Icefields Parkway June 23, 2026

No matter what, I was going to be somewhere special today, make the most of the day and be extra grateful.  I knew a year ago today when I came out of surgery, that I had a tough journey ahead if I wanted to get back to feeling “on top of the world”!  Today was a celebration!

coffee time view from my deck

a new day is dawning 

the alpenglow show

view as I drove northwest along the Icefields Parkway 

This Pine Sisken was not my only greeter at the Wilcox Pass Trailhead parking lot.  It was a cold and frosty morning as you can see the frost buildup. My other greeter was a bobcat!  I was not quick enough to capture a photograph.  It walked out of the trail, passed about twenty feet in front of me and headed into the bushes.  It looked at me, it did not stop, it just slowly sauntered along.  I geared up and hit the trail making loads of noise.  I was the first in the parking lot so knew I was first on the tail.

first open view across to Athabasca Glacier

first snack break at the Red Chairs

Townsend’s Solitaire 

Hermit Thrush

Ground Squirrel 

There was still lots of snow and water to find a way around or over or through.

perfect place to be on a hot day

I have been here during mid summer when I was eye level with that sign.

I went as far as Wilcox Pass, I did not venture up to the Ridge. This is my feeling “on top of the world” shot! After taking care of my summit shot, I settle on the rock for close to an hour just to take it all in, be one with where I was physically and mentally. Living life like this is so healthy for the heart and so soothing for the soul. 

play time

a slice of ice

three inches in size

looking across at Athabasca Glacier

panorama shot 

not even a breeze

I took one last look back before heading into the trees! By now I had already met so many people hiking up. I was thankful to have ascended while it was cold.  Lots of huffing, puffing, complaining, coming from those going up,

I had a second, very late lunch back at my home away from home.