Bicycle Tours

Jonas Creek Campground to Jasper

A fellow biker, John, who lives in Tucson drove up to Montana and has been riding the Canadian Rockies.		 Jonas Creek Campground was a pleasant place where we took a campsite near the bike and hike campsites but it was really in the RV portion.  Jeff joined us and we shared the area.  Plenty large enough for 3 bikes and three tents.  We then were entertained by watching the RVs maneuver through the tight places with cars in tow.  Scratching their vehicles with every turn.  One guy had a 5 foot step ladder on board to wash his windows.  Pretty smart.  The couple to the west of us who came from Long Beach and rented a car were tent camping.  We decided that after they had set out a pretty good bottle of wine that they may carry good coffee.  Jon went over and introduced himself and offered to buy some coffee. (we were out)  They had a very limited supply but graciously gave us four tea spoons full.  That was plenty for us.

We moved reluctantly this morning knowing that it would indeed be our last day on the road.  Although the end was somewhat welcomed it was also very somewhat bitter.  As one once said life is the journey not the destination.  Although we will be happy to see Jasper; it is not why we came these 1,100 miles.  We came to meet the people and see the sites we have seen and live the experience..  Not many can claim that they have viewed the Continental Divide from Palomas, Mexico to Jasper, Alberta, Canada at and average speed of 10 mph.  It is an accomplishment that few will be able to boast and those few will be the only ones able to understand.

"Take kindly to the years, graciously surrendering the things of youth.  Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune, but do not distress yourself with these imaginings; many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.  Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself"

by Desiderata

It is unknown if this is our last ride but we do know that if it is we will be satisfied with that feat and know that we have experienced the best of the Rockies.  God bless the people of Mexico, the USA, and Canada and all the travelers via auto, rv, or bike who have made this trip so memorable. And I hope that everyone who reads these memoirs takes it in the light  manner that it was intended. No insults were meant and I hope none were taken.

Adios, Bon Giobrno, Good Night, Adio

 

Jonas Creek was swift but I was able to find a wonderful pool up stream to wade in and rinse myself and my wardrobe

We had two very small hills to pass over but the mountains that surrounded us continued to give us spectacular views.

Pelts of sheep and Caribou hung from souvenir shops.  The Caribou have either been reintroduced in this area or have made a come back.  Signs along the highway request that you report to the Warden when you sight a Caribou and how many.

This mountain goat didn't seem to mind the bikers.  We were more of a bother than something scary.

We met up with a couple from Brazil who are biking from Jasper to Calgary.  They were very friendly and wanted a picture with these crazy shirts.

We posed for a picture with a beautiful river which I will name later.

This is Mount Edith Carmel it was named after a world war I nurse that was killed by the Germans for helping the Canadian and American Soldiers.