My very first hike in the Canadian Rockies...31 years later! May 4, 2024, Jasper National Park

31 Years ago, I jumped on a train West from Toronto to Edmonton. My plan was to visit family in Edmonton, then off to the Rockies for a few days in Jasper and Banff, then head to Vancouver Island to hike the West Coast Trail.
Little did I know what I was getting myself into! A couple of days in Jasper turned into 4 or 5 days, and a couple of days in Banff turned into 12 years living in the Bow Valley, most of them in Banff and a few in Canmore. Since that unforgettable summer in 1993, I have lived in Banff, Canmore, Jasper and Crowsnest Pass. Still haven't hiked the West Coast Trail! (still on the list)
The Rocky Mountains captured my heart and soul and I have spent my adult life adventuring and exploring its peaks and valleys. I am still in awe and still exploring.
My very first "hike" was a stroll on the trail network behind the Town of Jasper known as the Pyramid Bench. A great network of interconnecting multi-use trails that support a multitude of small lakes, ridges and beaver ponds, home to many species including Grizzly and Black Bear, Elk, Deer, Moose, wolves, cougar lynx coyote and many others. The wetlands are home for many bird species, and a mixed boreal forest with Aspen Groves and ancient Douglas fir.
I figured I would take a walk down memory lane on this anniversary and re-live the first hike that reeled me into the countless adventures that have followed since that day.
Backcountry season has arrived, so enjoy this walk and talk and stay tuned for another summer of adventure!
Happy trails everyone!!

[@klassenrick87]

Cheers bro, Shout out from Okanagan valley British Columbia 🇨🇦