Jasper

Canada

September 2006
3 days

6th - 8th September

Sarah and Jon Wrote:

We left the beautiful Clearwater taking the relatively short drive to Jasper, another fantastic ski resort. The only main landmark worth noting enroute was Mount Robinson - the highest point in the Rockies. Due to our late start we were in desperate need of accommodation when we arrived in Jasper - with the light fading we needed to find somewhere to stay.

Hotels here were very expensive and would have blown the budget even further so we started skulking the back streets looking for private rooms to let. Sarah ran out at a nice looking place but was just pipped to the post at the doorstep by another couple.

Fate intervened and we ended up finding a great little basement flat with all mod cons and kitchen (including a very noisy fridge that hummed all night). This was to be our home for 3 nights.

Day 1
We drove to several points of interest including Malinge Canyon, Medicine Lake and Malinge Lake. Medicine lake was named by the indigenous peoples, Medicine meaning &Quot;Magic&Quot;, because once per year the entire lake drains away via underground channels (almost like a sponge) leading out to rivers far beyond. Next we boarded a canoe for 2 and paddled out across the peaceful Malinge Lake. The only obstacles to dodge were a few ducks and staying out of the wake of the tour boats. Absolutely fantastic way to spend an hour!! We rounded off the day with a trip to the Hot Springs to relax our muscles. These are two outdoor pools that are naturally heated by underground water sources. Driving back we spotted large Elk by the road side - these are not to be approached especially in mating season!!!

Day 2
We picked up a walking guide and trekked around the 5 lake trail. After 3 hours of hiking and dusk drawing in, we took heed of the bear warnings (which were in effect in this location due to an abundance of berries) and cut the walk short at lake 3. On the way back we spotted a greedy squirrel who had bitten off more than he could chew and was struggling to haul a massive mushroom up a tree - not that keen on nuts then Canadian squirrels!!! A pitcher of honey beer for dinner tonight!!!

Day 3
Heading out once again saying goodbye to Jasper we took the Icefield Parkway south through the glaciers to Lake Louise. We completed the Mount Edith Cavel hiking tour to the Angel glacier. You can literally see global warming in action as this glacier has gushing waterfalls from its mass creating rivers and resulting in glacial lakes. Due to glacial tilt in the water these lakes take on an almost flurescent blue/green colour that looks surreal.

Underestimating the distance to be driven we weren't going to make Lake Louise as planned and were eager to find our bed for the night. Accommodation in this stretch of road was scarce and as soon as we saw a motel with a &Quot;Vacancy&Quot; sign Sarah ran out to get a room. Whilst inside Jon noticed the sign flicker to &Quot;No Vacancies&Quot; - thinking we had secured a bed. We hadn't - pipped at the post once again!!

Back in the car driving in the dark - there was nothing around - no shops, gas stations or buildings to be seen. We happened upon a lakeside lodge well out of our budget but this was an emergency!! We got a $450 room for $200. Resigned to the fact that the budget was destroyed we enjoyed a lavish dinner in the only hotel restaurant, washed down with an expensive bottle of Wolfblass. We felt a little cheated by the price and after a visit to the reading den left the lodge two novels richer!!