Friday: July 16, 1999

Today's destination was Maligne Lake, by way of Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake. While Maligne Lake may have had superb beauty, it was Medicine Lake that captured my interest.

Every year, Medicine Lake experiences a natural metamorphisis as it transforms itself from a large and magnificant mountain lake (as seen in the photo) to a muddy swamp with a mere trickle of a stream. We were fortunate enough to see it, not only in its glory, but filled beyond its banks.

The medow flowers were submerged and actually blooming underwater, an errie beauty I had never before seen. Nathan insisted on attempting to capture this beauty on film (I didn't think the picture would come out). As you can see, his efforts proved fruitful, and this photograph has become one of our favorites.

Onto Maligne Lake, where the most spectacular scenery we had yet encountered patiently awaited. It is this very lake that graces the main Calander page for this trip. Mom, Dad and Nathan went for a boat ride while Steve and I simply strolled the shore and napped in the warm grass. According to Nathan, we missed the best part of the vacation, but I have no regrets. There is only so much beauty that this human can absorb at any given time. My meloncholy nature demands that I pause to contemplate God's creation, not merely romp through it. And so I have no memories of the wind in my face as the tour boat sped across the lake. Instead, I remember the feel of the soft warm grass and the voices of passersby saying "now they have the right idea." Yes, I am content with my choice.

An aspenglow drive to Jasper and Tallot Lakes, dodging elk along the way,a cup of English Toffeee Cappicino, and my day was complete.

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