When I initially heard the news, I was surprised at my immediate reaction—I just started sobbing. What I realized days later was the impact of my experiences in Jasper, particularly the multi-day backcountry hike along the Skyline Trail with my three friends, and how that experience may no longer be possible—almost like a death. Yes, this sounds dramatic, and I can’t tell you why I feel this way, but I do. Remember the old saying we all see a lot: “It’s how someone makes you feel,” which captures the greatness of a good human. The same goes for Jasper; it’s how it makes me feel.
My greatest joy was, and still is, being in the mountains hiking, whether on a day hike around Kananaskis or for several days in Glacier, Yoho or Revelstoke with the people I value most. On this particular trip, we ended the day with tailgating as our feet came back to life in flip-flops, swearing off our hiking boots and exchanging annoyance over that grueling three-hour fire road walk we all had to endure. We were frustrated with ourselves for not realizing we could have biked that instead of leaving our bikes behind. The taste of a cold beer, the salty chips, and black licorice— is there anything better, really? Then came the ride back to Calgary after a tremendous dinner in town, gazing into those magnificent mountains and basking in the memories. I recalled the bears we saw on day one as we drove to the trailhead, wondering if our bear spray would ever come out and if we could hold it together, followed by nervous laughs. Playing backgammon with my friend Cara after a day of hiking, taking in the stillness of Shovel Pass Lodge and savoring the delicious aroma of dinner being prepared. Those glorious memories, some of the best in my life—that is what Jasper does to a person.
And Jasper is different; there is nothing to compare. The sky is bluer, the mountains are wider, and the air is crisp—so much space! And, of course, there’s the town—the people, the untouched (and uncommercialized) piece of paradise in Canada that has preserved its ultimate sweetness. I will return, and this time, I’ll breathe in as much as I can…until next time, Jasper, stay strong!
About the Author: Aside from an avid hiker, Rhonda Gorman is a specialist in cultivating relationship that brings about sustainable, impactful, and effective leadership. She brings a deep understanding of people and the impact that great leadership has on business results and partners with her clients to ensure their desired outcomes are met. Connect with Rhonda on LinkedIn.
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