Snow Train to Jasper

We took the VIA Snow Train to Jasper this past weekend with Sierra to visit our daughter Dayna. VIA were great. They even issued Sierra her own ticket, and made a special Busy Busy stop for her in each direction so there were no accidents. While not the fastest way to Jasper, it is certainly interesting and relaxing. Astrid and Richard at Amanda's Guest House where we stayed were very accommodating. We did all the tourist things except for skiing. Sierra took a walk in the lower Maligne Lake Canyon, and had her first encounter with a river. She had quite a frigid look on her face after she rushed into it. As usual the Elk were cooperative for a photo shoot. On one walk (when we did not have a camera) we came within about 25' of an elk and Sierra was content to just watch it without even a woof. Dayna and I climbed the hill at Old Fort Point a couple of times and we saw Rocky Mountain sheep both times. Sierra was fine with them, but was much less impressed with the sound of a few blasts that I presume was for avalanche prevention. Saturday night we ate at the Moose's Nook dining room at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. This was Sierra's most upscale dining adventure to date. At the end of the meal when it was time to leave she was sound asleep on the floor and we had to wake her up to leave! All restaurants we ate at were both interested and accommodating. It was a great get away weekend for Sierra and us.