White World

Our rustic campground has the distinction of being the one at the highest elevation in Jasper National Park.  After a breakfast of oatmeal and hot applesauce (made from our mushy apples from Walmart), we set out on a hike to Wilcox Pass.  

Wilcox was an early explorer who led a party through this pass one summer in the late 1800s.  Good thing he didn't wait until September.

The 8k hike leads us up and up, out of the forest and into the glaciated landscape of the high peaks. 

Our path is crunchy with ice. Ben and Matthias test out this crossing. The trail will be sticky mud on our return, as the black soil heats up quickly.

As we have come to expect, Matthias points out art -  installed by nature.

Ben points to Parker Ridge as Hildegard points to Hilda Peak.

It's the Saturday of the Labor Day weekend, so as the morning progresses more and more hikers are heading up as we head down.  

This Japanese group is enjoying a sushi lunch.  When I comment on it, a lady offers me a piece, which I would love to accept, but I don't want to lessen her lunch.

We are smug about our hiking timing and like to feel pity for those only starting as we arrive back.  The path ahead of them is getting mucky and snow is likely in the afternoon. But as we drive south in light rain, it is our turn to have troubles. 

Hilda suddenly yells that water is pouring through the RV.  The cutting board has fallen against the kitchen faucet, the sink is flooding.  None of us thought to turn off the water control switch after lunch.  Matthias swerves into a parking lot and we all mop up water furiously. No serious harm is done and Hilda points out that it is, after all, the German custom to clean house on Saturdays.