing back into Canada arriving back to Vancouver at 5.30pm. Following some info the girls had sent them earlier in the day they caught the SkyTrail back to the downtown area arriving back at the apartment at 6.30pm.
In contrast to the Boys early rising the girls had a sleepin. Debbie was awake and up at 8am and Betty about 9am. The weather here is raining and cool. Following breakfast and a slow start we finally left the apartment at 11am armed with rain jackets and brollies we headed to the Canada Place waterfront - Visitor Info Centre (VIC). Main one is under renovation so had to find the replacement in the Convention Centre foyer. Decided to purchase a 2 day pass for the Trolley street car Hop-on Hop-off as the rain seems to have set in and they are a covered Trolley/Tram style bus unlike the Big Bus which is open, to have a look around Vancouver. We shared a lovely plate of Chinese Noodles, Veggies and Chicken in the food court for lunch, then headed to the bus stop to catch the 1.45pm Trolley. The Trolley has 2 circuits the Red & Blue line. We chose the Blue line as the Red line will take us to Stanley Park and will do that tomorrow with the boys. The commentary is live which is nice and very informative. Deb decided we should get off at Granville Island and visit the Markets (as the boys probably won't want to do that tomorrow). Still raining so brollies up and off we go across the bridge to find the Public markets. Interesting place to look around although much smaller than I expected. Lots of fresh meat and veggies. Interested to look at the prices compared to what we pay. Prime Rib $32.98 per pound which is about $66 per kilo. Bargains around on Strawberries 2 extra large punnets for $4. We resisted the fudge shop but did find a gourmet cake shop and had to try the Pecan Caramel Slice and it was yummo! That was our treat for today. Headed back to catch the bus stood in the rain for 20 mins when the Trolley arrived not enough room for us - just missed out so we had to wait in the rain for yet another 20 mins for the next one. Lucky we stayed at the front of the line as we got on that time.
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| Entrance to Granville Island |
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| Stuart's Cake Shop - Granville Island Market |
Rode it all the way back to Canada Place. Weather has cleared so a chance to take some photo's. Seaplane's take off from near here so watched a couple take off. Walked back to our apartment then down the road to investigate a place for dinner.
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| Seaplane |
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| Canada Place - Cruise ship Terminal |
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| 1288 W Georgia Street - Our Apartment block 3405 on the 34th Floor - (36 top floor) |
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| Glass sculpture in fountain near our car park |
Arrived back at the room to find that Betty's key would not open the door so back down 34 floors to the Lobby to check it out. Lucky they had loos on the first floor we could use while we waited. The boys arrived back just as we finished in the loos. Key sorted and back up to our room. Quick round of photo's from the windows and balcony while the rain has stopped and the sky is clear. The off to dinner tonight we had dinner at the White Spot as we have 50% discount vouchers, Yep you kids would be pleased with us using discount vouchers. It is about 5-6 blocks down the road. Nice food and really good prices, Deb & Peter Roast Turkey, Betty Halibut (Fish) & Chips and Geoff Chicken Pot Pie. Fine when we left Debbie took brolly just in case - lucky it was needed on the way home, the rain had started again. Back to our room at 8.50pm. Peter & Geoff tired so early nights for them. Yep time for me to head to bed also as it is almost midnight here once again.
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| Late afternoon view from Dinning Window |
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| Dusk view from Dinning Window |
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| Night view from Dinning Window |
Whistler to Vancouver
Monday 27th May 2013
Alarm set for 7.30am this morning and breakfast done and checked out of our room 9.40am on our way to VIC in Whistler Village to gather some info to plan our day. Cloudy 10C. We find out that the Peak2Peak, Gondala is fogged in so decide it is not worth the $50 each to not see the views from the top. Most walks still snowed in. So decide on Scenic drive to Rainbow Park and walk at Brandywine Falls and perhaps another shorter walk this afternoon weather permitting. First stop Rainbow Park, out for a stroll around the park with views over Alta Lake, gardeners mowing the lawns so not such a peaceful place. Morning tea this morning of Lamingtions we got in Whistler, last night, very yummy!
Headed off from there at 11am on our way to Vancouver took the drive to Whistler Olympic Park for some Bear spotting. Success 11.30am & 11.40am on side of the road and almost to the entrance to the Olympic Park we saw 2 Brown Bears, another successful detour.
