Barbara and the Whistlers

On this trip we were joined by our good friend Barbara (Basia). It was Basia's first trip with our Club and she was such a welcome addition to our group with her cheerful personality and positive attitude. Unequivocally we decided that Basia is the only Real Man in our group. Not only that she drives a real Jeep 4X4, but she also drinks whiskey, and on top of all that, we found out very soon that she was the only person in our group that had, what Hemingway called, Los Cojones.

After the trip to Roche Bonhomme most people were just barely dragging their butts in the morning, but Basia announced cheerfully that we should join her on the trip to The Whistlers.

Only two people agreed to join her, thinking quite naively that Basia would allow us to take the Sky Tram, but she would have none of that.

On the way to the trailhead we encountered our friendly furry friend who was sitting at the side of the road enjoying himself.

Luckily, he was not very interested in us and after a short hesitation, he preferred to smell some rocks, after which he just walked away.

Nolens Volens, we had to start walking.

On the bright side, though, with such a great looking leader we could walk even to the end of the world!

After a few short hours we reached this beautiful rocky garden

...and after another leg of the hike we came to the Upper Tram Station from where we had the most magnificent view onto the Jasper Townsite.

You can even see the tram lines in the foreground to prove it. We enjoyed a coffee and a beer in the Ridge Cafe' at the Upper Tram Station. As a sign of times, we all had to wear face covering. Some people looked like the famous Invisible Man.

...or like a bank robber.

At the tram station Basia made an announcement that now we had to go to the summit,  which is another 45 minutes and few hundred vertical meters away. Being such a great psychologist and a great motivator, we did not have much choice, but to follow our leader. Quite soon we reached the top, where our leader enjoyed her Jasper beer with the bear logo on it, courtesy of Piotr.

At the Whistlers Summit we enjoyed the most breath-taking views in all directions, including Mount Robson, which was only less than 100 km away.

On the top we had an opportunity to admire some hardy flowers that were growing in this inhospitable environment.

... and looking at the lichens growing on the rocks.

Soon it was time to walk back, as it was getting late in the day, and after only another few hours we came down to the parking lot. It was getting close to dusk; the sun was getting almost to the horizon.

Our last look at the Jasper Tram Station from below with a fond farewell.

(MA)