Day 7 Fri 23 May Jasper

Again the weather is on our side. I wore a shortsleeve t- shirt for the first time.

A day of excursions - Bob and Greg on a bus and walking tour of the Maligne Valley and River. I headed off for my Harley ride at 9.30. As soon as we started donning the gear we were reaching for cameras. We started with the leather "pants" and we looked like a bunch of cowboys. Once the pants were buttoned and zipped and leather jackets donned, we looked more like bikers. Next came brightly coloured lycra skull caps (to go under the helmets) and we looked like a band of gypsies. Finally gloves and helmets and we were ready. There were 6 of us in the group so 3 bikes with side cars set off. I was in the side car to start.

We rode out of town and down the highway that would take us all the way to Mexico. But we turned off after a couple of kms to go bear spotting (well any wild animal would do). It was great in the side car with the wind in your face and the throb of the bike beside you. We rode to the confluence of the Athabasco and Thompson Rivers , boy was there some water flowing past there from the melting snow. After my helmet was adjusted for the second time - the force of the wind kept pushing it back, we swapped places and Monica climbed into the side car. I hopped on the pillion seat behind Stanley. I got to start the bike (press a couple of buttons) and we were off again.

At last, a wild animal sighting - a moose grazing beside the road. He looked up at us, posed for photos for a minute or two then headed back into the trees. First moose sighting of the trip! Riding pillion was great, now as well as the fresh air I would get a waft of leather! I preffered the side car because you could see more and you didnt have to hang on so tight. Anne went on an afternoon ride and saw mother bear and two cubs and then another bear up a tree. Lucky!

For the first time rain meant a change to our plans.insted of an outdoor BBQ we had to eat inside. It was only a light shower but at a critical time so the hotel moved it inside.

MacKenzie and Matricia, a mother & daughter team from the Cree Indian Nation entertained and informed us with songs and stories about their people. When they asked for a volunteer to do some drummig with them Bob was the first on up andh did  great job! MacKenzie has just turned 18 and they were starting a 3 day fast and retreat together to discuss who she was, why she was here and what she was going to do. Interesting evening!

Animals in the wild day today - some of the sightings

Long-horn mountain sheep

Bear

Columbian ground squirrel (gophers)

Water birds

Elk

Moose

And more wild things, a coupla bikies' molls

The Adamstown Chapter

The Clarence Town Chapter

First Nation Cree indians Mackenzie and her mother Matricia

..... with "friend"