Buddha Heads At least, I think they are Buddhas! The concrete statues in the Wat Khaek or Sala Keoku (names abound) represent one mystic monk’s unique vision of the intersection between Buddhism and Hinduism.
It was like fever dream!
Anyone who thinks Buddhism is all sweetness, light, and Zen, hasn’t spent sufficient time in Asia. There, you will find many paintings and sculptures telling violent stories of historic battles between good and evil, and depicting truly frightening scenes from Buddhist Hell (eg: Two Artists; Contrasting Visions).
One of the most bizarre depictions of Buddhist and Hindu teachings that I have experienced would have to be the extensive sculpture garden of Sala Kaew Ku (Sala Keo Kou) outside the northeastern Thai city of Nong Khai. The garden – sometimes called a temple (วัด – wat) – was the vision and work of a venerable local monk, Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat (or Luang Pu Boun Leua Sourirat – spellings vary!), and his followers. According to Lonely Planet, Luang Pu told the story of falling into a hole as a child and meeting an ascetic who introduced him to the mysteries of the underworld. This set him on course to become a Brahmanic-yogi-priest-shaman, blending Hindu and Buddhist philosophy into his teachings.
Luang Pu developed a faithful following on both sides of the Mekong, and his first sculpture park was on the Lao side where he lived until the Communists took control in 1975. The 208 statues on the Thai side of the river – some reaching 25m (82 ft) – were started in 1978 and took 20 years to finish; they are meant to depict his dreams and represent the fantasticaljourney into the mind of a shaman. Luang Pu died in 1996, and his mummified body is under glass and surrounded by flashing lights in the sala (pavilion) on site.
I was there a very long time ago, and the photos from a long-forgotten camera have been buried on external disks. But, I have thought of them from time to time.
Most recently, they have come back to mind because of insects and yoga.
I recently spent some time at a yoga retreat in Australia’s Royal National Park; it was lovely, but I did come away with an inflamed insect bite of some sort on my abdomen. It made me think of my long-ago trip to Nong Khai for a yoga retreat, where I managed to pick up dengue fever (see: A Day on the Mekong). I don’t think I was yet symptomatic when I visited the sculpture park, but given the nature of the bizarre cement statues that surrounded me, I can’t be sure!
Join me for a weird walk:
In a Tuk Tuk Many of my explorations start with tuk-tuk rides.
Buddha at the Entry A giant brick Buddha with scissor-hands like Edward gives me a glimpse of what I’m in for!
Buddha and Text Explanatory text abounds – but while I could read enough Thai to get around, it was never good enough for lengthy tracts of Sanskrit mysticism.
Sunglasses for Sale Typical Thailand! You never know what bargains you might find!
Dogs and an Elephant หมาเห่าข้าม ลภาษาเบราณ – “The dog barked across the ancient language.” I have no idea what that means, but apparently the elephant is calmly ignoring the gossiping dogs.
Tridents Some of the sculptures are huge, with intricate details. These look to me like depictions of Shiva and his consort Parvati – but I can’t be sure.
Deity or Demon? Some of the facial designs are reminiscent of the temple guardians common throughout Southeast Asia.
“The Time of Death has Arrived”
Ornate Delicate faces sit high above decorated bodies …
Animal Face … while ferocious creatures with weapons take captives.
Arms Against the Sky
Arms and Weapons Everywhere
Seated Bodhisattvas Many Buddhas or Bodhisattvas are seated in contemplation in front of the pillars decorating the main pavilion.
Bodhisattvas in the Courtyard
Serenity
Bhairava Mudra
Overgrown Parts of the park were a bit run down and wild.
Creature in the Park In somes ways the overgrown nature adds to the charm.
More Arms – More Faces
Garuda and Bodhisattva Some of the images nestle into the grass, …
Standing Buddha … while others stand tall against the sky.
At the Feet of the Buddha
A Buddha Head
Another Buddha Head
Shelters on the Pond Local families are out picnicking – sheltering from the oppressive heat in the pavillions on the water.
Buddha on a Coiled Naga One of the tallest sculptures (25m – 82 ft) is a Buddha seated on a spectacular seven-headed naga (serpent deity).
Small Buddha in a Naga The naga is revered as a guardian of Buddha, and appears in several forms around the park.
Battle Stories
All Seeing Brahma is generally represented with four faces – but a number of Hindu and Buddhist Gods can also be depicted that way.
Enter the Mouth Tunnel through the giant’s mouth to the Wheel of Life.
