Snow Days
Trip Start
Unknown
1
3
24
Trip End
Ongoing
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Monday, May 31, 2010
Waterton is known for deep crystal clear glacial lakes, abundant wildlife and lots of outdoor activities including biking and hiking. But all we experienced was snowfall, snowfall, and rain. So we hunkered down in the RV most of the time.
Townsite is the local town with a permanent population of only 20. Some of the seasonal employees have arrived and many of the shoppes (get it "shoppes", we’re in Canada…eh) are beginning to open, but visitors were no where to be found. Our lakeside campground had over 300 sites, and we were one of about a dozen RVs in the park.
The 3rd day of our visit the snowfall ended and the rain began. So we took a driving tour of the park based on the recommendations of the Visitors Center. Cameron Lake is about 10 miles above town and was frozen over. Our pictures of the lake show only white and more white. You can’t tell where the lake ends and the mountains begin. Our second destination was Red Rock Canyon at the end of a 9 mile road. No one told us that the canyon was not visible from the roadway and could only be seen via a hike, which was not practical in the rain. The last stop was the Bison Paddock, a 2 mile loop road through gently rolling hills enclosed by a fence where a herd of bison live. They are direct descendents of the original U.S. plains buffalo herds. Regrettably, the herd must have been in hiding, for we saw no sign of them. (After we returned to the park, we learned that the “herd” consists of 5 adult bison and 2 calves.)
Our drive did allow us to see lots of wildlife…2 bear sightings, groups of deer and big horn sheep. Although we’re sure Waterton Lakes National Park is lovely in spring, it didn’t look like spring during our visit, so onward we go.
Comments
Hey Pops and Susan...first of all Happy year a head Dad...I hope it brings fun and happiness. Glad you guys are having a bit of excitement on your new journey. Be careful in the rain/snow, of course!! Loking forward to hearing about the next set of creatures...and seeing new pics!!!Love ya, Sheree