A Rocky Mountain Weekend

Our Japser weekend was so amazing! Even the drive up on Saturday morning was met with much anticipation as we could see the beautiful mountains getting closer. Upon arrival we quickly checked into the rustic cabins at Jasper Park Lodge to unload all the gear and had some lunch in the main building. Afterwards the kids were well due for a nap so the moms stayed in while the boys went for a little hike right behind the lodge. We had an amazing view right out the back of our cabins with the Athabasca river flowing behind us. Once the guys returned it was the girls turn to get some fresh air so Dorothy, Chelsea, and myself went out to check out the trail. Of course Aniela was already up from her nap and couldn't miss the action so we took her along on the hike.
The view out the back of the cabin

That night we headed into the town of Jasper to pick up a few things. It was a quaint little ski town nestled in the mountains. We even saw some elk crossing the street right in front of us! Throughout the weekend we had more encounters with elk as well as a lone wolf crossing the road! Before heading back to the lodge we grabbed a bite to eat at a local family resteraunt and then hit the sack for some much needed rest!



Sunday morning we got an early start for Marmot Basin to catch the first powder. Aniela stayed at the daycare and did a great job considering she has never been in daycare before. We even got a free pair of skis for her at the daycare! Charlie spotted a bin full of used kids skis and asked if they sold them. The manager of the daycare said we would be doing her a favor if we took them since they have been sitting there unclaimed for months. They just need a little tune up and next year Aniela will be ready to test out her ski skills!




Once Aniela was checked in we hit the slopes and had an amazing day. The temperatures were perfect, the sun was out, and the scenery breathtaking. I even got a chance to test out my brand new skis. What a differance a new pair of skis make! We started off slow to warm up but by the end of the day Charlie had me going down blacks and even a double black! It was a little intimidating seeing a sign warning of avalanches prior to going down the hill....but there was no turning back and I survived. Although it did take about an hour for my stomach to return to it's correct anatomical position. We ended up sking till our legs were rubber and couldn't go anymore. Plus I wanted to rescue Aniela from daycare...six hours was long enough for her first expereince!

Chelsea and me before we hit the slope

Nate and Charlie

Dayven and Charlie

The avalanche warning sign before the double black ironically called: "Charlies Bowl"

Picture of "Charlies Bowl". Let me tell you it's a lot steaper than it looks!

Once back the guys headed into town to pick up some pizzas while Chelsea and I went skating on the most amazing outdoor rink. It was so big that a lap took about 10 minutes to complete. The kids had a blast being pulled behind us on tobbagans and enjoyed the snow and ice.




That evening while the kids played together in there pajamas, I enjoyed a hot shower and a few advil! Once they were asleep Charlie started a roaring fire and the adults enjoyed a few drinks and a game of cards similar to rummy. It was a a perfect day!

Unfortunatley the next morning we had to hit the road early for our long drive back to Fort McMurray. As always when having fun the time goes by too quickly. But we sure packed in as many activities as we could and couldn't have done it in better compay! I was sad to leave the mountains as we drove off but look forward to this summer when we will join Charlie's parents in Banff.

Pictures we captured of the beautiful Rocky Mountains