The drive from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is rightly touted as one of the most scenic drives in the world. I missed out on making the trip 9 years ago - no fear of that happening this time.
Once again, thanks to Tom for some of these photos - it would be wrong to tell you he took this as he was driving and I was sleeping in the back (for a change!!).
I wasn't asleep for long - around every bend in the road another stunning view is waiting. What I love about driving in the Rockies is the feeling that over the peaks around you, the odds are, you'll find yet more - rather than wondering which Alpine village or town you'll find.
After a three and a half hour drive we arrived at Marmot Basin and a beautiful spring day on the mountain.
One of Tom's work mates, Pat, takes a nice drop with Jasper in the valley behind. This was the entry to some great tree runs - unfortunately we were having too much fun to hang around and take any photos in there...
Talking of fun - its not all about the powder - sometimes it doesn't get any better than cranking it down an immaculate groomer.
Mind you, if most of this bowl hadn't been out of bounds, I doubt Tom would have taken that last shot. Oh so tempting, but you seriously risk prosecution if you duck the wire.
The spring nights are really drawing out - so we could enjoy the return trip to Banff just as much. I can imagine the Parkway being a tad busier in a month or two.
One of the main stopping points on the Parkway is at the Columbia Icefield. During the summer you can take a bus tour onto the Icefield. It was really nice to pass through before it gets swamped with tourists.
The main reason for stopping here was to check out the Athabasca Glacier for a possible ski tour this weekend. I think there had been three parties on the route this day. A couple were still up there - a little worrying as I took this shot at around 6pm. One group were just below the left hand side of the saddle. Another group of two looked to be having real trouble attempting an ascent of the front ridge of the horn. One of the groups who had made good time and had been watching the party of two from the car park decided to call help as we were leaving - I hope they got off all right.
