Bow Valley Parkway
This morning we opted to have a day with not too much walking. The Twin Falls hike has taken its toll. So we drove along the Bow Valley Parkway looking for animals and stopping along the way to take in the sights. At one of the lookout points, we were sitting, peacefully taking in the view when the peace was shattered by the Rocky Mountaineer bound for Kamloops & Vancouver.
Summer is in full swing and the wildflowers are in full bloom at the moment rushing to reproduce before winter takes back the mountains.
The elk around the valleys are busy growing antlers at the moment and this big boy had a decent point count. He was making the most of the fresh green grass while it lasts.
Marble Canyon.
Our plan was to do a couple of short walks in Kootenay National Park in B.C., Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots. They are only 3 kms apart just on the other side of the border, about 25 kms from Banff.
Marble Canyon has been closed to the public since a "Wild Fire" (Bush Fire in Aussie speak) ripped through this area back in 2003. This summer is the first time it has been open since the fire. It's at least on par with Maligne Canyon near Jasper for interest. At the deepest point it is 60m deep & is only 3m wide at the narrowest point.
More wild flowers. These are wild strawberries.
Paint Pots and Ochre Beds
Our second walk was to the Paint Pots. Along the trail to the paint pots you cross over the Vermilion River on a suspension bridge (above) & across the Ochre Beds (below).
The last 100m or so climbs up beside a small creek laden with iron & other minerals giving the soil a vibrant orange colour (below).
The paint pots aren't actually that interesting, but the walk up to them is worth the short stroll.
