July 25, 2017
Today we decided to play golf at the Waterton Lakes
course. Little did we know that we'd
also have grizzlies joining us on three of the holes. Granted, we kept our distance and then didn't
bother us.
The couple we played with
(Art & Nancy from Lethbridge, AB) definitely did not want anything to do
with them and wouldn't even get close.
We certainly respected their wishes and kept our distance. I must say, they can run, greens keeper tried
shooing him off the green, when he ran, he ran.
And the can climb a tree in licitly split!! Never seen some go up a tree that fast!
Don and Darlene Randall (they rent in HRVR) joined us for
dinner at Trappers in Waterton.
Afterwards, we went to Cameron Lake to view the Milky Way. What a spectacular site!!!
July 24, 2017
Walked around town looking through the shops, took a few
pics and then went to Waterton Falls once again. It's so striking, I love it.
Came home and did laundry and washed the truck. Then around 6 PM, went back into town to take the
sunset cruise on the upper lake.
Cruise was wonderful, great ride to Goat Haunt, Mt. While on the boat, the guide explains that
we'll cross the continental divide and of course cross the intentional border,
putting us into Montana. Waterton Lakes
and Glacier National Park were the first Peace park ever created, but since,
there's been many more throughout the world.
Once we reached Goat Haunt, we could only walk around the
border building, as the crossing was closed for the night. If you go on one of the day cruises, you can
stay 1/2 hr or longer, just need to catch a later boat, as it's 8 miles hiking
back if you miss it!
While traveling down, we saw Moose (saw 2 of them) &
Bald Eagles, but while traveling to get to the boat, we saw a grizzly bear
about 1/2 mile from town. Our guide told
us grizzlies are not that common in this area.
The water in this area is extremely cold, only 50 degrees
during heat of summer, too cold for us!!!
Since we left at 7, we did see the sun reflecting of the
mountains, but you don't actually see it set, as the Rockies hide that from our
view. Still it was a magnificent cruise!
July 23, 2017
Went to find the buffalo, as yesterday we couldn't see them
up close. Found them right next to the
road.
We then drove out to Red Rock Canyon, honestly, not much to
see other than Blakiston Waterfalls, which was very nice. The canyon itself is not much, especially
since one of the bridges is closed.
Cameron Lake was our next stop, what a gorgeous lake this
is! The setting in spectacular, you get
to see the mountains along with the glaciers.
No wonder the water is so cold.
We decided not to put the paddleboard in, just in case we fell in....lol. We would have froze!!!
Went into town, made arrangements to take boat ride on
Tuesday evening, hoping we get some great sunset shots.
Came home, had lunch and then drove to Cardston, AB, about
35 min away. There we toured the
Remington Carriage museum. It's the
world's largest carriage museum. They
had over 300 on display and another 100 in storage. We also fixed the blacksmith shop and learned
that they don't work or touch the one's in the museum (they are handled by
historical preservationist) but they do work on private carriages. They charge for the expense of the materials,
labor and a percentage of what the carriage will be valued at once
restored. Nice thing, price is
guaranteed whether it takes 2 months or a year!!! If you ever get to this small town, this is a
must stop.
July 22, 2017
Last stop in Canada!!!!
We are in Waterton Park, AB for the next four days, then we head back
into the states.
The drive from Black Diamond to Waterton Springs Campground
(about 3 km from the National Park) was beautiful. It takes you through farm land and oil
fields. The scenery was striking with
the Rockies and the mustard fields.
Stopped in Pincher Creek for a few supplies, as we know it's
a 40 mile drive back to get them.
Arrived at the campground around 11:30, had lunch, then headed into town
to get information on
hikes, etc.
Walked around town, small but very nice. Lots and lots of people!!! Got to see deer and buffalo, so that was
cool. Also the Cameron Falls and Prince of Wales hotel are located here so we took a tour of both. The
site from the hotel looking back into Waterton is striking. Can't wait for sunset to get some amazing
shots!!!
