Jasper

Between Jasper and Banff

We left Muncho Lake under cloudy skies and nearly freezing temperatures. Soon we realized that the mountains just above us had a fresh dusting of snow on them. We were here to witness the winter’s first snowfall. 

Now we travel on to Jasper. It has long been a favorite stop for us. We normally camp in Whistler campground. They have several bull elk there that gather their harems in the area. They are a treat to see. Several years ago, we saw a bull elk just outside one of the men’s bathrooms. As soon as he left, at least half a dozen fellas came boiling out of the bathroom. Bull elk in rut are nothing to trifle with… they have even been known to attack vehicles that they felt were invading their territory. 

We have a special place that we visit that is  territory for a certain bull elk. To our delight, he was there in all his glory. He had only acquired a small harem at this point. We knew immediately that we were early for rut. 

Elk near Whistler Campground, Jasper

The next morning, we visited several places we had seen elk in the past. Unfortunately, there were none to be found. The weekend was upon us, and the crowds were larger than expected because of a music festival.  The campground was full and crowded. It was time to move on rather than wait for the elk. 

While in Spokane, waiting for the new tire to be installed, we toyed with the idea of driving straight home. We are tired… maybe road weary is a better term. The problem is that it will take us a full four days of hard driving to get home. Nine days later, we will need to make a two-day hard drive to reach Los Alamos for the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers conference. I am outgoing president and need to be there. And I know myself… once I’m home, I want to be home. Plus, those hard days of driving will be so difficult for Sam. So we continue. 

We have decided to retire our sock caps for cowboy hats. Our search now will be for wild horses.