The 2020 solo journey

Wandering around the park it is quite dramatic how much Pine Beetle kill there is. One of the reasons they are rebuilding the big Campground. Pretty well all the trees had died. It is much the same at Wapiti Campground as well.

One good thing about all the dead trees, no shortage of fire wood, and free in the park. Well you pay up front.

Time to sit and enjoy some of the Supplies I bought in town. ( I try to take most pictures in Landscape but the odd one in portrait slips in. This is the only site that it is an issue on. Se-la-vie)

Spent and enjoyable evening watching then helping various campers get fires started or sharing my spoils. I was surprised by how many were just sleeping in their cars. Some were not even New Canadians. I was quite comfy in my new castle..
The next morning I shared breakfast and coffee with a young French Canadian who was biking the parkway. Enjoyable fellow. Professor at one of their uni's He was busy calculating how many calories he needed to eat. Me, I had a full tank of fuel so no need to fuss.
I lazily packed up and hit the road. Had to stop for those picture moments.

I had no real route planned but kinda knew where I was going, Kinda how I travel. I had done highway 40 and 743 on my last trip through here. Of course I need to travel a route multiple times before it is really fixed in my brain. I had forgotten a lot route so it was nice for a re-fresh. I did hit Hinton to top off my fuel, 280 k I think it said with no service. About my limit hauling all my gear. I do carry extra so no worries about calorie calculations.





This route is so relaxing and you see so few people you can stop in the middle of a bridge for a ten minute break. Don't get me wrong the road is well maintained another are service trucks from time to time.

I did go into Cadomin, Not much there now that the big Coal Mine just North of there is closed. Bet a house is real cheap, most were for Sale. Stopped to ask a group of Quaders about how the road was South of town, It shows on the map connecting back to 743. Washed out and not fixed. Back to 40.

Hi Brian:
Another great report with some great photos. Thanks for posting.
I don't think I would be taking road advice from Quad riders anymore. That hasn't worked out very well for me in the recent past.
Cheers, Wayne

I find 743 below Nordegg more to my liking so had planned to camp at the Provincial Park Ram Falls. But first we needed fuel and some supper-- I found that my eggs had not survived the pounding of the wash board from the previous leg of the journey. I also lost my mixed nuts and I must remember to wash the top box out when I get get home. What a mess, Yuk!. While in Nordegg I get the idea that a can of soup might fit the bill for dinner, but one thing I don't have is a Can opener. So after an exhaustive search of all the stores ( two)I find one, Soup and opener in hand off I head to the camp site, sixty or so k south of town.

Of course the Snow should have let me know how high we were


Once at Ram Falls the place was closed up tight, No camping after Sept 1st, I hiked into the falls again just to marvel at the stair case more than the falls it self


These guys might be why the park gets it's name

What to do? Heading South but still climbing I see a Trailer parked in a spot above the road, I flip around and talk to the young couple. They invite me to stay beside them but I elect to give them their space and set up camp in the field below them. Awesome spot but find it hard to find enough space between the cow patties to set up. I note where they all are for those late night excursions out side the tent. After my wonderful can of soup I wander up and have a great evening visiting with Zak and Kyla and their Cat!!. I is a great night, cold and clear with Stars beyond imagine. But I just can't get my feet warm, nice thick Alpaca socks and every thing. Of course with the Beverages, I get my feet warm enough to fall a sleep to wake up and have to Pee! Starting the whole process over. Damn this old thing can be a pain. Any ways I wake up to heavy frost but bright sunshine. Most wonderful way to start the day. Hot coffee is most welcome.

I pack up and head South. Nobody is stirring at the trailer when I leave.

Having only a week for this trip and wanting to end up at Midway for the club camp out I know today is going to be a big day as I still have a ways to go to make up for the lazy day I spent in Jasper. Early start and just keep moving. Once at this Bridge I know I am close to Pavement, Hour or so
This Road pops you out at Ghost River, and I have done it several times now so on familiar ground. Just as I hit pavement I see a group stopped in a pull off, I pull in, more for a break than a yak but hey, take the opportunity. Turns out the Gal is riding a new 750 GS and her partner, who isn't there has had an electrical fire on his new 1250 GS which has disabled the ECU. We have a little discussion about adding farkles and how it can effect your warranty. And of course the side car delay factor.