Banff, AB

We spent a memorable afternoon traveling the iconic Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff. It is a stretch of spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery with massive overhanging glaciers, steep avalanche slopes and lakes of stunning turquoise blue. The one photo that I snapped at our picnic spot doesn't come close to capturing the spirit of this landscape. I think it has to be experienced to be believed.

We pulled into Tunnel Mountain Campground and then headed onto the bustling streets of Banff where crowds gather all year long from every place under the sun. There were many British, German and Japanese visitors there when we stopped into Beaver Tails to gorge ourselves on this Canadian delicacy. It is basically a huge piece of fried dough covered in sugar or icing and then sprinkled with your choice of candy toppings. Needless to say, the girls spent the next two hours running around at the playground to burn off the sugar high before bedtime.

We were now back on familiar terrain and the girls were eager to head into Calgary for the long weekend to swap our northern gear for our southern gear before hitting the road again. When we finally arrived, the girls ran through the house calling to each other from their own rooms shouting, "It's sooooo big! Our house is soooo big!" I guess spending three months in a 26 foot trailer can change your perspective on some things. It has certainly shaped ours.

Jasper, AB

The charming mountain town of Jasper was our next stop en route home. We saw mountain goats foraging along the highway, Canadian geese eating grain along the railway tracks, and elk running down the main street of town being chased by park rangers waving hockey sticks.

"There are two seasons in Canada: winter and construction!" This was definitely our experience as we spent over an hour and a half in road construction line-ups getting to the Miette Hot Springs and another hour and a half on the return trip back to town. Our soak in the hot springs was heavenly, but we were all starving by the time we pulled into Jasper. We stopped for pizza on the main drag and then wandered the town until night fell. The girls played at the local playground for two hours and we happened upon an impromptu open-air concert of mountain music performed by the park rangers. One violinist even managed to make a saw sing!

Fishing Prince Rupert, BC

Today we were treated to blue skies and glorious sunshine. We all have a few new freckles splattered across our cheeks to show for it. We headed out in our aluminum boat to tour Prince Rupert Sound and the islands and inlets just off shore. Before even getting the boat launched, we spotted three Bald Eagles and three Harbour Seals fishing just in front of the marina.

After a short boat ride through the sheltered channels and coves, we crossed the rolling swells of the open ocean. We spotted Dall Porpoises swimming about in the water and kept our eyes peeled for Orcas, but they remained elusive today. The seas were calm and the skies were clear, so we were able to catch glimpses of the Queen Charlotte Islands also known as Haida Gwaii. We feasted on a picnic lunch when we arrived at our fishing destination by the lighthouse, complete with lots of treats to make fishing extra fun for the little ladies! (They are running off the junk food induced highs at the park as I type this update!)

Nicole reeled in the first catch of the day with a Yellowtail  Rockfish. This was quickly followed by Heidi with a Bocacillo Rockfish which are actually at record low levels in the area and need to be released. Mark followed his ladies`lead with an ugly green-eyed Ratfish from the ocean floor. It was hideous with a mouth full of razor sharp teeth and belonged back in the deep water, so we returned it to its dark home.

All in all, it was another beautiful and memorable day on the water. Tomorrow we bid Prince Rupert goodbye and hit the road again.

Snack Time on the boat - Cheetos!

Brownie, the visiting bird!

Catch of the day

Nicole`s Yellowtail Rockfish

Heidi`s Bocacillo Rockfish

Daddy`s beautiful Ratfish!!! 

Baiting with Squid

Prince Rupert viewed from the ocean

Prince Rupert Town, BC

After leaving Meziadin Lake, the sun shone down upon us and we were treated to beautiful views of the mighty Skeena River which runs along the highway to Prince Rupert. We settled into our campsite and made dinner before venturing into this town of 12,000 and exploring the tourist wharf around Cow Bay. Massive totem poles, murals of sea life, and native artwork adorn the streets of this quaint town. We watched the sunset over the Pacific, as a tugboat was heading out to sea and the girls made new friends with kids at the playground at 10 pm. Today we will tackle laundry, groceries and blog updates before heading out on the boat tomorrow to explore the islands and inlets of Prince Rupert.

We also saw a golden eagle flying over the harbour and then perch on the ledge of a building. The picture does not come close to capturing the majesty this animal displays in the air.