Thursday Tidbits

 

Well I thought that I would finish off the holiday photo's tonight. Then it will be back to regular scheduled programming.

The second night Harvey neeFed a nap so I attended the firepit by myself. This was a wildlife night, and if it would have been about bears (saw this one twice) I would have gone back to the cabin and read. Well this one was about our antlered and horned friends that reside in the mountains.

First off the lady spoke about our noisy friends the elk. She even brought an antler with her.

Believe it or not this antler is about 4 1/2 feet long and only took a few months to grow to this size. They regrow the antlers every year and each year they get bigger provided the bull is healthy and get enough to eat.

Next up was this antler which I am sure most will recognise.

This came from a smaller moose and that probably died at a young age.

Next up was....

A big horn ram. I was amazed at how the brain of these animals was protected from them ramming their heads together fighting over the females. Double skulled in front and the brain of the animal well cushioned. I also learned that since the horns continue growing they sometimes interfere with the rams sight. To counteract that the rams will break off the ends of their horns.

The last one was a fake mountain goat (turned out to be a puppet). While not quite what we all expected the explanation of why no horns made sense. These animals live way up in the mountains and are very shy so finding a horn or two is very difficult.

It was a wonderfully informative fire talk.

The next day we decided it was time for a hike. So we set off for one that was quite close to the cabins. 

But first the elk that were blocking our way out. We had to wait for these 5 females to leave the area before we could mosey our way onto the road.

Harvey leading the way. It was very quiet in among the trees.  Well at least until Harvey let out a huge sneeze. Boy that echoed.

The path behind us.

Lots of small hills and later on rocks and roots. However we reached a portion of the trail where the route was probably at a 75 degree angle, upwards, and covered by lots of small rocks. After gazing at it for a few minutes we decided that it was just too much for us oldies and turned around and made our way back. In actuality we walked/hiked much farther doing this.

We left the area and made our way across the road so I could take some pictures of the Athabasca River.

While this river is fairly wide at this point in it's travels the river is pretty shallow with lots of rocks and rapids.

The road continued to the east so we though we should explore further.

This monument is erected as a reminder that there was an internment camp during World War I for Ukrainian and other east Europeans. They were used to make the roads in the park. The monument is quite close to where the camp was situated. 

Traveling to the end of the road meant we got to see this lovely lake (Mystic Lake) and the Jasper Lodge across the water.

The next day we got up early had breakfast and I made up a lunch to eat on the road. We started to make our way home, of course we would be staying at Kurt's overnight before making the 9 hour journey home.

While we were driving on a lonely road just outside of the park we saw these.

A little harem of mountain sheep, though I still think they were mountain goats. 

So there was our little get away. I am actually hopeful we can take another weekend and go to Regina to take in some of the sights we never get a chance to see on our stock up trips. Perhaps later in November, or even in January/February when I have to go for my yearly check up at the OB/GYN.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.