Californi-yay!

The One that Beat Me

The Victoria Cross Traverse: A hike that I have been yearning to do ever since I saw all of these connected peaks on the Jasper map.  It turned out to be a three day hike that absolutely did me in . . . so much so that here I am at home, a day early.  Yup, retreat I did.  The retreat in itself nearly did me in as well!  The best way to describe this range of mountains (most peaks in it named after recipients of the Victoria Cross medal for bravery) is indescribable.  I will return to complete the hike, and hopefully I'll be fit enough to complete it!

Pyramid Mountain

The Colin Range with inversion

Fog Rainbow

Atop the col that finished me

Sunrise from my tent

The Untouched Wilderness?

Does such a thing exist, even in Canada?

I just spent two days canoeing on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.  Anne and I paddled 22km down (and back!) the length of the longest, deepest alpine lake in Canada.  It was absolutely indescribable, yet I will still attempt to . . .

Imagine driving to the lake on a 40+km purpose built, scenic road, reknowned for its wildlife viewing.  A road subject to mudslides which threatened our trip actually even getting underway.  On the way up, we see a black bear camped out in front of buffaloberry bush adjacent to the road.  I'm absolutely in love with watching black bears eat!  I adore how they wrap their paws around a branch and pull it toward their gaping mouth.  Then they eat both the berries and leaves indiscriminately in one fell swoop.  Apparently it doesn't affect them that the berries taste very much like soap.

Once at the lake, we load up the canoe on the characteristically morning, glassy lake.  Glassy and clean, yet the depth is hidden from view because of the sheer volume of rock flour held in the water.  Shoving off, we quickly exit Home Bay and pass First Island.  It's slightly overcast and the sun lies in wait behind the mountain until nearly 10am.  When it does come out, the water glows pale green and the world suddenly radiates warmth with its touch.  We remove jackets and layer on the sunscreen in preparation for a long, warm day basking in this little piece of paradisical creation.

Just before 10am, the first tour boat makes its appearance.  They considerately slow down when passing canoeists and kayakers, reducing the size of the swells they must endure.  The tour boats cruise by every 5-15min, breaking the silence broken before only by the call of loons across the lake; an eagle's cry from his perch atop a nearby tree; a paddle splash as someone gets lazy with their stroke; a frantic cry as a horsefly is seen hovering to find a place to bite.  For the next four hours we are rarely without the sound of these big boats (the only ones allowed on the lake with gas motors).  Electric motors only are permitted by the public, and the tour boats may only go to just beyond Sampson's Narrows and Spirit Island, leaving the last 6.5km motorboat free (though the sound accompanies you the entire time).

Once you reach the narrows, it seems the colour of the water intensifies to an almost radioactive looking phosporescent green.  There are many waterfalls formed from glacial meltwater and new glaciers keep coming into view.

We reach the campsite, which is impacted to say the least. :(
An idyllic spot, marred by the lack of set trails between tent pads, outhouse and cooking area.  Consequently, people walk everywhere (myself included) and there is sparse vegetation amongst the trees.  Several mule deer walk through the campsite, not too nonchalantly, rather, it seems (to me), in search of scraps left by humans.

On the way back the next day, Anne and I enjoyed nearly 20min of time alone at Spirit Island, admiring the views, uninterrupted by tour boats.  A much cherished time, which will never be forgotten.  The entire trip will live vividly on in this steadily shrinking memory bank.  How could such scenes of beauty ever be erased from memory.  I feel so blessed to live in a place of outstanding natural beauty such as Jasper.  Can we keep it outstanding?

The controversial Tangle Ridge development is one example of how we are not:
http://glacierdiscoverywalkjasper.com/
http://www.noglacierdiscoverywalk.ca/

Is the Maligne area a pristine wilderness?  Comparitive to other places in the world, most definitely!  Could it be improved?  Yes!  Make the tour company use electric motors: reducing noise pollution; causing the boats to slow down and giving tourists the chance to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells more fully; and allowing self propelled boaters to enjoy these same things!  And, a simple task of making the trails at Coronet campsite more well defined, reducing impact on vegetation surrounding it.

