Jasper National Park

We went with Wes and Jenske today to see some of the sights around Jasper. In the morning we went to Mt. Edith Cavell and to Athabasca Falls. Mike and Judy were heading the same way, so we drove together.

The road up to Edith Cavell is very windy, with vehicles over 21 ft. not allowed. We arrived just after 10 a.m. and were able to find parking places easily. Wes and Mike and I took the Glacier Trail, which led to the melt pool at the base of Cavell Glacier, with Angel Glacier overhanging. Wes hiked over to an ice cave at the base of Angel Glacier, while Mike and I took telephoto shots from a safer distance. Meanwhile Ken took lots of photos of the glaciers and scenery and Jenske and Judy chatted.

We went on to Athabasca Falls, just south of Jasper. Viewing the falls is a powerful experience. The water has cut narrow channels through the rock and scoured “potholes.” Some of the channels have been abandoned by the water, so you can walk through them. The falls plunge over the edge in several separate sections, including one where two streams meet at right angles in a turmoil of white water.

We went home for lunch and then set out for the Maligne Canyon Road. First we came to an overlook with a vista of Jasper and the Athabasca River Valley. Next was Medicine Lake, which has no apparent outlet. The outlet is actually an underground river. We drove along the Maligne River to the Maligne Lake, where the road ends. Along the way we saw a black bear and some elk and deer. The caribou have been vanishing from the area, and only eight have been seen there in recent years.

Then we drove back to Jasper and checked out the shops. Jenske saw liver and onions on the menu at one restaurant, the Palisades, and said she just had to eat there. She had liver and bacon and Mike had liver and onions. Ken and I split some Greek chicken. Judy enjoyed her lemon salmon soup. Everyone pronounced the meal delicious, and then we headed back to the campground to meet with the rest of the group to discuss plans for the next few days.

We decided to travel with Rowes and Lou and Judy and Natalie back to Calgary West Campground tomorrow and then on to Drumheller the next day. Wes and Jenske will go only as far as Banff. /Evans and Simingtons will stay another day in Jasper and then drive to Drumheller in one long day.