Absolutely chucked it down all night and is still raining by the time we got up so picked up goodies from Pure Bread and brought them back to the hotel.
After a morning of just chilling we had a saunter around the shops, managing not to buy anything (all the kids stuff is so cute) and then had a delicious bowl of clam chowder for lunch with the obligatory beers.
Now back in the hotel preparing for our drive to Parkesville tomorrow.
Weather’s looking good so decided on a trip up the mountains in the Sky to Sky gondolas. On the way saw this queue of people waiting to go into a bar for the Champion’s League final. Obviously plenty of Brits here – and maybe a few Spaniards!
One good thing about the pandemic get a gondola to ourselvesDon’t know why I do this -these things terrify me!View from the top of the first mountainNow into this much larger gondola. Could take up to 28 people but still only letting family groups into each one so had it all to ourselves.
For some reason feel much safer in this one even though it goes between 2 mountains and so is much further from the ground.
Lovely views from the top but didn’t get to see the Marmots or the Bobcat we have seen before.
How can anyone be so nonchalant riding in one of these chairlifts. I’m always crying in terror, eyes closed and hanging on for dear life!
And can’t see the draw of riding a bike down a mountain at breakneck speeds.
After all the excitement needed some sustenance
Loved the water glasses – don’t worry we stuck to drinking the beer
Lovely relaxed day. Think we needed it after all the driving.
Breakfast at the best bakery in Whistler. I had a Nutella cream brioche and Paul had a spinach and feta muffin. Delicious but far too big!
Then off for a walk around Lost Lake.
Skunk cabbage. Caviar for bears apparentlyVery peacefulCan’t see the attraction myself, up to your thighs in freezing cold water for hours!Someone spent quite a while making theseView from the lake of the ski liftsA bear’s claw marks. Not sure I’d want to meet him as these marks were 14ft above the groundAnyone who needs to do any proposing this must be the place for it!
After all that it was a stroll around the town before having a meal and a few beers sitting in the sunshine (and a few drops of rain). Finished off with an ice cream from Cows.
Started off with breakfast in a local cafe in Cache Creek. Really local if you know what I mean but it was a wonderful breakfast with the best bacon ever.
The drive across to Whistler wasn’t too long but the road is really narrow, steep and twisty. After a real near miss last visit I was very nervous but it wasn’t as bad as I was fearing although the locals seem to think that the speed limits and the double yellow lines don’t apply to them.
The views are lovely.
One of the locals who thinks it’s ok to speed and overtake across double yellow lines
Wonderful to see these 3 bears.
MumOne of her babies
Now at Summit Lodge, Whistler. You certainly get what you pay for. Wonderful front desk staff. Gave us a bottle of wine as we couldn’t check in immediately and then put a couple of bedside lamps in the bedroom as the wall lights over the bed had to be turned off by the door. Bit of a change from yesterday (although the owner was very helpful there) but then the receptionist was English! 😂😂
Sad to say goodbye to the Rockies but plenty more delights to come. Stopped at the Mount Robson tourist information
Unfortunately the top of the highest spot in the Rockies was shrouded in cloud
No sign of Mr Ranger Sir or Yogi but Dad would have liked this anyway wouldn’t he Al?
Paul couldn’t resist
Just after this I spotted a bear. Felt a bit embarrassed when I realised he was having a private moment. Think he was worried I’d taken a pic but I waited till he’d finished!
Not happy!Thought it was a bit rude of this van to pull in ahead of us. We’ve only been here just over a week! We couldn’t have put on that much weight!Love it when the clouds are so low
Beautiful lake just outside Kamloops
Didn’t see a great deal of wildlife just a few Osprey nests and a bald Eagle sitting on hers.
Now having the rest of the pizza from last night and a can of Shocktop. It’s a hard life.
Love these trains, especially when they hoot their hooters!
Off up Maligne Lake Road again today to see what we could see. Made it up to Medicine Lake without killing the red squirrels who seemed determined to commit hari kari. Just before we got to the car park thought I caught sight of something sitting in a tree – no, not a bear this time, but an Osprey. Managed to get some good pics when we parked. Not sure whether he was looking for a meal or just having a rest fro m babysitting!
On way back to car saw these beauties.
Maybe a warblerWestern Tanager. Isn’t he beautiful!
At Maligne Lake nothing much happening but did see this cheekie chappie
Gray Jay or Whisky Jack
On way back down saw an Osprey again. Wonder if it was the same one? This nest was close by. Presume it’s his although it looks more like a Bald Eagle’s nest but maybe because the Osprey nests I usually see are on the top of telegraph poles.
Back into town for a coffee before back to the hotel to do a little packing and now off for dinner. Now, what shall I have tonight? May treat myself to a beer!
Quiet day today. Very nice breakfast buffet at a hotel next door then off for a walk around Lake Annette and Lake Edith
So peaceful
Didn’t manage to catch a pic but these fish were certainly jumping!The Colin RangeAnd here he is – the man himself.GoldeneyesOff for a hike on this bank holidayLake EdithSavannah Sparrow
Back into town as had to do some laundry and then spoilt ourselves relaxing in the hot tub before wandering back into town for tea.
Not a bad day!
Another glorious day weatherwise. Started off with breakfast at Papa Georgia’s and then caught up with the grandkids. Lovely to see them.
Then off to walk around Lake Beauvert. The scenery is spectacular and we managed to keep off the golf course after upsetting the golfers last time! The resort was really busy but then it is a holiday weekend here.
Perfect viewScoterCheeky red squirrelLoon on her nestYou can see why this lake is called Beauvert
Decided to drive to Sunwapta Falls as we hadn’t been there for a few years.
The sound of the water was lovely
On the way back we were blessed twice!!
First with this grizzly
And then with the sight of a mother black bear and her two cubs
This cub (probably a girl) was braver than the otherThis little one was much more careful – probably a brother
Glorious weather today. Started off with breakfast at our usual restaurant Papa George’s. As good as ever.Anyone see the Indian?
Then off for a drive. First stop Medicine Lake. The Eagle couple are nesting in their usual place.
That nest is really high
Dad arrivingMum leaving
Just left the car Park and saw this!!
So cute
You can see how high up he was!
Then drove up to Maligne Lake. So beautiful. Some visits the lake has been clear of snow and ice but thick this time.
A Goldeneye
Then back down the road where we were stopped by this Bighorn Sheep
Decided to walk down Maligne Canyon on way home. A real workout but worth it.
Funniest thing was that on the way we came across a lad with a black cat on his shoulders walking the Canyon. Hilarious. Can’t think Cleo would have been happy to do that!!
Well, after all that excitement it was time for a meal. A very tasty Italian flatbread and glass of Jasper Brewing Honey Ale.
300km drive from Banff to Jasper along one of the most scenic roads in Canada. Weather changed constantly from sun to snow but beautiful either way.
Beautiful views along the way
Stopped for a coffee at the GlacierThe Athabasca glacier
This little fella was a little close so did’t dare open the windowAthabasca FallsVery impressiveThis raven was very cheeky and helped himself to a bag which had obviously had food in it from an open car doorYou know you’re in Jasper when you see loads of these guysJasper Skytrain
Marmot Lodge Hotel a little old fashioned but clean and perfect location.
Ate dinner at the Jasper Brewing Company. Unfortunately they were out of the Kiwi Kolsch but managed to stock up on Shocktop at the offie next door so not all bad and the burger was delicious.