I tried not to stop too often, as I needed to get to the Athabasca Glacier by 5 PM for a tour of the middle of the glacier.  I did take a loop to Lake Minnewanka, where I saw many long horn sheep. After that, I stopped a few times along the way, looking at various alpine glaciers, mountains, lakes and rivers.  The highway was carpeted by a bright red wildflower, and I eventually stopped to take numerous pictures on the side of the road.

The ice field was really spectacular.  I arrived at the center at around 4:50, and signed up for a 5:30 tour.  They take you out on special trucks that are designed to only operate in first gear, and also lock the transmission to the engine, so no slipping or skidding can occur.  We went down the most drastic road incline, on ice, in all of North America, some 32 degree decline, at about 12 MPH max. speed.  Once on the glacier, we were surrounded by ice on all sides.  The ice was 1,000 feet deep, and there were many canyons within that could engulf an entire bus.  The ice field is also a triple divide, meaning it supplies water to all three surrounding oceans. 

The water from the glacier enables oil to be collected from the Arctic Ocean region, supplies the water that runs through hydroelectric dams towards the Pacific Ocean [powers most of the west half of North America], and also keeps the farmland fertile across Canada until the Atlantic ocean.  Needless to say, this glacier, which will disappear in about 100 years, is responsible for many life sustaining properties in North America. 

After leaving the glacier, I visited Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall in Jasper's center.  These falls have carved a gorge for thousands of years.  The water has since changed route, and I was able to venture into the gorge that the water previously carved out.  Then, I stopped at another overlook that was full of mountain goats, licking the rocks.  I got some great photos of them! After seeing another bear, a few deer and an elk, I made my way to Jasper Village for some dinner.  I ate at a nice Greek place, by recommendation of my parents, and then headed to Hinton, Alberta KOA for the night.  My warm cabin protected me from a huge thunder storm!  Thanks Chermles!