Day 06

Welcome! Day6 (Aug 14) of North to Alaska

 

Quote “Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.”
Ernest Hemingway

After filling the car with gas, 4.35 per gallon, we headed out on highway 1 at 9:25. Our first stop was to be Lake Louise but Cassie decided (remember I owed her for the raft trip) we should take the scenic route so just past Banff we turned onto highway 1A. Her destination was Johnson Creek the home to two very good waterfalls. I pulled over and stopped a few times as we made our way along 1A to take pictures of the beautiful mountains with their snow/glaciers seeming to just hang ready to slip down at the slightest push. We made it to the Creek around 10 AM. The small lot was full with a few cars in the much larger overflow lot behind it. As we entered the trail the sign indicated the lower fall was about ½ mile with the larger one 1 ½ miles. Cassie said she would just walk a little ways following the creek up. I said OK I planned to see the at least the smaller fall. So we started off Cassie prodding along stopping often to admire the scenic sights, much like she shops. I took off with a goal of seeing the water falls. After reaching the lower falls I decided the upper falls would look the same, you know on the same river and all. I looked around and took a few pictures and started back. About ¼ of the way back I met Cassie still prodding along. We rested a bit and she was determined to see the falls. So on she went and I headed back. It was near 12:00 when she made it back. We had a snack and headed out. The parking lots were all full, with many cars parking along the highway. I am glad were came early.

Our next stop was to be Lake Louise and its gorgeous Hotel and lake. We drove around but could not find a parking spot, I thought everyone was at the falls but no there were plenty here. After the last hike we decided to move on to the Ice Field Parkway on our way to Jasper. The only other time we were here was early May and the Parkway area still had much ice and snow. The look was totally different today, but just as beautiful. About midway of the drive we stopped at the Visitor’s Center and took some pictures.

As we neared our destination for the day we saw our first wildlife, see picture below.

While we drove about 5 hours we took all day to do it. I say a very good tiring day. Tomorrow Dawson Creek, BC and the start of the Alaska Highway.

The little fellow wanted to walk with Cassie

The Lower Fall

A close-up

Where does the water go

From Highway 1

Another from Highway 1

Columbia Glacier

Big Elk from roadside