DAY FOUR – Evansburg – Jasper – Blue River
We did not stop in Jasper.
Jasper burned during the fires of July 2024.
We could see workers in white hazard suits and face masks through the windows of affected buildings, cleaning. Endless cleaning.
MOOSE!
Frightened by the train, jumping out of a small pool close to the tracks, its large buttocks atop spindly flailing legs, the head turning with the familiar antlers – (did everyone love Northern Exposure as much as me? Yes, I know it’s about Alaska and it was filmed in Washington) – as the poor beast scrambled to safety and we rolled on through, the mountain looming over fresh green after the brown crunch of burn had past.
Much discussion around tips and methodology. You’ll be pleased to know I prepared by going to the bank in Sioux Lookout. I was able to throw five dollar notes around with gay abandon – like my Great Aunt Win who historically displayed a generous attitude when she travelled. I suspect she was helping me from above.
There was no work on my project. Ever. No desk? No worries. The timeless quality sitting on the train brings us all into a twilight zone. We were mesmerised by intense views gliding past the windows. I would say ‘Chocolate Box’ views but that’s out of date. In my current work I open the computer to see the screen saver showing photos of of Blue River or Mount Robson and I say, ‘I’ve been there! That’s in British Colombia!’ My non-English speaking students hear, ‘I’ve blah here blah blah blah’.
As the crow flies, the distance between Toronto and Vancouver is 3354 kilometers (2084 miles). Listen to Kate and Anna. They’ll tell you about it.
Hello again my fearless friend. I have a small contribution thus far – bananas are not trees, like bamboo. Monocotyledons.
( this is a cotyledon )
I attempted a stupid emoji in brackets above. So in words, I was trying to illustrate monocotyledons emerge from seeds with a single leaf-like emergent. Dicotolydons emerge with two. Look for a blade of grass verses basil.
Such a side-stream sorry.
All to congratulate you for your tale-telling
Louiselle