Banff to Jasper to Clearwater. Day 10.

Day 10 we saw a bear - a black bear!!!! More about that later.

We were on mountain time last night so 1 hour closer to Irish time but that meant having to get up an hour earlier. No bother to us! Left Banff around 8am and took a less frequented route as sightings of wild life were more likely there than on Hwy 1. I exhausted myself scouring the sides of the road but no luck other than a squirrel which had a very lucky escape. We travelled along the Bow River Valley which is very beautiful.

Castle Cliffs/Mountain

Our aim was to get to Lake Louise and walk around the lake and then to go to Moraine Lake where Patti had told us to take a boat trip which brought you to a very beautiful part of the lake. Needless to say we were worried that our plans might be scuppered by the snow. We got to Lake Louise to find it under ice and snow but very beautiful.

Our first view of Lake Louise

Lake Louise

This speaks for itself!

To prove I was there!

To prove Jim was there!

Jim insisted on going onto the lake but I was determined to stay on terra firma rather than risk icera slippera!

Evidence of thawing

Snow remains on the roof of the restrooms at Lake Louise

We continued on our journey as the road to Moraine Lake was, disappointingly closed. En route there was Herbert Lake known for its reflections. Below is what we saw.

Herbert Lake totally covered in snow and ice!

Ice Field

A mountain - forgotten name

View back on road we had been travelling

Mount Weed

Somewhere about here another squirrel had a lucky escape!

Mount Sunwapta - I loved the witch-like face or it could be someone with sunglasses.

We lunched in Jasper and then headed for Mount Robson below (I think it's Mount Robson. For some reason the camera does not record what and where I have photoed - it's a bit of a pain!)

Then we turned left for Valemount and onto Hwy 5 heading for Kamloops. we moved into the Cariboo Mountains somewhere around Blue River. Generally this road followed the North Tompson River where it was (should I say?) a bit boring after all the wonderful scenery of the past 3 days). And then....BEAR!! There was a black bear very close to the roadway as we drove into a little village called Avola. Unfortunately camera unready and car travelling too fast for photo but WE SAW A BEAR!!

Overnighting in Clearwater to recover!