Next stop Alexander Falls which can be seen from the car park. The it's off to the Brandywine Falls arriving at 12noon. A short 500M walk to view the falls and then off on what we believed to be a max 7klm loop walk, starting at 12.20pm. We started off walking and reached the Bungee Bridge after an hour and watched a couple of people do a Bungee Jump. Then heading for the Suspension Bridge, only one problem with that we got lost, found it eventually only to find out we had walked a further 3.5klms away from the car and it was still raining. So had our snacks, Pringles and smoked almonds and water. Started walking again, this time following a very narrow forrest path with the orange track ribbons tied to the tress occasionally, raining and very slippery, rather hoping not to see any Bears this time.The signs on the loo doors back at the camp ground we stumbled across near the suspension bridge warned of Bears in the area. Lost the path and through Private Property finally finding the Railway line down a Private road again back to a trail entrance. Yep the sign says 3.5klms back to the carpark from here, so we walked all the way back to the car park arriving at 3.15pm, we had walked for almost 3 hours, we think about 10klms. Next time will make sure we take a map and ask more questions so as not to get lost. Certainly all glad to see the car park. Lunch at the picnic table sheltered from the rain by a large tree.
On the road again at 3.30pm, still raining arriving 4.20pm at Shannon Falls. BC's 3rd Highest Falls with a 335M drop they are 6 times as high as Niagara Falls, luckily only a short walk in to view them.
Back on the road at 4.40pm so that was a quick stop arrived into Vancouver 5.30pm stuck in traffic for 30 mins arriving at our apartments 6.05pm parked out the front and in our room at 6.50pm. Checked in and we are on the 34th Floor 1288 W Georgia Street Downtown at the Vancouver Extended Stay Apartments. We have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large living area, kitchen and small dinning table and a laundry with washing machine and dryer. That will make the job of laundry much easier. We have amazing views from which ever window you choose to look out even more spectacular once the sun has gone down and the lights of the city come on.
Walked down the street to find some dinner decided on Shenaigan's Pub had burgers and fries. Groceries at Urban Fare on the way back to our room all feeling rather buggered after our long walk earlier in the day.
Alarm set for 7.30am this morning and breakfast done and checked out of our room 9.40am on our way to VIC in Whistler Village to gather some info to plan our day. Cloudy 10C. We find out that the Peak2Peak, Gondala is fogged in so decide it is not worth the $50 each to not see the views from the top. Most walks still snowed in. So decide on Scenic drive to Rainbow Park and walk at Brandywine Falls and perhaps another shorter walk this afternoon weather permitting. First stop Rainbow Park, out for a stroll around the park with views over Alta Lake, gardeners mowing the lawns so not such a peaceful place. Morning tea this morning of Lamingtions we got in Whistler, last night, very yummy!
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| View across Alta Lake |
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| Rainbow Park |
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| 2nd Brown Bear |
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| 1st Brown Bear |
Next stop Alexander Falls which can be seen from the car park. The it's off to the Brandywine Falls arriving at 12noon. A short 500M walk to view the falls and then off on what we believed to be a max 7klm loop walk, starting at 12.20pm. We started off walking and reached the Bungee Bridge after an hour and watched a couple of people do a Bungee Jump. Then heading for the Suspension Bridge, only one problem with that we got lost, found it eventually only to find out we had walked a further 3.5klms away from the car and it was still raining. So had our snacks, Pringles and smoked almonds and water. Started walking again, this time following a very narrow forrest path with the orange track ribbons tied to the tress occasionally, raining and very slippery, rather hoping not to see any Bears this time.The signs on the loo doors back at the camp ground we stumbled across near the suspension bridge warned of Bears in the area. Lost the path and through Private Property finally finding the Railway line down a Private road again back to a trail entrance. Yep the sign says 3.5klms back to the carpark from here, so we walked all the way back to the car park arriving at 3.15pm, we had walked for almost 3 hours, we think about 10klms. Next time will make sure we take a map and ask more questions so as not to get lost. Certainly all glad to see the car park. Lunch at the picnic table sheltered from the rain by a large tree.
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| Brandywine Falls |
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| Early in our walk at Brandywine Falls |
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| Bungee Bridge with Jumper suspended |
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| Suspension Bridge |
On the road again at 3.30pm, still raining arriving 4.20pm at Shannon Falls. BC's 3rd Highest Falls with a 335M drop they are 6 times as high as Niagara Falls, luckily only a short walk in to view them.
