Jasper to Banff

Jasper... far away and very beautiful - mountains in every directions, waterfalls, and hot springs and two days of wonderful explores. Lakes, rivers, and fir trees are rimmed by staggering mountain peaks...and how lucky we were to have sunny skies and warm temperatures. Late in the afternoon, we drove to the Miette Hot Springs high above the valleys of Jasper. Our drive was slowed by mountain sheep - with horns the size of swirling saucers. They filed down the highway as we approached the Springs. Two pools of 104 degrees and two pools of 48 or 55 degrees provided a sharp contrast...as folk soaked in the sunshine.

In the morning, we returned to the Icefields Parkway. Traveling south offered a new yet stunning perspective. In the afternoon, we took off to explore Banff...Above the town is a botanical garden that cascades in flowers down the hills. Every winter, the head gardener supervises the removal of all perennials and the ordering of new annuals...lots of work for amazing beauty. Imagine, pansies, poppies, carnations...all in flower.

We drove way above the town towards the gondala lift. Not far from the town's perimeter a grey wolf trotted 'home' alongside the golf course as we drove by and a radio-collared cow elk snacked on greenery at the road's edge. We're both going digital!

Feast and Friends in Calgary - on to the Rockies

Days flew by too quickly in Calgary - filled with highlights. Thursday afternoon, we explored the University. The Olympic Oval was amazing...and 2 zambonis skimmed the ice of the speed skating tracks and giant hockey rinks. 2010 is very close...and skaters stretched and practiced. Press coverage was never so real!

The evening meal was a splendid feast. Stories and laughter flowed as friends from Taupo, New Zealand arrived - about to start their long hikes in British Columbia...helicopter in...hiking out. Hodges' hospitality is five star.

Friday morning we headed to Lake Louise. It's called a diamond in the wilderness...and it really is. Perhaps you've seen photographs or paintings of Lake Louise or Lake Moraine...they actually fall short. We started our explore at Lake Moraine surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. It is not accessible in the winter so summer finds it full of visitors...even signs rope off upper access as bears roam there in search of mountain berries. We visited Lake Louise in the later afternoon...and again Saturday to gain just the right reflections for photos in the crisp morning air.

On to Jasper..and the wonder of the Icefield Parkway. It winds directly north...but there's no direct progress as short hikes, waterfalls, hanging glaciers and azure rivers that follow one after another create wonderful stops. It was a stunning day of sunshine and warm temperatures.

Back in time to the Dinosaurs

Wednesday's visit to the Royal Tyrell Museum in the heart of the Badlands two hours northeast of Calgary was a unique experience. Dinosaurs had roamed this area of Alberta and their remains were discovered in river beds in recent years. It was easy to feel very small measured against giant dinosaur skeletons...and exhibits demonstrated how paleontologists researched, worked and made casts. The trip back in time took us from the earliest age to the present...and along the way evolution and survival of species were easy to see. Ancient fauna from as far away as Australia and New Zealand still grow in the museum's botantical setting...which was much nicer to visit than to see the huge cockroaches and tarantulas on display. A quick lesson in paleontology made a great day!

Tomorrow we head to Lake Louise and days in the Rockies.

Explores in Calgary & Fishing in the Rockies

Tuesday was a memorable fishing day for Eric. 2 hours drive from Calgary into Canadian Rockies, 3 hour hike (17k's round-trip) into high alpine lake surrounded by many peaks and above tree line around 7000 feet.
Rangers had sighted Grizzly bears so we were armed with flares and mace guns in case we came upon one.
We caught our trout limit of 8, good size trout average 14 inch in length using both lures and fly fishing.
Temperature was around 70 degrees, with warm breeze so near perfect conditions. The fish prepared beautifully by Sally provided a delicious dinner.

Tuesday was equally perfect for Helen and Sally. Calgary's Glenbow Museum features works by artists who traveled west with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Mountains, prairies and rugged conditions - in room after room of beautiful paintings - it was a great morning. Sharing an afternoon with Sally's grandson Flint made clear what fun 19 months can be.

500 Miles and Starry Night

Saturday morning and heading west...wheat fields, sunflowers, cattle and horses...the horizon stretched far into the distance...and even the cloud combinations changed as we zipped by. Enormous spools of hay dotted the praire...randomly placed mile after mile and yet one couldn't help but suspect that the environmental artist Christo and his wife had come by before or after 'The Gates".

With no fixed destination enroute to Calgary, the night's stay was an open option...until a visit to the Saskatchewan Tourist stop made clear that 20 miles south from the highway were tree covered hills and an interprovincial park...Eric definitely had tenting on his mind.

Flexibility goes a long way on these adventures and the park was wonderful. Beautiful lookouts, cool breezes, and even a close up photo with a chocolate moose....which we hope to include in the blog...after a bit more practice with 'uploading'. The large tent, air mattress, and Eric's culinary microwave skills contributed to a perfect evening.

Now in Calgary with dear friends...Eric is getting his fishing gear out.

Winnipeg West

Friday morning...and time for a unpack/repack before Calgary. It's amazing how items disappear in the depths of the car's trunk.

Happily, we unpacked before torrents of rain..and repacked in 'dry'. We then headed downtown to the Forks, the French quarter, and the Museum of Manitoba...a treasure of history depicted in scenes, notebooks, and displays. Dinosaurs, buffalo hunts, the arrival of Europeans and their shared experience with native people, animal life below the deep winter snows, the Hudson Bay Company and pictures of its London headquarters...the variety and detail were fabulous.

Later in the afternoon ...after an oil change...we visited Assiniboine Park ...a treasure of opportunities for activities, gardens and wide open spaces. The English Garden is a jewel...and we came upon the groom and his groomsmen arriving for his wedding. Near the garden's entrance was the father of the bride...who was waiting for her arrival. He was dressed to the nines with a handlebar mustache the color of corn silk and the size of the husk.

Driving out of Winnipeg Eric discovered a British "soul food" eatery where he picked up a Cornish Pastie and Scotch egg.

A drive to Brandon took us west...and tomorrow we head towards Calgary.

Misunderstood in Manitoba

A rainy morning and a quick start towards Winnipeg. We crossed the border easily, hopscotched through the detours and headed north, and began to wrap our heads around the metric system.

The countryside is a lacework of lakes, cabins, and fir trees as we drove north through First Nation territories...these are the lands of the native people. As we turned west towards Manitoba, fields, farms, and rich soil filled the landscape as far as the eye could see.

Our first stop in Manitoba was the province's Tourist Center. There were maps, brochures, posters and friendly tips...until Eric inquired asked the location of cycle paths. The moment was Kiwi accent meets Canadian twang.

The agent looked at Eric warily. She was certain Eric had asked where the psychopaths were. She replied that Manitoba had its share of crime.

Eric's face registered the 'disconnect'...and repeated his question. Laughter and hoots followed.