Seated and Reclining Buddhas in all sizes and position are everywhere you look. Long stories are written in Thai and Isaan (Northeastern Thai dialect).
Ornate Back Another naga winds up another Buddha in intricate detailing.
Budai Frequently called the “Laughing Buddha”, Ho-Tai was actually a 10th century Chinese monk and Buddhist master known for his jolly nature.
Sala Keo Kou A reclining Buddha overlooks the entry to the large, three-story pavilion that houses – amongst other artifacts – the mummified body of Luang Pu Boun Leua Sourirat, under a glass dome ringed by flashing lights. Fever dream indeed!
Tuk-Tuk Driver Back outside the park, my tuk-tuk driver is happily waiting to drive me back to town.
The Monasteries of Meteora It’s an extraordinary landscape – and a mind-blowing architectural achievement! Eastern Orthodox monasteries built in the 13th and 14th centuries perch hign on the rocky outcrops rising from the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly, near the Pindus Mountains of Greece. (iPhone12Pro)
There are a few places I would return to without hesitation.
Meteora in Thessaly, Central Greece, is one of those places.
The landscape is remarkable: improbable pillars of sandstone and conglomerate rock rise out of a flat plain near the Pindos Mountains. The history is long and colourful and the architecture is astounding. Even better: walking trails lead between the ancient monasteries perched on their individual aeries.
The many caves in the region were inhabited continuously between 50,000 and 5,000 years ago. Much later – in the ninth century CE – ascetic hermit monks moved to the ancient pinnacles, taking advantage of the general inaccessibility for solitude, and utilising the hollows, fissures, and caves for shelter. Later, more than 20 formal monasteries were somehow built atop these inaccessible rock monoliths from the fourteenth century; the monks were seeking sanctuary from the increasing number of Turkish attacks in the region.
In their day, the monasteries were only accessible by rope ladders or large nets on pulleys. While this ensured the protection of the monastics, it was a precarious journey, as it is said that ropes were only replaced “when the Lord let[s] them break.” Today there are staircases and pathways cut into the rock formations leading to the six of the original twenty-four monasteries that remain occupied: two by women; four by men.
These are still conservative monastic communities: we were warned to cover our knees and arms: wrap skirts were available for anyone deemed inappropriately dressed. Photography inside was limited. But it was fascinating exploring them: admiring the art, wondering at the austere and pious life of the few remaining inhabitants, and marveling at the ingenuity that led to these buildings being there in the first place; and the walk through this incredible landscape was just wonderful!
Meteora was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 for its outstanding architecture, its religious and artistic significance, and its general beauty. Priceless examples of Byzantine religious art decorate many of the chapels.
Meteora is a four-five hour drive from Athens, where we had spent the day before sightseeing (see: On the Acropolis). It is well worth the journey.
Come along!
Meteora from my Room Sometimes it pays to get up early! How spectacular is that sunrise over my balcony? (iPhone12Pro)
Into the Psaropetra Lookout Our first stop after breakfast is at a lookout …
View over Holy Monastery of Roussanоu (Rousanos) Saint Barbara … where we have a wonderful view over the plateau, the rock formations, and the magical monasteries on them.
Greek Cyclamen – Cyclamen Graecum We walk off via a walking path with delicate flowers at our feet …
View from the Trail … and glimpses of the landscape through the trees.
Monastery Garden Established in the 14th century, but mostly built in the 16th century, the Monastery of St. Barbara or Roussanou (spellings and names abound!) is one of the six abbeys still operational. It became a convent in 1988 and today is home to about 10 nuns.
View of Monastery of St. Varlaam Roussanou is the lowest of the monasteries (484 metres / 1588 feet above sea level), but the distance between the peaks affords us a great view of the higher Monastery of St. Varlaam (595 m / 1952 ft above sea level) across the gap.
Meteora Mountains from the Monastery Of Agios Stefanos Believed to have been built in the 15th century, this is the other nunnery. (iPhone12Pro)
Religious Iconography This is the only room inside the Monastery Of Agios Stefanos where photography is allowed. (iPhone12Pro)
View of Dupiani from the St Steven Monastery
Ancient Wall – Ancient Door – Ancient Lock I love the rough textures inside these old buildings.
View from the Path Back on the walking trails there are views all around. The Monastеry оf St. Barbаra Roussanоu (Agiа Varvarа Rοussanou) looks completely different from this angle!
Path to Varlaam Monastery Sections of the walkways from the main road to the monasteries are cobbled or paved – but they are still steep, with frequent stairs.
