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Jasper is an incredible place, a small town inset amongst the towering mountains of the Rockies. A destination where upwards of 7 millions people pass through every year. With a plethora of hiking trails through a variety of terrain it certainly was an ideal place for me to relax and enjoy what Jasper had to offer.
Now, I suppose most people would use the term 'relax' and find bywords like beach, sit, rest, chill, not to exert oneself; I would agree but also throw in things like, running up mountains, reaching that point of pure exhaustion, profusely sweating and the result of all this is a great big smile having done something so awesome.
What I am talking about here is climbing but mostly running up Mount Whistler, a steep ascent with many switchbacks that pushed up past the tree line and exposed areas familiar to those who have seen Lord of the Rings. The view from the summit was more than breathtaking and I honestly couldn't ask for better weather.
Meeting two Swedish guys on the trail we mistakenly took an unconventional route that put us in the position where we had to use all fours to climb the shale rock face, two steps up and slide back one.... As I said unconventional - but we reached the top albeit more exhausted than if we stuck to the trail.
Climbing down mountains is something I don't enjoy because my knees are shot from years of tree planting and cycling but thankfully this place offered a cable cart to take people up and down the mountain. But this came at an extortionate price of $18 one way. I paid this but it turned out that it wasn't necessary as they were not checking tickets.
My wallet was opened up many times during these two days and much more money was spent than the almost week of cycling it was to get here. Accommodation at a hostel for two nights, food and beer at restaurants and pubs, taxis and treats, it all added up but it was certainly worthwhile.
Day two offered a near fluorescent beautiful glacial fed lake that I and a bunch of others went to and swam in the pristinely clear waters where it was possible to walk on the sand bar out to the center of the lake for a 360 pano of the surroundings.
Going here was shortly after watching the semifinal World Cup match between Germany and Brazil, 7-1 !!! Crazy, as Brazil was humiliated. The bar (of mostly Germans and German supporters) went nuts for the game, it was quite the scene.
Having met some fantastic people over the past two days all of whom were impressed by my travels and search for adventure it was worthwhile staying in a hostel where it is so easy to get along with these fellow travelers, I had an awesome time but I have to go to work in a couple of days and I have to set off.
Jasper, I'll return to you someday soon to see what else you have to offer.
Hiking up Whistlers mountain.
Unbeatable views
Wildlife!
Conquering Whistler Mountain, getting as high as I can get!
Watching the crazy football match
…and then went to this beautiful lake
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