Friday we left Jasper before 10 to drive the Icefields Highway. Initially there was a bit of sun with blue sky. We stopped at a number of scenic points along the way to view waterfalls and lakes. A couple of the places we had to hike in a bit. It was nice to be out – the weather has changed and is much cooler. We find it hard pulling the trailer and trying to find appropriate parking spots in some of the scenic places. They don’t have good access for trailer parking. Sometimes you can tell where you should be parking, but the painted lines are worn off and many of those in cars don’t realize they shouldn’t be parking in those areas so then there is no room for someone with a trailer. There is usually dedicated bus parking – when a bus arrives and lets their passengers off, the scenic area becomes crazy with people running and pushing up to take pictures. It is almost best to let them go ahead and get done and then take your time to get your pictures where and when you want to!
We stopped at Sunwapta Falls, The Icefields including the Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and a number of other smaller view points. At the Icefields, a bit of weather moved in and it actually started to rain. Fortunately it didn’t last long and we were soon dry with the wind that was blowing. It is interesting to see how the glacier has been retreating. We saw a sign that showed where it was in 1982 in relation to where it is now.
When we arrived in Banff and got set up, we had a quick supper and then headed to the Hot Springs for a soak in the pool. Imagine our surprise when we walked into the building to see friends from church there! We had no idea they were coming and they were only there for a week. The chances that they would be there the same week we were and show up at the same attraction….! After a visit, we headed into the pool and enjoyed a relaxing time until closing time.
The next morning, we both made a decision not to do any of the sightseeing in Banff. Driving down the main street the night before to get to the Hot Springs made us both aware of how busy and commercial Banff had become. We decided to relax at the campground for a while. Joyce baked bread, zucchini muffins and cookies and then we barbequed supper before heading heading back to the Hot Springs.
Sunday we’ll leave Banff and drive south towards the border of Alberta and Montana. We’ll be boondocking it at a farm. We’re looking forward to it!
Following Joyce & Paul's Travels in Retirement 