Blue River to Jasper

The day dawned none too pleasant in Blue River. We had a bit of time to spare so went to look around the 'town'. Well blink and you will miss it. Blue River's existence is owed to the River Safari in the summer and the heli-skiing in winter.

Still we did stumble upon Eleanor Lake where the town was gearing up for Canada Day celebrations.

Getting ready for Canada Day, Blue River

Eleanor Lake, Blue River

We arrived at the river safari hoping to be on the first boat out, but that was already full. Oh well, the next one would leave soon after, we were assured. After sitting twiddling our thumbs for an hour we were finally kitted out with life jackets and we were off, complete with crying baby!!!! Great. Bear viewing is an activity when you need quiet!! 

Bald Eagle - a rare sight

There's a bear in there

After learning about the bald eagles in the area, we saw the earlier boat further up river face in to the bank. Something worthwhile, we hoped. Fortunately baby had stopped crying. We joined the other boat where they were watching a black bear feeding in the bushes. Ah but hang on .....

 

Yep, it was a mother and three cubs!!!! Two came out into the open but the third stayed close in under the bushes. What a find. 

After a long time watching, the bears moved back into the undergrowth and it was time for us to move on too. We crossed to the other side of the river where we were able to hop on the bank right next to a waterfall crashing down the sheer cliff.

Waterfalls are to become a feature of this blog I'm afraid.

Waterfall exiting to Blue River

We left Blue River in torrential rain. Oh well, at least we were driving again and not in town. However, as we continued north heading for Jasper, the weather cleared here and there and by the time we reached the Yellowhead Highway it was much improved. 


Our first stop was to walk down to Rearguard Falls. A summer of heavy rains coming on top of record winter snow makes for a powerful combination. And all power these falls were.

Rearguard Falls

The rain was still threatening so it was sheer luck that we arrived at Mt Robson with the sun shining. Mt Robson is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains and an impressive sight it is driving from the west. The viewpoint was very busy, but it was simply awe inspiring.

Next along the road was Overlander Falls. The history was interesting - a group of pioneers (called the Overlanders because they had trekked from the east coast) arrived at the falls in August 1862 having left the east coast in the Spring. They were looking for gold. Sadly they never found any. It is astonishing to think of the hardships these sorts of people suffered trying to open up such rugged territory.

Overlander Falls

We arrived in Jasper in good time. The park opposite where we were staying was very busy with Canada Day celebrations. Later it was to host the fireworks. After settling in we headed off into town for something to eat. We then drove out to Patricia Lake and Pyramid Lake, a short drive to the north of town. It was nearly 10pm, but still very light. The sun was just starting to set when we arrived at Patricia Lake making for a very pretty picture.

Patricia Lake

Pyramid Lake, late evening

We finished the day crossing to the park to watch the fireworks. For a small town they were extraordinarily impressive. What was most amazing was the way in which the sounds echoed off the surrounding mountains. That was a very lovely way to finish what had been an enjoyable, but emotional day as it was also the time of our Aunt Margaret's funeral. It was very late by the time we got to bed, but that did not matter, we could have a slow start the next day.


No time now for today's activities, I'll just have to catch up another time.