July 16, 2013 Tuesday
Day 9
Today we started off on Trans Canada Highway, Hwy 1. Along the highway in various places we drove under arched shaped bridges covered with trees. We learned these are called wildlife overpasses and they are built to allow bears, cougars, wolves, elk, deer, moose and other wildlife to safely cross the highway. Hidden cameras tell their story, and yes, they have discovered, the overpasses are working.
Our first stop was Lake Louise at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Turquoise water, snow capped mountains- too breathtaking for words. We took tons of pictures, explored around the hotel, then sat on a bench in front of the lake, and just STARED at the beauty while we shared an almond croissant & sipped coffee (Michael) & tea (Carol). Lovely.
Our bliss, however, was broken a smidge when we attempted to leave the parking lot at Lake Louise. It was considerably more crowded than when we had arrived in the morning and had easily parked there. Michael was having quite a difficult time jockeying the car and camper out of our now tight space. I was out of the car, trying to direct, but it was pretty hopeless. The nicest people drove up behind us, wanting our spot, so I asked them to give us room as we were trying to get out, but that it may be awhile. All 3 of them got out of their vehicle and took positions all around the car/camper front & back, and for the next 20+ minutes they helped guide us out. They barely spoke English, but they were giving signals, gesturing and saying things like "this could be possible" until we were finally free. As Michael & I wholeheartedly thanked them, they all laughed & the man said "greetings from Holland". What kind people they are to take time from their holiday to help us. Warms our hearts.
As if Lake Louise wasn't enough beauty, we then drove to Jasper on what has to be the most scenic drive in the world, hands down! I am not making this up. It is the Icefields Parkway, Highway 93 North. Around every corner we saw something magnificent. We drove past 7 ice fields (large upland glaciers, the largest being Columbia Icefield), as well as 25 smaller but still awesome glaciers. We learned about "Cirques" the bowl shaped amphitheaters across the sides of mountains, created by the scouring and gouging action of glaciers. Many mountain lakes occupy abandoned cirques. The lakes along the parkway were brilliant, ranging from jade green to turquoise to ice blue & other glorious colors that don't even have names.
There are numerous pull offs & interpretive sites on the Icefields Parkway. It was such fun stopping & exploring. Along the parkway we got a good look at all three life zones in the Canadian Rockies - the meadowy, piney montane valley floor; the subalpine zone with spruce & fir forests; and the treeless alpine zone above 2,200m.
After stopping at Athabaska Falls, we arrived at our campsite, Wabasso in Jasper National Park, which claims to be the world's largest dark sky preserve with the majority of the park being free from artificial light.
Our campground was right on the
Athabaska River. We set up, unhooked the camper then took off for the cute little town of Jasper which is framed by a railroad station/tracks and beautiful mountains, the most prominent, being Bon homme, which shows the reclining profile of an old Indian man's face. The cracks in the mountain look like feathers in his headdress. We drove around the town, popped into Jasper Brew Pub, had a local beer and Poutines (yummy French fries with cheese curds & gravy), then we browsed through some shops. Finished off our evening with dinner at Earl's rooftop restaurant overlooking the town & the mountains
181 miles today
3,375 miles so far
Wildlife Sightings
Hawk on fence post
Canadian Gray Jay
Golden Eagle
Mule Deer