If you have spent even one summer in Arizona, this request comes as no surprise.
Joe to Dave: “I have heard about this huge glacier. It is supposed to be amazing. Is it possible to actually go and see it?” Hmmmm.
It is late June, and the mountains are still snowy and beautiful. And, the walk up to Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefields can be chilling. Literally. Chilling. The perfect outing for our friends, Joe and Karen. Request granted.
Setting out on Icefields Parkway
Karen at Peyto Lake (note snow on coat!)
So, we loaded into the Jeep and headed up Icefields Parkway, the highway that connects Lake Louise to Jasper. By the time we made a pitstop at Helen Lake, it was snowing.
Cameras out at Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. Peyto Lake was stunning. The sky was cloudy with patches of sun. Brisk. We continued on through Saskatchewan Crossing to the Columbia Icefields.
Peyto Lake
The trail up to the glacier.
Athabasca Glacier loomed before us. A steady stream of brave souls could be seen making the frigid trek to the base. Tiny ants in comparison to the glacier itself. Joe and Dave joined the mecca while Karen and I held down the fort (hahaha). Hey, it was REALLY WINDY and COLD. We did discover a snowy mountain top in the shape of a gecko.
Athabasca Glacier, June 2018. Look closely to see actual people on the glacier
Notice the snowy gecko on the right. Ok, Ok. It Kinda looks like one, doesn't it?
Upon their return, the look of accomplishment on Joe’s face said it all. Mission accomplished.