Jasper to Hinton

At breakfast, Lorraine informed the young Irish woman who was serving us that we were cycling across Canada. Her incredulous  response was “That’s insane!”.  As we were checking out of the hotel, a visitor from down-under  advised Paul that there was a new invention – i.e., the car!  Unfortunately, Paul was not ready with the response later suggested by Norm, ” those are for old people”.

We packed up and cycled to the Bear Paw Bakery for a final coffee with Lorraine and Norm, Lorraine snapping photos of us from their car as we cycled alongside – we felt like celebrities! Not only did Lorraine and Norm drive 4 hours to meet up with us in Jasper, they sent us off with two zip-lock bags full of Lorraine’s home-made chocolate, cranberry and nut biscotti! Classy lady and a great couple!

Our  ride through the park was easy. It was flat and we even had a tailwind for much of the first 50 kms.  It rained on and off for much of the day as we cycled beside the Athabasca River, stopping to picnic and for biscotti breaks! Just past the park exit, we climbed for about seven kilometres, finally leaving the mountains and entering the foothills. We have now crossed the Cascade, Columbia and Rocky Mountains. Next, the prairies!

Wildlife sightings: elk and one great horned sheep.

We remain on the traditional territory of the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation.