July 19
As we left the Banff Campground
this morning, we were all a bit sad as two couples had to return home to the
USA - one because of health issues and the other due to truck problems.
It was a glorious morning, clear and
sunny. On the road again. We are heading for the Columbia
Icefields. We had spectacular views of
the mountains. Awesome!!
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| Road to the Columbia Icefields |
We drove under many large animal
overpasses. They are sod covered and
made to look like natural rock pathways so the animals can cross the highway
safely. 11 different species of large animals
use them.
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| Animal Overpasses |
We had many spectacular pull
outs. This is Bow Lake, the headwater of
Bow River. It is a brilliant turquoise
blue lake due to the suspended rock flour and minerals in the glacial meltwater.
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| Bow Lake |
The highlight of the day was a 1 ½ hour
guided tour on the Athabasca Glacier. We rode a snowcoach , walked around on the
glacier and drank from the pure clear glacial water. 20 to 30 feet of snow falls here in the
winter but the glacier has retreated 1 ½ km since 1887 as it is melting faster
than the snow is accumulating. It was an
awesome experience. The Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure is
located on Canada’s most scenic mountain road, the Icefield Parkway. There are over 100 visible glaciers,
turquoise blue lakes, rushing rivers and waterfalls, numerous hiking trails,
picnic spots and campgrounds.
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| The Group on the Columbia Icefield Glacier |
We gathered for a group evening meal
put on by our tour leaders. They are
spoiling us and we love it.
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| Jim, Betty, Madi & Spence |
Submitted by Rig #10
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| George & Ivy in front of the snow coach |
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