nature, Photography

Should I Visit Jasper National Park?

48 Comments

The answer to that question is a resounding yes! Although in the summer of 2024 Jasper National Park suffered a terrible forest fire that resulted in the destruction or serious damage of a third of the townsite and the loss of 325 square kilometres (202 sq miles) of park forest, it is recovering well and appropriately.

Rocky Mountains in the distance.

When we recently visited we saw that all heavily damaged buildings or the remains of destroyed buildings, vehicles, and other items have been removed from Jasper townsite and rebuilding and new construction are moving along at an accelerated pace. Other than the lots made vacant by the fire (and that are now being prepped for reconstruction) there is little evidence that a major fire occurred.

Jasper, August 1, 2024. Photo courtesy of Parks Canada

Some parts of the Maligne Lake area of Jasper Park were very significantly damaged with, in some areas, trees completely destroyed right down to the ground.

No ash, no burned trees left, only stumps.

The fire was at times so hot that it generated its own weather system, a swirling tornado of flames, gases and heat. Essentially, many of the trees were cooked until nothing was left.

A large area of burned forest.

When we visited in late May/early June, a few of the trails remained closed due to fire damage and unsafe conditions. However, the vast majority of the trails, even through the burned areas, are open. Hiking through the burned areas is also an education about the forces of nature: we saw grasses, wildflowers, weeds, and even very tiny trees growing again; the forest will recover.

This photo gives a sense of how far the fire extended as well as a contrast with the healthy forest in the background.

Many people have thought that they shouldn’t visit Jasper this year, that it’s perhaps too soon. But the people of Jasper townsite and the employees of the park, hotels, restaurants, outfitters and all the others who rely on tourism for their livelihood will welcome you. They have worked very hard to prepare the townsite and to reopen the trails, and of course, the vast majority of the national park escaped the fire. 95% of it is as beautiful and iconic as ever.

Here are a few of those iconic views.

Maligne Lake
Maligne River
Patricia Lake
Pyramid Lake
Athabasca River
Athabasca Falls

We very much enjoyed our visit and felt that spending our money there was well worth it so yes, if you’re thinking of going, you should.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

A Mountain Lake

38 Comments

I post lots of pictures of Okanagan Lake since it’s very close and I walk next to it almost every day.

Okanagan Lake about a month ago.

But as I’ve written before, Penticton sits between two lakes; the other at the south end of town is called Skaha. It’s smaller and shallower and as result the swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding and other activities that might lead to a dunk in the water start there earlier because it warms so much faster. Despite the fact that it’s a mountain lake, by the time the end of July arrives, Skaha is about as warm as bath water!

Recent Skaha Lake.

Since moving from the south end of town, we don’t often visit Skaha, but it has a beautiful beach and very calm summer waters.

A sunny, late afternoon Skaha Lake Marina.

We recently did a short hike across one end of it and marvelled at how pretty it is; we may do a beach visit a bit later this month before it becomes really busy.

At the south end: pretty at mid-day.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Green and Serene

35 Comments

Research has shown that green is a calming colour, especially the green shades that are found in nature. I think this is very true, because I always feel better when I’ve had a little time outside.

Green reflections in a pond …
… and green reflections in a lake.
But no reflections here. Just the footbridge over the creek near our home, smothered in more luscious green.

Kermit the Frog sang about how it’s not easy to be green, but it’s certainly healthy for us to be surrounded by it!

Happy Tuesday.

nature, Photography

Marmotville

71 Comments

I’ve posted occasionally about the marmot community that lives among the breakwater boulders next to the lake; here’s an update.

Over the last couple of years their colony has grown significantly; it would be an understatement to say that they are doing well!

They have expanded from a relatively small group in a confined portion of the breakwater into the rest of the boulders lining the water’s edge; about 400 metres (1000 ft) or so.

They are eating very well as lots of people are bringing them oodles of vegetables and dandelions – their favourite – too. And they are also becoming a bit of a tourist attraction, as well. People love to stop to take photos.

But I would also say that they’re getting too accustomed to being fed. A few days ago, and for the first time ever, I had a marmot leave the safety of his boulder home to approach me on the footpath for food.

Standing on his back legs, he stared beseechingly at me!

I have been known to feed the ducks during the winter, but I don’t believe in feeding wild animals during the summer. The marmots hibernate and emerge fully when there’s lots available to eat, so I don’t feel that they need any help.

Marmots are incredibly endearing little animals and it’s tempting to feed them, but I’ve seen people allowing them to sit on their laps and to scamper all over their shoulders and backs which for the most part isn’t an issue unless something goes wrong.

Marmots are wild animals and can carry ticks, rabies, and fleas. I would hate to see this colony removed because someone has been bitten, and all because an adult has thrown caution to the winds. It’s unfortunately always the animals who pay the price because humans don’t know how to behave.

Whenever I see people sitting among them, I mention that marmots carry ticks, fleas and rabies, and they usually move away, but maybe it’s time to post a sign reminding people of this and also that in the summer, marmots are perfectly capable of feeding themselves. It’s in their best interests and really, in ours, too.

Sometimes, life is like that.