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| Shannon Falls |
Back on the road at 4.40pm so that was a quick stop arrived into Vancouver 5.30pm stuck in traffic for 30 mins arriving at our apartments 6.05pm parked out the front and in our room at 6.50pm. Checked in and we are on the 34th Floor 1288 W Georgia Street Downtown at the Vancouver Extended Stay Apartments. We have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large living area, kitchen and small dinning table and a laundry with washing machine and dryer. That will make the job of laundry much easier. We have amazing views from which ever window you choose to look out even more spectacular once the sun has gone down and the lights of the city come on.
Walked down the street to find some dinner decided on Shenaigan's Pub had burgers and fries. Groceries at Urban Fare on the way back to our room all feeling rather buggered after our long walk earlier in the day.
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Lone Butte to Whistler
Sunday 26th May 2013
Up at 7.15am for a 8am breakfast this morning provided by Katalin at the Sunshine Cottage B&B. Great homecooked breakfast, bacon & scrambled eggs, toast, rasin bread, fruit and apple cake, along with juice and coffee. Won't needing any morning tea this morning. A chat and catch up with Katalin & Alex and a look around the beautiful cottage, said our goodbyes and on the road at 10.15 with our first stop 100 Milehouse for fuel.
Next stop Mt Begbie Foresty Lookout at 11 til 11.30am it is 1276M above sea level and we climbed to the top. Great view across the plains with the Mountains on either side, temp up to 12C.
Stopped at Marble Canyon Provincial Park for lunch just got set up on picnic table and down it came raining again, made dash to the car and lunch inside the car. Opened our Vegemite to have on the Bread Rolls from Katalin this morning so Vegemite for the first time since we left home. Temp dropped from 14C to 10C in 10 mins. Peter driving again heading for Whistler on Highway 99, very windy road with great views of mountains and valleys. Photo stops Fraser River Canyon, Seton Lake Resevior Recreation Park BC Hydro (Temp up to 18C), Cayoosh Creek Bridge.
Shortly after leaving Cayoosh Bridge, "Bear Jam" Black Bear close to the road so we got some great photos' from the car off course! Followed shortly after by Baby Brown Bear just before Channel Creek 55klm from Pemberton - spotted by Peter, this time we stated the "Bear Jam". Once again close to the edge of the road and Deb got some great photo's out the window of the car.
Duffey Lake we saw the Log Jam on the lake and remains of snow slide/avalange site.
We stopped at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park raining down to 7C snow on paths so loo stop only. Geoff driving again and the rain is very heavy, onto Whistler arriving at 5.05pm our earliest arrival. Checked into our very large suite at the Whistler Legends Resort - Room 322 we have 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms plus living space lovely room pitty it's only for one night. We drove down to Whistler Village for dinner at the Keg Peter Steak & Crab, Debbie Sirlion, Betty & Geoff both had Chicken & 1/2 Ribs. Great meals once again at the Keg. Walked around the Village, picked up some groceries and back to our room. Peter & Betty managed to get themselves locked outside checking out the Pool Area and had to walk around to the front of the Resort to get back in. We have our own washing machine & Dryer so washing under way. Great fast internet tongiht so a chance to catch up on emails on post some of the Blog posts from the last few days.
Up at 7.15am for a 8am breakfast this morning provided by Katalin at the Sunshine Cottage B&B. Great homecooked breakfast, bacon & scrambled eggs, toast, rasin bread, fruit and apple cake, along with juice and coffee. Won't needing any morning tea this morning. A chat and catch up with Katalin & Alex and a look around the beautiful cottage, said our goodbyes and on the road at 10.15 with our first stop 100 Milehouse for fuel.
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| Sunshine Cottage Debbie & Peter with Katalin & Alex |
Next stop Mt Begbie Foresty Lookout at 11 til 11.30am it is 1276M above sea level and we climbed to the top. Great view across the plains with the Mountains on either side, temp up to 12C.
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| Mt Bigbie - Lookout |
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| Fraser River Canyon |
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| Seton Lake |
Shortly after leaving Cayoosh Bridge, "Bear Jam" Black Bear close to the road so we got some great photos' from the car off course! Followed shortly after by Baby Brown Bear just before Channel Creek 55klm from Pemberton - spotted by Peter, this time we stated the "Bear Jam". Once again close to the edge of the road and Deb got some great photo's out the window of the car.
