58 - The Ancient Forest and Jasper National Park
At Canadian Tire, they recommended we re-tighten our lugs in 100 Km, turns out that's also the location of "The Ancient Forest." A beautiful stop along our way. The boardwalk built through the magical forest was shaded, cool and an easy walk. Amazing redcedar trees, some over 1000 years old (!). A great opportunity to stretch the legs and take the doggies for a walk.
Continuing on 16 east, our route took us right through Jasper National Park, the largest national park in Canada.
This big elk was strolling down the side of the road
Yep, still room. The "overflow" site was basically an enormous clearing with a few picnic tables set up on the perimeter. Maybe 5 to 10 acres? There was water available as well as pit toilets. Tons of room. We ended up in sort of the middle, no trees around us but no neighbors for 100's of feet. It had been very overcast and we needed some sun for our solar power. It cooled off nicely in the evening. We shortly discovered there was a railroad track very close by. Not too bad though. Gorgeous views and, of course, plenty of mosquitoes. Swarms and swarms. We didn't bother trying to leave the RV that evening, just didn't feel like dealing with the mozzies.
View from our campsite
Back on the road
Town of Jasper
Jasper Lake
Sand dunes around Jasper Lake
Mountain goats
Bighorn sheep
I noticed a lot of the trees on the mountainsides were a distinct red color. I looked it up and these trees have been killed by a pine beetle that has decimated the pine trees in BC and arrived here into Alberta a few years ago. Measures are being taken to combat the infestation. Namely, cutting down and burning the already dead infested trees which are also the breeding ground for these beetles. It's a slow process, but apparently the humans are winning.
In the morning, the mosquitoes were controllable using our mosquito coils. Nice coffee and a view.
This is a really cool blog, love that you are documenting your journey. Would you be interested at all in contributing to our site?
ReplyDeleteSure, let me know how :-)
DeleteBoy does this bring back memories for us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great wright up.
We have been up north also but our starting point was Oregon.
In 2008 we went to Yellowknife in a 1984 Dolphin.
In 2010 went to Alaska and the artic circle-Eagle Plains in the same Dolphin.
In 2017 went to Alaska and the artic circle, Dalton hwy in a 1994 Warrior.
Thank you for the very interesting post.
I have always wanted to take a barge south from Inuvik to Great Slave lake but as of the last check they wont allow non-employees on board.
Darrel
Ha ha! so you understand the unpaved roads! Sounds like you have a lot of Toyota RV experience and a lot of good memories :-) That barge trip sounds amazing!
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