Ice, Ice, Baby

On Monday, we drove back from Jasper to take in the Columbian Icefields.  Although we drove by it on Sunday, it was crowded and hot.  Monday, however, the temperature was perfect, and the population of tourists was about half that of Sunday.

We did not have to wait in line before we boarded the bus to the glacier.  On our way we saw some bighorn sheep.  There were several babies in the group, but we were lucky to get pictures.  This drive is definitely one of timing.  On our way back down to the parking lot, all of the sheep were gone.  

Once we loaded the snow cat and got down the 32% grade hill, we drove onto the glacier and disembarked.  After we were out of the snow cat, we could see why it could negotiate the steep grade.  Look at the size of these tires!

They allowed us to spend 15 minutes walking around a very small area of the glacier.  Because of the hazards of walking on ice, they limit what the tourists are allowed to do.  But that was all right . . . we were able walk around on the ice,and remember what wind chill is.  Although the temperature was above 50, with the catabatic winds (which are winds off a glacier), it was quite cool.  

The guides encouraged us to drink the water from the glacier.  It was pure snowmelt and absolutely delicious.  After sticking our hands into the water, we were glad we had brought gloves but we wished he had brought some water bottles to fill.  It was that good.

The drivers of the coaches (Di particularly noticed the cute last one) were well informed about glaciers, and we learned far more than we expected.  Although a little pricey, we are very glad we took advantage of the opportunity to see the glaciers up close.