Holy Monastery Great Meteoron of the Transfiguration of the Saviour Fortunately, there is plenty to look at as we wend our way through the trees. The monastery across the plateau from us was founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite. It is the largest and the oldest of the remaining six – and closed to the public on Tuesdays (when I was there).
Looking up to Varlaam Monastery On our side of the the plateau we can see the wires that are part of the cable car system the monks use to transport supplies – a slight improvement over the old ropes and pulleys.
Saints in an Alcove
Wildflowers and the Path Plants cling to the inhospitable rocks, while tourists and pilgrims continue to come and go on the walkway far below.
Courtyard – Varlaam Monastery Finally we arrive at the spacious and simple courtyard of Varlaam Monastery (595 m – 1952 ft above sea level; 373 m – 1224 ft above the valley floor), where the views over the surrounding tableland are stunning.
Entering Varlaam Monastery The second largest monastery in this area, Varlaam Monastery was built by the Apsarades brothers Theophanes and Nektarios in the 1500s – but feels surprisingly modern.
Incense Burners and Icons Photography is limited inside the monastery: the beautiful Byzantine chapel paintings are off limits. But to me, these incense burners (and clerics robed in black) are the epitome of the Eastern Orthodox faith.
Roof Tiles and Trim
Water Vat Think about it: how do you get enough drinking water when your monastery is on the top of a mountain? This 12-ton capacity oak barrel, built in the 16th-century, was used for rainwater storage. Today it contains all manner of currency – thrown in by visitors, as if into a wishing well!
Painting of Abbots Past The museums inside Varlaam include paintings and wonderful black and white photographs of the early days … (iPhone12Pro)
In the Museum … as well as samples of richly embroidered old ecclesiastical robes. (iPhone12Pro)
Bits, Bells, and Bobs In the monastery shop, Orthodox iconography and religious paraphernalia is for sale.
Various-Coloured Bellflower – Campanula Versicolor After our tour through Varlaam, we head back into the woods.
The Monastеry оf St. Barbаra Roussanоu – Agiа Varvarа Rοussanou Our walk out of the monasteries and into town takes us back under the Rοussanou …
Cyprus Turpentine – Pistacia Terebinthus … and through the woods and mountains.
Dupiani As we drop down to the flats, a massive rock stands out. This rock – Dupiani – was home to the first monastery founded here, and is still home to hermits in the crevices.
Meteora from Kastraki It is lunch time when we reach the village of Kastraki(small castle) – those magnificent rocks stand against the sky in the background.
The whole place was just magic!
And the walk around the monasteries was just enough to be enjoyable, but no so hard as to be unmanageable.
Rocking the Blues in the Fresh Air This is what music festivals are all about: great music in a friendly venue. Ray Beadle is a favourite amongst Australian music fans – myself included (see: Singing the Blues).
Live music is a joy!
I was thrilled to get back to Thredbo, a little alpine village in Australia’s Kosciuszko National Park, for the annual Blues Festival this year. Thredbo is one of Australia’s favourite a winter ski resorts. But, I love the Snowy Mountains just as much in summer time – when the air is scented with mountain mint, and the wildflowers are in bloom. The music festival is an added incentive to visit.
This year marked the 29th iteration of the festival, which takes over the little village, filling the crisp, fresh air with happy sounds. Starting on Friday afternoon with complimentary wine and performances indoors and out, the blues are scattered over 60 sets across three days – ending late Sunday night.
I didn’t go the distance: because I stay off the mountain, in the nearby town of Jindabyne, I don’t hang around as late as most of the other festival goers. But, I take in a sampling of the 20 acts, making sure to pre-book my favourite venues and fit in a mountain walk.
The day we walked down from Eagles Nest, the venue at the top of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, the weather was perfect for walking – but less good for pictures. I usually include a few from the natural surrounds (see: Thredbo Blues), but this year I have none.
Photographically, the garish lights and tightly packed venues are always a challenge – and this year I was still trying to come to grips with a whole new camera system. I switched to Sony mirrorless cameras late last year, and haven’t done sufficient homework since then, so I’m still struggling.
But, I came away with a lot of pictures – mostly portraits – a few of which I’ll share here. Enjoy!
LilG Kicking off the music in the Village Square, child prodigy 12-year-old LilG covers a broad range of blues classics.
Repeat Offenders Indoors in the Schuss Bar, the new line-up of old musical favourites pound out some seriously swampy southern soul: Gary Lothian on guitar, Rosscoe Clark on drums, Dave Green on bass, …
Sally King … and Sally King on vocals.