For those of you who missed it (August 10, 2012):
(I was there not 8hrs before, but didn`t snap any pictures of the Ghost, so this one was stolen!)

Caribou & the Ghost Glacier (both disappearing!)

The Ghost hole

Flooding caused by the Ghost tsunami

Edith Cavell Road is CLOSED

Icefall closes Edith Cavell Road.
Early Friday morning, a large amount of glacial ice fell from the side of Mt. Edith Cavell into the pond at the base of the mountain. This caused the pond to overflow and flood upper parking lots, road, and picnic area. Visitor safety is Parks Canada’s primary concern at this time.

The 14 km Cavell Road is closed from its intersection with highway 93A to Mt. Edith Cavell, until the safety conditions in the area have been thoroughly assessed.

Access to the area trails, picnic areas, and Mt. Edith Cavell Hostel, will not be possible during this time.

TALK ABOUT CRAZY NATURAL PHENOMENA THIS YEAR IN JASPER!!!

Open Season

Open Season tourists . . . literally, on the roads, it's open season.  Driving a tour bus in Jasper during tourist season is an invitation for homicide.  People in wheelchairs jay'walk'ing; American tourists likening Canada to the US in the 1940s; people posing with children in front of bears on the roadside; cyclists riding in the centre of the lane on the highway when there's a perfectly wide clear shoulder to ride on; roadwork on the tramway road while running the tram shuttle . . .  And it's only the 6th of July (LORD, HELP ME!!!)

Plus side: seeing people's firsts every day: first bear, first glimpse of Maligne Lake, first moose, first time on top of a mountain, first time seeing a glacier, first time on the Icefield Parkway; being paid to take people up the tramway, canoe on a glacial lake, and hike on the trails; learning all about the plants, animals and history of this beautiful place; and being able to hike, bike, paddle and climb in the afternoons, evenings and days off. Here's some of the recent beauty I've encountered!



Grizzly on the Parkway



Saw this guy walking down the centre lane of the Maligne Road (below Medicine lake)

Purple Mountain Saxifrage (on Roche Bonhomme)

Spirit Island: Maligne Lake

Climbing season is upon us:

(stolen from http://www.mnteverest.net/climb4.htm)

CLIMBING'S NOT SO FAMOUS LAST WORDS:

1) I don't need a helmet

2) Was that "on belay" or "off belay"?

3) ROCK!

4) No need for protection..it's only 5.11

5) Did you hear something?

6) I'm sure it was this way

7) I'm okay-It's just a little headache.

8) No reason for that,I know where every crevasse is

9) I think the rope made it all the way down???

10) Lets use this rock to rap from, it won't move.

11) Lets go for the top, we'll get back before it gets dark.

12) Your on belay... but whatever you do, don't fall!

13) Can't be any harder than V.Diff, eh?

14) Looks pretty crap ice from here. Your lead?

It's a privilege.

My fellow Albertans (and to those tuning in around the world):

Let me preface this blog post with a warning that I am not a political fanatic.  I don't enjoy politics in the least.  What really bothers me the most is that I get the feeling that politicians are simply lying to the general public on a regular basis.  They're lying because they're trying to please everyone, and I think we all know how impossible that is.  In the days/weeks leading up to an election, I get even more disgusted as things turn to personal attacks and all respect for other candidates as fellow human beings is thrown out the window.  With that wariness and distrust of politics and politicians in mind:

P.S. If you click on the picture it links you to a This Hour Has 22 Minutes take on the election (well worth the 2 minutes!)

The provincial election is just six days away and it is time to make our opinions and values count.  Even if the party you vote for doesn't win.  It counts.  Even if the party you absolutely do not want to win does win.  Your vote counts. Vote, and vote for the party whose policies you most agree with.

