Semi Retired and Canada

 Not sure how we got to this point in our lives, but on June 1st Russ started working only half the hours he used to. Russ and his partner Greg just hired (Lance Gunther) a recently graduated dentist to come and work for them. Their hope is to sell all or half of the practice in the next 3 or so years. Greg wants to retire at the same time Russ does. Greg and Russ rotate working every other week, while Lance works full-time.    

Its a little scary, but I knew this day would eventually come. Russ keeps telling me that you need this much time to make sure everything is going to work out, so if it doesn't they can hire someone else. Lance' wife was raised in our Stake in Shelton. They have three little boys and are a very cute family. He had another guy come up last week from this area going to dental school in Utah & would like to practice around here when he graduates....we'll see what happens.

Since Russ had 6 days off in a row we decided to take a road trip. We originally planned to go to Northern Washington, but things weren't working out so Russ just said he would plan something. After 3 hours he came out of his "man cave" and told me he'd planned a trip for us, but it was a surprise. We left early Wednesday, June 22nd at 5:00 am. As we kept heading North I guessed we were going to Canada. Nineteen years ago we took the kids up to Alberta to Lake Louise, Lake Moraine and around that area. I've wanted to go back ever since! Needless to say, I was SOOO excited!!

Our first night we stayed in Revelstoke, B.C. Over the next 4 days we visited 5 National Parks: Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho, Banff and Jasper.

 After our 12 hour drive we took a little hike around where we were staying and the wild flowers were in full bloom and so were the mosquitos. 

 This was the view from the deck of our room.

This is where the Trans-Canada Highway finally came together. It is 4,860 miles long.

We decided to do a hike in Glacier National Park in B.C. and saw this grizzly bear 10 minutes from the trail head. Needless to say I was a little nervous to go on our hike. Where we started were several trail heads and a forest ranger was there to answer any questions. When I asked her about bears she asked if we had bear spray, which we do, but left it home. She told us to clap our hands and say, "Hey bear" every time we came around a corner so we wouldn't startle one. I wish I could have videoed Russ, because he did it all the way up the trail and it was pretty funny! Fortunately, we didn't come across any bears.

It was quite a steep hike, but we were rewarded with a beautiful view.

Lake Minnewanka

  Banff, Alberta

Walking around all the shops in Banff is an adventure in itself with lots of cute shops:)

 Ever since I saw pictures of Emerald Lake I've really wanted to go there. We decided to walk around the entire lake, which is around 3 miles or so. About half way around it started pouring. I tried to be positive & told Russ when we finished it was going to stop & be gorgeous. My prayers were answered and we were blessed with a beautiful view of why this is called, Emerald Lake!

Takakkaw Falls-1,250 ft. high

Yoho National Park

 Lake Moraine

Lake Louise

We walked to the opposite end of the lake and had a great view.

Vermillon Lake

We attended church in the Banff Branch. It usually has around 30 in attendance, but because its summer & all the vacationers were there, they had around 200 people.  I had to take a picture of the benches at church! I wish we had these lap blankets at our ward, as I always freeze. One of the things that really touched me was how the members of the Branch went around and asked many of those visiting to help with the Sacrament. Russ hasn't blessed the Sacrament in years, because of his calling so he was really humbled to be able to do it here.

Herbert Lake

 One day we drove from Banff to Jasper which has been called one of the world's most scenic drives. I can see why!! Around every corner is a waterfall, pristine lake, sweeping valley, glaciers flowing down from rugged mountains and beautiful wild flowers! We spent close to 12 hours on this drive. I have to say it is one of the most beautiful drives I've ever been on!!

Hector Lake

 Bow Lake

Peyto Lake

Sunwapta Falls--Jasper National Park

Athabasca Falls--Jasper National Park

 We got to watch a mother bear and her cubs hunt for food.

Medicine Lake

Maligne Lake

Russ and I were in "AWE" the whole time we were there and all I can say is, "How Great Thou Art".

I wish these pictures could portray half the beauty we saw, but only the eye can behold the 360 degree view of this magnificent area!!