2009-06-16

Jasper in a day

I love Alberta's Rocky Mountains and though I don't get to visit them as often as I would like, it is nice knowing they are just a few hours drive away.

This time of year you can see the babies as they are learning to dodge traffic. (Mountain Goats for anyone not familiar)









They all made it safely to the other side of the road to get a drink and check out the browsing there.










We journeyed to Jasper National Park in my friends 15 year old Suburban, with no air conditioning and a mysterious new squeak. Fortunately as we drove along the clouds cover was enough to keep the temperatures bearable.









Once in the park the sun started to peek through every once in awhile and made for a really pleasant day.













This is the view from where we stopped to have our picnic lunch. It was a bit blurry, so I desaturated it and was quite happy.









Same spot, different direction. Have you noticed I am avoiding naming any of the mountains? No? Good. However this is a really cool site to check out the names.







We headed up to Maligne Canyon and hiked a bit, but I will save that for another day, as this is going to be quite long as it is.












As we were gazing in wonder at the beautiful vistas, I wondered aloud where the elk were. My friend told me they have been having a lot of trouble with the tourists and the elk and so had moved them away from the town.







This is the only bear we ever caught sight of, his name is Jasper, like the town.
















I was disappointed that they had moved all of the elk, until that is, we came upon this lovely young lady on the way up to Pyramid Lake. Sadly we didn't get to the lake, the truck started to make funny noises and we figured the lake will be there next time we come through.

Her brother was on the other side of the road, but I didn't get an opportunity at him, very narrow road.







As we were heading back out of the park we saw a few more goats. This one against the coal seam is oblivious to the multitude of semis roaring by him.









Then we were blessed with this glorious sunset to finish off a wonderful day.



In the next few days, I will post about the hike that almost killed me.






Have a good day all.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Reb, you cannot know how much my heart yearns for mountains. I'd climb through those pictures if I could!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Okay, strange scary noises and a hike that almost kills you? Post soon!!

Leah J. Utas said...

I love love love the desaturated pic. Very old days look to it.
Thanks for the vicarious trip to Jasper and I am looking forward to more.

Fortune Cookies said...

that desaturated mountain photo looks like a fantastic charcoal sketch, or possibly a brilliant water color! Your mountain photos make me want to pack up and head out...

the Bag Lady said...

Thanks for the mountain tour, sis! It's been far too long since I went to the mountains. Sigh.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

what a plcae and what pics!

Reb said...

Kcinnova, I know! I don't think I could live as far away from them as you do.

Leah, that's what I thought, glad you liked.

FC, you are welcome to come see them for yourself any time ;)

Sis, that is exactly how I'd been feeling.

Gary, the photos hardly do it justice. You need to bring your darling wife for a visit.

Aunt Jackie said...

Man that is just totally breathtaking!

Reb said...

AJ, it certainly is.

Hilary said...

One day I'm going to have to see those mountains in person. Beautiful photos.. love the gorgeous critters and that sunset is just perfect.

Reb said...

Hilary, they are well worth the trip.

Barbara Martin said...

Strange noises in a truck aren't as bad as those in a car.

Lucky wish for you miss elk appeared. I always wonder why their necks are so slim in comparison with their bodies.

I see the beaties are still shedding their winter coats.

Reb said...

Barbara, we have had a late spring here, so I don't blame them for hanging onto their coats.