How far is it to the end of the rainbow?

That is a question I have asked myself many times.

The answer: 3227km @ average driving speed 89 km/hour = 36 hours of driving +79 point of interest stops.

A couple of weeks ago I went on a road trip to Banff which I had promised my wife for a few years now.

The timing was right, Aleks had a few days off, I moved my schedule around , the weather was nice, and Joy ( our Ford Focus Gipsy wagon ) was aching to hit the road again after being parked for only 2 days.

We departed somewhat early in the morning to our first stop the Adams River sockeye salmon run. As we climbed up the Coquihalla Highway the magnificent fall  colors mixed with the majestic blue of the fall sky. There were so many different vibrant colors, it reminded me of a rainbow. This picture was taken from the edge of the highway.

A few hours later we arrived at the Adams River spawning grounds to find one lonely salmon in the river. After waiting for four years to see this massive salmon run again we were a week to early. The majority of the salmon were still on their 17 day journey traveling 485km from the ocean to the spawning channels. Below the lonely salmon waiting.......

The time was only11:30 am. At this rate we would be in Jasper by early evening.  A few rest stops later, at least 10 points of interest and another fuel stop we arrived in Wells Grey Park.  Joy was eager keep going to Jasper, but my aging body decided we should rest for  a while.  We set up camp in Pyramid campground and checked out many of the beautiful points of interest. Aleks wanted to see the Mush Bowl, I wanted to see Helmcken Falls and we both were looking frantically for mammals. We love mammals and we are always looking for them. Bellow is Helmcken Falls.

After a fast sleep and a hot cup of coffee were on the road again. Our mission of the day was to drive to Jasper go to Miette Hot springs and spot many animals. The rainclouds parted, the sun came out and our journey through the rainbow continued.  We were treated to many spectacular rocky mountain views and fiery meadow vistas. Below a Rocky Mountain view just east of Jasper.

After approximately 1000 km of highway and 12 hours of looking for the elusive Moose we had not seen much wildlife this trip. Our goal for this trip was to see some moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. We slowed down at every juicy meadow hoping to find some big mammal grazing.  Bellow a juicy meadow.

We arrived at Miette hot springs just as the sun was going down.  After 2 days of driving and camping, our bodies enjoyed the hot natural spring water. The pools were beautiful and the views were stunning. The air was cold and the steam rising of the pools was reflecting the last of the falls brilliant colors for the day.  On our drive from the hot springs to the campground we spotted our first new mammal of the trip. A beautiful fox with a huge furry tail. He was trotting down the road beside us. He ran alongside of us for a few minutes trying to figure out what we were.  After all that fresh air, hot water, good food and a mammal sighting we could sleep in peace.

The next morning we rose early. Our mission of the day was to drive the Iceland Parkway from Jasper to Banff. The trip is only 245 km, so it should only take us a few hours to make it to Banff. This would give us lots of time to explore all the points of interest. 37 exactly according to Aleks.  On our way from Miette to Jasper Aleks spotted some movement on the side of the road and asked me to pull over. It was just after 7 am and I did not have any coffee in my system. It is too early to start stopping at points of interest I told my lovely wife. She shrieked. Mammals, Mammals. honey there are mammals.  I stopped the car immediately.  Beside the road were 6 big elk grazing and rutting with each other. What a beautiful sight. Wild animals are simply amazing to watch in their natural habitat. Below two elk rutting.

I am running out of time tonight to finish this post. Check back soon for part 2 of Rainbow Highway.