July 21, 2017
Played golf at Turner Valley Golf Course, nice course about 45 min south of Calgary!
After golf we drove towards Okotoks to look at the Erratic Rock that this area is famous for. Learned how the rock got to this area, as once it was part of the rocky mountains.
July 20, 2017
Left Banff around 9 and arrived in Black Diamond around 11:30. This location is in foothills of the Rockies and is mostly farmland and golf courses.
After having lunch, headed to Okotos to go to Costco. About a 15 mile ride through more farmland.
Go a few supplies, hopefully enough to get us back into the states on 26th.
Went and found local golf course, made arrangements to play tomorrow.
Came home and now making zucchini bread and muffins. Have TV so Bobby is in heaven. Been without for 2 1/2 weeks.
July 19, 2017
Last day in Banff, so we'll take it easy as we have ash in the air and smoke everywhere! Still can hear the helicopters, hopefully they'll get fire under control soon.
Went into town to find the farmers market, nice little market. Bought some BC cherries, apricots, zucchini, tomatoes and apples. Fruit is very, very expensive here, as is everything else.
Next stop was the National Park museum, they have a great display of stuffed animals. Then we walked over the Bow bridge to the Cascade Gardens. Beautiful!!!!
Did a little more shopping and had ice cream...yum!
Tomorrow we move to Black Diamond, BC.
July 18, 2017
Headed to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. We know the smoke is in this area from fire near Golden, BC but are hoping to get in one or two hikes.
We arrive to a sea of people already at Lake Louise, it's around 11:00 AM. The lake is an ice blue instead of the turquoise we had been seeing, but sure it's because of the smoke from fire that's just west of this area about 2 hrs.
I decided that we'd hike the trail to Lake Agnes and the infamous Tea House, it's a 4.4 mile round trip hike. We heard that's it's a difficult hike but do able for us experienced hikers..lol. I must say it's one of the most difficult if not the most difficult hike I've done! You constantly go up hill, no plateaus, nothing! Just continually climb until you reach Mirror Lake. Here we stopped and took pics and played with a golden mantel squirrel.
It was another 1/2 mile to our destination, again climbing in elevation. Thankfully you talk to those returning, which keep telling you it's worth the effort. Took us just shy of 2 hrs. and believe me, we feel our muscles.
We reach the stairs that lead to the tea house, here there's a nice waterfall to view. You have to climb about 50 steps to reach the tea house but what a beautiful site when you arrive. Lake Agnes is stunning, did not disappoint!!!
Took many pics, then went to have tea. I tried the almond joy....very good. They don't have electricity or refrigeration, so the menu is extremely limited. Have a few sandwiches, bars, etc. Bobby had a tuna wrap, it was good.
We then hiked back down, taking only 1 hr. Drove over to see Lake Moraine, it was crowded and had to wait to get a parking spot. If you go, both of these locations fill up extremely fast so go early or late in the afternoon.
Drove back the 45 min to Banff, smoke has move back in, so went home. We can hear the helicopters. Hopefully everyone is safe!
July 17, 2017
Got up and I noticed that the vent in the kitchen had light coming through, but thought that the hail storm from earlier in the week had just weakened the vent. Bobby got on top of the coach and low and behold, the hail has destroyed our vents on the air conditioners and on the fans. So, I called to report the claim to State Farm along with dents in hood of the truck. We'll get the repaired when we return to Havasu.
Took a drive out to Lake Winnewanka. The smoke is thick so decided not to hike or take the boat ride, however, while driving back to go into Canmore, we did see two big horn sheep. They were about 10' from the car!!!
Drove to Canmore to look at this town about 17 KM from Banff. There is a forest fire west of Banff that is causing smoke to come into our area, so difficult to see the surrounding mountains. Drats, as we wanted to go hiking but not today.
Walked around and looked at the shops, lots of people had same idea as us, so difficult to get around. Also we went at looked at the two golf course, couldn't get on either one today.
