After yesterday's arduous trek up Sulphur Ridge we chose the Old Fort Point Loop trail which is a fairly short and simple hike offering great views of Jasper National Park around Jasper townsite. Old Fort Point is a prominent bedrock hill standing about 400 feet above the Athabasca River that runs right through the town of Jasper. The name, Old Fort Point, refers to Henry House, which was a company cabin built by the North West Company in 1811.
We parked in town and walked about a mile to the trailhead, using three bridges to cross the wide, shallow, gravel flats of the Athabasca River before it flows north to the Arctic.
This is what happens to trees that grow too close the the river.
As we entered the forest alongside the river we encountered this elk enjoying her afternoon snack.
These folks were enjoying rafting down the Athabasca.
We passed through this lovely grove of Aspen.
At 3 km we climbed a very steep section to an outcrop of the oldest rock in Jasper National Park. The layer is Precambrian, about 750 million years old. And, the views of the surrounding mountains are spectacular.
At various places we could see the rain falling.
The Athabasca River flowing through town.
More rafting (looking a little like a rescue boat).
By the time we got back, after two hours, the elk had crossed the river and joined her friends in a small meadow.
From the window of the restaurant where we had the birthday dinner, we watched the rain come through town and the following rainbow. I took this picture and...
Frederick captured this one of the double rainbow. Very good luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment