Sulphur Pass via the Fiddle River Trail ...

Sulphur Creek

Upon waking on the second day in Jasper, it seemed like we weren't really in a mountain town at all.  There were no mountains to be seen, thanks to the heavy, low lying clouds.  We quickly scrapped our idea of doing a hike with a view and headed to the Miette hot springs, where we spent the morning lounging in the 43 degree water before torturing ourselves with a plunge in the 17 degree cold pool.  An old Ukrainian woman told us how last year she sat in the hot pool and watched a black bear with two cubs play in the trees nearby.  I felt incredibly jealous.

Again ... 

... and again ... 

When we were sufficiently soothed (and light headed) by the healing hot water, we decided to go for a short hike nearby.  We followed the Sulphur Creek past the old hots springs site and the smelly sulphur water into the wilderness.  After crossing the creek, the path got steeper, less stable and more closed in.  Upon approaching Sulphur Pass, I felt slightly nervous as we were following a very narrow path with thick bushes on either side.  Although I wanted to see a bear, I didn't particularly want to surprise one in this heavily wooded area with no place to retreat.  The creepy feeling didn't pass so we didn't spend too much time at the top.  As we made our way down, we stopped at the creek for a snack and were surprised to see a group of trail riders, looking suspiciously like The Man From Snowy River, appearing from the steep track we had just descended.  It was quite special to watch them crossing the creek on their laden-down (and sure-footed) horses.

... and again ... 

... and again ... yes, I like taking photos of streams

Back in Jasper, we enjoyed a quiet evening, hoping that tomorrow, the clouds would be replaced by blue skies and sunshine, ready for one last Jasper hike and the return drive to Calgary.

Hot and smelly sulphur springs

Sulphur Pass

Sulphur Skyline ridge

View on the way down

Horses crossing the creek

The Man From Snowy River?!