I really enjoyed our trip out to the Columbia Glacier Fields. Here, the marker for the Athanasca Glacier shows how far the glacier has receded since 1844.



We were able to walk out to the "toe" of the glacier - very windy, noisy, with a river flowing out from under the ice.



Rachel (r.), with Josh and Jim walking up to the glacier.



This is not the best photo, but what it shows is the crowd gathered about 10 feet from a black bear. Even though there are signs everywhere telling visitors to stay away from the bears, this group kept closing in on the feeding bear. We decided to leave when a teen boy started to climb a small tree next to the bear.

We just got back from our vacation to Banff, in the Canadian Rockies. We had a great time, with weather in the 70s (what a relief from the heat wave we have had here for weeks now). These are the first of the files I have processed. Will post more as I get to them.


View on the drive out to the glacier fields - considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world.



Somewhere on the Tunnel Mountain Drive.



Not sure what these are - some type of mountain goat, maybe?



Top of the Six Point Glacier hike. Josh kneels beside the foot of one of the glaciers.



Jim, Rachel, Josh and I on the hike to the tea house above Lake Louise.

It's so easy to forget how busy toddlers can be. Rachel came along to help out, and we had so much fun playing with E. She was really beyond adorable, and we even got a couple of hugs in between admiring the fountains with her and blowing bubbles. What a happy, sweet stage. It made me remember how much I really miss those yummy toddler years.

I just have to thank the R family for being so cooperative in such high heat/humidity. It was incredibly steamy, and everyone, including the baby did such a wonderful job of hanging in there for our shoot. While this weather is typical in late summer, it is rather unusual for June. I'm so glad the kids could do so well!

I haven't been to Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in years, but on Thursday evening soft breezes were blowing, the temp was in the 70s, and the kids wanted to do something outside. We went out and walked along the paths. I'm amazed at how much upkeep must go into such a place. When we left, Rachel said she felt like she had been on a mini-vacation.