Don't try to play a silly political game and vote to keep a party out of power.  Don't vote for whomever your significant other, family members or friends are voting for.  Don't not vote. 

You have been given an incredible gift in the privilege of voting.  Watch as the votes are tallied from each constituency (I like to try to guess the exact moment when my vote has been counted). 

Look at the parties' platforms and past history.  You decide if they will represent your strongest values for our province and people.  Then vote.  Vote with your head.  Vote with your heart.  But, most importantly, vote!

If you are unsure who to vote for, or just want some more information, check out these links:

A quick questionnaire to help you see
which party best aligns with your values

Edmonton Journal page outlining the
platforms of each political party

Official Elections Alberta homepage:
if you have any questions on where,

how & when to vote, etc, etc.

My favourite part of any election thus far! ;)

A lesson in patience . . .

Patience, says Wikipedia, is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the level of endurance one can take before negativity.


Officially unable to tour this year thanks to a gaffe by MEC staff.  Now, my skis are waiting patiently in the corner of the garage: eagerly anticipating next year's ski season (and wondering if they'll ever be fit to ski on) though this one is still ongoing.

I'm sure God is trying to teach me patience, again.  I say trying because who knows if I'll ever really learn??!!  And the real question is why?

So, this is a conversation between my skis and I, inspired by Guns & Roses "Patience".

JoyO:
Shed a tear 'cause I'm missin' you
I'm just alright to smile
Skis, I think bout you every turn now
Was a time when I wasn't sure
But I've set my mind to skis
But I've got some doubt I'll get to ski now

Sweet Fat Thangs:
Said JoyO take it slow, and it'll work itself out fine
All you need is just a little patience
Said JoyO take it slow and we'll come together fine
All you need is just a little patience
(patience)
Mmmm, yeah

JoyO:
Thinking of powder runs 'Cause I'd rather be touring now
If I can't go out right now I'll wait another year
Sometimes I get so tense but I can't speed up the time
But you know love there's only one thing to consider

Sweet Fat Thangs:
Said JoyO take it slow and it'll work itself out fine
You and I'll just use a little patience
Said JoyO take the time cause the powder next year will be nice
You and I've got what it takes to make it
We will wait for it, I'll never make it
'Cause I can't take it

Little patience, mmm yeah, mm yeah
Need a little patience, yeah
Just a little patience, yeah
Some more patience, yeah
Could use some patience, yeah
Gotta have some patience, yeah
All it takes is patience
Just a little patience
Is all you need

JoyO
I've been snowshoeing the trails alright
Just thinking about that night
Its hard to see with so many fresh lines around
You know I don't like being stuck in tour mode
But the runs won't change
They'll stay the same
I ain't got time for a game cause I need to ski with you
Yeah, yeah, yeah, 'cause I need you
Ooo I will ski with you, whoa I need you
Ooooh, next time

I am extraordinariliy patient, provided I get my own way in the end. ~Margaret Thatcher~

Sugar is good for you!

This may not come as news to many of you, but artificial substances are not meant to be inside your body!  So, why do we keep ingesting them?  Aspartame (Nutrasweet), saccharin (Sweet & Low) & sucralose (Splenda) are prevalent artificial sweeteners.  People seem to believe that the benefits of not consuming sugar outweigh the costs of putting unnatural substances inside their bodies.

I've long disliked the taste of artificial sweeteners in beverages, and have almost become resentful that the Other Paw & Bear Paw only use "sugar-free" syrups in their coffees.  Really, I should be grateful as my distaste for artificial sweeteners now prevents me from consuming more sweetened coffee than I should.  Flavoured coffee is a bit of a weakness of mine.  But the thought that aspartame breaks down into formaldehyde and formic acid inside my body?!  Yes, I realise studies show that it is excreted faster than it is absorbed into the body, but still . . . formaldehyde?  And the possibility that artificial sweeteners are potentially linked to diabetes, increased appetite & weight gain, cancer and neurological disorders? And sucralose: chlorinated sucrose?  Really?  Who thinks of these things and decides "Let's feed chemicals to people!".

