First Time To Jasper and First Bear Sighting

Sarah came to visit last week and her and I headed west to spend a couple days in the Canadian Rockies in Jasper, AB.  This was my first time there as well.  We were armed with bug spray (mosquitoes seem to be a pain here because the season is so short and they are very hungry) and bear spray (yes they do sell such thing which you spray if you see a bear because the scent will scare them away).  The bear spray smelled horrible and I think it would even keep a human away.  The first day we walked around the cute little town since we got there late day.  The second day was 6 hours of hiking.  We didn't anticipate doing quite that much but we messed up and tacked another hour onto our hike.  We hiked the Maligne Canyon and the Overlander trail.  We stopped for breaks, lunch, and to enjoy the scenery. At times we didn't see a single person for hours at a time. Sarah thought I was crazy because all through the hike especially in the really isolated parts I was singing.  I told her that in Alaska we learned to talk loudly, sing, or walk loudly so bears would here us and we wouldn't accidentally end up on their turf.  When we stopped for lunch at a picnic area I was looking down and all of a sudden I looked up and saw people grabbing their kids.  A black bear was running towards us (no exaggeration!!!).  I think he was like 10-15 ft away.  All I could do was stare and when I thought to back up, he ran away and ran to the other picnic area close by but again he was freaked out so he ran from there to straight across a foot bridge.   What a commotion!!  We heard that the bear was scared by a bunch of bikers that were on the trails.  I did manage to get some pics as soon as I felt that our lives were no longer in danger.  They aren't too good.  I think the fear shows in the quality of the photo.  LOL.  After that, we both sang and didn't see a bear again.  We also saw mountain goats, elk, and a bird that looked like a spruce grouse. The next day we did a quick loop around Edith Lake in the national park and then headed home.  I think I found my favorite place in our province.  It was the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.  Ican't wait to go back again with Mitch later this month.

As we approached Jasper this was our view.  People were swimming in the water which was surprisingly warm. 

Little did I know I'd practically be hugging a real bear.  This one was cute though.

Medicine Lake Jasper National Park.  Probably the coolest lakes we saw.  It disappears in fall.  Google it for more info.

mountain goat

Canadian chipmunk munching on a berry

Maligne Canyon

Where we got a bit lost...oops

spruce grouse (I think)

the bear we got up close and personal with as it was running away in the distance

Bit better but not that great

how gorgeous is this??  The views don't get much better than this!

our drive to Maligne Lake

Elk.  Apparently they shed their racks in the summer.  They were fun to photograph and it was easy to get closer.  It wasn't until later I read that you shouldn't go to close because they can get angry and charge at you.  Lovely.

AM easy stroll around Edith Lake in Jasper National Park

They don't mess around. If there are too many sightings they start to close trails.  I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want a $25,000 fine or to be a bear's snack. I rather them eat their berries in peace.