Maligne Canyon just outside Jasper. We stayed in the hostel just up the road from here. Apparently all the bears from the hills had descended here because of a late run of Bear Berry's. We arrived at the hostel 30 minutes early so had an afternoon nap across the road. This slightly eccentric man came running over freaking out saying that there were two grizzlies one way and a black bear the other and if the wildlife warden caught us he'd explode. I didn't hear the warden part and thought he was referring to the bears. I got up pretty quick. The eccentric man managed the hostel.

I think I'll be in trouble for including this picture, I know I will be, but I really like it, so I'll face the wrath.

I forgot to put this picture in before. Despite being a photo of a carpark I quite like it. It's taken from the entrance to the Icefields Centre.

More Mountains

I like Charlene.... a lot.

This was the beginning of the great downhill after the Icefields centre. There was hardly a cloud in the sky... the day we were being driven in a vehicle.

Along the way back to Jasper. Just near where the Gonkey break was mentioned.

Charlene and her dad having a break.

Another view of the Upper Falls

The Upper Falls at Johnsons Canyon

Some more pretty water falls.

Up closer to the Lower Falls. I'm guessing this water fall is about 7 metres tall.

Lower Falls at Johnson's Canyon

Nice sunset on the way to Johnson's Canyon

We made it

Charlene's parents, Mary and Richard at Lake Louise. We were about 4 hours late meeting them (due to unforseen big hills) and they were extremely happy to see us alive. Unfortunately we didn't have phone coverage to contact them. Oops.

On the down hill stretch. One of many pretty lakes we passed, one of few we stopped for. We had a good average speed for the remainder of our 94 km day, sitting on about 35-40 km for an hour or so into Lake Louise.

Pretty

Some big snow I was hoping might avalanche for us

If anyone is wondering, Charlene doesn't have a hump. She's just carrying her SLR camera in her back pocket.

Starting to climb the 44 km hill. Fortunately we had a some homemade treats called 'Gonkey Balls' to spur us along. Three hours later we would be nearing the top.

Cruising along on day three. I was continually in awe of the autumn colours. Beautiful.

The pretty little hostel we stayed in at Rampart Creek. Amazingly comfy and toasty. We met an Australian couple who spoke pretty ocker asking 'What're ya havin' for tea?'. It took me a moment to register as it caught me off guard. He repeated the question, before I could answer. Charlene couldn't understand what he said but kew he must have been referring to our supper (supper is actually the term used hear for tea or dinner). We also met a lovely German couple from Calgary doing the trip on a tandem bike. Very tempted to try a tandem.

More of Gods handiwork.

Pretty as a picture.

Leaving the Icefields centre rewarded us with spectacular scenery.

During our extended lunch break, the sun came out and cleared the road of snow. Here I am modelling our latest fashion gear... Gaffa and garbage bag wind proof over gloves. These, as well as our matching shoe liners made a huge difference to the well being of our extremities.

Contemplating our predicament while thawing out. Turn around.... hitchhike... ride on. The heater was so nice we stopped worrying and enjoyed the moment for the next 4 hours along with lunch and reading part of 'The Day Boy and Night Girl' by George Macdonald. George Macdonald is a great author and was influential to CS Lewis and JR Tolkien (the guy that wrote Lord of the Rings). Toastily good time.

A seen I have only ever seen in kiddie christmas story books... pine trees with a light layer of snow. Nice. The cold was starting to be noticable with fingers and feet going numb. Frost bite was a concern. As we continued, the shoulders of the road got deeper and deeper, and slipperier. We stopped at the Icefields Centre to thaw.

Despite being cold, I was more than excited to be riding in snow.

Leaving Beauty Creek hostel with a full stomach was difficult, with rain near impossible. This turned into snow as elevation was gained.

On the way to Beauty Creek Hostel with intermitent showers. The managers Diane and Roger were amazingly welcoming and provide an amazing pancake breakfast. You need to be firm up front about being full to avoid being force fed too many. Good for the road once digested though.

Cruising Along

Lunch at Athabasca Falls

The start of our Journey