Black Bears and Osprey on River Safari

Now, where was I......this trip is so full on and we have seen so much that I am not even sure what day it is!  On Tuesday we left Alberta behind and travelled west along the Yellowhead Highway into Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia. It was a long but scenic drive past roaring rapids, alpine forests and imposing Mount Robson, the highest of Canada's mountains whose summit is often lost in the clouds. We were lucky as it was a nice sunny day so got great views.

Then we headed off to Blue River for a river safari aboard a specially designed boat and local guide, travelling along the river that runs through the inland temperate rainforest keeping our eyes peeled for bears, moose, eagles, and anything that moved really! Well, after a little while we all got extremely excited to see a Mum black bear and three cubs following along the shoreline of the water. They were quite a distance away so my photos not too good, but got an excellent view through the binoculars. We cruised along a little while and then saw a HUGE male bear quite close to us, ambling along the edge of the river. Better photos this time. Then, to top it all, we saw an osprey perched high up on his nest......my favourite bird. What a treat......but then I learnt that it was a youngster, and his parents had already left the nest to fly to warmer climes down south, leaving him to fend for himself. Felt really sorry for him......wonder if I could smuggle him home!!

Today, Wednesday (I think!), we have spent most of the day in Wells Gray Provincial Park. We have walked forest trails accompanied by a local guide, had a picnic lunch and seen some amazing waterfalls. We are at a lower level now having left the Rockies behind so the scenery is dramatically different......cedar forests, alpine meadows, bit of a back woods wilderness area that is much less visited than the popular National Parks, but very pretty. Unfortunately I forgot to put the memory card back in the camera before I went out this morning so have had to rely on my phone for photos. Stupid!

Cannot upload any onto the IPad here as wifi quite slow. You will just have to imagine the superb waterfalls!!

We leave Clearwater tomorrow morning, travelling south to Whistler where we stay for two nights.

Weather has been wonderful today, really warm and beautiful blue skies. Hope it continues.