Maligne Canyon

From our campsite we took a short drive into Jasper National Park. We stopped briefly in the town and then headed out towards Maligne Canyon and Lake. 

 

First stop - The hiking trails along the river of the canyon.

In the distance below you can see a dodgy looking bridge crossing the water. (Un)fortunately, the trail was closed due to high water levels so we chose a new route.

But first, stretching out the calf...ooh, it's a deep burn.

Our alternate route seemed to be straight up the side of a mountain. It was pretty grueling and we considered turning back on occasion. However, when we got to the top we were treated to a great view. You could even see the Jasper townsite from the peak.

Top of the world Ma!

Maligne Canyon is a beautiful spot and the hiking trails were in great shape. Highly recommended.

Camping at William A Switzer Park

A weekend or so back Christina and I felt we needed a break from city life and decided to head out camping. This was our first camping trip together so there was a bit of trepidation and excitement to determine if we would excel in this environment together or if we would despise each other by the end.

We decided on camping at the Gregg Lake Campground at William A Switzer Provincial Park just north of Hinton. I took the day off of work on the Friday, getting together final accoutrement's and packed the car to pick Chrissy up from work. Some small car problems and a bunch of Stuff You Missed In History Class podcasts later we arrived 3 hours later NW of Edmonton.

With thunder off in the distance we mad rushed to get our camp set up.

We ended up just missing a big storm as it glided past us to the South. However, that night we did get to hear the pitter patter of rain and the sound of the pooled tarp water rushing off every couple of minutes. 

I woke a little earlier than Chrissy and started on breakfast - Bacon and Blue Ribbon.

I tried to be good and cook the bacon slowly but I was impatient and set-up a little cooking spot. It worked, in that the bacon cooked quickly, but I ended up spilling most of the bacon in the fire. A quick washdown and re-fry and I served it up for Chrissy. Christina loves, loves, loves bacon.

To my dismay she exclaimed that it was the worst bacon she had ever had. I was crushed. I was pretty sure our relationship was over. That is how much she loves bacon.

 Maybe the beauty of nature would make her forget my breakfast fail.

As it was Canada Parks Day we headed down to Kelly's Bathtub (another lake within the Park) to check out the lake and the festivities

The highlight of the lake was beautiful little bay marina attached to the larger lake.

For Park Day they had a bunch of displays and activities for children set up near the interpretative centre. Realizing that this could be an opportunity to impress Chrissy and once again be seen in her eyes as a provider I lined up to have a go at traditional hunting.

I was given the option of a spear or an atlatl
"An atlatl a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart-throwing.

It consists of a shaft with a cup or a spur at the end that supports and propels the butt of the dart. The atlatl is held in one hand, gripped near the end farthest from the cup. The dart is thrown by the action of the upper arm and wrist. The throwing arm together with the atlatl acts as a lever. (Wikipedia)

 The Line-Up

The Throw!

I missed to the left. The conservation officer was impressed by my speed but all I could see what doubt in Christina's eyes.

Needing to show her my manly value I decided to show her that I was fearless and went to nose to nose with this strangely skinny bear. Still nothing....

 Perhaps my ingenuity and mastery of technology would impress her.

 Nothing again. I was confused and frustrated.

 And heartbreaker that she is...she just laughed. Bwahahahaha

I had to redeem myself - and there could be only one way. I must re-forge our once solid connection with food over the iron grated hellfire of breakfast. But that would have to wait - we had some more nature walking to do...(see future blog posts for nature walk).

Morning again...Time to win her back with multiple courses.

Begin with the humble oatmeal.

Progress to the morning entrée of breakfast sausage.

Finally, end it all with morning s'mores.

And, I can proudly say that I write this blog now about 10 days later sitting in our shared home.

Chocolate and marshmallow saves me again.

Hot Child In The City

I don't do well in the heat. My body type; thick skin, dark dense hair, and blubbery is made for cooler seasons like fall and winter.

This summer season has been characterised by excessive heat, extreme weather during the early night and long still nights. I have learned that this is a bad combination for living at Chrissy's place. Her house gets pretty warm during the day and basically stays that way unless there is a breeze coming through during the night. Often times we goto bed in the basement or sleep apart from each other as the heat of the house and another body in the bed is unbearable.

I can't even recall how many times we have been this hot or warmer in the house during the night.

Finally not able to bear it anymore we have resorted to cavorting in our own backyard pool ($25 at Walmart) or joining in at friends places in their foot-cooling pooling.

Even with our own separate pool at Adam and Jenny's I can barely keep from wilting.

On a recent family gathering our little pirate ship pool helped Chrissy's niece Gabby beat the heat by sailing the emerald sea's of the backyard.

It also served as a much needed oasis for Chrissy's pregnant Sister-in-law and myself during a hot afternoon.

I get a little competitive about people showing up my gut in my own pool...

I say bring on fall, harvest and football. Give me a nice cool and steady 15-20 degrees.

Hanging at Hawrelak Park

Chrissy has had a hectic work schedule this Summer so we've been trying to find strategic ways to unwind while not spending a buttload of money. One of our favorite tactics is to pack some camping staples into a basket and head to Hawrelak Park.

About a week back we decided that we needed a break. Over my lunch hour I ran out and picked up some firewood, hotdogs and treats. Directly after work I met Christina downtown and whipped down through traffic to the park. We beat most of the other weekday warriors, found an available site and started on the fire.

After some dogs we got to the good stuff: S'mores.

The giant marshmallows that we used were literally oozing out of the graham crackers and made quite a mess, but they were fantastic.

Full of sugar energy we broke out the Lac La Biche Lebanese 100 year Commemorative Frisbee and attempted to burn off some calories.

 My throw was a bit off.

Two foot release.

 The patented Flamingo Toss®

Every year I check to see if I can still do a handstand. A day at the park seemed  a fine time to check.

 Still got it.

As a liberated woman capable of doing whatever a man can, Chrissy gave it a shot.

Classic pre-lift stance.

 Transition to the can opener.

 Praying mantis achieved.

Good cheap fun.

Bonus Pic - The rare site of a boat in the lake. They were treating the water for the upcoming triathlon.