Janet, Me, and the Gift of Spontaneity — Alberta, Canada

It is so wonderful to see Janet again.

In all honesty, when we said goodbye last time, I did not imagine we would have another opportunity to meet again. We live so far apart, in different countries, with so many miles between us.

After Janet finishes charging her tiny electric car, I laugh to myself because I thought I was roughing it in a tiny space. She is a true trooper!

We head to Cypress Hills Provincial Park, on the Alberta side.

What a beautiful and peaceful place!

Quiet rolling hills, with fresh green grass after so much rain, and beautiful blue water. We cook a delicious dinner together and go for a pleasant evening walk. The skies are dark, lightning flashes in the distance, and a few raindrops begin to fall, but nothing strong enough to stop us.

The next morning, we wake up to blue skies and a smiling sun. We spend the day hiking, driving around, and getting to know the area. At Reesor Lake Viewpoint, one of the highest points in the park, endless horizons of green grass stretch out.

Both Janet and I really enjoy this peaceful park. We cook another dinner together, share good laughter, and enjoy the simple sweetness of the day.

At this point, I have two options. I can continue east, which is my general direction, or I can join Janet and drive about two hours west to another provincial park that has been recommended to her.

It is a very easy decision. We are having such a great time, and I have enough flexibility in my travels to make a small adjustment.

So the next morning, we head toward Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park. Janet and I decide to meet at the visitor center since we have different driving styles. But on my way there, I find myself on Route 501.

It is a dirt road. Oh my goodness.

There is something about dirt roads that makes me very uncomfortable. I feel vulnerable. I am okay driving on one for 10 or 20 minutes, but over an hour feels like forever.

There is no reception for much of it, and once in a while, some cows keep me company. Then, of course, the rain starts again, which does not make me feel any more comfortable.

I just want to get through the area.

To be fair, most of the road is not terrible, but a few sections concern me. I also do not feel that my minivan is made for rough roads, so I am very happy when I finally reach solid pavement again.

Janet and I reunite at the visitor center at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, and we start our hike to the hoodoos.

WOW! We are both blown away by the beauty.

The emotions that run through me feel like a celebration of raw freedom. The vast landscape of hoodoos stretches along the Milk River, which is incredibly beautiful and peaceful. Birds are chirping, and the hoodoos stand tall, each with its own character and beauty, telling the story of an ancient land and the Blackfoot people.

There is something sacred here. Something wild. Something full of memory, love, and freedom.

Unfortunately, the campground at the park is full, so we head toward the town of Milk River for the night. We plan to return to the park in the morning for a guided tour to see the petroglyphs.

It feels so good to have this time with Janet and share the simple joy of meeting again on the road.

I am truly enjoying embracing spontaneity this time around. So when Janet and I discover that we are only two and a half hours away from Waterton Lakes National Park, I face another decision.

That decision is super easy.

Even though it means I am traveling farther west than I intended, I still have plenty of time to change my direction.

Three years ago, I visited Waterton Lakes National Park. Since then, I have carried a small wish to return.

As we get closer to Waterton, a big smile spreads across my face.

My mountains are back.

The sun and clouds hang above the mountains in a way that feels almost godly. There is still snow on the peaks, and the light coming through the clouds feels mystical and powerful.

It has been windy all day, but when we arrive at Waterton Lakes, the wind picks up even more, and the temperature drops into the 40s. Cooking dinner outside no longer looks very appealing, so we treat ourselves to dinner at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

Delicious!

By the time we get back to the campground, it is well after eight. We quickly settle in so we can both escape into our cars and cuddle up for the night.

At times, the wind is so strong that my car is actually shaking. The sound of the wind howling outside is loud. Still, inside my little cocoon, I am warm and cozy.

The next morning feels like winter again, with temperatures in the mid-30s. The wind is still so harsh, that Janet and I both decide that sitting in a warm place to eat breakfast sounds like a pretty damn good idea.

The sun finally clears the sky, with soft white clouds that float over the majestic mountains.

On the way to the trailhead for Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake, we stop at Cameron Falls. Three years ago, when I was here in August, Cameron Falls was only a small trickle of beauty. I remember thinking that this must look amazing in full force. I made a small wish in my heart that maybe one day I would come back and witness this waterfall in its full glory.

Honestly, it was just a simple wish. I did not really think I would have the privilege of being here again. But I put that prayer out there, just in case. 

It looks like it worked!

Bertha Falls is in full power. I feel so blessed to be here, just as the snow is melting and feeding this waterfall. The water cascades down the steep wall, forming many white veins that flow toward Waterton Lake.

When we get to Bertha Lake, I am surprised to see so much snow is still around. It is beautiful and peaceful. A bald eagle flies above us and then disappears into the forest.

What a beautiful day it turns out to be!

The wind slows down. The lake becomes calm. The sun warms the air. By the end of the day, we hike almost nine miles between a few different trails. We cook dinner, take showers, and sit quietly as the day comes to an end and the sun goes down behind the mountains.

What was originally going to be two days with Janet turns into six beautiful days together.

We experienced so much: beautiful scenery, laughter, hikes, meals, and the deepening of our friendship.

Until next time, my dear friend.

It is now Tuesday, June 9, and I am back in Medicine Hat to regroup. Laundry is a must, groceries need to be restocked, and my car desperately needs a wash, even though tomorrow, as I head toward Grasslands National Park, I know I will be traveling through dirt roads again.

What can I say?

I love my “home” to be clean.

I find my corner at Walmart again, which is home for tonight.