From the attached pics, you can see the haze in the air, makes it difficult to see, as it's much worse this afternoon than when we arrived, so we headed back to the coach.
July 16, 2106
It's the last day of the Calgary Stampede and we have tickets!!!!! We arrived in Calgary around 11:30, it was already packed!!!! Guess it opened earlier than I thought!!!
Once we got through the gate (our admission was included with our chuck wagon tickets), we headed for the main area. This place is huge and not exactly sure where we are going, so had to ask for directions.
Arrived at the arena, bought rodeo tickets, best seats remaining were the standing room only tickets, which put us near the announcing area. A little difficult to get the best views, but good enough to see the big screen to watch the cowboys!!!
Almost forgot, while trying to find out area to stand, we ran into Bev Grimes, along with her sister and best friend. It was so good to see her. We agreed we meet up at the wine bar immediately following the rodeo. This is the finals, so they presented the winners their checks ($100,000) at end of each event.
After the rodeo (it lasted about 3.5 hrs), headed to wine bar, where we did meet up with Bev and her family/friends. This wine bar is in the BMO building on the grounds, it's huge! While walking there, you go through the fair display section, which we were unaware of or we might have spent more time looking around. Had a couple of wines with them, then had to head back to the arena.
The Chuck Wagon races, here you see the 9 heats of racing. Since it was the last day, we got to see the final and the winner won $100,000. Bev favorite team won!!!
Immediately flowing the chuck races, they had entertainment and fire works. The entertainment was 100 local kids/adults that did dance, sang, played instruments, tricks, etc. It was very good but honestly we came under dressed and were freezing by the time it ended at midnight. We didn't get home until 1:30 AM, as we had 1:15 min. drive back to Banff. Next time, if we ever go again, we'll spend 2 days in Calgary!
July 15, 2107
Since we didn't see the inside of the Banff Hotel, decided to make it our first stop. It's a very old Hotel, built in the 1920's but still exquisite. The grounds were the most impressive to me, but then I love flowers. One of the most interesting aspects was the haunted staircase, apparently this couple was going to be married but while the bride was walking down the staircase, her veil caught fire and she died. They say you can see her or hear the music. Very sad story.
We then drove to the gondola, short drive from hotel. It was an amazing ride up, only 4 people to each car. Once you reach the top, they a beautiful building that's 4 stories. Each floor offers interesting facts, restaurant or clothing.
You also have the opportuning to walk to the weather observatory, which is another 500' up. We were already at 7,000+ feet! They have a nice board walk that you take, which took us about 20 min. Once you arrive at the top, you have tremendous views of the surrounding area, including Banff. Thankfully it was a clear day! The smoke from the BC fires has not reached this area, like it has in Jasper.
Once we took the ride down, went into town and walked around. Looking for that elusive shirt!!!!
July 14, 2017
First day in Banff so we decided to get car washed, can't see out the windows from drive yesterday. While give her a bath, we noticed several dents in the hood from Tuesday's hail storm, will have to get it fixed when we return home.
Then we went to the visitor's center, got what I wanted and then headed to a TouLouLou for breakfast. Visitor's center recommended it, it was very crowded but delicious.
Headed to the Cave & Basin, this is where the National Park's for Canada started. They only give tours once a day at 11, however I must say the tour was not what I expected. It's more for kids than adults, lots of play acting. You do learn of the history and how the springs we discovered. The center here allows you to see the springs, public is not allowed in the springs, as they've found a snail that's endangered and don't want to distribute it!
We then drove up to Surprise Corner, where you get a tremendous view of the Fairmont Hotel. It was stunning.
Next stop was Bow Falls, which from Surprise Corner is across the river for the best viewing. After taking in this site, we headed to the Banff Golf Course. Rates are by far worse than at Jasper, $250 with no change for twilight. It was busy though!!!
We then got a call from Suddenlink, had to deal with that issue (they thought we still had service in Havasu...but I got it fixed) but it took the better part of 4 hrs. Lots of phone calls back and forth.
