A Memorable Moment in Jasper BC
Carol Harrison recalls a memorable moment during her vacation in Jasper BC. Her experience helped her to remember to keep her feet on the right path.
Jasper Memorable Moment
On our train trip across Canada in 2018 my husband and I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Jasper Alberta. We had been through here before but never taken the time to explore the town or the amazing scenery of this National Park. Now we took the time.
It was June and still cool in the mountain community even though spring had arrived and the trees showed their season’s greenery. The mountain lakes reflected the sun in the aqua water and elk roamed the area including coming into town.
We saw an ad for the Jasper Tram and decided it might be a great adventure. The day was warm but not hot and a lightweight fleece jacket or sweater was all I needed to stay plenty warm. I love the time when the temperatures are warm enough that I can ditch the socks and pull on sandals for a stroll outside and it was that kind of day.
Tickets For the Cable Car
We bought our tickets and explored some of the stores in town until the time to catch our tour bus to the lower tram station part way up the mountain. The views, even from the lower station were amazing. We could see the town site, the freight trains coming from the west and lakes. We boarded the train for the upper tram station.
The cable car gave us more views in all directions as we ascended well above the tree line. The front window was open a bit and the breeze blowing it made me shiver. I wished I had taken time to go back to the hotel for another jacket before coming on this adventure. I pulled the sweater tighter around me and listened to the details the guide provided. He told us it had snowed overnight on the mountain. No wonder the breeze felt so cool.
The Summit of the Mountain
At the upper station we still were not at the summit of the mountain. There was a boardwalk that went a little ways behind the tram station and then a barely discernable path that led to the summit. I rooted through my bag and found a pair of socks to add to my sandaled feet and pulled my hood of my sweater tight around my face in an attempt to block the wind that howled across the barren alpine environment.
Signs warned us to stay on the trails. We had been told me might see a marmot or a couple other small animals that made this their home. I sure hoped so as I shivered in the cold. At one place the boardwalk had a side area with benches to sit and enjoy the great outdoors. Snow remained piled higher than our heads around this area but a walkway through it had been cleared. We sat in the shelter of the snowbanks and enjoyed a reprieve from the wind and cold.
A Tiny Tree
As we continued on to the rocky path, stopping periodically to enjoy the view, I saw a tiny tree protected by a small barrier so no one accidentally stepped on it. The sign told us of the short alpine growing season and how this little tree was already over a dozen years old and not yet two feet tall. I looked down to make sure I stepped carefully and noticed beside the trail small patches of moss with tiny sprigs of flowers nestled in them. It took being observant of the small things in the midst of the grandeur of the views to notice anything other than the rock and dirt of the mountain.
Then we spotted a marmot, unconcerned about the cameras pointed at him. He even seemed liked he posed for his photo to be taken. Just a little ways beyond where we saw this delightful creature we chose to head back to the tram station. The numbing cold and strong winds that made us feel like it wanted to blow us off the mountain had taken their toll. We knew we could still enjoy the views from the warmth of the tram station restaurant.
On our tram trip down the mountain it began to snow, teasing us into thinking that winter may descend from the mountain top and cover the spring like town site with a dusting of snow. It didn’t even come as far as the lower station.
A Memorable Moment and a Memorable Lesson
As we shared some hot food and a hot cocoa while drinking in the view that never ceased to amaze me, I thought of some lessons I was learning on that mountain. Just that morning I had read Proverbs 4:26, 27, “Give careful thought to the paths of your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left. Keep your foot from evil.”
The warning signs reminded me of this verse. It was even more important in life to allow God to keep my feet on the right path and trust him for guidance than it was to follow the signs to stay on the correct path on the mountain.
The Armour of God
I also thought of Ephesians 6 where we are told to put on the armour of God to be prepared. I know I was unprepared for the cold and for hiking on a mountain with its loose shale that day. How many times in life am I unprepared because I fail to trust God and put on the armour he has provided?
The next morning as we walked around the town site, I looked up to the tram station so far above on the mountain but I could not see anything. The tram station and the mountain top were completely shrouded in thick storm clouds which would be dropping snow in the freezing temperatures on that mountain top. It became a lesson in perspective. The mountain and tram station had not changed or moved but what I could see had. It also reminded me that I need to take hold of opportunities when they present themselves.
There are so many things to unpack as I reflect on the memory of this trip and the mountain top experience. God teaches lessons through many of life’s experiences. What are you reflecting on today?
Have you experienced a memorable moment during a vacation? We would love to hear from you. Share your comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life or visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope.
She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
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Image Credits:
Bow Lake – brigachtal
Cable Car – jameswheeler
Marmot – PublicDomainPictures
Mountain – Wild0ne
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