Iāve had an extraordinary ten days in Alberta. In typical holiday fashion, the time passed in a flash. It was full of highs and more highs. So it goes when youāre spending time with a treasured friend.
Good times at Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
I met Boomdee via WordPress, a wonderful forum for finding your people. There are days when I still canāt believe it.
Boomdeeadda
Yet here we are, making the most of our time together, while making do with the time apart.
Boomdee lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She hosted me at her home in Edmonton. We also took a two-day excursion to the mountains, the world-famous Canadian Rockies, about a five-hour drive from Edmonton. Mr. B, as heās affectionately known, drove the ten-hour round trip. The drive was breathtaking.
The mostly two-lane highway passes magnificent forests of Alpine Larch, Spruce, Fir to name just a few. Meandering rivers are a glorious milky blue this time of year as the snow and glaciers melt. We stopped at two or three waterfalls on our journey. Itās difficult to describe the power of the water slowly carving out the mountains as the icy waters rush downstream. This video will give you a general idea.
The high point of the day, if youāll forgive the pun, was time spent above the Columbia Glaciers. You walk along a cliff-edge walkway before arriving on a glass-floored observation platform 918 feet (280 metres) over glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. If you follow this link, youāll see the full magnificence of the viewing platform, unobstructed by tourists like me. Boomdee preferred the solid footing of the cliff.Ā I ventured out with Mr. B, weak-kneed but excited to experience the incredible view.
The magnificent Canadian Rockies
Big Horn Sheep
View of the walkway ahead
Waterfalls below the observation deck
On the glass walkway (Skywalk)
Mr. B on the Skywalk
Another view
View of the Skywalk from the edge
Looking down
Not for anyone afraid of heights
View of the edge from the Skywalk
Wildflowers of Alberta
That night, we stayed in her friendās cabin just across the border in Valemount, British Columbia. Itās a small village of about 1,000 people. What a treat!
Valemount, BC
On our way home, we enjoyed lunch at the historic Jasper Park Lodge, known locally as JPL.
Good times on the Adirondack Chairs
Boomdee tests the waters (warm)
Beauvert Lake as seen from Jasper Park Lodge
Local chipmunk looking adorable
Back in Edmonton we packed in more fun. We visited Fort Edmonton with Ben and Sherry, and enjoyed coffee and banana bread with her Aunty Kathleen. We visited Urban Scrapbook, The Duchess Bakery and Greenland Garden Centre and nursery. Boomdee recently replanted her boulevard, but saved a space for a plant that we bought together. Isnāt that the sweetest? We sat on her deck or patio, enjoying tea, coffee and toast.
When you get back from a trip, you often here āWhat was your favorite part?ā In a word: Boomdee.
Together we giggle like school girls and seemingly travel on the same emotional plane.Ā We have similar loves and shared world views, which make our time together easy. Sheās a gracious host, married to a lovely man and together they live with a pair of charming cats named Blossum and Petals.
Helping out in the Boomroom
I see you
Blossum lounging on his custom-made bed
The girls
Yourās truly feeling right at home
I felt welcome and right at home. Do you have a friend like that?
Weāre already planning our next trip, which makes the time apart seem more doable.
Come have a look at Boomdeeās post about our time together. Hereās an excerpt:
Itās still Ā dark, but actually very warm outside this morning. When I say morning, itās very early, only 4:25AM. Ā The kitties followed me downstairs and did a drive-by snacking. Ā Now, Iām thinking theyāve gone back to bed because the house is very still and quiet. Ā Itās AlysāsĀ last day here in Edmontonā¦[read more]
In case you missed it, here is my post documenting her creative process for Urban Scrapbook.
Ten Reasons to Visit Alberta (and BC)
Glacier Skywalk Experience
Trees of Alberta
Jasper National Park
Valemount, British Columbia
Fort Edmonton
Jasper Park Lodge
Edmonton Parks
Delicious Restaurants and Wonderful Service
Urban Scrapbook
Boomdeeadda
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Alberta on myĀ Mind I've had an extraordinary ten days in Alberta. In typical holiday fashion, the time passed in a flash.
