Green grass of home

August 24, 1998 Breakfast at 8.30. OK - but far from the standard at Georgia and Hugh. Viggo claimed, that he had seen some deer outside the window early in the morning. Incredibly what a couple of beers can do to a mans judgement. We decided to drive to Maligne Lake - approx. 50 km from Jasper. On the way we would pay a visit to Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake. Maligne Canyon Maligne Canyon is situated only 12 km from Jasper town. It is the longest canyon in the rockies. Here the Maligne River plunges plunges 50 metres into a narrow gorge of limestone. Janet and I discussed the meaning of Maligne. Janet meant, that the name was derived from Indian language. Later we read in a book, that the word 'maligne' refers to the dangerous stream across the river. We 'climbed' down the canyon and admired the view from some of the bridges. On the last bridge Janet told us to throw a coin into the stream and make a wish. If it works, I shal return to Canada within a couple of years. Medicine Lake We continued in direction of Maligne Lake. On our way we made a stop at Medicine Lake, approx. 27 km from Jasper town. I had read, that water level in the lake fluctuates due to an underground drainage system - the larges underground riversystem i North America. In summer the level rises, and in fall the lake is almost empty. Standing there we spotted an animal swimming across the lake. At first I thought it was a Canadian goose. But then we realized, that it was a moose. How would I know - I had never seen any of these creatures. But a moose is apparently a good swimmer. Janet and Claus ran half a mile to get a better shot of the animal - with the camera of course. But they had no luck. The moose disappeared, when it had got ashore. But an amazing experience. Maligne Lake Maligne Lake is no doubt one of the largest attractions in Jasper National Park. 22 km long and 100 m deep it is the largest natural lake in the four mountain parks. It offers white water rafting, canoe renting, hroseback riding, trout fishing etc. And the view is spectacular. Janet had been to Maligne Lake at least one time before, but had nor yet visited Spirit Island, so she and Claus took a cruise on the lake for approx. 1˝ hours. In the meantime we enjoyed the scenery and the birds and the small animal. There were many red squirrels close to the restaurant, where we had coffee. A couple had even brought a cat in a leash. I am not sure, that I find this a good idea. When Janet and Claus had returned from the trip, we drove back to Jasper. Back in Jasper The first thing we saw, when we returned to Jasper, was a herd of elks grassing along the mainroad. In the evening we dined at a local Italian italiensk restaurant. The food was excellent, the price reasonable, and the service lausy. Janet 'punished' the girl by giving her the exact amount - down to the last penny. Did you know, Janet that Canadians have a reputation in the USA as being lousy tippers? What's the difference between a Canadian and a canoe? A canoe tips. And to-morrow we were going to meet Janets family. We were not sure, who were going to show up. Quite thrilling for all of us. I wonder, what Janet´s family were thinking.