Banff, Alberta Canada

Mary Lynn and Mary Anne spent the morning and early afternoon taking care of some camp chores while Dave went in search of diesel fuel for his truck.

When Dave returned, he and I went 

back to Lake Minnewanka for a hike back into Stewart Canyon. What a great hike. Both of us are trying to get our hiking strength and endurance built up for Alaska. The hike was, as expected, full of beautiful scenery surrounding the still partially frozen lake. It was perfect hiking weather.

What was unexpected was seeing six mountain sheep right on the trail we were hiking. They were coming down the trail as we were ascending. The leading ram was actually peeking around the trees waiting for the path to be clear so he could lead his little entourage to a more remote region of the park.

He and his crew seemed shocked to see people back in his territory. Dave and I pulled off to the side of the trail and the six sheep passed by, keeping an eye on us all the while. Really amazing to see these animals so close. Something had obviously spooked them from their normal habitat far up the mountain.

On our way back down the mountain we ran into them again. They seemed confused that the trails they have been using all winter in solitude now had people on them again. 

On the way down Dave and I read the “Keeping Safe In Bear Country” sign that we had missed/ignored with all the excitement of seeing the sheep. It told us that while all of Banff National Park is ‘bear country’, the trail and area we were hiking in was ‘core habitat for bears’ and many sightings did take place there. Mostly in July - September when the bears are busy feeding on the wild berries and can be easily surprised as they keep their heads down wolfing down large quantities of berries. 

No bears for us however the mountain sheep definitely made the hike one I’ll remember for a long time.

Tomorrow we head off to Jasper National Park and will be crossing over the Columbia Icefields. No reservations are available so were hoping someone will decide to leave Sunday since the forecast for Monday in Jasper is a big storm. 

See Ya!