Smoke on the Water - Day 3 of our Canada Road Trip

The smoke caught up to us - and my track record as the ultimate tour guide came to an abrupt halt.  On the third day of our Canada road trip, focused on sites near Jasper, smoke from the forest fires to the south obscured anything at a distance.
The sight-seeing brochure says "Welcome to one of the most picturesque
spots in the Canadian Rockies.  Nestled between Leah Peak, Samson
Peak and Mount Paul on the left, and Mounts Charlton, Unwin,
Mary Vaux and Llysfran Peak to the right, Maligne Lake offers  
unlimited photographic potential."  Not on August 15.
With no other choice, I put all my attention on objects close at hand.
But on our next stop, I felt somewhat redeemed. Just when I thought we had witnessed the mother of all canyons in this region (see previous post), we strolled the mesmerizing trails of Maligne Canyon.  

At the waterfalls near the First Bridge, the Maligne River flows at a few cubic meters per second on an average June day. Below the Sixth Bridge, up to 45 cubic meters per second can pass out of the canyon.  The additional water comes from springs between the Fourth and Fifth Bridges, turning the meandering Maligne River into a torrent of rushing water.
Underground spring joining the Maligne River
The Maligne River originates from Medicine Lake, which can be likened to a giant leaky bathtub. It drains through a potentially enormous underground cave system, re-surfacing about 16 km downstream, through springs along the walls of Maligne Canyon.  The water can take less than 12 hours, during peak run-off times, or as long as 88 hours during the winter, to complete its underground journey.
Note water dripping from sides of canyon

 





On our way back to Jasper, we ventured to Pyramid Lake, only a few miles from the town center.  A normal day would showcase the jagged edges of Pyramid Mountain, but I didn't take a single picture since the smoke completely hid the beauty from view.  I mentally battled to conquer my disappointment, sprung from a desire to reveal these vistas to my Mom and sister.  I will be here again; they probably won't.

We had a pleasant evening in Jasper - no more driving but plenty of moseying around on the hunt for souvenirs.

For dinner, we landed at the Olive Bistro, a quirky restaurant just a few blocks from our hotel.

Passage of time, aided by shopping therapy, drinks and dinner - it was enough to vaporize my attitude about the smoke.

"We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.  I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."  Charles R. Swindoll

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