I have taken a long break from WordPress after my computers reached their saturation point and became obsolete. I just bought a new laptop and it is my intention to write an informal blog where I can share my love for the land and photography.

It is informal because I don’t want to be on a constant steep learning curve, have a few choices that aren’t overwhelming-although it is-and I miss the people I met before in the blog world. I am not a professional and it really shows at times.

On to my trip to Jasper. I went in May. It was a good trip. I have visited this town about three times since the big fire that destroyed a third of the town and miles of forest around the vicinity. Yes, large swathes of land is stark, burnt, but also there is a lot of untouched beauty. I return because I love the familiar sights, or new ones, and because I want to support the town.

Three hostels were burned to the ground: Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon and HiJasper. That fact was a real gut punch. Because of the need to get an unobstructed route to a bathroom, and sleeping in a bed on the ground rather than climbing down from a top bunk, I have partially weaned myself off of hostel accommodation and now have a favourite destination where I have my own room with quickly-accessible bathroom.

My favourite place the past two years is Beckers Chalets, at the top of the Icefields parkway just five kilometers south of the town. It is not cheap, but it is very reasonable. I have stayed in the sleeping cabins as well as heritage cabins with kitchenettes. It is a green oasis beside the mighty Athabasca River surrounded by forest with an amazing gourmet restaurant on the grounds. Even though I bring food with me, I took time to dine in the restaurant in the evening where the view is great. Staff are very friendly and helpful.