May Long 2006.
I don't know if you're like us, living (sorta) near to the Rockies, you routinely re-visit the same areas whenever you go to the mountains? Typically, when we decide to go up, the question always becomes, Banff, or Jasper??? These are two fantastic options to be sure. I can't consider any of us who live in the area hard done by when it comes to outdoor adventure local. But, that said, sometimes I get a bit weary of hiking/biking around the same mountain ranges and valleys. So, it was our good luck that by complete happenstance, or lack of foresight on my part that, this May Long, we ended up in David Thompson Country. It was a default destination as I had left it to the week before to look into booking campsites. I found out that most everything in the Banff, and Jasper area, book up early, like early April early. The default destination however ended up being fantastic. I remember being there as a kid, camping during summer holidays. Funny how all I remembered about the area was the 'neato' park they had at the campground we stayed at. I guess times have changed…
Anyway, Kirsten and I spent 4 blissful, showerless days (May Long weekend = lines at the tiny showerhouse) in the area and had a blast! If you haven't been, take the time to go. It's about an hour and a half closer than Banff, and there are nowhere near the hoards of people we’re used to dealing with. David Thompson Country is a gem.
We stayed at one of the 'rustic' cabins at David Thompson Resort. Each cabin came pre-named, ours was Doyle's Den. The cabins were pretty cool. There was no running water or power (propane lamps though), but they provide more space than 2 people need. Ours had all the comforts of home that any trapper/voyageur might want.
The main attraction, I think, is called Abraham Lake. It is huge, taking up most of the entire valley floor. Its levels are controlled by a dam in the area. At this time of year, they keep the waterlevel of the lake low, using much of the water for hydropower generation. In late June though, they let it run, and the lake fills up again. The water is an incredible sapphire blue in the daytime sun. You can't really tell from the picture here, so you'll have to imagine it.
Despite making sure we were in camp to listen to both the Oilers games on Friday and Sunday night (2 - 0 Edm!!!! GO OILERS GO!) we did a couple great hikes. The first was called Vision Quest - a long, arduous climb straight up to a peak that delivered the goods. What a view! The second hike was to Crescent Falls. This one was a pretty straightforward stroll, but the gorge you hike along is amazing, and the falls you finish at, are something else. Pics Attached.
