We continue east to find miles and miles and miles of burned out forest and beginnings of new growth. Our literature tells and shows us of 3 major fires, 1986 (65,000 acres burned for 8 days), 2001 and 2003 fires. It is so sad to see so many miles of dead trees. We are both very quiet, just looking at it. We do see signs of regrowth and realize it is natures way. All 3 fires were started by lightening.
The scenery of the Canadian Rockies is breathtaking. Our ears are popping and eyes are wide open. The water in the lakes and streams are so incredibly blue and clear.
As we approach Lake Louise we are amazed at the wildlife bridges and tunnels across the road. The ranger in Radium told us about these. They are built so both animals and travelers can travel safely. We were able to see some being built and other completed ones. Huge fences on either side of the highway help insure the safety of the wildlife.
These tunnels are very pleasing to the eye and certainly provide a good purpose. Good job Canada! Sure would have been great to see some animals using it. The ranger told Carl they have motion cameras at the crossings and counted and photographed some 70,000 animals using the structures. Every kind of animal: moose, elk, bear, fox, goats, sheep, and so on.
Checked into Lake Louise Trailer Provincial campground around 11:30. http://www.banffnationalpark.com/campgrounds/lake-louise-campground.html
After a quick lunch we decided to head up to the Columbia Ice Fields for the afternoon.
http://www.icefieldsparkway.ca/
What peace and majesty we encounter.
The Columbia Icefield is the largest ice mass in North America, south of the Arctic Circle. Situated in the Canadian Rockies, this ice field covers an area of 130 square miles and has a maximum depth of 1,200 feet. The average elevation of the ice field is about 10,000 feet. Its highest points are Mount Columbia at 12,284 feet and Mount Athabasca at 11,452 feet
Six large outlet glaciers flow from the Columbia IceField. Through these glaciers fresh water flows from the Columbia Icefield into three different oceans namely the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Arctic. This situation is referred to as the "hydrographic apex of North America," (triple divide) basically the center of water distribution in North America. Only one other similar divide exists and it is in northern Siberia.
Over time the Earth’s climate has varied between cold and warm periods. Obviously, ice masses and their respective outlet glaciers expanded during cold periods and melted back during warm periods. The expansion/contraction of ice masses and the movement of glaciers have marched over the Canadian Rockies for at least a quarter of a million years. In fact, the first major ice advancement in this region may have occurred as long as 1.9 million years ago. There have been major advancement and retreats of glaciers within the Canadian Rockies for millions of years. Various theories as to why these glaciers started and ended have been put forth but no absolute cause has been identified. At present the Earth appears to be in a warming period as evidenced by ice masses, such as the Columbia Icefield, and their outlet glaciers melting back. Much has been written about this melt back being caused or exacerbated by various human activities, which may or may not be the case. What is known is that the Canadian Rockies have experienced several ice advancements and retreats and the present period of melt back covers a relatively short time span when compared to the last quarter of a million years.
The glacier has advanced and retreated several times during this period. Historical records, maps, and photographs dating back to 1897 show that over the last 125 years the glacier has retreated about .93 miles. In 1870, the glacier was about 1.5 times its present total volume and 2.5 times its area. Tree-ring studies indicate that around 1715 the glacier had advanced more than any time in at least the preceding 350 years.
According to research conducted by glacial scientists, the Athabasca Glacier is receding in length and shrinking in volume at an alarming rate. The melting rate is faster now than it has been in the last 40 years. Basically, the glacier is losing more moisture than the snowfall from the ice field can replace. It appears that a combination of warmer weather and a dirtier surface that absorbs the summer heat are the sources of the problem. The glacier is shrinking by 30 percent every 100 years. At this rate it will be gone in 300 years.
A chronological series of recessional moraines created by the glacier as it retreated has been identified, with the earliest being for 1724. The dates for the other recessional moraines are: 1842, 1854, 1864, 1871, 1907, 1909, and 1919. Between 1724 and 1924 the glacier retreated 1,292 ft, nearly one-fourth of a mile. However, from 1966 to 1977 the glacier had advanced as much as .62 mile.
NOTE:
Print with background color in this blog is from web site of "The big melt down" by Professor Paul R. Baumann Department of Geography State University of New York College at Oneonta
Oneonta, New York 13820
COPYRIGHT © 2001 Paul R. Baumann
One of the original tour buses from the 1960s
Our tour bus
RetReturning to the parking lot this is what we found. Do you think they are trying to tell us something?
switch back road on Parkway to Icefields
Now at top road looking down to where we came from.
You just can't beat this scenery. Jaw dropping, breath taking, inspiring, and more. We have been more than pleased with our choice to follow Carl's dream. It is all and more than we expected.
Lake Moraine, small scenic lake nestled between the mountain. Worth the drive as the drive itself (20 miles of scenic winding road) is beautiful.
Famous Lake Louise, beautifully scenic but cold and wet for our visit. Lots of placards telling of the explorers, settlers, fur traders, mountain climbers, surveyors etc. who found and developed this area. Very informative.
We saw this traveler several times during our trip through Canada. Young man driving and I bet he is having the time of his life also.
This is something else we saw tons and tons of. They are all over the place and fill up the campgrounds too. There are probably 20 of these to every one of personally owned RVs.
this little guy was right on the side of the road as we turned off 93 onto 16 towards Hinton
And this fella was right on 93 as we were heading to the icefields.
View from our campsite in Hinton. Just can't beat it!
Just in case anyone has forgotten. This is our home on wheels that is taking us safely and comfortably on this latest adventure.Ain't she pretty with that back drop. Man I love this life.
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