GD & the King Brothers The Cascades Restaurant is one of my favourite venues: the space lends itself to decent acoustics and the food is fabulous. This is another line-up of performers who have been on the Australian music scene for as long as I can remember!
King Brothers Silhouette The late afternoon sun angles through the windows as our dinner-set starts. (iPhone12Pro)
Ron King on Harmonica
Jeff King on Guitar
Graeme Druce – Guitar and Vocal I last saw GD here at Thredbo as part of the Doggn It duo in 2015 (see: Cool Blues, Hot Jazz).
In Good Hands – Jeff King on Slide
Guest Vocals – Jill Tweedie
Necko Back upstairs, the young Sydney musicians who make up the band Necko are playing in the classic rock style of my youth.
Alek Necko
Frank Sultana Blues Band My next stop was in the Kosciuszko Room for some more rollicking blues with Frank Sultana on guitar, Adrian Herbert on drums, …
On the Harp … and Dan Sullivan on harmonica.
Dancing A number of people took advantage of the great rhythms.
Frank Sultana
Dom Turner Dom is another classic: I first saw him with the Backsliders at the Basement in Sydney and the Byron Bay Bluesfest … a long time ago!
Moon Shot Returning to the car after a full afternoon and evening, I decided to test the camera on the moon; not too bad for hand-held!
James Southwell Back at the Alpine Bar on the Saturday morning, we enjoyed as much of the James Southwell set as we could before it was time to head up the mountain, …
Eagles Nest … riding the chairlift up to Australia’s highest restaurant. Eagles Nest sits at 1937 metres, a pleasant walk away from Mount Kosciuszko, the country’s highest peak (2228 m; 7310 ft). The band was setting up as we arrived.
The McNaMarr Project Against a sunny mountain afternoon, the McNaMarr Project keeps us entertained over lunch. This is a combination I always look forward to seeing: multi award-winning blues artists John McNamara and Andrea Marr are a powerhouse duo.
Andrea Marr
Collard Greens & Gravy You know you are in for some Delta and SwampBlues when a band is named after a southern dish! But then, the lead singer and harmonica player is actually named Ian Collard. I made the decision to come back the next day for their full set.
Emu In the meantime, I enjoyed some more performances and some quiet time. This bronze statue by Silvio Apponyi has been in Thredbo since 2002. We often used to see an actual father emu and his young chick along the roadside; the warning sign still stands, but I haven’t seen the birds for many years.
Ian Collard Sunday morning I was back early for more Collard Greens and Gravy; we were meant to be higher up the mountain, but strong winds had put the gondola on hold.
In the Keller Bar There is something delightfully decadent about being in a dark bar – complete with a sticky floor – when you know that outside, people are hiking and cycling in the fresh mountain air!
Sean Emmett I was as captured by the turquoise rings worn by the Collard Greens and Gravy guitarist as I was with his style.
In the Alpine Bar Music festivals invite collaborations. Kane Dennelly from the frenetic 19Twenty joins legendary Australian guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, and music producer Jeff Lang, and his multi-instrumentalist wife, Alison Ferrier, on stage.
Jeff Lang on Slide
Mark Easton The Apre Bar is a nightmare venue: tiny and awkward with dreadful lighting. It is often also – as was the case this year – the venue for some of my favourite performances. Who knew that Mongolian throat singing and metal/blues would meld so well! I went away with two CD’s. (I can’t share them because my computer doesn’t have a CD drive. Treat yourself: crank up your volume and search: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=vZMZ7Cgu9lg&list=OLAK5uy_mL6P5_YGzqX27t-S3sHsk-cEP4noK-Af4 )
Stewart D’Arrietta For a complete change of pace, I headed to the Lounge Bar where Stewart D’Arrietta and his trio served up Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen – I smiled the whole way through.
19Twenty On the way back to the car, I poked my head into the Keller Bar which was completely packed out; as usual, 19Twenty had the crowd bouncing.
Under-Sung Hero I had a far better view of the sound-mixing board than I did of the band.
Never mind! I’d had a full and rewarding day – the culmination of a weekend with many old favourites and some new and wonderful finds.
Man on the Ghats Mornings are a busy time along the Ganges: pilgrims come from all over India to pay respects and receive blessings from Ganga Ma – the Goddess of forgiveness and purification.
