Yeah, I like the bubbles. I have to try go back next winter. I went to early to bother trying to get them this year. I don't ice climb yet but I did find and talk to a training outfit that offers lessons and equipment rental. Half way there I guess. I do want to try it tho, for now I mostly watch their technique and ask questions to the trainers available for a chat when I come across them, I think next winter I'm doing it.
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As the ice thickens so does the stacking of the bubbles which adds to the creativity of how it all looks. Is there a best time of the season to see these bubbles?
It is good to prepare and get info before trying to climb out of the gate up an icicle.
I know, it's so cool to walk on too because you see the water and fishes too all living underneath. @silvergingerman freaked out a little but he managed...lol. It's like the biggest water reservoir in the province so it's a bit dangerous and you have to be careful of a few things when you are walking like shelf ice and stuff. It depends on the year and temperature obviously but end of January is generally a good time and the ice is about 2 feet thick so there is nice bubble columns formations on a good portion of it and you end up with 2 layers of cracked ice that adds to the pictures. Anything after mid feb, then the ice is beat up from the wind so it's not as nice. I forgot to mention, It's close-ish to Nordeg/Rocky Mountain House area(behind Jasper National Park) if that's a place you want to visit/stay.
"It is good to prepare and get info before trying to climb out of the gate up an icicle" I like to do dumb things but I do them the smart way. 😂
We always did the rock test by throwing the biggest rock to be found over head onto the ice and if it broke the ice it is too thin to walk on. Or just waited till the guy drove his truck on the ice. It will be alright.
It can be a slight scary but not worth to panic. I quite like when the ice cracks and you hear the very unique sound of the ripple underwater running the length of the lake. Quite something.
Ill look up the are on a map to see what direction i am heading if it mean ill stop by that area. Thanks for the locations info.
Haha yeah, the truck is a good gage too!! lol If he doesn't go thru... 9 inches thick or better to walk on is fine if it has water directly underneath. Yean the ice cracking is loud, when it expands in the cold here it's freaky, especially at night. You won't pass by the bubbles on the way, it's a 4 hour detour even if you come in Alberta via Mount Robson Provincial Park, I don't know if you come in thru the Kootenays, might be a bit closer but still quite a detour.
Laying on the ice at night and having it heave and crack is quite an amazing sound to experience. Very unique thing to have felt underneath my back and hear all at the same time.
Ill have to check it out on a map to see where my rout is and if it is viable to do so. The plan is still in the air.