I was wanting to go to Ontario , but also to Jasper National Park. Both take some energy, but Jasper won out with a shorter trip and less energy.

In July and August, I was concerned with a small mark on my shoulder that I mentioned to my family doctor. He referred me to a dermatology clinic. The first appointment with a dermatology clinic in early August required a prompt biopsy that turned out to be positive for Melanoma in situ. A couple of weeks later I had a wide excision to remove the cancer and margins. The waiting was not long, but stressful. I was tired, more emotionally than physically, and did not continue much exercising as I had planned. I ended up with a 5 cm scar and a final note from the pathologist that it was all clear. I do get a complete body check in January to check for those “spots”.

I was ready for a quick get-away in September, decided against my trip to Horseshoe Lake, as I never got into the shape I wanted to, and I kept my day excursions closer to where I was staying or just a little way out of town, including short walks hoping to see the fall wildlife, maybe a bear or two and hopefully a bugling elk.

I chose my favourite spot at Becker’s Chalets 5 km south of the town of Jasper on the Icefields Parkway. I got here just in time for dinner and had a generous Cub Salad with a side of chicken, then scooted outside to chase the light.

I took a few photos with my Rebel XS camera and Galaxy phone camera before settling in and checking out my new digs for the night.