After a good rest Ed collected the team from their hosts in the bus and we set off about 9.15 to Jasper, once again with a great commentary from Ed. The scenery was striking and you would not believe the length of the freight trains; we saw one that was about 2 miles long - Harry was in his element. In fact when we arrived at Jasper there was a train so long that it was blocking the two level crossings in the town.
At jasper we had refreshments and were given gifts by Ed, then to the ... Hotel which was a huge complex where we strolled around the small shopping mall which any small town, let alone a hotel, would have been proud of. We met.... a Jasper Rotarian and were made most welcome.
Next the decision was to take the cable car up Whistler for lunch.
Unfortunately there was a technical fault with the car and after we had been loaded for some time and had a 20 metre trip upwards we were landed again while the engineers fixed it. Eventually we took off in the second car and were soon at the top experiencing some of the most breath taking views over the mountains and lakes. We were also able to see Jasper and the full length of several freight trains.
Lunch was good although Keith took a slip and hurt his leg so wasn't feeling the best for the rest of the day.
Back at ground level Ed took us on a tour round the old road with even more scenery, lakes, waterfalls and mountains. The wildlife had evaded us for most of the day but on the way homewards we were treated to squirrels, chipmonks, elks, deer and Ann was sure she saw a beaver and Rod thought he'd seen some bears!!!
A super day with really warm sunshine all day. Well done Ed!
We were back with our hosts to prepare for a BBQ at President Janet's which was a great evening, Lyle prepared some Bison steaks amongst other goodies. After the meal Lyle lead a short trek through his land showing many of the wild plants growing and admitting that he was colour blind, which was a great disability when it comes to picking wild strawberries. We saw some great oaks that Lyle had planted over 10 years ago----they don't seem to enjoy the Hinton climate! Walking back by the river with a red sky put the end to a perfect day.
Ann gave a vote of thanks reminding all of the welcome awaiting any vistitors to Scotland.
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