Note: This is being posted from Moose Jaw SK I'm quite far behind with the blog and I will catch up later today. Remember could can increase the size of the photo by mouse clicking on them one at a time.
Day 73 Miles 107 Pocahontas Campground, Jasper National Park, Alberta Before leaving the Grand Cache campground we parked near the office where we could connect with their internet service. After topping off my gas tank, I was the first to head south along Highway 40 known in Milepost as the Big Horn. The road surface was ok for the most part and I did see deer near the road. Very little traffic was going my way. The road ends at Highway 16, Yellowhead Highway which to the east is Edmonton and to the west Jasper. I pulled over at a parking area to get something to eat and Judy soon pulled in. We were headed for Pocahontas Campground which is on the road to the Miette Hot Springs, the hottest in the Canadian Rockies. We were there to test the temperature by 2 p.m. It was definitely a “homogenized” version of our previous 2 experiences. The pools looked like regular swimming pool and the sulfa smell was gone due to chlorination according to the life guard. The pools are adjusted to different temperatures and we ended up in the hotest one. I tried to lead Judy in Ai Chi moves but it was pretty hot even for that. However it made me look forward to doing Ai Chi again at Schooner Oaks in Florida.
One of the amazing things about the facility was the number of mountain sheep everywhere but in the pool area! And even more so the fact that they got down on their front “knees” and twisted their heads in order to lick the exhaust pipes of all the vehicles in the parking lot. It was later explained that they crave salt and that is what they are after.
One of the amazing things about the facility was the number of mountain sheep everywhere but in the pool area! And even more so the fact that they got down on their front “knees” and twisted their heads in order to lick the exhaust pipes of all the vehicles in the parking lot. It was later explained that they crave salt and that is what they are after.
We had a good dinner at the Pocahontas Café one of several cottage facilities in the area. It seems that most of the people we are encountering are speaking a language other than English. During dinner we began listing some of our favorite experiences of the trip. It was a good opportunity to review our time together. Hopefully we will continue via long distance and produce a list of the recommended highlights. By the time we headed back to the campground, the rain which had been threatening was in full force.
Day 74 Miles 40 Wabasso Campground, Jasper National Park, Alberta Province The first stop in the town of Jasper was the tourist information office. Judy arrived first and was getting lots of hiking ideas for our short stay in the area, as well as ideas for campgrounds. We choose Wabasso as it was a bit out of the traffic of Jasper (on 93A) and would be the way we’d be heading on Thursday. Our two sites are adjacent and as was the case at Pocahontas, a bit of a challenge to back into. Judy directed me as I tried to get between 2 trees.
We then took Judy’s Trek for our excursion. Our destination was Maligane Lake. The winding road up past the river and Medicine Lake end in a large parking lot over looking Maligane Lake. The lot was full of Rv’s as well as cars. Many of the RV’s were from rental companies. We choose a picnic table in the woods near the parking and had our lunch to the sound of birds that seemed to want part of our offering of curried chicken salad and apples.
We selected the Moose Lake trail through the forest which ended along the beautiful green lake. The surrounding mountains were reflecting on the water. Rain began as the trail came along side the emerald green Maligne Lake.. On the drive down we stopped at Maligne Canyon which the flow of water continues to carve with impressive water falls. A restaurant is also there and we splurged on strudel, coffee, and tea before beginning the decent over 4 of the six bridges that cross the water. Lots of photo opportunities but of course we also had to climb back up. Stairs run along side the water intermingled with flat pavement. It was strenuous but I doubt it took care of those calories.
We stopped for groceries at a small store in Jasper crowded with tourists and locals. It was raining in earnest, soI prepared one of my quickie dinners, following which we played dominoes.
Judy is enjoying the game and we haven’t played since Wilfrid and Judy’s on Vancouver Island.
Day 75 Wabasso Campground, Jasper National Park, Alberta Our campground is not far from the road to Mt. Edith Cavell with road up described as “narrow..tight switchbacks and rough” Publications vary on maximum length of vehicle but the Roadtrek barely qualified. Undaunted as ever, Judy took the wheel and up we went. Compared to the top of the World road in Alaska this one wasn’t so bad. The parking lot held a number of larger RV’s, mostly rentals. We began the longer trail which was a climb to a Meadow going through a subalpine forest. Incredible views of the glaciers, beautiful wild flowers and some hoary marmots were part of the experience. I found it necessary to stop before getting to the meadow area but enjoyed the part I did do. I then walked the Glacier loop trail across an area which once was a glacier and past the Cavell pond filled with broken pieces of the glacier. While on the climb we heard sounds of calving and met a woman who said there was also a column of snow that dropped down. The day was sunny and bright and there were hikers of all ages and abilities and again many speaking languages other than English.
We went into Jasper for gas and a stop at the library for internet service. I hadn’t brought my computer so just checked email on their computers. The charge for ½ hour is $2.50 no matter if you use it five minutes or 30. If you have your own computer, its $2.50 for an hour.
Judy grilled vegetables and some kabobs she bought in Watson Lake and then froze. We do manage to eat well.
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