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Saturday Aug 10        Rest Day 7

      Jasper (Alb)

Last evening as bedtime approached clouds covered the mountains behind and the forecast was for rain today, I was led to believe. Indeed rain is forecast (by the same experts) for the next 7 days. But, this morning was pleasant; no great sunshine or drying but sunny all afternoon; not a drop of rain.....yet.

Found it difficult to settle ..in a bed...last night. Now I seem to prefer the tent. However my new room-mate, Sven, says I slept well; didn’t say anything about snoring.

No breakfast available in the hotel but had a nice one next door in Smitty’s just beneath us. And it was finished.

It took a little longer than usual to dry the tent out at the back of the hotel; should have done it yesterday afternoon. 

I felt both wheels of the bike were a little out of true and had Sarah, our tour mechanic, to have a look. She spent a long time being very particular and careful. Afterwards the brakes were squealing but a bit of adjustment this evening has rectified that. All in good shape now for the next stage.

Jasper (pop 4500) itself is very much a tourist town with the required services; it has no industry or large commercial concerns (apart from a large railway yard). All supplies and major services come from Hinton, 100 km back the road we came in on. Jasper has its residential areas and schools and recreation centers. Banff will be much larger and commercial and double the amount of tourists but only a third of the wildlife.

In the afternoon I cycled out to Patricia Lake and Pyramid Lake, just 6 km outside town with a bit of a climb involved, but I knew I’d have a descent coming back. 

On the way out there was a black bear just about 80 metres off the road. He proved to be shy and I didn’t get a great photo, but I got a photo of others trying to get a photo....next best thing.

 As I moved on I was getting better and better views of The Pyramid (2762 m) as I turned various corners. One more turn and spectacular Patricia Lake opened before me with a fabulous backdrop.    There were crows at various points and all types of boats and canoes for rent. 

I continued on another 2 km and came to an equally beautiful Pyramid Lake. Two beautiful lakes within 6 km of town.

On the way back an elk was just standing meekly by the road and pleasing the passers-by by quietly posing for photos. Seeing more wildlife here than on the roads further north.

On the way home.

The return journey was equally scenic to my journey out. I was so pleased that the day remained warm and clear. If this is the ‘rain’ that forecast, I’ll be happy.

All that trip only took less than two hours. Back at the hotel I revived myself by 20 mins in the hot-tub on the roof of the hotel gazing on those mountains and then another 20 in the steam room. All squeaky clean now.

After a quick bite to eat I headed up to Our Lady of Lourdes Church for Mass at 7:30, just 10 mins walk away.  It was roughly the expected breakdown 20-15-20. Coming out I met Fr Jojoppa and presented myself as visiting from Ireland. He wished me safe driving. Had to correct him on that

So all in place for the next short section - 3 days to Banff. Fingers crossed that the elements oblige.

Thank God for a lovely day.