Camping with a Bull Elk!

While camping (in a TENT) in Jasper National Park, we were 'honored' with the rather intimidating presence of this rather large bull elk who was definitely beginning to show signs of being in fall rut!  Usually, at least once a day, he would stroll, storm or saunter behind our campsite ... about 30ft from our tent!  He had his harem of 'girls' usually with him and definitely shared with us, his ability to bugle!  

The Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier!

Yes, Day 2 of our trip found us back at the Columbia Icefields (http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/visit32.aspx) and exploring the Athabasca Glacier via the Ice Bus!  We've driven past the icefields numerous times but thought it would be great for the kids to see!  All I can say is "WOW!" ... driving by the glacier vrs being on the glacier and learning about the glacier(s) puts many things into perspective!  This glacier is retreating (melting) at a rate of approximately 30ft per year ... and at that current rate they calculate that this glacier will only be around for approximately another 150 - 200 yrs.  It will surpass my lifetime and my kids but it certainly will not be around for numerous future generations at these rates.  

Those lil' black dots are the ice buses taking people part way up the glacier!  That is where we headed!

Exploring the Rockies!

Welcome to Jasper National Park!

Yes, for a few days my family and I escaped the prairies and headed northwest into the vast and wonderful rocky mountains!  On this particular camping trip, we headed to Jasper  National Park (http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/index.aspx), and I must say it was such a treat to take our boys to this beautiful gem nestled in the rockies.  I have not visited Jasper, Alberta, Canada for many, many years and it was great exploring it with my husband and kids!  Since we had not been there as a family before we hit many 'tourist' destinations!  First on our list ... the Jasper Tramway (http://www.jaspertramway.com) and Whistlers Mountain!

After getting off the tram, we embarked on the hike to the summit!  We had perfect weather and perfect views!

The views from the summit on this perfect day included Mount Robson ... the highest point in the Canadian Rockies!

And what better way to start off a family holiday ... sharing an incredible view with your lil' ones!

Ripening Fields of Wheat!

Not completely golden ... not yet!  However, the landscape is definitely changing in color and so are the crops!  The wheat fields are looking rather yellow-lime these days. Everything is ripening!  

Flax Bolls

Yes, our flax has finished flowering and now we have just have to wait for the bolls or seed capsules to ripen!!  Hopefully we have an open fall!

Searching ...

... for the perfect spot!  

Tattered Wings!

This poor lil' damselfly has had a rough summer ... I'm not sure how its still flying but it is! Hopefully, its war wounds are a reflection of the many, many mosquitoes it devoured!!

Epilobium angustifolium!

Back in university, I studied range management and plant identification, as well as, participated on the university's 'Range Team.'  Despite the years passing ... it always amazes me that my mind remembers the scientific names of certain plants yet the common names escape me!!!  Well, this would be an example of that ... people always ask me what this plant is ... and all I remember is 'Epilobium angustifolium!'  Usually after my scientific name identification ... I run home and look up the common name ... "FIREWEED."  Wouldn't it be easier to just remember 'fireweed?'  Hmm ...

A Fresh Water Snail ...

... That's no longer so 'fresh!'

Feathered Remains

As our summer season rolls along, many a bog hole and shallow slough retreat ... leaving behind remains of those that enjoyed them earlier in the season!

Sun, Heat, Dust and the Race Track!

Well, on this beautiful sunny, hot Sunday ... this is where we were!!  My husband and our business, ROMAR Powersports Inc. (http://www.romarpowersports.ca) sponsors these two young gentlemen throughout their race season and we were also one of the sponsors of this weekend's "Round One - Southern Alberta Fall Series" race in Drumheller, Alberta!
The lad's had a great day and had awesome results!  Above, Justin Wright won the Junior A category and below, Lucas VanHeck won the Junior B category!  Congrats to them both!  And I of course, enjoyed having some 'different' photo opportunities!

Just a Pretty Sky!

I'm not sure where our day went but it disappeared as fast as the sun sets on an August night!  At least we enjoyed a beautiful evening and a pretty sky!

Down at the Slough!

The days have been a bit cooler, however, that never seems to stop our kids from setting out on an adventure!!  The big slough in our home pasture is not only a source of entertainment for me (I love taking pictures down at the slough ... SERIOUSLY!!!!), but it continues to provide hours of entertainment for boys!  Especially when you can find a handful ... or better of snails!!!!