Day 26 Icefield Hwy Glacier

Today was a long day and we saw so many breathtaking sights and scenes that it was almost overwhelming. The Icefield Highway is “one of the most scenic roads in the world”. That’s a fact. Got an early start because we had reservations at the Athabasca Glacier tour and walk on The Skywalk; however, we had many planned stops along the way that we wanted to explore. Hiked to Herbert Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and Waterfowl Creek and Lower Lake. Stopped to gaze at Crowfoot Glazier and the Weeping Wall which is a massive flat rock wall with melted snow water running down its face. The waterfalls at overlooks were hundreds of feet tall. We ate our packed lunch at a picnic area in Coleman Creek with a furry skilled Marmot beggar.  Then we drove on to the main event of the day - Columbia Icefield Glacier Tour. We took a bus to board an “explorer” vehicle. After a fairly hair raising ride to the glacier, we exited and were allowed to wander around a portion of the glacier and even fill our water bottles. The blue water in the free flowing “streams” was so pure and, of course, icy cold. It is a magical frigid place that, sadly, is disappearing in our lifetime. Next the explorer took us back to another bus that took us to the SkyWalk. This is an attraction that is a dock of sorts with a glass floor that extends way over a deep canyon. The first step onto the glass floor is very disconcerting but then that feeling turns into fascination. Next we boarded the last bus that returned us to where we started. In 1844, this glacier would have extended to where our truck was parked. Now its edge is at least 2 miles away. Scientists predict that it will totally disappear in 50 to 80 years because of climate change. We did get to see a few Big Horn Sheep  on a bluff over the glacier. Been keeping my eyes peeled for bears this whole trip and, finally, saw one casually walking down the highway on the way home. This land is so full of surprises.