In between calls, we did walk around downtown, much bigger area than Jasper. Will have to spend more time this week.
July 13, 2017
Left Edson around 7:30, making a stop in Hinton for windshield wipers blades. Our first stop was the Columbia Icefield. First I must say, the drive between Jasper and the Icefield is amazing. You can't look down as you will miss something. It's so pretty!!!!
Arrived at the Icefields around 11:30, our tour was not until 1:15, found out what we had to do, you would not believe the amount of people here nor how long the lines are! Incredible!!!!
Had lunch at the coach (they have plenty of parking for large rigs) and then headed back to visitors center to get back in line to get on the bus that takes you up the hill to get on the vehicles that will take you on the ice. This ride is about 5 min, but the ride to the icefield is about 15. The drivers are giving you information about the area, etc.
Once we reached the turnaround point (it's as far as the vehicles can drive on the icefield) they allow you to spend 10-15 min. on the ice. If you go, make sure you sit up front on the bus, this gives you more time on the ice, as we were in the very back and only got 10 min.
Time on the field was awesome, it's everything I had expected plus more. The field is 800' but is constantly moving, melts 5-10 meters each year. We had to watch were we stepped, as they're are many streams, holes, etc that you have to avoid. It was not as slick as anticipated but still you have to be careful. Filled a water bottle with glacier water, IT WAS very cold to drink!!!! The main part of glacier was still quite a distance from us, so difficult to get the great pics.
Got back on the vehicle to return to the center, where we got on another bus that took us to the Skywalk. It's very similar to the skywalk in the Grand Canyon but only 913' off the canyon floor vs 4,000' I think that one is. Still, it was impressive and the views were awesome, all though it was sprinkling on us!
We still had a 2 hr drive to Banff, so we didn't spend a lot of time at the skywalk (bus leaves every 15 min), so we hit the road. The drive from Icefield to Banff is just as beautiful as we anticipated. Lots of waterfalls, mountains, views of the river, etc. We did not make any stops, as we wanted to get to our destination. Been a long day. We'll come back while in Banff.
July 12, 2017
Seconded day in Edson, had things to clean up, buy, etc. since the frig is now working!!!! The new one is not as large as our old one, so we are juggling to figure out the best space available. Putting the passenger chair back on was a challenge but Bobby is so GOOD and got it back on.
Did laundry, got a haircut, tried to play golf but weather would not cooperate (raining) so came back to watch a movie.
Around 10 PM the skies opened up and the worst hail storm we have experienced occurred. The sound of the hail beating on our roof and sides of the motorhome was very scary for me. I actually thought the skylights were going to bust. Thankfully they did not! But we think the covers may have gotten bent or worse. I certainly hope we never experience another hail storm like that again!!!!
July 11, 2017
Arrived in Edson around 10, called Happy Camper RV Shop and the frig has arrived. Bobby and I removed the doors of the frig and took the passenger seat out so they'll be able to get frig in through the door. Took coach over around 2 and the new frig was installed about 2 hrs later. However, while leaving they forgot to disconnect our electric chord and so it got ruined. They replaced the plug and then we were off to the campground. It's working!!!! I'm a very happy camper!!
July 10, 2017
Last day in Jasper, it's an amazing place and we've left little unturned to see upon our next time to this area.
Drove up to Pyramid and Patricia lakes. Walked out on the Pyramid Island, great history there! The Pyramid resort is a
beautiful place. Smoke from BC fires is affecting our views of the mountains but can't smell the smoke yet!
While driving back into town, we saw a grizzly. By time I had stopped and parked the truck, he had wondered off....sucks!!!
Visited the local museum, lots of history surrounding this area, which they do a great job of depicting.
July 9, 2017
Took the Maligne Lake tour today! It's a 1.5 hr ride on Lake Maligne, which is
a finger lake about 1 hr east of Jasper.