India is a bundle of contradictions: chaos and calm permeate everything in equal measure. The sacred and the mundane rub shoulders. Think of the mingling scents of incense, cow dung, and refuse, and you might get a sense of it.
India is never dull!
Every time I wander Indian streets, I return to my lodgings hot, dusty, exhausted, and emotionally overwhelmed; I also return smiling, abuzz from the experience, and with camera cards full of images.
As I’ve said before, the country is street-portrait heaven. And, even when you don’t find people, the buildings and streets themselves are colourful, textured, and alive with their own personalities.
Thanks to good planning by photographer Karl Grobl from Jim Cline Photo Tours, I was staying in the middle of Haridwar, a short walk from the sacred ghats on the Ganges, the holiest of Indian rivers (see: Life, Colour, and Chaos).
Join me – and countless pilgrims – for a wander through Haridwar streets.
Shri Gita Bhawan Haridwar is a holy city and full of ashrams like this one.
Child with a Woman Resting Ashrams and temples provide lodging for travellers, but this woman was sleeping in a courtyard. You can tell from the metal kumbh (water pot) sitting here that she is a pilgrim. Who knows how far she and her toddler have travelled?
Maya Devi Temple This little Hindu temple is dedicated to the goddess Maya, mother of Gautama Buddha.
Hindu Priests Three young priests watch as I pass through the courtyard.
In the Street Every corner and cranny in the streets has something happening.
Colourful Building Colour is everywhere – Shiva’s tridents on the railing above shield the vibrant cloths hanging on the balcony.
Rickshaw at Rest and Textured Walls
Mannequins I find old and battered caucasian mannequins in wildly colourful local clothing rather disconcerting!
Man and Machine I love watching people operate these old peddle machines – especially when they are running their businesses in the street.
Man in a Woolen Hat
Old Man in Glasses Interesting characters are all around.
Street Cobbler A shoe repairman has carved out a space on the street for his shop. I can’t help but admire his hip flexibility!
Stitching a Strap
The Exchange The cobbler’s customers know where to find him.
A Police Presence Even the local police are prepared to have their pictures made!
Beads and Baubles Being so close to the holy river, venders take advantage of their location, marketing all kinds of shiny trinkets. They also sell the red sandal paste and other powders used to mark tikas or tikas on one’s forehead in preparation for worship.
Travelers These narrow streets leading to the ghats are always lined with shops and crowded with travellers.
Smiling Woman Most of the pilgrims are happy to have their pictures made. We share smiles, but very little language.
Serious Woman Even without a smile, the gaze is clear and direct.
Tattooed Hands and Tika Powder I was captured by the tribal tattoos all over this older woman’s hands and arms; she graciously let me photograph them.
Young Woman in Blue
Women on the Steps The ghats are a happy place, as groups of people gather to pay their respects to the Mother.
Men Making Bread You are never too far from freshly made food.
Couple in the Street People on the move take a break where ever they find a spot. I love how newspapers are an integral part of many Indians’ day.
Man in Pink The roller shutters on shops that aren’t open make a great backdrop!
Man in Orange So many of the pilgrims walking through town …
Man in Black … pause in the shops selling devotional paraphernalia on their way to the ghats.
Co-Workers Friends joke around with me in their shop …
Stirring the Pot … before going back to work cooking.
Man in a Corridor Streets tunnel off in all directions.
Textured Walls
It was time to make my way back to the quiet shelter of my room and take a few deep breaths before doing it all again.
Peyto Lake deserves its reputation as a highlight along the magnificent Icefields Parkway through Canada’sUNESCO-listedRocky Mountains. But the whole road is a joy.
Highway 93 runs 233 kilometers (143 miles) north-south between Jasper in the Jasper National Park and Lake Louise in Banff National Park. In theory, it takes less than three hours driving time, but you have to factor in ‘stopping time’: you are travelling through continuous scenery.
I was driving north from Lake Louise, and in my first two hours, I had covered less than 40 kilometres (25 miles) (see: Bow Lake, the Icefields Parkway)! But, I had the information map I had picked up at the Park’s Office, and I had my priorities set.
Peyto Lake was high on my list.
There is nothing quite like a glacier-fed lake to take your breath away. Of course, the walk up to the vantage point over Peyto Lake had already left me breathless! Although I only spent about 45 minutes there, and according to my AllTrails app, I only gained 104 m (341 ft) in elevation, the viewing platform sits at 2,000 meters (6,561 feet). So, I’ll blame the altitude.
Less than half an hour later, I found myself stopping again: this time just for a brief, admiring look over Waterfowl Lakes.
