Day 10 - Lake Louise

It is difficult to explain the astonishing beauty surrounding Lake Louise.  Even though the lake is frozen, there are walking tracks around the lake, lookouts, and frozen waterfalls to see.  A dusting of light snow has been falling spasmodically all day today.  

This morning our group met for a team photo outside the main entrance.  Then we had an interesting presentation by a retired "Mountie" clothed in dress uniform which they only wear on 2 days per year (July 1 and Nov 11).  The rest of the year they wear a blue uniform.

After lunch we all took a gondola ride up to the nearby very large ski field to play in the snow.  Many  people are still skiing and snowboarding.  The top of the lift was 7,800 ft high and the lifts and runs excellent.  Almost 3000 feet rise up on the gondola, a nail biting exercise for some !

This afternoon we took a walk along the banks of the lake to the other end.  Much needed exercise!  Our Gortex boots bought in Australia have been a godsend - perfect for the ground and weather conditions here.  

Dogs are allowed in hotels here, where the owners have them on a lead.  We even saw a poodle being slipped into a carry-on bag for a flight!!!

Everywhere we have been so far has been extremely clean - no rubbish or plastic bags anywhere.  

Our tour guide Cathy is excellent.  She keeps us constantly entertained and ensures that all bookings and activities run smoothly.  Nothing is too much trouble.  For Anzac Day she provided us with a very moving memorial service.

The Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise.

Frozen Lake Louise in the background 

Mountainous backdrop with plenty of snow

The "Mountie" before his presentation

At the top of the ski slopes

Top of the gondola

Two Aussies heavily rugged up in layers to beat the cold

View of the enclosed gondolas on the way down from the peak

Building with facilities from where the gondola begins

Photo of our bus group.  Cathy is lying on the ground in front of the flags.  Zed from Fiji is our Coach Captain/ bus driver.  He is in the front row on the extreme left.

The Chateau taken from the other end of the lake

The blue water of the lake is just starting to appear as the ice is beginning to melt

Some will sit and look all day rather than get outside and enjoy the fresh air and the environment.

Day 8 - Jasper

Jasper is a pretty town surrounded by high snow-capped peaks.  We are told that the snow will be all gone in about 3 weeks, so our timing for this trip is good.  

We left BC (British Columbia) and crossed into Alberta where there was a time change of one hour so we turned our watches forward.  This area began with fur trading between the natives and the English from 1805.  The natives are not termed "Indians", but "First Nation" or "Aborigines".  

Canada has a national hero called Terry Fox (1958 - 1981).  He lost most of his right leg to cancer at age 18.  During his stay in hospital he became acutely aware of the plight of children with cancer and was determined to do something to help.  After long training he began the Marathon of Hope,

 running across Canada to raise funds for cancer research.  He covered 3,339 miles in 143 days and raised $24 mill before his cancer returned in his lungs and he succumbed just before his 23rd birthday. His legacy continues in many forms, raising funds from Canada and other countries.

Today we took a Harley Davidson motorbike ride which was fun and exhilarating - leathers, helmets, heated vests, scarves and gloves.  Judy sat in the sidecar and Brian as a pillion passenger - just like big kids!!

Judy all "leathered up"

Our Harley dashboard

Our group on the road

The "Scenic" group of bikies.

Judy with our very friendly driver

Us off the main road onto a bush track

Driver and passenger ready to begin

The wildlife graze around the cabins at the Jasper Park Lodge.

At the Jasper Park Lodge Main building there are over 700 cabins and 5 restaurants.  

Main pool and Spa, not too many swimming today. 12 degrees and sunny.

Day 7 - Sun Peaks to Jasper

A very early start today, with the bus wheels rolling by 7.00 am.  Arose at 5.00 am.  Drove through some beautiful countryside which was very green and overlooked by very high snow-capped mountains.  Saw many deer grazing by the roadside, a black bear slipping back into the bushes, and a rare sight - a moose in the wilds of the national park walking across the road.

The plains are irrigated to produce beef and dairy cattle, sheep, potatoes, and a great deal of ginseng which is mostly exported to China.  

The main source of income for Canada is derived from lumber (particularly cedar and other softwoods).       Tourism is important to the economy.

The village at Jasper last night at dusk

This guy was very relaxed until our bus load of tourists came for morning tea and disturbed his peace

Mount Robson on the edge of Jasper National Park, the highest in this range.

Typical scene all around Jasper village.

Another scene in Jasper.

The mountains are fascinatingly grand and beautiful.

A pub in Jasper.

Look under the bombshell sign for the mystery shopper in Jasper!

Day 6 - Whistler to Sun Peaks.

Another long day travelling by bus, we arrived at Sun Peaks at 4.00 pm.  

This is a gold rush area from the 1850s.  The town of Lillooet had 20,000 people at its peak but now has only a population of about 2,000.

Our tour group consists of 80 Aussies - 40 in each of two buses.  Each bus has a Scenic guide - ours is excellent.  You probably all know that Scenic is an Australian company with an excellent reputation.

The Whistler Chateau where we stayed for two nights.  Service does not come any better than this.

Avalanche trails down the mountain, where vegetation is decimated.

Lunch stop at Lillooet

View from our window at Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

Day 5 - At the famous Whistler Ski Resort.

There was a blizzard here all day yesterday which brought fresh snow, and today we were blessed with bright sunshine and a clear blue sky.  It is strange to see tulips and daffodils blooming in the village and the high peaks above covered in fresh snow.  We hit the snow in a Snow Cat to the top of the mountain (6000 ft).  Although the season has just finished, we enjoyed a steep hair- raising trip to the top of Blackcomb Mountain. The camera set on automatic did not do justice to the beauty of this area, which has stunning views overlooking the village of Whistler and its lake which is nestled between two mountain ranges. Only manual shots from now on! 

Our driver was Australian from Tasmania who has worked here for more than 8 years.  Many youngish Aussies and English work here year-round, enjoying the opportunity to combine work with the pleasure of winter sports.

So far we have been able to avoid the worst of North America's culinary offerings although "fries" and coleslaw/pickle seem to come with most dishes (even a lunchtime sandwich).  Breakfasts and dinners in our hotels have been excellent.  

Hotel where we are staying - the "Fairmont Chateau Whistler"

Snow Cat to the top of the mountain.

There are dozens of ski runs on Blackcomb Mountain.

The Crystal restaurant near the top, closed now for the season.

Snowed heavily yesterday, hence the snow on the trees.

One of the many Ski lifts to the top.

Ski trails looked eerie with no skiers.

The scenery was superb.

Judy in her element! (Window Shopping)

More of the slopes seen from the Snow Cat on the way down.

Day 4 - Victoria to Whistler

Up early and in the bus for our trip to Whistler. They are crazy here about ice hockey.  The finals are being played and the whole country stops - a bit like the AFL finals.

Bus through Vancouver Island then on the ferry for 90 minutes and then 3 hours to Whistler.  Just arrived - more info tomorrow.

The largest hockey stick in the world !!!

Great scenery, misty rain most of the day.

A waterfall on the way to Whistler.

This area is much nicer than these photos are showing.  Must be the operator.

Great ski resort with plenty of snow still on the upper slopes which we will see tomorrow.

Went to this Irish Pub to get in some training for our visit to Karen and Steven in June !!

The Whistler village which would be a great place in the middle of winter.

Went to a lecture on black bears around Whistler which was very interesting and informative.  This is a photo taken by the presenter himself, of momma bear and her two cubs poised for flight up the closest tree.