Walking the Athabasca Valley

This morning I was awake from 4.30am . By 6am I decided to go out for a walk by the river. It was beautiful. My senses were in overdrive. The smell of the pines; the sound of the raging river; the sun lighting up the snow on the mountains. Everywhere I looked the scenery was breathtaking.

After such a beautiful start to the day I wasn't sure it would get any better.

Marilyn's brother Ted very kindly offered to be our guide for a couple of days. Today he took us for a walk through part of the Athabasca valley.

Although Ted did tell me the names of these fabulous wild flowers, I have already forgotten!

Canadian geese were the bane of my life before I retired as their sole purpose seemed to be using the roof of my car for target practice. They look so much better in their natural habitat rather than in London Parks and playing fields.

It was a beautiful walk following the river with lots to see including this Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.

The clouds were gathering overhead and it wasn't long before the rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, descended.

Despite the change in the weather there was still many wonders to enjoy as we walked back through the forest. My eye was drawn to this parasitic growth. No idea of its name but the bright colour of the new growth stood out like a beacon.

Back at the Alpine Village, Marilyn and I relaxed in the hot tub before going into Jasper for dinner looking like two boiled lobsters!

 At dinner I was introduced to John, a family friend, who had constructed this garden fence made from old skis. Recycling at its best.