We got a little lucky this time around in Jasper National Park. We did manage to see a bear, which is usually rare for us, plus some possessed molting mountain goats. Both great opportunities to try out my 200mm f4 Pentax lens. I find that even though the lenses are manual, it gives me a lot more creative freedom on a great camera. The 200mm lens is really easy to focus, smooth, and light, making it perfect for hand holding. Here are some wildlife images from the park, shot with the 200mm. The last set of images are of an amazing sunset we encountered on our way back from Jasper. A perfect ending to a perfect trip. Enjoy!
Unfortunately Whistler mountain, which is the top station of the Jasper Gondola, was enveloped in low clouds. So we decided to finally visit Maligne Canyon.
We passed it on numerous occasions, but for some reason we never turned in. Always going to Maligne Lake and then stoping for longer hike around the Medicine Lake. On the way to those lakes we were greeted by a nice family of black bears. They were very kind, and cooperative, even though there were about 10 cars and a tour bus parked near by.
At the Medicine lake we went for a little hike on the shores of the lake. I did manage to get my kids wet in the numerous streams crossing the path around the lake, so we had to make our hike a little short.
On the way back the clouds started to break up, and the sun finally started to show it's face. So we decided to return to the Jasper Gondola, and try again with the ascend of the Whistler mountain.
We returned to the hotel, a little wet, and very tired, but with huge grins. Another great day at the Jasper National Park.
