As we head into day 4, I can't help but think how amazing this honeymoon has been! We have had beautiful weather, we have spent uninterrupted days together, and we get to be in the mountains... can life get any more perfect? You're about to find out, that it can!!
You see, since our first trip to Jasper way back in August of 2015, Jake and I have always wanted to canoe on Pyramid Lake. For whatever reason every return visit to Jasper, due to time constraints or other activities, we have been unable to fulfill that dream. This time was going to be no different from other trips, I was going to plan hikes, or adventures that I could guide us on, and save a bit of money (as my cheapo self loves to do), however we were lovingly surprised when I received an email from a very special woman a few days before we left for Jasper.
This email was from my Mama Bear, a very special woman who has been one of my biggest supporters and cheerleaders since I was 18. I wasn't able to invite her to the wedding due to the small guest list, but that didn't stop her from contributing to our honeymoon fund and making sure we felt the love all the way across the country.
So Patti, I hope you read this, and I hope you know that not only did you contribute a couple extra smiles and tears of joy on that day you sent me the email, but also the day that we got to fulfill one of our dreams in the mountains. This day of fun on the water was thanks to you, we love you so very much!
When we awoke that morning, instead of 1 overly excited child at the campsite, there was 2! We were both so overwhelmingly excited that we finally got to go canoeing on Pyramid, that we ate a quick breakfast and hopped in the truck. We were even more overjoyed to realize when we got to the lake, there were only two other boats on the water which meant we got the most of the lake to ourselves!
Look at that smile!
Big, beautiful Pyramid Mountain in the background.
We cruised around for a couple of hours until the wind picked up, and the clouds started to look unfriendly. We did not want to be stuck on the lake, working against the waves if undesired weather rolled around so we did the safe thing and called it quits.
If you are planning a trip to Jasper and want to canoe, kayak, etc where we did I have posted the link to the website below. You can also stay at the resort which is located directly on the lake, and you will find the necessary information at the link below.
After our canoe adventure, we headed back to Pocahontas Campground for a quick lunch.
Due to unfavorable conditions, there was a fire ban in Jasper, which I thought meant no spider dogs; but Jake proved he could make any situation work, and made me some on the propane bbq. (I knew I married him for a good reason)!
After our lunch, we decided to check out a pull off spot that we both noticed on the way into our campground: The Pocahontas Coal Mine Trail.
I have since come to learn that in 1908, shortly after the formation of Jasper National Park, a man by the name of Frank Villeneuve laid claim to mine coal in the area that is now known as Pocahontas. Workers were brought in from Pocahontas, Virginia which was a town that had seen a boom in coal mining. Their expertise was needed to mine in Jasper, and with their knowledge they brought a name for the area, which eventually developed into a small town.
I have since come to learn that in 1908, shortly after the formation of Jasper National Park, a man by the name of Frank Villeneuve laid claim to mine coal in the area that is now known as Pocahontas. Workers were brought in from Pocahontas, Virginia which was a town that had seen a boom in coal mining. Their expertise was needed to mine in Jasper, and with their knowledge they brought a name for the area, which eventually developed into a small town.
Long story short, the coal mine boom that was expected in Jasper never reached what was desired, and eventually the government passed a law to protect the park, resulting in the closure of the mines. The workers and their families left, but the name stuck and abandoned building remained.
There is lack of signage, and information at the trail head but it is a beautiful walk and a fun area to explore, just watch out for mosquitoes!
Besides the interesting history, the trail was also absolutely gorgeous- and paved!
The first abandoned building that we came across.
A potential home, or storage shed.
After our Mine Trail hike, the sun started to peek through the clouds and it seemed as if the weather was going to give us a couple more hours of beautiful blue skies! I got excited and told Jake that we should try and squeeze in another hike, to which he replied "babe, I would, honestly but it looks like there's a big chance of rain based on the clouds so I think it's best we just relax for the night".
Confused, I asked him what on earth he was talking about because the sky looked pretty clear to me, to which he showed me this photo for concrete evidence to back up his claim...
Safe to say I gave him credit for humor, and agreed to head back to camp, have some mimosas and celebrate our 1 week anniversary of being husband and wife!
*poppin the champagne!*
On our drive back to camp, Jake's eagle eyes caught a glimpse of some gorgeous wood lilies so the photographer in me grabbed a few shots and then we called it a day.
As beautiful as these flowers are, they are disappearing from the parks because people cannot leave them be. So please, if you do ever see them in the wild, admire them, take pictures, sketch them, but leave them in the ground so everyone can enjoy them; the more we disturb nature, the faster the beauty disappears.
Well friends, that is the end of day 4! Thanks again to Mama Bear for her generous donation towards our honeymoon activities, and thanks to everyone who has been so kind sharing beautiful words about my photos and blog posts.
Can't wait to show you what we did on day 5!
xoxo
char hazzard
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