Imagine
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When we spotted Mount Robson, we made a stop. About one hour's drive west of Jasper. No photograph can truly describe the impressive 3000 meter rise from the base to its peak. Janet told us, that we should see even more impressing sights. We made the stop at the Terry Fox monument, and read the moving story of this young athlete's achievements. I must confess, that I had never heard about Terry Fox before, and it made a great impression on all of us.
He lost his right leg due to cancer at age 18. While he was in hospital awaiting the operation, Terry read about a one-legged runner, who had competed in the New York Marathon. This story inspired Terry to take on a challenge, that would eventually raise tens of millions of dollars for cancer research. His goal was nothing less than to run across the country and receive one dollar in donations from every Canadian. Two years later Terry had obtained sponsorship and planned his route, and on April 12, 1980, he was in St. John's, Newfoundland.The "Marathon of Hope" began.
Initially there was little media attention but as he survived dangerous road hazards, semi-trailers that almost blew him into ditches, hailstones the size of golf balls, police barring him from parts of the Trans-Canada Highway and trouble with his artificial leg, the image of this courageous young man and the story of his crusade began to take hold of the public's imagination. Media excitement began to build. By the time he reached Ontario, Terry Fox was famous, a Canadian hero.
But as his run continued westward, Terry began to be bothered by a persistent cough. His cancer had metastasized and spread to his lungs and he was hospitalized. He had run for 143 days, averaging a marathon (42,195 kilometres) a day, and raised $1.7 million for cancer research. Canadians flooded Terry with messages of love and support and continued to contribute money to his campaign. The Port Coquitlam post office reported that, during December, 1980, Terry got more mail than everyone else in town residential and business - combined!
In 1997, there were 300 International Run sites in 52 countries and in places as disparate as United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Mexico, India and Ghana. Over $4.5 million was raised for innovative cancer research. It is a fitting tribute to a man who knew that cancer had no boundaries. In total, over $14.4 million was raised in 1997 for cancer research.
The 18th Annual Terry Fox Run will take place on Sunday September 20th, 1998. On July 17, 1981 British Columbia named a 2,639 meter peak in the Rocky Mountains, 80 kilometers west of Jasper, Alberta, as a lasting symbol of Terry's courage.
We found a Greek family restaurant, where we dined. The food was delicious and plentiful, and the price was low compared with Danish price level. Amazing sinze Jasper is a tourist area. The service was great - and smoking was allowed. While eating we planned what to se the following day. As usual Janet had done her homework well and we got an introduction to the attractions in the neigbourhood of Jasper.
Jasper National Park is the largest and most northerly of the four Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, which comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than 10,878 km square. We could choose to go to The Athabasca Glacier, Miette Hotsprings, Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls. Visit Mount Edith Cavell's impressive glaciers and the Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake. We could ride the tramway to the top of Mount Whistlers to experience the alpine beauty and varied wildlife ecosystem of Jasper National Park. Janet told us, that we would see elks several times. But I had my doubts. She told, that it is common to see herds of elk on the lawn in front of the information centre or just walking through town. And she told us to keep a safe distance when observing these animals. We might also see bighorn sheep, commonly found along the slopes near the town. But she hoped, that we would not meet a grizzly bear. I for my part would very much like to see at least a brown or a black bear - but I did not say anything.
And then back to the loghouse and early to bed - after a breathtaking drive of more than 800 km. How much beauty can a brain hold. I said to myself several times: One more beautiful scenery - and you will forget your own name.
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August 23, 1998
Now we entered the rockies, and we really enjoyed the sceneries: moutains, rivers, lakes, forrest etc. When we approached the National Park, we had to pay a small amount (30 dollars?).
Terry Fox was born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg and moved to Port Coquitlam with his family in 1966.
Terry Fox died on June 28, 1981, one month before his 23rd birthday. His parents work today to keep the Marathon of Hope alive. The first Terry Fox Memorial Run was held September 13, 1981, at 880 sites across Canada with more than 300,000 participants. In 1995 there were more than 275 runs in 50 countries, raising more than $10.5.
We arrived at Jasper at 17 PM. In fact it was 18 PM, since Alberta is in another time zone than B.C. We quickly found our accommodation - a wonderful log house in the outskirts of Jasper. Nearest neighbour to a small wood. We had 3 fine rooms. Marilys's husband was away, working in Nigeria, Africa. The smoking part of the family were abandoned to the terrace, when they wanted to smoke. We took a quick stroll through Jasper, where Janet and Claus had been the year before. Down by the railway station we spotted the huge totem pole (21 m), The Queen Charlotte Totem Pole, one of the tallest in existence today. The pole was made by a Haida artisan from Queen Charlotte Islands. We also admired the beautiful tourist office, which is considered the most beautiful in the world. The lawn is a popular meeting place and often populated by tourists.