Blue Water, Wild Wind, and a Kind Stranger — Alberta, Canada

By late afternoon, I am back on the Icefields Parkway, heading toward Abraham Lake on Route 11. No matter how many times I have the privilege of being part of this incredible landscape, my heart melts with pure joy.

The endless sea of mountains feels like a perfect puzzle, each mountain unfolding into the next wild and rugged peak. Each one stands proudly with its own brave story, while also being part of a much bigger picture.

Somehow, the Canadian Rockies feel much higher than the Rockies in Colorado. Interestingly enough, the American Rockies are actually higher, but my elevation here is around 4,000 feet, while Rocky Mountain National Park starts around 8,000 to 10,000 feet. That’s a big difference!

I make a few more stops along the parkway and wish I could hike Parker Ridge again. It is not an easy hike, but the view from the top will take your breath away. Unfortunately, the area is still covered in deep snow.

By the time I turn onto Route 11, it is time to find my spot for the night. Yay! The spot I wanted two days ago, which was already taken, is now my home for the night.

The site is not far from the road, but I am partly hidden by the trees. Even though it is a major road, the traffic is extremely light. I back into the site so I can leave quickly if I need to, and I also make sure I have an escape route through the grass if I am blocked. I do not cover my windows. I have the privacy I need, and not covering them gives me the advantage of being able to leave right away.

Just next to my site, a creek is creating my favorite music. Falling asleep to this lullaby will seal another beautiful day.

I take the time to enjoy cooking dinner. A big rock becomes my countertop. Tonight is couscous with sautéed onions and shrimp marinated on a skewer that I bought this morning at the supermarket. Yummy!

It always cracks me up when I brush my teeth with my electric toothbrush in the middle of nowhere. This simple action reminds me of my out-of-the-box lifestyle. What a magical toothbrush it is.

Around ten, I am ready to get into bed. The last light of the sunset fades into the horizon as the moon comes up to highlight the night. I feel blessed to be a witness to God’s artwork in motion.

Good morning, a new day!

I had a sweet, quiet night. No bears and no humans to chase me away.

The best information you will receive is from a local. That is how I found out about a resort on my way to Abraham Lake that offers laundry and showers. Since I do not know when I will have the opportunity for a shower again, that sounds like a perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.

It is a beautiful sunny day, but extremely windy. I get to a viewpoint along the shore of Abraham Lake and find a way to get closer to the water. The rocky shore is challenging, especially with the wind pushing me in so many directions.

The lake is an incredible blue. The contrast it brings to the landscape is like a fresh brushstroke. Just stunning!

Next stop is a hike to Crescent Falls.

There is something so mesmerizing about waterfalls. With all the power they produce, there is also a calmness and peaceful energy that I always soak in.

With the recent rain and melting snow, the river is at its highest flow. It stirs everything on its way downstream, and the clear water that usually cascades at this double waterfall is now a grayish color. It is still a remarkable beauty.

At this point, I have lost my beautiful mountains. I already miss them so dearly.

With another recommendation from a local, I make a stop in the small town of Nordegg for apple pie. It is delicious, but nothing will match the amazing apple pie I had in Julian, California. I have been spoiled by the best.

I continue to Rocky Mountain House and stop at the National Historic Site, but I arrive too late. By the time I get to the gate, they are about to close.

It is only 5:00 o’clock, and I have at least four more hours ahead of me. I decide to keep going. My plan is to find a park where I can cook dinner and then figure out where to sleep.

I open Google Maps and find Sylvan Lake, but when I arrive, I realize it is far from quiet. It is very touristy and too crowded for me.

A young lady with her two children is standing next to an RV, so I ask if she is local and if she has a recommendation for another park. I mention that I am on my way to Red Deer.

Katie is very friendly and helpful. I open Google Maps to pin her recommendation. Then I ask if, by any chance, she knows of a place where I can park for the night.

What happens next melts my heart and proves once again the beauty of humankind.

Katie gives me her mom’s address in Red Deer so I can park in her driveway. Her mom is not home, but she will let the tenants know I will be parking there tonight.

I am truly blown away, so I ask Katie why she is offering such a kind act to a total stranger.

Katie’s response proves that sisterhood is a beautiful connection. She explains that she can recognize the need to help another woman. She also wants to make sure I park in a safe place, as some areas of Red Deer are sketchy.

Katie, you made my day!

I stop at the park Katie recommended and cook dinner. The bonus is a washroom with hot water where I can wash up for the night.

By 9:30, I park for a peaceful night.