The kids were sleeping in this morning and as us old folks (me) always wake up way too early, we opted to redo this hike at a slower pace. The trail was just as beautiful, but we had more time to ponder the sights.
We walked from PLB, along Patricia Lake to the trailhead….
…and then continued on past the picnic area and up to the meadow across from PLB, where I took a few shots (one showing our bungalow through the trees and 2 others showing the far end of Patricia Lake, where we had kayaked earlier in the week). We were looking for any evidence of an outfall stream from Patricia Lake, to see if we could figure out why the lake level was so high.
We walked onward and upward, as the path turned back inland toward Pyramid Lake.
forest shadow and lighta pond in the middle of moose country, but no moose
In no time, we were immersed among the golden aspens and birches. The leaf litter path was like the Yellow Brick Road. We dawdled……………
….before hitting the road leading to Pyramid Beaches, where we dawdled some more.
At this point, we got the message that B & K were up and ready to go.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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23 thoughts on “Road Trip – a Wildland Refrain”
As always, I love your gorgeous photographs.
I found the long lines of trees particularly fascinating 🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳
Thanks Luisa. The trembling (quaking) aspens are a beautiful tree in fall. This walk had some great examples of them. Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day. Allan
Great early morning photos. If I’m away on trips or doing something specific I get up early and make the most of the day. At home though I’m one of those people who prefers to sleep in and stay up late!
I usually wake up early too, even while on vacation. I typically enjoy hiking first thing in the morning as the trails are usually quiet. The landscape looks beautiful with the leaves changing colour. Your pictures are stunning.
Getting up early is never a problem for us. Some day, we may learn to sleep in. I think we saw 2 other people on this walk. The golden light and leaves of fall made for a spectacular day. Thanks for reading Linda. Happy New Year. Allan
Such beautiful photos, Allan, especially the snowy mountain peaks. I love waking up early while on holiday too – this way I get to enjoy natural wonders without the tourist crowds and there will be fewer people to obstruct my picture-perfect views!. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva
Thanks Aiva. We were lucky to see the fall colours in Jasper two years in a row. Will try for three, next year. I think we only saw 2 other people on that hike. Thanks for reading. Allan
The mountain peaks are stunning! I had a quick stop in Jasper, but chugged through on the train that year. What a beautiful place. It would be wonderful to spend more time there.
We were supposed to come back from Vancouver on the train in March 2020, but Covid put the kibosh on that. Jasper has been our go to for more than 40 years and it never disappoints. Thanks for reading Ruth. Allan
Picture This 
As always, I love your gorgeous photographs.
I found the long lines of trees particularly fascinating 🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳
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Thanks Luisa. The trembling (quaking) aspens are a beautiful tree in fall. This walk had some great examples of them. Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day. Allan
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It was a real pleasure to read this article and admire the images🌺
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Great early morning photos. If I’m away on trips or doing something specific I get up early and make the most of the day. At home though I’m one of those people who prefers to sleep in and stay up late!
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Thanks Marion. It dopes not matter what we try, we seldom sleep beyond 6 AM. Perhaps some day. Thanks for reading. Allan
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That’s amazing you were able to catch this in the early morning!
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Our kids can sleep in, but we can not. May as well enjoy a hike. It was good to see it from a slower pace. Thanks for reading. Hope all is well. Allan
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Beautiful hike. I always love your pictures of Patricia Lake
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Thanks. It was so nice to see the golden aspen colours. I know you enjoy them in your area, as well. Thanks for reading Chelsea. Allan
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Beautiful photos, Allan.
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And so much warmer too. It is a beautiful spot. Thanks for reading Lynette. Allan
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Beautiful! I love your photos, as always! Gets me through the bleak dreary weather here! Lori
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Glad to help out. Your warm photos of Greece help get us through the cold winter here. Thanks for reading Lori. Allan
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Beautiful photos! I like a slower-paced hike too – with lots of “pondering” time!
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Thanks very much. It is good to stop and smell the roses, or the fall leaves in this case. Thanks so much for reading. Happy New Year. Allan
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I usually wake up early too, even while on vacation. I typically enjoy hiking first thing in the morning as the trails are usually quiet. The landscape looks beautiful with the leaves changing colour. Your pictures are stunning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Getting up early is never a problem for us. Some day, we may learn to sleep in. I think we saw 2 other people on this walk. The golden light and leaves of fall made for a spectacular day. Thanks for reading Linda. Happy New Year. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such beautiful photos, Allan, especially the snowy mountain peaks. I love waking up early while on holiday too – this way I get to enjoy natural wonders without the tourist crowds and there will be fewer people to obstruct my picture-perfect views!. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Aiva. We were lucky to see the fall colours in Jasper two years in a row. Will try for three, next year. I think we only saw 2 other people on that hike. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Amazing photos!!! Thanks for sharing them…
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Thanks Ann. Hope you had a Happy New Year. Allan
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The mountain peaks are stunning! I had a quick stop in Jasper, but chugged through on the train that year. What a beautiful place. It would be wonderful to spend more time there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were supposed to come back from Vancouver on the train in March 2020, but Covid put the kibosh on that. Jasper has been our go to for more than 40 years and it never disappoints. Thanks for reading Ruth. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person