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| Black Bear |
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| Baby Brown Bear |
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| Baby Brown Bear - Love this photo |
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| Log Jam - Duffey lake |
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| Whislter Legends Resort - Room 322 |
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Jasper to Lone Butte - Sunshine Cottage B&B
Saturday 25th May 2013
Early rise again this morning 7am, car packed checked out and on the road at 8.50am into town to fuel the car and pick up Muffins at the Bear's Paw Bakery for the journey. Heading out of town at 9.30am and still 3C raining very low cloud no views of snow capped mountains for us this morning. Crossed time zones at 9.55am yah we gain an hour it is now 8.55am, more time for sight seeing today, shortly after that we saw our first Black Bear for the day.
Stopped at Moose Lake 6C clouds low on the Mountains. Next stop the Overlander Falls 30 minute walk, great falls. Mt Robson Visitor Info Centre (VIC) no views of Mt Robson 8C and too much low cloud. Morning tea of Cinnamon buns then coffee in the Cafe. Peter driving next stop Rearguard Falls, a good place to see the Salmon Spawning in August - we are too early to see this. Lunch stop 12.30pm at Thunder River Rest stop picnic tables and Gophers in the park with holes throughout. Great photo opportunity our first Gophers, most intereting little guys.
Next stop Clearwater VIC given information about Wells Gray Provincial Park and the beautiful waterfalls so detouring into the park to explore. 47Klms from Clearwater - Helmeken Falls just a short walk in quite spectacular. Then onto Dawson Creek and Dawson Falls just had to make a spot here, a longer walk but again great falls. there is so much water because of the melting snow and the rain.
Head back into Clearwater to find the ATM, stopped at Dutch Lake for photos of the reflections to on the way again 4.50pm 12C.
Up into the Mountains and temp down to 8C. Finally found our accomodation at Sunshine Cottage B&B in Lone Butte met by Katalin and her dog Flower at the gate arrived at 6.20pm. Chose our Bedrooms Betty & Geoff upstairs and Debbie & Peter downstairs we each have a bathroom. Headed off to the Iron Horse Pub in Lone Butte for dinner.Great meals Veal, Fish, Steak & Chicken wrap. Back to Sunshine Cottage for coffee and planning for tomorrow. Early night all to bed at 10.30pm.
Early rise again this morning 7am, car packed checked out and on the road at 8.50am into town to fuel the car and pick up Muffins at the Bear's Paw Bakery for the journey. Heading out of town at 9.30am and still 3C raining very low cloud no views of snow capped mountains for us this morning. Crossed time zones at 9.55am yah we gain an hour it is now 8.55am, more time for sight seeing today, shortly after that we saw our first Black Bear for the day.
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| Black Bear |
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| Overlander Falls |
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| Gopher at Thunder River |
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| Helmeken Falls - Wells Gray Park |
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| Dawson Falls |
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| Dawson's at Dawson Falls |
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| Reflections at Dutch lake |
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| Reflections at Dutch Lake |
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Jasper Day 2
Friday 24th May 2013
Up 7am this morning to make the most of our last day in Jasper still so much to see. The weather had other ideas cold only 5C and raining. Headed into town at 8.50am to cancel our Maligne Lake Cruise due to the weather. Tried to look at the Fairmont Chateau Lodge across Beauvert Lake but the road was closed. Drove onto the 6th & 5th Bridge's across Maligne Canyon, the 5th Bridge had been washed away.
Headed for Maligne Lake to check out the weather at the Lake and perhaps go on the cruise. Saw a Black Bear on the way. Temprature is dropping down to 4C and still raining. Arrive at Maligne Lake and it is only 2C and snowing. Morning Tea Cinnamon buns in the car and warm drinks in the Lodge. No cruise for us today decided to head back to town for lunch and then our cabin to catch up on emails - if we have internet and postcards. Now 6C still raining, so glad we have a bigger cabin to spend the afternoon.
Heading to dinner and it's still only 8C. Dinner tonight at Olive's Restaurant recommende to us by the staff here at PLB. Australian Lamb Shanks (Betty & Peter) Beef Ribs for (Debbie & Geoff). All very nice funny story Deb & Geoff saying how hot the ribs were only to find out that the heat was coming from the Cactus Sliced chips which we had both been eating to counteract the spice from the ribs when in fact it was the chips. Still night so quick walk down to the Lake for some pictures and spoke with some frequent visitors here at Patricia Lake. They said this weather is unseasonally cold for this time of year.
Home by the fire nice and warm. Have borrowed some board games from the Office for tonight after dinner.
Up 7am this morning to make the most of our last day in Jasper still so much to see. The weather had other ideas cold only 5C and raining. Headed into town at 8.50am to cancel our Maligne Lake Cruise due to the weather. Tried to look at the Fairmont Chateau Lodge across Beauvert Lake but the road was closed. Drove onto the 6th & 5th Bridge's across Maligne Canyon, the 5th Bridge had been washed away.
