Canadian Rockies 2007 Pics Bob on BAC Canadian Rockies 2007

  • July 18- Day 16 - The Crossing to Sumwapta Falls - Columbia Ice Fields
    Canadian Rockies 2007 Pics
    The Edge of Athabaska Glacier

    We were up shortly after 6:00. We had the breakfast buffet at the motel. I had eggs, hash browns, French toast, bacon, orange juice and coffee. I went back for more French toast to justify the cost of the buffet.


    I started cycling around 8:20. The weather was cool and still hazy. I took off my jacket after an hour or so. The road had lots of uphill rollers until a fairly steep climb at 21.5 miles. This lasted for 2-3 miles. Then we had a downhill until we got to the ice fields. I turned left at this point and rode down to a parking lot near the Athabaska Glacier. There were quite a few people there. Some were going on an organized hike onto the glacier. Others were taking the path to the edge of the glacier. I vacillated for awhile and then decided to walk up the path. I met Jean Struthers on the way and we walked to the edge of the glacier. I did not cross over the bridge onto the glacier because it was pretty slushy and I didn't want to get my socks wet. We had too far to ride to risk cold, wet feet.


    Canadian Rockies 2007 Pics
    Athabaska Glacier from the Visitors' Center

    After the walk, I rode my bicycle back up to the visitors' center for lunch. I had a tuna sandwich, chips and blueberry yoghurt. After lunch, I wandered through the exhibit area, threaded my way through hundreds of tourists and took off down the hill. The first part of the hill was steep. My speed was building up so I took the lane and drafted a car. Once the car turned, I let it go and hit my maximum speed for the year. Once I got down the hill, I slowed down. I didn't see very much on the way to the hotel because the pavement was very rough and I had to concentrate on it to keep my ride reasonably smooth.


    I reached the Sunwapta Falls Resort at 2:00, used the free internet, checked into our room, showered and snacked on almonds and a double chocolate muffin. This hotel is touted as being a resort. The rooms are very nice. The main building has a shop, a cafeteria, a small bar and a restaurant. We had pre-ordered our dinner because it was included in our trip price. I had trout, baked potato, garlic bread, Caesar salad and apple pie ala mode. Others had steak, salmon or chicken. It was all very good.


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