We
slept a little later than usual. Maybe it was because we were toasty warm on a
cold morning or because Carol narrowly beat Dick at a hard fought game of Bananagram last night.
It’s
overcast this morning and cool. We were promised sunshine for today, so we’re
going to tour Lake Louise and drive
up the Icefields Parkway.
We
were here on August 5th and 6th during our 2010 Northwest
Trip. This visit is a bit of a do-over, but the scenes provide a wonderful
way to complete our time in Canada. We’re heading for the U.S. via Kamloops BC tomorrow.
About
the Day
We
started the day with sustenance from Laggan’s
Mountain Bakery & Deli in Lake Louise Village. We know nothing of their
deli. The bakery has a beautiful selection and our choices were delicious.
Next,
we headed off on a 170 mile round trip excursion on the Icefields Parkway. It’s been called the most scenic drive in the
world. The route offers fresh wonders around every turn. Majestic, powerful,
dramatic and beautiful summarize our impressions.
Athabasca Glacier is part of the Columbia Icefield
 |
| Athabasca Glacier |
 |
| Athabasca Glacier used to cover the entire parking lot |
We
saw evidence of avalanche destruction along the entire route.
 |
| Avalanche repair |
Slowed
traffic signaled one grizzly and two bighorn sheep sightings.
 |
| grizzly |
 |
The first herd of bighorn sheep stops traffic
and then strolls past our car. |
 |
| A second herd shows mountainside skills. |
We
ended the tour at Lake Louise.
 |
| Carol approaches the Fairmont |
 |
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
lakeside view |
 |
| It's really nice inside! |
 |
| Approaching the lake |
 |
| Lake Louise |
A
Neat Meeting
We
had new neighbors when we returned to the campsite. Mark, Dorothy and their two
young daughters are from Switzerland. They are on a one-year around-the-world
tour. They started in August, went to Alaska and then came to Canada. Wow!
Their trip makes ours seem like a trip to the grocery.
A
Neat Happening
We
got notice today that our prepaid Canadian phone service will expire Saturday
night. We will be returning to the U.S. on Saturday afternoon. The timing wasn't planned. It just happened.
Tomorrow
We
continue on TCH-1 to Kamloops.
We've been to this area of Canada a number of times, and just LOVE the scenery! As you know, it's GLORIOUS, MAJESTIC, and BEAUTIFUL! We never get enough of it! I'm glad you two are getting to enjoy it again, too!
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