July 18 Day 24

Got up late today and hit the road even later. We took the Icefields Parkway, the route between Banff and Jasper, which goes through the Canadian Rockies. We stopped off at Lake Louise, walked around the lake and ogled the hotel on its shore. I’ve run out of superlatives to describe what we’re driving through and seeing. Every turn brings another sight you’d give your eye teeth to see at if you were anywhere but here.

By mid-afternoon, we were both suffering from sensory overload…too much to ooh and ahh over! If you love the mountains (and I do, I do!!) today was a 10. Enough mountains and glaciers per mile to rival Alaska Photos below.

We’re staying in Wapiti campground, in Jasper NP, Alberta. It was first-come-first-served, but we had no trouble getting a very nice site.

July 19 Day 25

Today was a road day, and we just drove to put on miles. We took highway 40 from Jasper to Dawson Creek, most of which went through the forest. I mean, nothing but forest. No houses, no gas stations, no signs, no telephone poles, no nothin’ but miles and miles of black spruce. We passed one town in about 250 miles.

Tonight we’re in Dawson Creek, BC, which is “mile 0” of the Alaska Highway. Only 907 miles to Alcan, Alaska, where we cross back into the US, then another day’s travel to Anchorage. With luck we’ll be in Anchorage by the end of the week. We also crossed into a new time zone; we’re on Pacific Time now. Only one more of those to go to go!

July 20 Day 26

Today was another driving day, and once again, it was almost totally through the forest. Nothing but trees as far as the eye can see, and sometimes we had views that went on for miles. Gas stations are few and far between. But, it was on the Alaska Highway, so we’re happy. First order of business this morning was to go to the center of town and take some photos of the “Mile 0” post for the Alaska Highway, then we headed up the road.

Milepost 0 of the Alaska Highway

Tonight we’re in Ft. Nelson, BC. We may make it into Yukon tomorrow, but that will depend on how long we dally at the Liard Hot Springs tomorrow. Got to soak off all the cares and worries I’ve suffered the past couple of weeks! Wally

7/18/03

Hi, Everyone

When we stopped at Lake Louise, I had Wally walk around the lake a little distance. Little did he know it was actually a short hike. On our return trip, we saw a rock climber scaling one of the cliffs. I was excited for him to see the Icefields Parkway on the way to Jasper as I knew he would enjoy it. There are so many mountains with glaciers that it’s almost overpowering. The blue glacial rivers flowing alongside the rode are also beautiful.

7/20/03

It was pretty exciting to start our day on the Alaska Highway. Before heading out we stopped for breakfast. Once back in the truck, we discovered that Aurora had helped herself to Wally’s beef jerky—yes, she ate the whole package. She drank a lot of water from a puddle when we stopped a few hours later to switch drivers. We are already seeing fireweed, the flowering weed that is seen across much of Alaska. We arrived early in Fort Nelson, BC. and checked into the Ramada Limited. We quickly found out that the “limited” means the laundry facilities are off site. So we spent a few hours in the local laundrymat. It’s occurred to me several times today that soon we will have to rejoin the “real world”—next week!

Love to all, Cecelia