You make your own conclusions, but here are some links, which each have their own links to more information on artificial sweeteners.  You decide . . ..

Artificial Sweeteners                            

Wiki on aspartame

Wiki on sucralose

Aspartame exposed





Aaaaaaaaaaaand, just because I thought it was hilarious when I googled images for artificial sweeteners and got this.  Aaaaand because I love Star Wars.

The Rhino

What is it with men who think that 20+ years on a girl makes them think they have a shot?  Do they honestly think that we're attracted to them?  Especially when they don't even have a full-time job, know how to budget their time or money, or (some of them) even know how to wash?  I realise (but totally don't relate) if the men are rich or famous, sometimes the girl is a gold digger.  But, really, you're 50+ and you're actively pursuing girls in their 20s?! What girl, in their right mind, is really going to go for that?!  And people wonder why I'm scared of men?

The "Urban Dictionary" defines a Rhino as: An older man on the prowl for a younger woman and by definition, the gender opposite of the cougar. The rhino derives his name from his appearance because the specimen is more often than not both horny AND ugly. The rhino is usually found in warmer locales and can be spotted wearing either a flowered or pastel shirt (with 3 buttons opened to expose a mature mane of chest hair) tucked into khaki shorts and sporting boat shoes. Also look for horrendous dance moves, a white man's overbite, male pattern baldness and a penchant for picking up the bar tab.

Just picking up some things at the store . . .

Nylons?  Exactly the kind of nylons I would buy! :)

My dependence on the oil industry disgusts me . . .

Really.

My family will tell you I'm a bit of an environmental freak. 

I pick their aluminum cans out of the garbage; ask "what are you doing with that plastic?"; and say "did you know those are recyclable?", while giving them the 'you'd better recycle that' look.

It probably annoys them.  I don't care.

I want this earth to last not only my lifetime, but my children's (should God ever choose to bless with them).  I want to be a responsible steward of this amazing planet that He's given us.  I want everyone to experience breathing clean air; walking down a clean, litter-free street; drinking water straight from the source without filtration.

I wish I didn't want/need my car.  I wish I didn't need to heat my home with gas.  I wish I didn't buy products packaged in non-recyclables.  I'm glad I don't know the full extent of my dependence on the oil industry.  I'm disgusted enough as it is.

I saw this commercial today and immediately felt I needed to share it with anyone who has not seen it.
Cenovus More than Fuel: Ultrasound

Aaaaand, for some reason I can't get that video embedded in the blog, but I'll put this one in, though the first one really gets me heated up:

Tell me you had no emotional response to either of those commercials?

I did, though maybe not the response the marketers were aiming for.  Do they really think that we have no clue how dependent we are on them??!!  That they need to play upon our emotions to get our support?  Maybe they think they need to guilt-trip those of us who care about our carbon footprint into supporting them? 

I'm already supporting you!  I don't have much of a choice do I?  Especially living in Alberta!  It's always in my face.


Don't get me wrong.  I know the reason I have a comfortable lifestyle is because of the oil industry.  I am grateful for the many things that are possible because of the oil industry.



But, one resource should not have such control over the entire world.  We should not be fighting over it.  I'd like to see the light at the other end of the oil tunnel.


I'd like to believe that the proposed Enmax & TransCanada pipelines won't result in this, but let's be realistic:

Quest for joy

Every day I wake up and face the same challenge:  living up to my name

Joy: a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment

It's not a situation that most people are familiar with.  Perhaps your name has a significant meaning and when you reflect on it you are reminded of why you were so named.  Like Peter for example: a rock; strong; sturdy; foundational.  Or Amy: beloved.  But when you are introduced to someone new named Amy is that the first thing you think of?  Is she beloved?  How many names make you stop and think?  This is my first impression on others.  Is she full of joy?  Is this person aptly named?