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| 6th Bridge Maligne River |
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| Washed out 5th Bridge Maligne River |
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| View of Maligne Lake - cold and snowing no views of the mountains behind at all! |
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| Reflections on Patrica Lake |
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| Reflections on Patricia Lake |
Jasper Day 1
Thursday 23rd May 2013
Was decided that it was time for a sleepin. Alarms set for 7.30am breakfast in our room and bags packed as we are moving to the much larger Prymid Cabin with 2 bedrooms and larger living room as we have 2 more nights here. Housekeeping will shift our suitcases for us.
Headed into Jasper 9.30am to visit the Parks Canada office to help plan our stay in Jasper. Was decided that we would head out to Maligne Canyon and Lake. Arrived at the Canyon at 10.30am and walked the Canyon to just beyond the 4th Bridge. Canada's deepest Canyon so deep and very narrow in some places. Near the 3rd Bridge, ice was still on some of the Canyon walls and slowing being melted away by the snow melt above it. They use this Canyon in the Winter for Ice Climbing on the Ice Walls and they do Ice Walks. Lots of water fast flowing through the Canyon.
A short walk along the Mary Schaffer Loop at Maligne Lake, weather is coming in and starting to rain and getting very cool, cruises not opened for the year yet. Took pictures of the Boat House and cruise boats which they are getting ready to open the season. We then returned to the warm Lodge, for some lunch of Soup Potatoe & Cauiflower for the girls and Beef Stew for the boys. We all enjoyed the views of the Lake and snow capped Mountains from the warm restaurant.
On our way again at 2.30pm and came across our first "Moose Jam" on the way back into Jasper, Geoff and Pete hopped out to take some photo's. Followed by spotting a Black Bear near Medicine Lake, not much luck with photo's as it was amongst the trees. Back to Patricia Lakes Bungalows by 4.30pm this afternoon for a catch up on emails and to check into our new larger cabin 20 Prymid. It has 2 levels with living downstairs, bathroom and 1 bedroom with another bedroom upstairs,it is modern and nicely furnished, all very impressed. Great to have some extra room for the next couple of nights. It is a lovely spot here with Patricia Lake just a short walk from our cabin.
Dinner to-night at The Inn at the Best Western Hotel. Lovely dinner Meatloaf (Debbie & Peter), Lamb Shank (Geoff) & Seafood Leginne (Betty) the staff at the hotel very friendly. They told us that the Lake Maligne Crusies start tomorrow an we booked a spot on the 1pm cruise at the reception desk on our way out. Back to PLB and a quick walk down to the Lake very cold so back to the cabin and put the heater on and doing diaries email catch ups. Then we turned on the TV and heard about a bridge collapse on the I5 (Interstate main highway) in the US at Mt Vernon on the Skagit River near Bennington. We crossed that bridge 6 days ago on our way from Seattle to Revelstoke. It is the way Geoff and Peter had planned to go when returning the car to Seattle. It may have been caused by a large truck hitting it, some people injured but they don't belive any fatatlities amazing given how busy that I5 is.
Was decided that it was time for a sleepin. Alarms set for 7.30am breakfast in our room and bags packed as we are moving to the much larger Prymid Cabin with 2 bedrooms and larger living room as we have 2 more nights here. Housekeeping will shift our suitcases for us.
Headed into Jasper 9.30am to visit the Parks Canada office to help plan our stay in Jasper. Was decided that we would head out to Maligne Canyon and Lake. Arrived at the Canyon at 10.30am and walked the Canyon to just beyond the 4th Bridge. Canada's deepest Canyon so deep and very narrow in some places. Near the 3rd Bridge, ice was still on some of the Canyon walls and slowing being melted away by the snow melt above it. They use this Canyon in the Winter for Ice Climbing on the Ice Walls and they do Ice Walks. Lots of water fast flowing through the Canyon.
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| Ice on Maligne Canyon Walls |
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| Water Falls at Maligne Canyon |
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| Maligne Lake |
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| Prymid Cabin Patrica Lake |
Banff to Jasper - Columbia Icefields
Wednesday 22nd May 2013
Up early 7am as we need to pack up and ship out today and head for Jasper, so much to see and do along the way. Car fueled and on the way by 9.15am a cool 10C. Geoff not feeling 100% so Peter will be our driver today. We head off on the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper.
