Leaving Jasper But First...

Sun!  This morning we were able to eat our breakfast in the sun!  Determined to make the most of our good weather, we packed up camp & first checked out The Whistlers ski area and arial tram.  Too cheap to pay the $30/pp for a tram ride to the top we next headed to the recommended Mount Edith Cavell area.  Simply amazing!!! At Mount Edith we walked amongst the rock debris of glacial moraines, viewed the dynamic hanging Angel glacier & even touched glacial ice chunks.  Did the sight of these glacial delights make us Minnesotans want again for the lovely days of winter?  “Yes!”  (Mike).  “Nooooo!”  (Sara).  Hoary marmots scampering amongst the rocks were a fun addition to the stark landscape. 

Wait, did we mention bears?  Bears!  Mike and I had just been remarking in a snarky way about the hikers that visit very popular hiking areas that are loaded with RV’s & tourists but still feel the need to wear oodles of bear bells.  Really?  Well…on the way down from the quite busy Mount Cavell, we (from the relative safety of our car) spotted a mom black bear (cinnamon color phase) with two little cubs overturning rocks & snacking on bugs.  Wow!  We felt fortunate to come across them (while in a car, I will add) & in the future may choose to not ridicule the bear-bell clad people as much. 

Sadly, time requires that we must depart Jasper N.P. and move on west.  We’re heading toward Prince Rupert and tomorrow’s afternoon’s ferry voyage on the Alaska Marine Hwy.  We are currently in the car, driving on the Yellowhead Hwy. (Hwy. 16) & typing (no worries…2 people & 2 jobs), decreasing in elevation & moving towards, well, we’re not entirely sure where we’ll stop but certainly west of Prince George for the evening. 

Distance Traveled:  ~2040 miles 

Distance to Prince Rupert, BC:   ~440 miles  

The Canadian Rockies: Jasper National Park

Finally! We’ve reached the Rocky Mountains (Canada-style)!  After driving through more rain storms, we entered Jasper National Park (via Hwy. 16) early Sunday afternoon.  Entering Jasper N.P. we were excited to be greeted by inspiring scenery including snowcapped mountains and as a bonus: slightly drier weather.  Upon entry we first sought out to establish camp, settling on Wapiti (Elk) campground fairly close Jasper city.  Taking a cue from the numerous tarps strung out over tents & cooking areas, Mike devised a clever rain deterrent system & we quickly set up camp (keeping our fingers crossed for favorable weather).  Following a quick drizzly lunch, we set out to see the highlights of Jasper National Park. 

Highlight #1:  Elk!!!  Mike spotted our first major wildlife while we were driving towards Maligne Lake.  Mike actually used the fancy word, “majestic” to describe this particular animal, so you know it was a really a good spot.      

Highlight #2:  Maligne Canyon!!!  

Highlight #3: Pica!!! These super cute, “hamsters in the wild” were spotted at Medicine Lake. 

Highlight #4:  Maligne Lake!!!    

Highlight #5:  A close encounter with a mule deer while at Malign Lake

Highlight #6:  Returning to camp and finding elk walking about amongst the campsites.

Highlight #7:  Dry weather & a little peak of sunshine made for an excellent evening!  We even saw some stars this night!

Despite all the signs warning of Caribou crossing, we had yet to spot one. Big Foot still remains elusive as well.  Maybe once we enter British Columbia (?)

Today’s high temp: 64 F