Nutcracker, sweet!

Yes, I will soon run out of Canmore trip photos! Meanwhile...while in Lake Louise we spotted this Clark's nutcracker (I think) patiently awaiting for the ice to melt so he could perform a pas de deux on the surface.

The fine line

One of the many picturesque roads near Canmore levels off on a plateau that overlooks a gorge where the whole town, and the Rocky Mountain backdrop, lies in front of you. The warning sign seems totally unnecessary, however, sadly, the tiny bronze plaque secured to the cliff (just above the fence to the right of the sign) bears witness to one person who fell to his death here not so long ago.

Rocky Mountain View

Looking at the incredible Rockies, and the obstacles they presented the trailblazers, one can see the routes -- some natural, some manmade -- that were available to the many who went west seeking fortune, if not fame.

Nice bear

Somewhere between Banff and Canmore, we disturbed this grizzly bear which was frolicking in the spring sun after a long hibernation. Fortunately, he did not attack the intruders.

Loony lift-off

When Ronna and I were in Canmore we lucked onto this mountain lake where loons were doing whatever looons do. We were also treated to the long, and apparently labourious, lift-off by this colourful bird.

Count the rings

Ronna and I encountered this bighorn sheep -- not to be confused with the mountain goat -- during our recent visit to Canmore, Alberta. The age of this agile animal can be determined by counting the rings on his horns. I did not venture that closely to check out his rings, but he seemed docile enough, considering we were after all invading his personal space.

It was a grand whirlwind tour. More photos to come...