Naturally, I had to walk up to the Athabasca Glacier, one of the six toes ‘toes’ – and the most accessible – of the Columbia Icefield, located just inside Jasper National Park. The walk up to the glacier is lined with informative sign-boards; the easy, gravelly pathway to the shrinking ice gets longer every year as the ice pack recedes.
Join me for just a few of the sights along the Icefields Parkway.
Driving North on Highway 93N Every section of road brings new mountain vistas into view through the car windows. (iPhone12Pro)
The Path Tall Douglas fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii) line the cement path that leads from the Peyto Lake car park up to the platform at the first viewing point over the valley.
Viewing Platform The mountains rise high around the visitors at the first overlook.
Peyto Lake Below This valley was carved out by the Peyto Glacier which once filled it. The remaining glacier is a mere tongue of the larger Wapta Icefield, which sits high in the mountains south of here.
View over Peyto Lake The lake is named for Bill Peyto, a pioneer, mountain guide, and early Banff National Park warden.
Mountains around Peyto Lake Peyto Peak marks the north end of the Wapta Icefield; you can see the ice pack that partially covers Mount Jimmy Simpson behind it.
Pathways Up The tracks beyond the first lookout are mostly dirt: some were quite muddy and slippery after the recent snows and rains.
Terminal Moraine: Peyto Lake Glaciers push, carry, and deposit large quantities of ground rock with them. The stones get deposited at the fronts and sides of the moving ice packs. It is the tiny particles of suspended pulverised rock that give glacial lakes their extraordinary colour.
People on the Lookout The upper viewpoint is much less formal than the lower overlook. (iPhone12Pro)
Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel – Callospermophilus Lateralis We had company on the rocks!
Peyto Lake from the Upper Viewpoint Even under a rain-filled sky, the colours really are extraordinary. I took one last shot before walking back down the hill to my car.
On the Highway The next leg of the drive is as spectacular as the others; … (iPhone12Pro)
Waterfowl Lakes … but I only drive ten minutes before I feel the need to pull over again – at a viewpoint over Waterfowl Lakes.
Mount Chephren behind Waterfowl Lake
American Black Bear – Ursus Americanus Finally! My first bear.
Saskatchewan River Crossing Not open in the winter months, this truck-stop offers virtually the only services along the parkway. From here, you can drive east out of the mountains to Red Deer, Alberta. (iPhone12Pro)
On the Parkway I am still heading north – and I haven’t yet hit the halfway mark! (iPhone12Pro)
Walk Bridge : Athabasca Glacier The Columbia Icefield, which feeds six major glaciers, is the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains, and worthy of a trip on its own. I, however, was running out of daylight. I ignored the Glacier Discovery Centre, and went directly to the walk that leads to the receding edge of the most accessible ‘toe’, the Athabasca Glacier.
Walkers on the Path Unless you are on a guided trip, you are not allowed on the actual ice. But it is a pleasant 2 km (1.2 mi) walk out-and-back to the glacier’s edge. There are plenty of information sign boards along the way.
Athabasca Glacier It doesn’t look like it from here, but the ice pack is between 90–300 metres (300–980 ft) thick. The temperature drops, as what is called a katabatic wind blows downhill off the ice. (iPhone12Pro)
Waters off the Glacier Even though I know in my head that the ice fields are melting (and markers along the path show how far this one had receded), I’m still startled by the volume of water that races downhill to feed the Athabasca River.
Snow Shelf The rocks left behind by the advance and retreat of glaciers over time look like slag heaps of pulverised particles.
Downhill from the Athabasca Glacier
Tangle Creek Falls Back on the road, I couldn’t resist another quick photo-stop to admire another pretty waterfall.
Sunwapta River Valley There were plenty more stops on offer, but the light would fail soon, and I was getting hungry! Fortunately, I had visited this section of the road before. (see: Close Encounters of the Wild Kind). (iPhone12Pro)
Jasper Carpark In the last light of the day, a rainbow shone over the railway line running through Jasper. (iPhone12Pro)
The rains that had followed me in the morning returned as I found some dinner – but I was very lucky that the downpours had held off for most of my drive.
The road truly deserves it reputation as one of the world’s top drives – and given all the spots I hadn’t stopped, I was already determined to drive it again!
- Performing the Ganga Aarti from Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi
- Buddha Head from Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
- Harry Clarke Window from Dingle, Ireland
- Novice Monk Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, Myanmar
Packets of 10 for $AU50.
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