My GPS pointed me from Dawson Creek across Jasper, west to Tete Jaune Cache, then I'd be on my planned route down through BC towards the border.
But when I have to stop while a herd of caribou are crossing the road, it's easy to change plans and do the Icefields Parkway again.
By-the-way, I am planning on switching camera setups so I have a readily-accessible waterproof camera hanging outside of my gear so I can take pics of herds of wildlife instead of the single dude hanging out on the side of the road.
With a little good humor, courtesy, and I'm guessing, my dashing appearance in a road-worn adventure-touring gear, the girl at the front desk upgraded my room to a suite. Pretty sweet suite! But I was finally somewhere with abundant food options, so I walked down the street and was enticed to grab a cheap burger and beer in a little pub, complete with an American couple arguing with a group of locals about gun control. Odd. This is the second time I've heard my fellow Americans arguing with Canadians about the merits of gun ownership. I don't see us as a gun-crazed nation, but I'm afraid we're giving that impression to our northern neighbors.
The next morning I began what I thought would be an inspiring day. I even left early in the morning so I could catch more wildlife and take in a full day of beauty. I was even able to grab my camera before this guy got away.
Pretty scenic around here. Those are glaciers over there, by-the-way.
This was the first of three flat tire issues I had today. Not a bad spot for a breakdown. The next spot, the gas station at Lake Louise, was less nice, but I knew what I was doing and could get a drink and wash my hands afterwards. I also talked to a a few other motorcyclists about where the nearest motorcycle shops could be found, and was pointed towards Canmore. I made it about 30k down the proper freeway before I felt something a bit amiss, and there was a turnoff to a hiking trailhead. As soon as I turned into the parking lot, my rear wheel lost it. I fishtailed my way across the lot to a shady spot and figured out my options. We'll just say that I found myself in Canmore with my bike getting a new tire at Summit Motorsports. Quick plug: They focus on adventure-touring bikes and can have you fixed-up or set-up with whatever you need quickly, and without being expensive--A good motorcycle shop to put in your notes.
Canmore is a picturesque ski town with gorgeous scenery and a cool walkway that runs pretty much in the center of town.
I had checked out of my super-expensive room and explored town while waiting for my bike to be finished. Canmore would be a neat place to spend some time if I weren't so anxious to get back on the road. I was ready to get moving after having the day of hiccups, the day before.
