We rolled into Jasper on a rainy afternoon and tackled the frustrating task of buying groceries. After finding most of what we needed in two poorly organized and expensive stores, we scurried around downtown from store to store, dodging the drizzle. We were surprised to find an awesome natural foods store with a big bulk selection. We don’t have the space to carry a full bag of flour or sugar, and a bulk section is about the only place I can purchase a cup or two of baking supplies at a time.
Medicine Lake
As we were about to head back to the campground for dinner, the weather improved, so we hiked the Valley of the Five Lakes. Luna got some much-needed time off leash, and she didn’t even make any new bear friends. The hike brought us to four beautiful turquoise lakes and one ugly shallow pond. Luna swam in all four of the pretty lakes. She will take a dip regardless of the air or water temperature, and it’s a pleasure to watch her gracefully move through the water.
Drive to Maligne Lake.
We woke to rain the next morning, again, so we took our home on the road to do some climate-controlled sightseeing. As we gained elevation on our drive to Maligne Lake, we drove into a wintry wonderland of fresh powder. Several inches of pristine snow coated each evergreen tree and rocky peak. And what can compare to the beauty and purity of a fresh, white June snowfall, when you know it will be summer again soon? As we slipped and slopped through several inches of wet snow on the Maligne Lake shore, Nic and I were reminded of our Thanksgiving hikes in Boulder Junction, WI…or of Narnia.
We drove on to Miette Hot Springs, where we soaked in very crowded and not very hot pools. Really delicious pizza topped off the day spectacularly.
We drove from Jasper to Banff the next day, checking out the views again on what has to be one of the world’s most spectacular stretches of pavement. We were sad to say goodbye to Hannah the next morning. Nic’s comment when we dropped her off was, “She is a sweet, sweet girl.” And sweet describes her perfectly. She traveled many miles to spend a week with us, and we were so glad to share a bit of our big road trip with her!
Are you having fun with me today? 