Sept 10_Belated Happy Birthday to Sis

Ok, before you get after me, I sent my sister an email before her B-day and Susan sent her a Jib-Jab Email. We also have not heard back as to if she has received them, so we are in a waiting stage.

We are into day 3 of our 4 days in Banff, among the many places we have been are: Johnston Canyon, towns of Banff and Canmore, and the various lakes in the area for hiking. Currently right now I am looking at clear skies. This may turn out to be the best day this week.

Let me start out with this, the road to Banff from Lake Louise was straight and easy. We took the main highway and not 93. Highway 93, scenic Hwy is a wonderful slow and meandering drive, however, we had driven it in the Jeep earlier in the week.

One of the finds on Hwy 93 was a spot telling about the internment camp during world war I. Again, it is one of those items where GOVERNMENT tells a group of citizens you are a danger, and we are here to protect you. Yea Right!

The distance to Banff was a grueling 39 miles. On our journey, there are many over and under passes. These passes were created to allow the wildlife to get back and forth safely across the Hwy and to reduce accidents.

We arrived a little early of the regular check in time of 11 AM. Our spot A50, was still occupied, so we enjoyed a short walk with DaGirls. Once it was available we moved in and settled down. The sites have a a nice front yard with a table. However what we have found with the campground sites in the national park is the location of the power station. So, one item you may want to carry is a separate 30 amp extension cable.

The town is laid out very well, with most places within walking distance (1.5 miles) or by taking the bus. This is the time to arrive, as the season is drawing to a close. The average normal temperatures are in the 40 – 50’s, so bring warm clothes to wear while you are walking in town and about. Parking has not been an issue, as we have been very lucky in locating a parking spot, and then just walking around the town.

Our time here has been taken up with the many hiking areas located close by. Including Johnston Canyon. To access the lower falls, requires a 1/5 mile hike. If you plan to go, take your time, stop and enjoy the sights as you walk AND go early. Get there at least by 9am as the parking lot fills up very quickly after that.

Among the many places we visited in town was the Parks government building, which was  built in 1903 to specifically house the many examples of animals. Along with the Fairmount Hotel, and golf course which is a gathering place for Elk this time of year.

We were very fortunate to have a visitor within camp on Wed. morning. A single bull elk came thru bugling. Susan was able to grab her camera and capture him on video, as he was searching for lady friends.

Our plan for our final day (Thursday - 10th) is to seek out the cave, gondola, Fairmount Hotel (Very Old and Classic) and maybe stop off at the golf course in the evening. Golf? Dale you’re going to play golf in Banff? No, I would never pay that much to play golf, no, we are going down in the evening to watch the Elks play golf. I mean, what do you think Elks do in the evening? Frolic and dance?

Ok, for those of you, who may travel in the area and need propane, there is one place in Canmore which carries propane at a good price and easy access. Example, to fill out spare BarBQ tank cost us $16.00 CA.

As Susan would say "SeeYa"

From DaGirls Della and Tilly

Sept 6_Our Last Day in Lake Louise

Lake Louise sits in the Banff National Park of Canada. Our next stop will be in the city of Banff itself. Our stay here in LL, has been shall we say a little chilling and wet. Seems we failed to heed our own advise. Get out of Alaska and Canada by early Sept. Well as DaGirls say it is an adventure.
The temperature has dropped to the low to mid 40’s in the day time with last night temps in the high 30’s:

Traveling thru a National Park is exciting yet slow. A national park is a destination travel stop. It is a place to get out, hike, take a stroll, and see what this beautiful land has to offer. Be able to witness what this world has to offer. Sights such as the Glacier Ice-fields, Glacier Lakes, and other beautiful sights. Yet with every turn, hike, traveling on the highway, may bring a sighting of wildlife. My suggestion is while traveling thru be prepared to stop at many of the turn-offs as you may never no what weather changes are coming or if you will make it back as seen by the snap shots:

As we traveled down to Lake Louise

On our way back from Bow Pass to Lake Louise

While we are staying in the Lake Louise Campground, evidence of bears are all around us. Especially for the tenters, as seen by a electrified fence that surrounds the tenting area. But you never know if, or even when you will see wildlife in the area.

On Saturday we headed back north upto the Bow Pass with an elevation of 6800 ft, it made for a arduous climb for DaGirls Rv when we left Jasper. Our goal was to head back north in search of photo ops and the glacier lake in that area. We arrived after a short 30 miles or so, and after a short uphill hike (10 minutes or so), we reached the viewing area.

Our stay in the Canadian Rockies is closing to an end. We have traveled from one end to the other end. Our final stay will be in the city of Banff for a short 3 / 4 days in the campground there.

One of the best tools in our travels has been the Free Wi-Fi centers that we have come across. We have visited public libraries, visitor Centre's, and coffee shops just to name a few. Now, there is T-mobile’s new Canada & Mexico plan which was rolled out. Something to  think about on your journey.
So far today, the only snow visible, has been on the mountain's surrounding DaGirls Rv.  When I started writing this the temperature was 39 degrees. It has now risen 1 degree to 40.6 degrees F with 60% humidly. 

As Susan would say "SeeYa"

From DaGirls Della and Tilly

Sept 4_Wrapping up Jasper National Park–Wapiti Campground

Ok, so DaGirls are wrapping up their time in this part of Jasper National Park and heading south to Lake Louise/Banff National Park.

Well before I get started, Jasper NP is in the Canadian Rockies. Similar to the Colorado Rockies, except for the fact that Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff are all part of the Rockies and are National Parks.

