I thought I'd post a short report about what is likely to be my last paddle of 2018. The trip took place Tuesday, November 13 then we got snow and our ski trails are packed and tracks have been set and I've been skiing. The changing of the seasons.
A friend had been up in Jasper National Park on the weekend (Nov. 10 and 11) and saw that the Athabasca River was open. He suggested we go for a paddle down the Athabasca River from Old Fort Point to the 12 Mile Bridge so we went on Tuesday, November 13. With the promise of a shuttle available from a friend in the town of Jasper we were able to drive only one vehicle up to the put in at Old Fort Point. We got to the put in at about 11:30 and were ready to launch about 11:45. We put the canoe on the ice along the shore, loaded it and then dragged it across the ice to where we decided to start.
46196153_971383423044926_716020466136907776_n by Ralph5145, on Flickr
We lined the canoe up so that it was perpendicular to the edge of the ice, pushed it as far forward as we could, my buddy got in the bow and we moved the canoe further into the water then I got in the stern and we wiggled and pushed our way into the water and got underway.
46276203_971383426378259_395486773368586240_n by Ralph5145, on Flickr
The water level was low but there was enough water so that we only touched in a couple of places and those were mainly due to poor decisions by the pilot. We saw 2 American Dippers, many, many ravens, several mergansers, a bald eagle, a golden eagle and 6 bull elk. We stopped for lunch in a sheltered spot that was out of the wind yet in the sun. We stopped later to have a look at the group use area near the Jasper Airport. There is a picnic shelter, water supply, wood supply, 2 large wood-fired barbeques, picnic tables, a number of benches and an area that looks like it was built for wedding services. Very interesting.
IMG_2500 by Ralph5145, on Flickr
IMG_2501 by Ralph5145, on Flickr
The river was quite low and, in places there were extensive sand/mud/gravel flats.
IMG_2503 by Ralph5145, on Flickr
IMG_2505 by Ralph5145, on Flickr
After our stop at the group site, the wind really started to blow and, surprise, surprise, it was a tail wind. We arrived at the take out at the bridge early and were able to hide from the wind in the shelter of a bank and some trees and relax. While waiting for our shuttle ride to arrive we also went for a walk and were amazed at the amount of dust that rose from the grass and low bushes as we walked along. Our ride arrived, we loaded ourselves into her vehicle, drove back to Old Fort Point, retrieved my van and went home. All in all, a very good day. Look at this view with Mount Edith Cavell in the background!
IMG_2507 by Ralph5145, on Flickr
Wish you could have joined us.
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