A week ago we set off on a journey to the mountains, travelling in our old blue sports car north to Prince George, then east towards Alberta. Down the Icefields Parkway from Jasper, and continuing through Banff National Park through Kootenay National Park, fetching up in the village of Radium Hot Springs, where we spent several days in exploring the surrounding roads and countryside, and participating in an all-British get-together and vehicle show hosted by the Calgary MG Club.
It was a wonderful trip, and we were sorry to have to race for home to be back for workaday obligations. (That whole earning-a-living thing can be a real drag, don’t you find?)
We stopped here and there to botanize by the roadside – the wildflowers are in full early summer glory – and to take a few pictures. Here is the merest glimpse of what we saw.
Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park, Alberta.
Mountaintop Thistle, Cirsium sp., Jasper National Park.
A glimpse of the dauntless Little Blue Car, being looked over by a curious raven, Jasper National Park, Alberta.
Mountain Bluebells, Mertensia alpina, Jasper National Park.
The turquoise blue waters of Bow Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta.
Vermillion River, Kootenay National Park, B.C.
Western Red Lily, Lilium philadelphicum, Kootenay National Park.
Our cherished ’71 Triumph Spitfire in action, coming through the gap at Sinclair Canyon, just outside of Radium Hot Springs, B.C. (Vintage convertibles are more fun. Though on occasion one flirts with hypothermia, especially when pushing the whole must-keep-the-top-down thing a bit more rigorously than is sensible.)
Leaves & Pages 
Beautiful photos, and the spitfire sooo clean, waxed?
Yes, waxed her and shined her up all pretty before we left – though we did get rain on the way (and lots and lots of bugs) so had to wash her all over again before the meet on Saturday. She fit in nicely with the crowd – most cars there were “drivers” – though a few arrived in trailers – no one sneered at a bit of road wear and tear. Was a fun trip. Probably going to head back over to Olds in the OTHER old car in a few weeks, to take Jane on a tour of the college and to spend some time in the mountains with the wildflowers. Ed has volunteered to stay home & keep an eye on things, so we can go with no worries on the home front. Hope all is well with everyone on your side of the river – might sneak up to Market on Saturday – haven’t been for quite some time. Or we might go to the rodeo in WL. Coin-flip time. 😉
Oh, I should have sent your plate! Wanted to mention I’m reading right now, The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor. Right up your alley I’d presume, if you haven’t read already. I don’t think Em has seen Olds yet.
No worries on the plate – we’ll connect at some point this summer, I’m sure. (I hope!) Re: Lucy Gault – no, haven’t read it but I have heard it’s good from others, too. Enjoy your rare reading opportunities – how do you find the time – do you sneak away and hide?! 😉
Such lovely pictures – and what a wonderful trip! I’m jealous! 😀
We are lucky to live in such a beautiful country – but I think that can be said for most places. 🙂 Canada certainly does mountains quite nicely.
My goodness what an amazing trip and what beautiful photos — and top marks to your little car for getting you there and back!
It was absolutely grand. And yes, the car behaved like a champion throughout, which was even better, as that’s not always the case. 🙂
Gorgeous! Sounds like a fantastic road trip.
It was VERY good! Though we did get rained on 3 days out of 5 – keeps us humble. 😉
What fab photos, I wish I could snap my fingers and be there. Love the car too.
It’s a beautiful part of the country – hope you have a chance to visit one day, if you haven’t already.
Wonderful scenery – and what a gorgeous way to see it.
One of those times when it all comes together. 🙂 That route through the mountain parks is a BEAUTIFUL drive, in any sort of conveyance.