I am sitting in the cabin on a river, watching the rapids take the beautiful, clear, turquoise water over exposed rocks, with the entire scene framed by majestic mountains. Jasper National Park is still untouched, like every trip I took here during my childhood. The town is the same; small, friendly shops selling local wares to locals and tourists alike.

The sky is clear and the morning temperature is cool. It is hard to believe that a vacation could be this perfect.

We spent yesterday morning on the journey to the mountains, and the afternoon was consumed by soaking in Miette Hot Springs. The sulfur saturated water was 40 degrees Celsius and it was better than the most expense spa we had ever visited. The entire perimeter of the pool was again framed by intimidating mountain ridges.

As we drove back to Jasper we stopped to see two mountain goats feeding near the road. Just a mile further up the road we had an encounter with a massive black bear. Rena was so scared that she insisted that we not venture any closer and the panic that ensued between us caused us to miss the bear on camera and on video. Hopefully, we will be better prepared today. Nevertheless, as we explored Jasper Park Lodge, we were greeted by the most beautiful big horn sheep that I have ever seen in the local National Parks. We were able to capture the Rams on both film and video. The photos are easily National Geographic quality. UNBELIEVABLE!!! They actually came towards me while I was photographing them. After posing for a number of great shots, they bolted up the mountain and posed for another series of photos on the rock face.

We purchased groceries for both dinner and breakfast because we have a kitchen in our cabin. We are staying at Becker’s Mountain Cabins on the Miette River. GOOD CALL GREG NASH!!! I have to give it to Greg, he gets major credit for this recommendation. This place is pure heaven. It is about 3 km outside of Jasper on highway 93 south to Banff.

On our way back to the cabin last night, we were witness to an entire herd of Elk (or Wapiti as the local Indians call them). It was insane. The first cow that we spotted, had a large Grizzly paw scar on her back. What an experience. We moved up the road to find the rest of the herd. There was easily ten to twelve female cows and one large male Elk. The alpha male was in the woods while we were photographing the herd. It was rutting time (mating season) and he apparently got agitated and charged us. He then let out an ear shattering scream to ensure that we knew that he was in charge. He did not want us any closer to the herd. I have never had an experience like this before. I was in shock for an hour after. We were witness to four major species of WILD animals. This is truly God’s country.

We are pushing into Spirit Island, Banff and Lake Louis today. We will keep you all posted!

D

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