A Road Trip to Jasper

 We often like to wander off on a road trip down a rarely travelled path, or to an often random destination. In this case, we decided to drive northward on Highway 22 in Alberta, perhaps to visit Mona’s friend in McBride. However, as often happens, the itinerary changed several times. The results were amazing though, as they always are.

The first day took us over a familiar path from Nelson, with a stop at a fabric store in Creston, and on to Cranbrook, Fernie and into Alberta. We have travelled this path many times, so we did not take any pictures.

Heading up Highway 22, we found it to be a quieter path, with many large arches and lots of bales of hay. Again, not exactly catching to the eyes or the cameras lens. Our first night was in Cochrane, not Canmore. Mona kept confusing the two. Canmore is definitely on the future travel list, but not this time. 

Staying on Cochrane was not on the original travel plan, plans often change. Especially when Mona discovers the location of a well known fabric store. In this case, Maple Leaf Quilting. We stopped in for a few minutes on the morning of the second day, before heading off, still heading north on Highway 22.

Still not much to photograph.

The second night we stayed in Spruce Grove. Again, not on the original itinerary, but it is home to Emmaline Bags, so it made for a good place to stop. Mona had a visit there while Brent wandered down the road to check in at the Holiday Inn.

On Day Three, we headed to Jasper, and woke up the cameras.

 

Some wildlife, and lots and lots of mountains

 

Jasper….

It is difficult to visit Jasper without acknowledging the tragic fire and its devastation. We did not wish to be disaster tourists and avoided the large sections of the town that were destroyed. Much of the downtown core was spared although there were a few buildings under construction. It was difficult to know if those were being renovated or rebuilt because of the fire.

One morning we spoke with a waitress who appreciated the return of the tourists as it had been a very sad time in the town, but things were improving.

Still, it is Jasper, and it is a beautiful spot.