Canada, Oh Canada

I can understand why they hold a stampede in Calgary - what a ride there through the flatlands of Canada wheat country -felt like a stampede. Thought I'd never get there; and when I did, yuk! Terrible ride through the middle of Calgary, stop lights and all kinds of restaurants.

I just wanted to see the mountains; and mountains I saw. Wow, Oh Wow! I thought Glacier Park was wonderful, both places made me weep in thanks for the beauty of nature in all it's magnificance. Here are just a few photos of the area, too any to post - I took 83. I climbed up the path to the Columbia Ice fields and Athabasca glacier. It looked easy from the parking lot, but I huffed and puffed. Had to cross a field of snow. But, I made it!!! The way down was harder, crossing the snow. It was steep and, of course, I was so excited to get up there that I forgot about my hiking shoes in the van. I had on Teva sandals; did me well until the snowy path. At the steepest part, a tall, handsome stranger from Europe (Sounded German) offered me his hand. Holding onto him was like being bound to the strongest and tallest oak in the forest. He got me down safely. I camped in the forest near Lake Louise. Ah, the color of the lake's water is deliciously turquoise - no kidding. The photo above doesn't do it justice. And, I saw a cub Grizzley, wondered if mom was near, but a man said he was a yearly and most likely long weaned from her; black bear and cub, and 7 mountain goats in the center of a small village. Don't forget the many deer along the way.
I've driven so many hours, I feel disoriented.

Now, on to Jackson Hole, liesurely!