West Edmonton Mall - Worth A Look
Posted July 31, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures
We had just arrived in Edmonton from Jasper. The route to our hotel passed the West Edmonton Mall, so since I had never been there we decided to have a look.
The mall opened in 1981 and was the largest in the world until 2004. It is still the largest mall in North America.
Parking was not a problem and we ventured into the shopping center. There are the usual stores just many more of them.
The main attractions in the mall are the five acre water park with the worlds largest indoor wave pool and a high speed water slide called the Sky Screamer. The Ice Palace has an NHL sized rink. It is open for public skating and the Edmonton Oilers have used is as a practice rink.
All in all the West Edmonton Mall is just that a very big shopping mall. The various entertainment venues are what makes it different from the rest and worth a look when in Edmonton.
West Edmonton Mall Cosmo Super Pass
Technorati Tags: Edmonton, Jasper, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Oilers
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Mount Edith Cavell- A Must See
Posted July 30, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures
No trip to Jasper would be complete without a visit to Mount Edith Cavell. I think it is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Rockies.
The road leading to the base of the mountain allows an up close look with every little effort. From the parking area a short hike through a boulder field brings you to the base with the Angel glacier hanging on the north face, The melt water lake with chunks of floating ice gives a chance to hold a piece of ancient ice.
In the afternoon when the glacier is heated by the sun there is usually some ice that calves from the glacier with the noise resound ind through the valley.
For a really great view the hike to the Cavell meadow is a must.
Technorati Tags: Jasper, Mount Edith Cavell, Rockies, glacier
Athabasca Glacier Meltdown
Posted July 29, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures
We stopped at the Columbia Ice Fields and walked up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. This tongue of ice is a kilometer wide and six kilometers long. The rock surfaces have been scratched by the ice pushing rock debris into them as the glacier flowed.
Markers show how the glacier has receded more than 1.5 kilometers in the past 125 years. The effects of global warming are evident as the ice seems to be receding more quickly than before.
At the toe there is a small area were you can step onto this ancient ice and walk on the glacier. Signs warn not to venture farther as crevasses can be hidden anywhere. In fact, there is a sign telling a tragic tale of a young boy who fell into a crevasse and perished before park rangers could rescue him. However, despite the warnings, some reckless individuals venture far out unto the ice taking their children with them.
There is something magical about seeing land that until recently has been covered by ice for thousands of years.
Technorati Tags: Columbia Ice Fields, glacier, global warming, Athabasca Glacier
White Water Kayaking - Not
Posted July 26, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures
Ros finally talked me into trying kayaking. It may be hard to believe that I have lived in Canada for 57 years and never been in a kayak or a canoe for that matter.
We were staying in Banff and rented kayaks for an excursion on the Bow river and Vermillion lakes.
After signing my life away I was shown to the tiny craft. Some instruction on how to hold the paddle and we were off.
Ros showed me how to maneuver the kayak with some crafty paddle work. In a short time I was comfortable with the little boat. We were in a small side channel with little current so it was a perfect place to learn. The channel opened up to the Vermillion lakes where as we silently moved about we were treated to close up encounters with herons and geese.
The view of the surrounding mountains is spectacular from the water.
On the return trip down the channel we encountered three deer on the bank having a drink, we exchanged stares as we drifted by.
I’m glad I tried kayaking and I’ll be doing it again.
Technorati Tags: kayak, canoe, Banff, Bow river, Vermillion lakes
Banff - Under Construction
Posted July 26, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures
When we arrived in Banff we found Banff Avenue was under construction. The street is torn up with water mains and sewers being replaced.
Construction started in April and is expected to be finished in the fall. There is noise and plenty of dust from the heavy machinery. Most of the stores sport a gritty coating.
We have visited Banff on many occasions and we felt sorry for the tourist for whom this will be a once in a lifetime visit.
The plans for the new street are great, wider sidewalks and a center median with flowers and trees.
I look forward to seeing the new and improved Banff.
Adventures in the Rockies Click Here
Technorati Tags: Banff
Summer Holiday in the Rockies
Posted July 24, 2007 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under Adventures
Ed and I are heading out to spend 2 weeks in the Rockies, with a stop in Calgary to go to Damon and Liana’s wedding. (Their picture is the second from the left across the top of the page.)
We’ve chosen a somewhat convoluted route to build in a trip up to Jasper with Ed’s nephew and his wife after the wedding.
The route includes overnights in Cranbrook, Banff, Calgary, Jasper, Edmonton, Cardston, Whitefish, Coeur D’Alene and Spokane.
I’ll blog about our adventures as I upload pictures to our Flickr account.
Chat soon!
Things to see and do Click Here
2nd Annual Pre- Canada Day Party a Hit
Posted July 1, 2007 by Rosalind Gardner · Filed Under At Home
Our pre-Canada Day party in 2006 was so much fun that Ed and I decided to do it again this year.
Everyone on the street was invited and were asked to proudly sport “CANADIAN colors on your sleeve… hat, shirt, face” and as you can see by the picture, it was a festive celebration in red and white.
