Athabasca Glacier

We wanted Char to see the Athabasca Glacier, so we headed up to the Columbia Icefield.  From Lake Louise, it was about a 2 hour drive, and unfortunately, it was rainy and cloudy.  But there is a beauty in clouds hanging over the peaks, peering into the valleys below.

We boarded the Glacier Explorer vehicle, and took the 32 degree slope hill to the glacier. Don and I collected almost 2 gallons of water to bring home – it is the best tasting water ever!  It was cloudy and cold, yet because of the temperature, there were no catabatic winds to make it even colder, so frankly, I was warmer than the time we visited in 2013.

We took a gallon jug, a two-quart pitcher and two empty water bottles to collect the water from the glacier.  It is so delicious, I just had to have more than a bottle full.  I know the guides thought we were ridiculous, but we have enjoyed the water.

Sorry, Jordy, you can't have any!

Bart and Char "milking" the glacier!

In 2013 as we approached the Icefields from Jasper, we passed a construction site where they were building a Skywalk over the Sunwapta Valley.  The main purpose of it is to help visitors visualize how deep the glacier was – nearly 1000 feet – since the valley is about that deep.  The Skywalk is included in the cost of the tour, so of course, we went.  I was impressed with myself that I was able to go out on it without having some sense of fear of heights or dizziness.  It was a pretty fun thing to do and a great way to end the glacier tour!