Monday, October 17, 2011

Gratitude Monday -- Icefields Parkway Edition



Yesterday Mike and I went for a drive north on the Columbia Icefields Parkway (aka the Jasper-Banff Highway) to Jasper. It's about four hours of steady driving, but few drive that highway without stopping.
Being off-season, there was hardly any traffic. This makes it easier to stop for scenic views.
The only wildlife we saw were a few whiskey jacks (gray jays) but that's fine. It's their off-season, too.
We had lunch in Jasper, walked a bit, went to the rock and jade store and came out both richer and poorer, and made our way home.
I am grateful for the day, for being within driving distance of Jasper, of being two hours away from the Banff Park Boundary and the parkway, and I am grateful for the time spent with my husband.

16 comments:

Crabby McSlacker said...

That is indeed a lot to be grateful for. Especially since hubby's been having to work so much lately. Sounds like a lovely time--Banff & Jasper are both so awesome, you are indeed fortunate to live so close!

Leah J. Utas said...

Crabby, it was wonderful. I hope I never lose sight of how blessed I am to be close to the mountains.

Tabor said...

I have been to that area and it is breathtaking. You are indeed a very fortunate soul.

Chris said...

Fantastic. I love a good Sunday drive.

Dawn said...

Now that is a drive I would like to take! I have been begging for a chance to get out to Jasper for weeks now. Are the leaves still yellow...or have they all blown away?
A wonderful grateful post Leah!

Leah J. Utas said...

It truly is, Tabor.

Thanks, Chris. It was one of the best ever.

Dawn, I hope you get there soon. About a third of the trees still had leaves. The tamaracks have changed, too, so it is very colourful.

the Bag Lady said...

I'm glad you had a chance to go for a drive. And that's a lovely drive to take!

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Bag Lady, and yes it is.

messymimi said...

We have lovely swamps, but they are not quite so inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

Leah J. Utas said...

My pleasure, Messymimi.

Reb said...

That is a wonderful drive. I love the fall and I wish I was able to take the drive with you. sigh!

Leah J. Utas said...

Someday, Reb. We'll do a Thelma and Louise down the Parkway. Different ending though.

solarity said...

It sounds lovely and peaceful.

Mary Anne in Kentucky

Leah J. Utas said...

Aye, Mary Anne.

Redbush said...

Jasper is such a gorgeous scenic place. I wish we lived closer so I could take more pictures of the awesome mountain landscape.

Leah J. Utas said...

It is a treat to be so close, Redbush.