Dazzling sun on snow and bone chilling rain

Day two on the Parkway had a bit of everything weather-wise.  We lucked out on the timing.

We woke to sunlight blazing its way across the face of the glacier as the sun cleared the opposing peaks.  Wisps of clouds hAthabasca Glacier Comp_3427ang among the peaks.   It is a clear, crisp 32O.  Fantastic.

Ok, moving on.

Bighorn Sheep Comp_3434

Big Horn Sheep are relaxing roadside in the warm sun.

 

 

We hike Sunwapta Falls.  Spruce Grouse Comp_3456The snow melt swollen river roars through the narrow slot and over the glacier carved cliffs.  A mile or two downstream it does it again.  It is impressive.  A Spruce Grouse makes an appearance trail side.

Ok, moving on.

In a matter of a few miles clouds close in. It mists.  It rains.  It is miserable and views are disappointedly socked in.  We stop to wait it out but nope, it’s not clearing.

We move on.

Athabasca Falls.  Athabasca Falls Comp_3489Amazingly it clears again.  We wander the trails around another extraordinary example of the raw power of pounding water.  Next to the roiling, roaring falls; we travel paths that wind through deep, narrow, steep walled channels left dry long ago when the river changed paths.

Ok, moving on.

The Icefield Parkway is billed as the most spectacular drive in the world.  It is certainly one of the most beautiful we have been on.  I highly recommend it no matter what the weather.  Allow time to get out and walk a bit to better take it all in.

We settle into camp.  Not a bad day!

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