Geez, am I still on the road? It's been 8 days since leaving Seward and today was the first day I thought to myself "I might be over this road trip". We're only about 9 hours away from our final destination (or so we think/hope) in Coeur d'Alene, ID. But, there is two beautiful last stops on the way! Jasper and Banff National Parks in Alberta, Canada. This whole drive has been absolutely gorgeous and unique! We've covered mountain ranges, deep valleys, the grand parries of Canada, but my favorite so far has been the beautiful mountain ranges and Jasper has some of the greatest! The Canadian Rockies are amazing!
 |
| Our view from the first place we stayed. |
We got here late last night when it was dark out and we'd somehow crossed two times zones so instead of being 7pm it was 9pm... (still not sure what time it really is here). After spending way too much on a room, we watched an episode of breaking bad (it was way to intense for me!) and fell asleep! After waking up and seeing how beautiful Jasper was in the day light we decided we wanted to stay an extra night, but needed to do so a little more frugally. We found a big list of private accommodations in the visitors center and found a room for only $65, DONE! After asking around a bit, we found a popular day hike (that wasn't closed for Grizzly Bear sightings) called Sulphur Ridge. It was about a 45 minute drive to get to the trailhead and surrounded by beauty!
 |
| On the trek up. |
 |
| This is my "It's a bear!!!" run |
 |
| Some views from the way up. |
The hike was about 6 miles total and we took our time going up and down. Once we were about half way, the views were breath taking! Huge mountain faces and big valleys (which we think were carved by glaciers!) were within sight most of the trek up. As we twinkled toe'd up the mountain (I had my bear bell on my shoe to make some noise), we found a great resting spot to have some water and enjoy more spectacular views! Sitting towards and looking North, we heard some rustling in the trees...both David and I thought "Oh crap, it's a bear"....In my mind, I try to think of all the bear safety techniques you learn hiking...
As we turn around, we find it is not a bear, but a herd of about a dozen mountain goats! There were some adults and some little babies which were so cute! One of them started to walk off away from us and I assumed that once we made some noise they would all scurry off. But these mountain goats must of been hungry or really used to people because one came right up to us. We got a little freaked out and David pulled out the bear spray just in case it was going to charge us, but luckily we started to walk off and it didn't follow.
 |
| The Goats |
 |
| Creeping in... |
 |
| Closer... |
 |
| CLOSER... |
 |
| TOO CLOSE! |
We continued to make our way to the top of the ridge and the last little bit was the steepest. It has been 7 days since I've even raised my heart beat or got any exercise so I was feeling pretty out of shape, but finally we made it up! The views from the top were some of the most amazing I've ever seen! Miles and miles and miles of mountains all spilled out in all directions. It was really neat to be able to look down onto trees and see for miles while imagining what this place was like 10,000 years ago! All and all the hike was amazing! The views and the chance to finally get some exercise.
 |
| Getting to the top! |
After our hike we headed into the little townsite of Jasper to check things out and grab a bite. We ended up getting some burgers and delicious Guiness. After stuffing ourselves, we walked around, checked out the local gift shops, I drooled over all the maple syrup, and got some maple sweets! We can't get over how nice Canadian people are...seriously, they are the nicest folk around! Anyways, we are tired and need some rest! We are going to head to Banff tomorrow which is only about a 4 hour drive, but there is lots to see on the way!
 |
| Jaspers beautiful gift to us tonight! |
Hope you are all doing great! And I will have my cell phone on again once we are back in the states in a few days!
Lots of love!
Jillian
Epic! I'm so stoked I get to follow your Canadian adventures with u! Get your cell phone soon ;) Skype sesh is a must once everyone gets settled in. Greg is afraid if pink blade, rumor on the street is she knows where to cut to make it count... Love you!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool! I'm so excited for you. Love following your adventures.
ReplyDeletewhat an adventure. that was THE most amazing road trip i have ever been on. I'm glad we did it together
ReplyDelete