To travel on the highway thru the National Park requires a fee to be paid. You can get a daily, family or even an annual pass including one for seniors.
There are no Off road trails and camping is only allowed in specific campgrounds, Jasper seems to have the most campgrounds. If you plan on coming to ensure a spot with electric, I recommend reservation be made.

We arrived in Jasper on Aug 31, located a spot that was suitable to us and proceeded to setup. Once completed off we went exploring. Jasper is also a town within the National Park, and like all tourist spots prices are a little higher. The first thing you might notice as you arrive in town are the high fences around the trees. With the abundance of animal life this is the only way of keeping the trees safe.

As for things to see besides the town, there are many hiking trails, Jasper tramway, Lake Cruise, The Disappearing Lake, Maligne Lake and various waterfalls. Most of them are easy accessible. i.e. meaning a short walk for most. Included with the falls are a couple that require a 2.1 KM (1.2m) hike round trip. The hikes are easy if you walk 1 mile a day. Just take it easy.

Many of our photos came from the various falls which Susan and I enjoyed. Some of the Waterfalls names are;Sunwapta and the Athabasca Falls.
One of the more unique items are the many Hostels located inside the park. The Canadians and Europeans have a better sense of adventure: Take off for 1, 2 or even more months and just travel. While the young Americans are afraid to leave the city and get out in this wonderful country (IMO).

While we were heading to Maligne Lake we picked up 3 hitch-hikers. 1 worked in the park, 1 was on a 7 week vacation and another was traveling before going back to get his masters in Math. All 3 met in the Hostel in Jasper and were heading to the lake for a boat ride.

Once Susan and I were alone, we discussed if we knew what we knew now. Both of us would have worked for a Cruise Line. What a wonderful way to see the world and get paid for it.

Anyway back to my report, we awoke up early in the morning to fog and heavy mist:

Before long is was time to start heading south to Lake Louise (Sept 3rd).  Along the way were many discussions including HOW HIGH ARE WE and were are these Ice Field Glaciers I have been hearing about? 

With Columbia Icefield Glacier being at one of the highest sections of the highway at over 6000 ft. So be prepared to keep it in 3rd gear while going up and take YOUR time going down.

I kept asking Ice fields in Summer? Come on it gets too warm, but as we were heading south, this is what Susan capture:

As we arrived at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Visitor Centre, Susan captured some awesome photos of the Glacier itself. What you see are people hiking the Glacier and the vehicle which takes them there.

As Susan would Say “SeeYa”

DaGirls Rv: Della, Tilly, Susan and Me.

Do you notice anything unusual? I’ll give you a second…….Times up. Do you see the heavy jackets we are wearing. Susan’s is her WINTER coat and mine is just a heavy jacket.

First it was the wet weather in Jasper, which we worked with/hiking in. Now that we are in Lake Louise, the temperature is in the mid 40’s. So, we have our coats, hats and even gloves sometimes. I think fall has fallen and it is moving to the winter season. By the way, the rain in Jasper was snow on the mountains.

Aug 31_DaGirls First Swaray Alberta

We departed Dawson Creek Saturday morning around 8ish, and headed east to Grand Prairie Alberta. GP was our refueling stop, before heading south to Jasper National Park.
What was the first thing we saw as we crossed into Alberta?

DaGirls first stop was going to be William A. Switzer Provincial Park. W.A. Switzer park is about 16 miles west of Hinton on Hwy 40. Planned, what planned, “We Don’t Need No Stinking Plan” this is DaGirls Rv and we travel when and where we want.
We arrived after a long drive up and down the hills and then battling a head/side wind the last of the 50 miles. After signing in, checking out the sites we pulled into site F24. Long and spacious, that and 30 amps power we were all setup for the next 2 nights.
Next morning off we went in search of strange and unusual sites in the area:


Including these 2 on one of the back roads we traveled:


Our next stop was at the Nordic Center Road to the observation area
Once up, the final 3/4 of a kilometer (steep climb) the view was worth it.

Susan was deep in thought. What was she thinking? trips, grandkids, family, friends, what are DaGirls doing for 2016, Della, Tilly ?

Not really, she was reading about the Railroad tracks down below. But her thoughts produce some amazing results:


Once off the mountain, we headed into the town of Hinton around 6:30 ish, why you might ask? To see the Beaver Boardwalk. You see, there is a colony of beavers that have lived inside town for over 20 years. The town built a boardwalk thru the marsh area so people could come and go and see the beavers. Yep, for over 20 years this colony has lived and been part of the town.





Susan and I were very fortunate that we arrived in time.
Now for the sad news, while we were driving we came upon a gathering of cars on the side of the road. It seems someone had hit a Mountain Lion and then someone was putting it in the back of his truck. We came just in time to snap photos and then we reported what we saw, and in the process, we found that when this happens it is to be reported and may not be possible to take the body for your own.


So we asked to be kept informed as to the outcome of what happens.
On our travel day (31st) we decided to park DaGirls in town, and then take the DaGirls jeep up to the high country. We talked to the ranger at the Bathtub Visitor Centre, she explained about the trophy rams up in the Whitehorse area. They are in a protected zone. She explained to take Hwy 40 to the town of Cadomin, and then just continue on the dirt road up past the tree line in the mountains. We should have asked how far the road was and was it a traveled road. We must have driven over 19 Klicks up the dirt road past Cadomin, and we still must have had over 30 klicks to go. We decided to turn around at the Mountain Park Cemetery:


and head back to DaGirls as we knew with the wind coming up had Jasper a busy place, well you understand.
Once back into Cadomin and heading home and telling ourselves about the lost chance of seeing Trophy Rams look what we can across:





We had learned from our work at Custer State Park, that the Goats and Sheep's love to lick the roads. It seems they are able to get certain chemicals such as salt from the road.