The dark haired woman leaned across the aisle of the bus and said, “it’s gonna get real pretty now in the next ten minutes. This is nothin’ here but it’s gonna be really pretty soon.” She was right. We dropped down out of the foothills into a narrow heavily wooded valley and around a big bend. Steep-sided sharply rising mountains now dominated the land-scape. Heavy rock slabs jutted straight up out of the black spruce. Impressive. Rocky Mountain country. A glacier grey river snaked along the road-side and spread out into the bends as we continued on toward the town of Jasper. Snow appeared in the higher north-facing elevations.
We had started our day on an early flight out of Thunder Bay, Ontario to Edmonton, Alberta. From there we took a bus to Jasper. Brian and I are heading out on a bicycle journey from Jasper AB to Banf along the Icefield Parkway then getting on the Continental Divide Trail from there to Antelope Wells, NM. It is about a 3000 mile trip. We will be spending about 90 percent of our time on gravel roads and in remote areas. Mostly planning on camping along the way, we each have tents and all the gear for being self- sufficient during the 50 days or so of traveling. We have also mailed food re-supply packages to Post Offices along the way.
In the half-hour between the woman’s comment and getting to our destination, Brian saw a wolf and a big- horned sheep. I spotted a mountain goat and an elk. This should be one interesting ride.
Watch out for the bears!
Will try.
I wish I was going with you guys! Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful, wonderful adventure
We wish you were here too, Michelle.
Have a great trip! Will be fun to follow along!
Thanks Dave. Say hey to the family too!
So glad to know you are on the trail again! Happy peddling, Buck, and we will await your stories! Thanks, Annie DeBevec
Thanks Annie!
Another great Buck adventure in the making. ENJOY but how could you not.
Hope you’re doing well Lee with all you have on your plate!
Oh yay! Here we go again!!!!
Good to see you following again.
Woohoo…on your way on another adventure, so fabulous. Looking forward to all future posts. What a treat!
May the road rise up to meet you,
And the wind always be at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rains fall soft upon your fields (roads)
Thanks so much Robin! Miss seeing you! We’ll have to visit soon.
Hey Buck Looking forward to following your trip!! New email for me: jeannenorthshore@gmail.com
Hey Jeanne,
Glad you’re following along. You should be here! Fabulous scenery on this Parkway. No bears yet.
Sounds like an exciting trip you have embarked on, Buck. Always enjoy following along with your adventures.
Hi Max,
It’s a beautiful place. Maybe you’ve been here. I want to come back for hiking and kayaking. Hope you’re having a great summer.
Awesome Buck, so excited to hear about this adventure, be safe!
Hi Mary,
Another big old bike trip. Starting out great. No bear trouble and pretty nice weather. Hope all well with you.
Buck, that sounds like a fantastic trip !!! We`ve been to Banff and Jasper…Just love those mountains !!…Be safe ….
Denny
Hi Denny,
Great to see you’re following along. Maybe you’ve been in this area – it’s really beautiful.
Sounds like a grand adventure! We will be sorry to miss you in GM. We are headed up on 7/17 and home on 8/13. Just happy to get there for a few weeks. Enjoy Buck!
Hey Marnie,
Sorry to miss you last weekend. I really wanted to see all at Joel’s gathering. Would love to see JT also. Sending my love. Buck
Sounds beautiful and exciting Buck! Enjoy your trip!
Hey Mary, I’m surprised that you weren’t just here. We seem to just miss each other everywhere. Hope to see you this fall with time to visit.
Sounds like a fantastic start to your trip. I remember the first time we went by train through the mountains to the Jasper/Banff environment. Enjoy your ride! Beware of logging trucks!
Hi Tony, it’s been a great start for our adventure. Would love to come back here car camping and a kayak on the roof.
I would have a hard time driving that far. Sounds like another great “Buck” adventure ! Keep us posted
Hi Bill,
Hope all goes well with your visit to the surgeon! Have you been here in Banff area? Love it – tomorrow we are on the Continental Divide Trail.