Long day today but really worth it for the scenery and seeing some Sandhills Cranes, a Mummy bear with row of the smallest Cubs I’ve been lucky enough to see. Now in a very nice hotel in Whistler where I’m hoping to have a bit of a rest!

Some wiildlife found in our bathroom!

Mule Deer

Fraser River

Just as well Paul has his rugged coat with him

Vistas

Decided (for obvious reasons) to take it easier today. Raining again so went to sort out the car first – it’s very clever and tells you that the right rear tyre needs air – shame it doesn’t tell you how much air to put in! Went to see two waterfalls and a farm run until 1947 but now in ruins. During the day saw another bear, a pine marten,some mule deer and a goldeneye duck.

Ray’s Farm – mineral spring

Ray’s Farm – Lake Alice

Goldeneye duck

Helmeckn Falls

Drove up to Clearwater Lake stopping off at Baileys Chute on the way. At least the rain means the rivers look spectacular. Had a cup of tea in the cafe and then decided to go up to see Osprey Lookout. Very steep but lovely view from the top. Then made the mistake of following a sign to Chain Meadows – be lovely to see an alpine meadows with lovely flowers we thought! 6 hours later and a lot of climbing over fallen trees and going up and down through thick forest we finally got back to the car – and there wasn’t sight or sound of any meadows! We were absolutely shattered and didn’t bother with dinner. In bed by 8.30pm. Did see a bear and a ruffed grouse though.

Some of the flora seen on our marathon!

Paul skipping over a tree

View from Osprey Lookout

Ruffed Grouse (so cute)

Lovely drive across to our next stop – even saw a couple of bears (one carrying a huge fish in it’s mouth). I have to admit to something here that you won’t often here me say – I was wrong! Not just once but twice! The minute I said I wouldn’t expect a bear to be about in that sort of countryside w saw the first bear and, then as soon as I said the bears in the Rockies seem to eat just berries and vegetation we saw the bear with the fish!

Spahats Falls

First hummingbird of the trip

Mount Robson

Another lovely breakfast to start the day. Decided to drive up to Maligne Lake, got as far as Medicine Lake when Paul petrol gauge was looking worryingly empty. Never mind when we went to turn around we saw the cutest little Pygmy owl. I definitely want one!

Drove back to petrol station and then hotel. Did a wash in the onsite laundry and had a dip in the hot tub while we waited for it.

Then back up to Maligne Lake again – this time stopped at Medicine Lake to watch a very cuddly black bear have something to eat. On way home saw a beautiful Goshawk and some pretty Mule Deer. Read a leaflet on how to tell a black bear from a grizzly – worryingly you need to see the size of it’s claws – if they’re short then it’s a black bear but if they’re long then it’s a grizzly. Well, I don’t know about you lot but if I’m that close I’m probably not worrying about which type of bear it is!!Ate at Earl’s – really hip and happening (obviously) and I forced down a Marilyn Monroe (passion fruit, vodka and prosecco).

Had a lovely walk around Lake Beauvert this morning in spite of a ratty woman who didn’t want us to walk across the golf course – can’t imagine why! Then drove to the Athabasca Falls – incredible what the power of water can do. After a very nice Greek meal tried driving up the Maligne Lake road but only saw that poor mother eagle sitting on her eggs in the pouring rain. Only animals seen today were a flock of male sheep with very curly horns. They must have been out on the town as they didn’t have any females with them! 

Jasper has lots of trains – slightly longer than the one carriage that runs from Felixstowe and Ipswich. Counted one yesterday – 178 carriages all double decker a. No wonder it needed 3 engines to pull it.

Found our normal haunt for breakfast – Papa George – for eggs and bacon. Then off for my wildlife spotting.

Drove up to Maligne Lakeand on the way saw the bald eagles nesting in their usual spot overlooking Medicine Lake in spite of the fact that there was a bad fire there last July. Then we saw what we’ve been trying to see the whole time we’ve spent in Canada – a moose. And not just one but a Mum and her youngster. So excited!

Then up to Maligne Lake where we could take the boat to Spirit first time the lake hasn’t been iced over while we’ve been here. Absolutely breathtaking. Then back to Jasper via a walk down Maligne Canyon – not for the faint hearted. On the way back to the hotel saw a black bear just moseying along by the side of the road!

Up early so that we could fit in one last breakfast at Evelyn’s – yum – then it’s pack the car and off we go along the Icefield’s Parkway. Stopped for that incredible view over Lake Peyto – definitely one of the best views in the Rockies. Stopped for a tea in the sun overlooking the Athabasca Glacier and then went to the Skywalk – walking on a glass platform over the valley below. Now in Jasper for some more vistas and wildlife.

Paul trying the six beers