Bamf, AB (6/30/23 Fri)
I slept well. Awoke around 0600, but fell asleep again until 0900. Coffee (nearly my last) and oatmeal for breakfast and I was packed up and heading south. Once I passed the Sunwapta Falls I started pulling off for photo ops and short hikes. Some of those where I took photos are still in the Jasper Park like: Columbia Icefields Sasketchewan River Crossing.
Eventually I passed into Bamf Park. More mountain pictures and some crazy blue lakes and rivers. I was told not to miss Lake Louise. I had lunch and refueled in the town of Lake Louise. Then headed for the lake. Signs indicated it is a heavily congested area, and part of the road was closed to private vehicles. I followed the line of slow traffic onward, cringing at how this could go wrong. At the lower packing lot we waited for parking direction. Luckily the motorcycle parking was in the close corner so I asked and was sent through to it. It was pay parking, and a line of busses seemed to be loading across the parking lot. No lake in sight. I asked about parking payments and they said use the kiosks by the busses.
After paying for my parking I found a line for the Bamf bus. But it required a ticket. Different kiosk. So with my $20 ticket in hand I got in the non-reservation line. Then asked if the bus drops us, do I need to know where to get it back to this lot? She asked what I wanted to see. I said the lake. She said this is the lake. Where? Just up the walkway past the kiosks. I guess this ticket isn't refundable? No.
I failed to find anyone needing a ticket. So I walked to the lake and took pictures. It was ok, but mobbed. So back I went to the bus line. Failed again to give away my ticket. Tried to give it to the girls coordinating the line, but both their shifts ended and they got on the bus. Eventually I just stuck it back in the kiosk output feed. Next person there may win. While suiting up, two guys on Triumph 900 bikes appeared line. I motioned them over. Eventually they came. Asked how to get to Bamf. I said Lake Louise is up that far walkway. You pay to park at the kiosks. Thanks, that what I was really trying to ask.
On my way to Bamf I noted a campground and turned off highway 1 onto highway 1a. It was the old route and to reach the campground I was backtracking a dozen kilometers. But the road was nice.
At the Jonston Canyon Campground the sign outside indicated full. This was my fear, but I went to checkin anyway and asked. The woman said they are full but she would squeeze me in, because the overflow had no bear lockers and on the bike I should use one. So site 48 was mine.
After setting up camp and a call with Anne, I headed into Bamf for dinner. I ate well at TooLouLou's. Then wondered around town and into a few shops. Bamf sticker in hand I headed back to my campground. About 30 minutes ride at dusk. Luckily all I saw was a fox. It's now very dark at 2347. The park warns of bear and fox roaming the grounds. I have only seen humans. But I'm nearly dead center of the 132 site campground.
In the morning I intend to hike to the canyon before I head for Calgary. Today my right boot zipper failed. I've been nursing my riding pant leg zippers for weeks. Today involved a 30min session of zipping the pant leg that let go to my calve with all the hiking I have done. Calgary was the place to locate a rear tire. Maybe now I will also be looking at in stock boots and pants. I need to complete this on Saturday, or I won't get a chance for the next two days when motorcycle shops are generally closed. And this is a holiday weekend.