Along the 35 min ride to Spirit Island, turn around point and highlight
of the trip, the tour guide explained the history, geological and local aspects
of the lake. The lake was founded by
Mary Shaffer back in 1908.
From the boat, you get to see glaciers, waterfalls, rocks,
etc. No wildlife as the climate is wrong
for growing grass, etc that the animals like to eat. The canopy of trees is so thick, no sunlight
can get to the ground to allow stuff to grow.
We got off the boat at Spirit Island, but you are not
allowed on this tiny island, as they are trying to preserve it. You are allowed to walk on a board walk on
the land side and take in the views, which are magnificent. Spirit Island was discovered by a
photographer for Kodak when they were experimenting with their Kodachrome film. His picture of the island was used for years
to promote their product.
On the way home from the tour, we saw a black bear along the
road. Must say, it was probably a
teenager and scrawny looking. Needed a
haircut and to put on some weight!
After having lunch at the coach (still trying to eat
everything out of freezer), headed into town to walk around. Jasper is a true tourist town with only two
streets that you walk up and down, visiting the shops. Bought a tee shirt for bobby and a new selfie
stick. Must have for us!!!
July 8, 2017
Repair on frig didn't work, around 5 am alarm on frig woke
me up again. So disappointed, now we
have to decide where to get a board and get it installed. While trying to figure out who had a board in
Calgary area, Rick from Happy Camper called us.
We explained what happened and he suggested that we purchase a NEW frig
as apparently this one has worn out...guts are 11 years old. So, we called several more places trying to
get the best deal, well guess what...Happy Camper is making us the best
deal. Only problem is we have to travel
out of our planned area once again to get it fixed but it will safe us several
$ (estimated cost is $4,900 Canadian) to do so.
They'll order frig on Monday and hopefully by Wednesday it
will be installed and we'll be on the road once again.
After we figured out the next step in the frig, we decided
we'd go hike the five lakes hike. Each
lake is a different hue of blue, it's remarkable how each was so different but
so beautiful! I must say, this was a
VERY tough hike, lots of hills plus weather was in mid 80's, making it
difficult for me at the end. I seem to
get over heated if I'm not careful.
Came home had lunch, we have to eat up this food that's
thawed from our freezer (current we have everything in coolers) then we headed
to Lake Edith to launch our paddle board once again. Must admit, we are getting better and better
with each use.
Rick from Happy Camper called and we decided to go with the
new frig. They order on Monday and
hopefully by Wednesday we'll have a NEW frig!!!
July 7, 2017
Woke up around 3:00 AM to alarm on frig going off, I reset
and didn't think much about it but at 7:00 am it woke us up again, then we knew
something was not right. Error on frig
said "no co", looked on phone, means circuit board had to be reset. Called Norcold, they confirmed and found us a
dealer in Hinton, AB that would help us.
Drove the hour to CAR RV Repair shop, it's now 4:30 and they
determine it's the board gone bad but they don't have one, but a shop at Edson,
AB (1 hr away) has one. So, we drive
there!!!
Happy Camper (other shop) told us if we could get there
before 5:30 they install the board and get us on our way in less than 1
hour! We'll they didn't have the
correct board (prior shop gave them incorrect information) but their mechanic
did try to reset the board and it worked!!! We have to keep in on LP for 24
hrs.
Left Edson around
:arriving back in Jasper around 6:30, arriving back at 8:30. Around 11 PM, the alarm once again went off, we reset it hoping
it would not go off again!!
July 6, 2017
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| Mt Edith Cavell |
 |
| Glacier Lake at Mt Edith Cavell |
We had a permit (need to obtain from the National Park
Office) to hike Mt Edith Cavell today, so we headed that way around 9:30. Took us about 30 min from us, had to stop at
the check point and show them our permit and then drive 12 km up this extremely
windy road to the top, where you get to view Mt Edith Cavell in its
grandeur. It's amazing to see a glacier
up close (as close as they'd allow us) in person.
