Into the Canadian Rockies

    We’ve heard about the Canadian Rockies forever, but never imagined them to be so dramatic.  They came on quickly as we left the prairies behind after traveling through the iconic towns of Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat.  Unfortunately it was hazy, foggy, and drizzly as we approached Calgary and the mountains so we didn’t really see them until we were among them.  But when they appeared they damn near overwhelmed us.  Simply spectacular.

    Had a night at a National Park Campground in Banff, with an afternoon bike ride between rain showers, and another night at a National Park Campground in Jasper.  The day driving between was one of those perfect spans of time.  An early morning canoe trip on a turquoise lake, a fabulous hike to a high place with a view of glaciers, grizzly bear sow and cub sighting, two enormous bull elk grazing right beside the truck, and view upon view that tested our sense of reality.  Along the way we bumped into a couple from Portland, Maine, one of whom was in the class behind me in high school and we shared memories of common acquaintances.  

    Anyway, add the Canadian Rockies to your bucket list.  It doesn’t disappoint.  Today we will reach Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, B.C!