Every corner has something for us to photograph. At this rate it is going to take us sometime to get to Jasper.
Highlights Bow Lake still Frozen, Deb purchases gloves and hat at the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge at Bow Lake, she had a feeling they would be required today.
Peyto Lake where we slogged our way on the snowy pathway to see Peyto Lake and the Glacier, this lake is semi thawed and has the beautiful blue colour we had expected to see at Lake Louise. A truly beautiful sight not what we expect to see after Bow Lake still so frozen. The walk on the snowy pathway was so worth it. New shoes we got for the trip very necessary today.
Photo stops at Skskathewan Crossing with views of Mt Skskathewan & Mt Amery, Alexandra river, Weeping Wall Bridal Vail Falls - Betty sugested as a lunch stop we all laughed way too windy and cold here 7C back in the car. Stopping just around the corner at Parker Ridge still very cold and windy sheltered by the car.
Arrived at the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre at 2ish where we took the 2.50pm tour onto the Athabasca Glacier in their specially built Ice Buses basically a dump truck with a bus body. James was our driver and explained Glacier and about the vehicle as we went. So interesting and amazing to see how much it has shrunk back 1.5klms in the last 150 years. Walked on the Glacier for 20 mins and it started snowing while we where out there. Views of the AA & Andromeda Glacier - a very big and fast moving one. Yep Deb needed that hat she purchased this morning that's for sure.
On the road again at 4.30pm stopped at Tangle Creek Falls and then we came across our first "Bear Jam" - when lots of cars stop on the side of the road to view a bear. It was a Grizzly Bear grazing on the grass not far from the edge of the road. Our 1st Bear sighting photo's off course! Lucky Geoff is in the pasanger seat today with the Telephoto lens on his camera for such sightings. Sunwapta Falls with once again lots of fast flowing water which was great to see. Then another "Bear Jam" this time a Black Bear so stopped to see this one as well. Then onto Athabaca Falls - yet another spectacular waterfall.
Arrived at Patricia Lakes Bungalows 7pm, checked into our Cabin 16 for the night and off to get some dinner. Dinned at Smitty's Betty & Deb not that impress with their meals tonight. Boys happy with their choice of Burgers. Drove back via Pyramid Lake - with nice views along the way. Watch out for the mozzies they are monsters here over twice the size of ours at home. Back to our room at 9.30pm I am sure they would carry you away. Nice reflections on the lake so braved the Mozzies for a couple of quick photos. All going to bed a 11.20pm, we are a bit crowded tonight but will move to the bigger Cabin tomorrow.
Up early 7am as we need to pack up and ship out today and head for Jasper, so much to see and do along the way. Car fueled and on the way by 9.15am a cool 10C. Geoff not feeling 100% so Peter will be our driver today. We head off on the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper.
Every corner has something for us to photograph. At this rate it is going to take us sometime to get to Jasper.
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| Reflections on Frozen Bow Lake |
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| View of Bow Lake from Lodge window |
Peyto Lake where we slogged our way on the snowy pathway to see Peyto Lake and the Glacier, this lake is semi thawed and has the beautiful blue colour we had expected to see at Lake Louise. A truly beautiful sight not what we expect to see after Bow Lake still so frozen. The walk on the snowy pathway was so worth it. New shoes we got for the trip very necessary today.
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| Peyto Lake - Frozen |
Arrived at the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre at 2ish where we took the 2.50pm tour onto the Athabasca Glacier in their specially built Ice Buses basically a dump truck with a bus body. James was our driver and explained Glacier and about the vehicle as we went. So interesting and amazing to see how much it has shrunk back 1.5klms in the last 150 years. Walked on the Glacier for 20 mins and it started snowing while we where out there. Views of the AA & Andromeda Glacier - a very big and fast moving one. Yep Deb needed that hat she purchased this morning that's for sure.
On the road again at 4.30pm stopped at Tangle Creek Falls and then we came across our first "Bear Jam" - when lots of cars stop on the side of the road to view a bear. It was a Grizzly Bear grazing on the grass not far from the edge of the road. Our 1st Bear sighting photo's off course! Lucky Geoff is in the pasanger seat today with the Telephoto lens on his camera for such sightings. Sunwapta Falls with once again lots of fast flowing water which was great to see. Then another "Bear Jam" this time a Black Bear so stopped to see this one as well. Then onto Athabaca Falls - yet another spectacular waterfall.
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| 1st Black Bear Sighting |
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| Patricia Lake |
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