We’ve almost done it.
Today is our day “off” though most of the group is going hiking around Lake Louise. I’ve decided my knees could use the break and I’ll probably just do a stroll around the lake later.
I can’t believe how many people videoed or photographed us as we were climbing up the Bow Pass and as we pulled into the Icefield Centre. If I was in a car, I probably would have taken a picture too. It really is quite an impressive climb. I should probably check youtube to see if we’re posted somewhere.
We had people come up and congratulate us, exclaim over how amazing we were and to ask for more photos while we stood in the parking lot in the howling wind. It really was quite funny.
I guess they’re all shocked at this group of women over 50 who can still kick butt….though the way my butt feels right now, I’m guessing it’s our own we’re kicking.
We stayed in Athabasca Falls, Beauty Creek, Rampart Falls and Mosquitoe Creek hostels. Absolutely perfect places. Rustic and funky but very clean. Rampart and Mosquitoe both had wood-fired saunas beside rushing glacial creeks. Beauty Creek had to be the most spectacular setting for a firepit that I’ve ever seen.
This is definitely one of the best cycling routes I’ve been on. Of course, it would be slightly better if the insane drivers, who come flying at us while they pass on double-lines, were immediately taken out and shot. Aside from those few idiots, we’ve managed to stay out of the way of the hurtling cars and travel trailers.
I am going to be ready for the heat of New Mexico on the 10th. It’s warmer today, but most of this trip I’ve cycled with multiple layers of wool and serious raingear.
Cycling in serious cold, wind and rain with glaciers all around must be a rather Canadian experience.