Columbia Icefield then to Banff

Very cold morning, we had to sit in the car for 10 minutes as the ice on the windows and windscreen melted.  Said our (promise) last goodbye to Lake Louise this morning, she was at her best just before an early breakfast so we had one more look...and a couple of photos.
Headed north on the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield.  One problem with driving in the Rockies is the amount of photo opportunities, if we stopped at every one we wouldn't have made more than 50 kilometres before dark.  We resisted and got to the Columbia Icefield and in particular the Athabasca Glacier.  This is where we were able to get a regular bus to a base camp, then a huge ice bus/truck (sno-coach) to our final destination, a walk on the glacier.  Many photos for the grandchildren of course!!
This is an experience that shouldn't be missed if anyone visits Canada, truly an amazing feeling walking on ice 300 metres thick and watching it melt in front of you, causing crevasses as it flows down to form a river at the face of the glacier.  The colours, the cold, the wind, the size, the ice patterns and the clear cold water combine to make you feel as though you are dreaming.  Came thinking we could never experience anything like it again.
Back on the road, again all we could do is marvel at the mountains lining each side of the road and river as we headed towards Banff.  Another first class day with plenty of photos.

Very cold morning, ice on the board walk.  Oh and did you notice Lake Louise in the background?

We all had a turn posing, who could resist?

Last one, really truly this time.  It is actually two photos of Lake Louise, we have reflections!!

On the Icefields Parkway.

Our Glacier, you can see the sno-coaches on the ice in the distance

Built for a purpose, with the sno-coaches slowly going up the glacier behind.

First we go down.

And down.

The road up to the glacier.

The spot where we stop on the glacier

In front of the sno-coach.

Beside the sno-coach.

Pam out of the sno-coach.

Watching the ice melt.

Under the midday sun.

Trying to get protections from the ice wind without slipping into a cravasse.

On top of the ice.

Freezing cold.

Looking back towards the Icefields Visitors Centre.

About to have a taste of the water, by all accounts, cold but delicious.

Now I'm stuck.

My hands were too cold to put them in the water.

Couldn't resist.

Cold flowing fresh water.

Almost slipped.

Tyre tracks in the ice.

The visitors centre, the shed centre picture, about two kilometres away.

Walkers on the glacier.

One for the Grandchildren - Grandad with friends, the Mounties.

Another road home.

And another road home, not sure when to stop, there are so many available.

Stop for a break next to Bow River.

Another walk, another torture trial.

To get a view of Peyto Lake.

Slowly ticking off all the native animals.