Today we opted for the much heralded Waterton Inter-nation Shoreline Cruise. The 10:00 departure would allow us to do a little hiking on the U.S. side from the Goat Haunt Port of Entry. That required us to get moving a little earlier than normal, but every now and then you just have to make some sacrifices. On the way into town, we had to pull over for the Big Horn Sheep parade.
It was early, 9 am, and we were heading into town to take the Waterton Lake Cruise.
My camera was stowed in the backpack and David's was tucked away in the backseat.
If you could have seen me frantically trying to retrieve David's camera, you would have laughed.
David managed to capture the magnificent beasts (bad hair day, notwithstanding.)
We got our tickets early which allowed us to explore the Waterton township a bit. Joani deemed a lot of the houses "adorable". We found Cameron Falls just a few blocks away from the lake. It was quite an unexpected surprise - there was a lot of water coming over the falls making for some nice shots.
The cruise was only about half booked, so there was a lot of room. We sat on the top in the wind and I wished I had brought a jacket. I believe we were told the water in the lake never gets above about 60 degrees. I suspect it was a lot colder than that and coupled with the 50 mile per hour wind - it was cold!
The International was built the same year as the Prince of Wales Hotel, 1927.
The lake and scenery were beautiful. We crossed the border with little fanfare. It was clearly marked with a clear-cut line along the 49th parallel (apparently, a treaty requires the clear delineation of the border).
The little structure in the center of the picture down by the tree line is where, in 1927, they built the boat we were cruising in. It is also where it is stored for the winter.
A parting shot of our boat. Let's just hope it comes back for us!
As we were presenting our passports for entry into the U.S., it was difficult not to think about the absurdity of the process given just exactly where we were. It's not like we could of continued on into the country from here - the only way out was by the same boat that brought us here.
Kootenai Lakes were supposed to be one of the best moose habitats in the park. We were looking forward to seeing many moose. The CBE (Customs & Border Enforcement) officers said there was a grizzly sighting earlier, so we should we be cautious. The trail was 4 km (about 2.5 miles) one way with very little elevation change, so it was an easy hike. What caused us a little concern was the requirement for us to be back in less than three hours. We're not usually in much of a hurry.
Bear Grass is such a whimsical plant it brings Dr. Seuss to my mind.
Bear Grass is not really a grass. It is in the Lily family.
We made it to Kootenai Lake, but where are the moose?
12:30 is not a good time for wildlife viewing. All intelligent creatures are napping.
A parting view of the lake. Our time was limited. If we were not back on the dock at 2:30, the boat would leave without us.
The rocks in the creek bed look so vibrant when wet, but when dry on the path, not so much.
We made it back by 2:00. Hiking under a time constraint puts a pep in your step!
Crossing the international border on our way back into Canada.
The captain paused the boat to point out this wrinkle in the cliff. It takes powerful forces to cause a fold like this!
This hotel looks much better from afar. Built in 1927, it was named after Prince Edward, who later became King Edward VIII.
It stays light so late that we decided to take a little road trip to Red Rock Canyon. What amazing luck to see a mother Grizzly and her two cubs ambling along the roadside as we entered the park. They were about 40 feet off of the roadway and oblivious to the traffic jam they caused.
A Grizzly and her cubs meandering to the side of the road - We did not get out of the car!
What else could they call this but Red Rock Canyon? The name slighted the purple cast to the rock, but I shouldn't over think this.
"Magenta Rock Canyon" doesn't have the same ring as "Red Rock Canyon". The color was amazing, but the lighting was not.
Too late in the afternoon for the sun to reach down in the canyon.
Heading back to the car, I was passed by a man running with his camera - he said "there's a big black bear over there". He was running towards it, so I thought I might take a look too. It was the biggest black bear I have ever seen and there were two cubs along with her.
This black bear was foraging alongside the parking lot. I hurried Sam into the car.
We watched the mom and two cubs from the safety of the car.
We got into the car and slowly cruised by her. Sam saw her and barked as I rolled down the window. I wasn't sure if she was noticing the noise or our scent - either way, I was ready to move out quickly if she got too close to the car!
I took video of her trying to tear apart a rotting log. Ants, termites, beetles, and bees' larva contain 80% - 90% protein (beef - about 20%)
As we headed home on Red Rock Parkway, we caught the peaks highlighted by the setting sun and saw yet another Grizzly. This one was almost too far away - even at full zoom there was not a lot of detail. I have to admit, we were extremely fortunate to have so many sightings in such a short span of time - it was kind of exhilarating!
It was a long day, but a memorable one!