The hike was up to
the glacier, I'd say we were 1/2 mile from the lake and glacier. It was just awesome! They do
rock climbing here on the north face (side we saw), no way I'd EVER
attempt that! This hike took us about an
hour, including time for pictures and awing at the mountain!
Wanted to do the Cavell meadow walk but there's an
aggressive grizzly with her cubs so it was blocked! Something to do if we ever return.
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| Athabasca Falls |
We returned to hwy 93A and followed the Athabasca River,
stopping at the confluence of this river and Whirlpool River, it was striking
to see the color difference between the two rivers. While driving to Athabasca Falls, we saw
several beautiful lakes, never get tired of seeing them.
 |
| Athabasca Falls |
Athabasca Falls was stunning, very comparable to see Shone
Falls in Twin Falls, ID. However the
walk around to see how it flows down through the slot canyon was very
interesting. When you get to the
bottom, there were several rafters putting in.
The water is extremely cold (not sure I'd like it getting on me, even
though it's 86 out) and fast. They will
have an experience they'll not soon forget.
Drove back to Jasper, had lunch at the coach, then drove up
to the Skytram, want to see how to go about taking it to the top. Found out the information we needed, we'll
go online and arrange for tickets.
July 5, 2017
 |
| Maligne Lake |
Maligne Canyon was our destination today. It's about 15 min east of Jasper and is a
slot canyon that has 6 bridges to allow visitors to cross the Maligne River and
take in the sites. We only crossed 5 of
the 6, but you have to walk up and down, which is about 5 mile hike. Not bad but the elevation drop/again was
tough, think Bobby said his phone said it was 50 flights. Loved it but legs felt it! Sure the elevation had something to do with
it also, think we are at over 3,000 ' in Jasper.
 |
| Maligne Canyon |
Drove out to end of the road, which takes you along Medicine
Lake and ends at Maligne Lake. Medicine
Lake is an underground spring lake that dries up in August, becoming a mud
flat, however today it was gorgeous.
Maligne Lake is huge, can't even see it's end when we arrived. They give boat tours, so we asked questions
to make a tour ride. Took a short hike
on the east side of the lake, picturesque views!!! Can't wait to return on Friday and take the
tour, which is about 1.5 hours.
On the way home, stopped in Jasper to make tour arrangements
for Friday. Then walked down the street
for ice cream, we deserve is two days in a row!!!
After dinner I took a walk (Bobby is done walking for the
day), saw two bull and one cow elk.
We've seen scat from the bears but no bears yet!!!
July 4, 2017
Left Clearwater around 9 and headed to Jasper. About 30 min before you cross into Alberta,
you come to Mt. Robson. It takes your
breath away the first time you see it.
Massive mountain at 12,000+ ft tall.
In fact it creates its own weather so the top is only visible about 16
days a year, no we did not see it.
Had to get fuel so drove into Jasper, that was an
experience. Never see so many motor
homes in one small town. Found a
station, filled up and headed to the campground, which is about 2 km south on
93. Got settled in to our site (30DD)
and took a walk around to familiarize ourselves with the facilities. We are dry camping for next 7 days, think they
have 800 spots and they are full!!!!! If
you ever come, make sure you get reservations, it's a must!
Took a walk after dinner, saw 8 cow and 1 bull elk by the
theater and maybe 5 cows and 2 twins over by the showers! They seemed friendly enough to pet, but of
course we didn't get that close!!!
nd Linda) while the rest of us played in the lake. 
rday, so no the entire gang is here. Everyone is hurting from last night, so I took the paddleboard looking for our lost items. I found the glass but it took Ted in his snorkel gear to locate my glasses. Riley dove down and got them....Thanks Riley! Paid the boys $10 just for retrieving them!!
and immediately went for a boat ride with everyone (Ron, Deb, Ted, Kristy, Larry, Holden (friend of Riley's) and Riley (Ron and Deb's grandson). This is the crowd we hang out in Havasu with! Had a great time on the lake!!! While on the lake, we went to dinner at the Indian Casino, had a great meal!!!
