Jasper to Canmore - Part 2

After the avalanche, we headed down, down, down the steps of the Icefield Centre towards our jeep.

I thought a little extra energy was needed for all of the steps so I picked up some cookies on our way out of the centre - Salty Sweet Butterscotch Walnut Cookies. Oh My!

Back on Highway 93, which eventually became Highway 1, we saw more gorgeous scenery and some waterfalls.

We stopped at Bow Summit/Peyto Lake. We read that the area is closed for the season but we heard that you can hike in if you wish. There was a LOT of snow and a LOT of people.

The trail was slushy and very icy.

When we arrived at the Bow Summit overlooking Peyto Lake, it looked very different from our visit a few years ago - the lake was frozen. If you enlarge this picture, you may still be able to see the beautiful turquoise of the water/ice especially along the edges.

We were tired hikers but we never fell! Thank goodness I had Ray close by - I had many slips.

 We stopped at Bow Glacier

and continued on.

We arrived at our rental, a condo, in Canmore. We enjoyed a late dinner tonight on our balcony with this view of 3 Sisters.

A little while ago, I took the same photo as the sun was setting.

And one more at 10:15 tonight.

Our daylight is not quite as long, but close. It's been a long day of travel with lots of hiking. Our condo seems great. I think it's time for bed. Tomorrow the sun is supposed to shine on another great day!

Jasper to Canmore - Part 1

Our Airbnb rental was superb in Jasper! Cottonwood Suite  was perfect!  The location was perfect too. We loved the area, the people we met, and being in the mountains.

Today began EARLY. We once again went to Pyramid Lake to catch the sunrise. The sun did come up and there was a lot of mist on the lake.

After having breakfast and finishing our packing, we headed south on Highway 93 towards Canmore, AB. Here is a little of the scenery we enjoyed.

We stopped at Sunwapta Falls for a short hike and beautiful scenery.

We continued south on Highway 93.

Tangle Falls which was right next to the highway.

I couldn't fit the whole falls in one picture.

We continued on 

and found some mountain sheep.

We spent some time at the Icefield Centre.

A small group of Filipinos asked me to take their photo. They were from California, New York, and New Jersey. We were visiting and they offered to take out picture. The one guy kept saying to be sure and get the ice/snow field in our photo. (The ice/snow field is in the center of this photo.) I guess he liked that area.

Right after he took the picture, Ray turned and said "Avalanche!" And just like that, we all witnessed our first real, in-person avalanche. It happened just to the left of that ice/snow field. Can you see the 'smoke' which is really flying snow?

Look way to the left of this photo - the avalanche is traveling across the photo. (No one was in danger.)

And then it stopped. Wow!

We thought that was plenty of drama for one day!

A laid back day

Today started out with a lot of haze and some rain. We decided to take it easy for the first few hours. I threw a few darts and I might have taken a nap!

Around 11AM, we walked downtown to the Patricia Street Deli. It is on our list of things we want to see. When we walked in, we were friends but they didn't know our name. The fellow making sandwiches suggested just one (they are quite large) and made each half to order. They packaged it with chips for our outing. The sandwich - both halves - was excellent! We can see why they are so highly rated.

We walked home, hopped in the jeep, and headed to Maligne Lake. We were hoping to see the bear with the two cubs (each a different color!) along the way. Some days aren't as lucky as others.

On the way we saw the eagle's nest. Using his camera, Ray could see two chicks. Some days are lucky! I tried to get pictures with my iPhone but they were just too far away. 

Maligne Lake has lost a lot of ice. It was rather cold there so we picnicked in the jeep.

The day was still cloudy but, at times, looked like it might clear some.

The boat house has open water but the ice is close. The deck/docks have been added since we were there earlier.

The parking lot near the boat house and Visitor Center had quite a few cars. Unlike the other day, the gift shop and restaurant were open! They opened for the season about 11 AM today.

We were trying to make a purchase in the gift shop and were the first to use a credit card. The system failed and had to be restarted so we decided to visit the restaurant while we waited. The raspberry torte was excellent! 

Oops the single fork probably gives away that this was all mine. Ray had his own and enjoyed it immensely.

Note: Credit cards are now working in case you decide to visit the Maligne gift shop.

While we've been in Jasper, we haven't see any caribou but we've seen the signs where they've been told to cross the road.

The skies began to clear on our way back home.

After we arrived home, we walked to the camera store; Ray needed some memory cards. We were almost home when I saw this. I might have laughed.

The laundry is now done and I think we are pretty much packed. Tomorrow morning our plan is to see the sunrise at Pyramid Lake if the weather cooperates, eat breakfast, pack the car, and head south.