Jasper

We got up late and caught breakfast at the outdoor restaurant in the park. It consisted of: 2 fired eggs topped with 2 large pancakes, bacon and wild west beans. The kids got moose-shaped pancakes and bacon. We were all very happy campers and this was our first dining out experience on the trip.

We immediately headed out for Jasper. First stop was the Columbia Icefield Center and exploration of the Athabasca Glacier. The boys were a little unsure at first and Grady complained that he couldn't possibly walk the distance up the mountain. But after a while, we were at the top. It was very cold- colder than Larry's wedding - but so worth the climb. What was really cool was to see how far the glacier had receded from the last time i was there - in about 1982 when I was the same age ad Colby. Although it was chilly, we had a really good time climbing the hill and seeing where the glacier used to be. Colby was happy to buy a totem pole in the gift shop and Grady enjoyed the photos with the stuffed moose.

We then headed north to jasper. It was a bit of a drive and our destination was the the tram up the mountain. When we arrived around noon we saw a long line for the tickets which dad & Steve promptly entered. The rest of us had lunch while they waited. I have no real reason for why on earth the line took over an hour but it did - crazy. Then we had to wait another 45+ minutes to get on our assigned tram up the mountain.

This tram is the highest and longest in Canada, dropping us off at a whopping 7,255 feet. The tram itself was incredibly intimidating - they pack up to 30 people on this little box about 80 square feet and we sail up the mountain, packed like sardines. About half way up I started to question the logic of this decision. Luckily, I was packed in the middle of the tram with limited view - Lord knows how crazed I could have become had I had full view of the valley depths below. The assent and landing at the top was precarious at best and I could hardly wait to return to ground but the view was astounding!

After a safe and final arrival back at base camp, we headed into jasper to tour the town. According to dad, it had really grown in the last few years and things had changes. The boys clamored to go into a few shops and we eventually ended up at Earl's for dinner. This was our first and so far only dinner out and as so nice. The food was nice, the kids welcome and the atmosphere fun. It was just nice to not have to do dishes. And it was cool to have dinner at Earl's considering they are a client.

We eventually made our way home and had an early night.