I dread being told I am the opposite of my namesake.  I have been told by one or two that this is the case.  These weigh heavily on my mind, especially as I reflect on 2011.  While these instances did not occur in 2011, I definitely did not exude joy in 2011.

This past year was a year full of change for me:

• returning to Canada after nearly two years away
• living at home for the first time in 11 years
• breaking up with my boyfriend of more than two and a half years
• becoming the assistant manager at a climbing gym after 2 months of working there
• quitting said job for many unmentionable reasons
• being a student without being considered a student by Student loans Canada (again)
• and finally moving to Jasper to regain my independence and hopefully further my guiding/outdoor instruction career (and moving house three times since arriving).

Life's difficultes, as put by JI Packer in my favourite book of 2011/12, Knowing God :

"But if, now, He puts thorns in your bed, it is only to awaken you from the sleep of spiritual death -- and to make you rise up to seek his mercy.  Or if you are a true believer, and he still puts thorns in your bed, it is only to keep you from falling into the somnolence of complacency and to ensure that you 'continue in his goodness' by letting your sense of need bring you back constantly in self-abasement and faith to seek his face.  This kindly discipline, in which God's severity touches us for a moment in the context of his goodness, is meant to keep us from having to bear the full brunt of that severity apart from that context."

And, scribed in my first Bible by my father was James 1:2-3:

"Count it all joy, brethren, when you face trials of many kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

Other versions replace patience with perseverance. I like to tack on verse 4 to finish the thought:

"Let perseverance finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything."

Despite the many swings of this last year, He has been evident and active.  There have been many blesings:

• spending so much time with my family whom have been distant for quite a few years
• successfully passing all my courses this year (who wants to pay all that money and then not pass?)
• miraculously having enough money/credit to take all these courses
• making several new invaluable friends and reconnecting with some ole faithful ones who never seem to give up on me 
• gaining more managerial experience
• living in such a beautiful place
• and finally ending 2011 in the company of such a friend who challenges and encourages me effortlessly.

Am I mature and complete?  Not til I meet my maker I think.  More mature and closer to being complete? Sure, I'll take that. 

Joy is not to be confused with happiness.
Happiness is nice, but it fades.
Joy is independent of circumstances.

Joy is long lasting and tied to an eternal hope.
It is often expressed as happiness. But as one author says, "[it] is more than just a warm, fuzzy feeling. It is a character trait tempered by fire!" [Mike Ford, Joy and Trial]

So, while I'm discouraged with how I've portrayed my name in my attitude this year, I'm certain that in 2012 He will enable me to exhibit the qualities of my name.  My joy is not gone.  Rather it went underground with the fire.  There are many more tests to come and with the help of my Saviour I will, "take a new grip with [my] tired hands and stand firm on [my] shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for [my] feet.  Then those who follow [me], though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong." Romans 12:12-13

2012

First message of 2012:

Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” John 12:28

Get ready for God to glorify His name . . . again.

I'm totally ready.  Can't wait really.  I see his glory everyday, especially as I'm blessed to live in Jasper; a beautiful and rugged Canadian national park.  But, I have been and will continue to be blown away by His other glories. 

As is every new year, 2012 is the start of many new beginnings.  I eagerly await the future, while loving the often indescribable moments He's given me now. 

Here's to 2012!

Cheers!

Following the dreams He has placed in my heart

If you had permission to do what you really want to do, what would you do? 

Don't ask how, that will cut your desire off at the knees.  How is never the right question; how is a faithless question.  It means 'unless I can see my way clearly I won't believe it, won't venture forth' . . . How is God's department. 

He is asking you what.  What is written in your heart?  What makes you come alive?  If you could do what you've always wanted to do, what would it be? 

-John Eldredge, Wild at Heart-