Today we got up really early to make the trip up to Jasper. We had a quick breakfast and then took 93 (Icefields Parkway) from Banff. We stopped at a ranger station at Lake Louise for information and recommendations about what to see. They recommended that we for sure see the Columbia Ice Fields. As we got closer and closer, we were taking more and more pictures. The mountains were gorgeous and we couldn't believe how many glaciers there were throughout the entire day's drive. It was incredible. The mountains looked really cool as there were some low clouds
hanging just below the peaks. I don't think the pictures look nearly as neat as they did in real life... it was really breathtaking. Once we got to the Icefields we walked around the visitors center and checked out some of the displays they had there. Then, we drove to the foot of the Athabasca Glacier and hiked to the edge of it. It was crazy huge and yet we could only see 2% of the actual glacier. They had posted signs that told where the glacier had retreated from in previous years, like in 1990, 1982, etc. It was amazing to see how much it has retreated just in our life time, the last 27 years. At one side the glacier sheared off and you could see refracted light causing the inside to appear as a gorgeous ocean blue color where the ice was compacted. They said that close to us 
underneath the glacier there is a pretty big lake from the melt water of the glacier. Because of this it is dangerous to walk in certain areas... Ben and I were good and stayed within the recommended boundaries; however, several people were breaking the rules and putting themselves in harms way! The rangers said that due to the extreme temperatures and depth under the ice, most people who fall through die of hypothermia before rescuers can reach them! I kept wondering what I would do if I saw someone disappear through the ice... I still don't know!!! EEk! As we were hiking back from the glacier we look up and high on a ridge was a large group of mountain goats... so our wildlife excitement continues! After the glacier we headed home, stopping many times along the way to take more pictures. Of course we couldn't resist another great bear shot... this one was rather close to the road indulging on a few berries With his camera skills, Ben was able to get some great shots from a good distance; however, it never ceases to amaze us how close people get to these WILD animals! 
We ended our day back at the hot springs for one last soak before heading home. It was really nice...man I
wish central Illinois had hot springs! Another great day... not many left!
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