After eating lunch at the Columbia Glacier interpretive centre, it was time to return to the Lake Louise area. The return drive was much nicer than the snow and wet we experienced earlier in the day - the sun was shining, the skies clear and the scenery absolutely fabulous. We took our time and enjoyed the view - Damian was convinced he would see a bear - he was not disappointed - he saw three. The first sighting was of two black bears fighting over a berry patch - there were lots of berries every where - go figure - maybe these were just a little sweeter. We watched for a while and continued our journey when the bears moved out of sight. We were so excited. A short time later, eagle eye Damian spotted another black bear.
As we approached the Lake Louise area the plan was to follow the Bow Valley Parkway and hike up Johnson Canyon to the Ink Pots. Shortly after hitting the Parkway, even more excitement - a family of grizzly bears foraging in a meadow - mother and two well grown cubs.
Seeing six bears in one day - amazing - awesome.
Mother grizzly on left, cub at right under fallen log and other cub far right under tree.
The mother grizzly bear - a majestically beautiful animal
Johnson Canyon is a special place, very scenic and known for the several water falls.
The forest in the canyon is also quite unique, somewhat like a rain forest with lots of moss and fungi.
Fungi on a tree stump
This young raven looked a little bewildered - lost might be more appropriate - we did the right thing - said hello, took his photo and quietly left so his mum could bring food and get him flying.
Damian had a lot of fun in the dead fall - definitely brought out the "monkey" in him. He tried to tempt his grandpa Ed into the 'pick up sticks maze" but Ed gracefully declined and mentioned the risk of a broken leg or something. Reality - not quite flexible enough these days to wiggle through tight spaces.
Eventually we arrived at the open valley and the Ink Pots. The pots are small pools of spring fed water and are slightly different colours depending on flow and depth of the spring. The many inukshuks along the upper creek side have been built over time by visitors to the area. Rocks and water provide natural toys and provide hours of fun for many folks.
Time to head back to camp and still enough energy to jog down the trail to the car.
On the return to camp - more fun - we saw a full antlered bull elk - stopped the car and he wandered slowly across the road in front of us. Damian is convinced he turned to look at us and stuck out his tongue in contempt.
Today is a day to remember Ice Fields in the morning and numerous wild life sightings in the afternoon - we will sleep well tonight.
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