The short answer… LOTS!!! But first a hearty breakfast with Grandma before collecting ourselves to get out the door around 10:30/11 am.
Out on Grandma's front lawn saying bubye.
The kids were less than enthused with the idea of over 5 hours in the van after spending so many days away already but we stopped at a grocery store for food for on the road and pull ups and headed out. We side tripped briefly at the old house to pick up some mail (forwarding is said to be set and going but nothing yet…) and then on we went. There was plenty of rain, a road with just golf resorts and ONE gas station (potty break!) and COWS… for some reason that is ALWAYS exciting for the kids???
Potty stop means COOKIES FOR BABY
And then we got into mountain territory… THAT was exciting for our driver. Of course we kept in contact with our hosts and their other guest (Chris, Chris and Jocelyn) via texting and were able to co-ordinate nicely. Even when they (who were ahead of us by at least an hour) found out that the cabins were IN the national park instead of outside of they were able to get our park pass and have it waiting for us. Of course when WE hit the toll booth it was POURING so Ken got rained on to get it!
First view of the mountains through a rain splattered windshield
That pass totally changed our going home plans… after all why waste it? So instead of driving straight home the 5 or so plus hours we worked out a way to tour most of Jasper park and even some of Banff national park! But first things first – the cabins! Pocahontas Cabins!
Fat Sheep taking in our view from the private balcony off the second floor
Our cabin was a condo type thing – one in a building of two story cabins all sharing side walls (I did not get a picture of the whole building). We were right in front of the pool and hot tub (though we ended up not able to get into those). The main floor had a sitting room with tv and fireplace, a kitchen and a full bathroom.
I love how they folded the kitchen towels... note the coffee... Ken was pleased about that!
Then you went up a lovely set of wooden stairs were the sleeping quarters and another full bathroom. When you get to the top of the stairs there is a door to the private balcony and a nice sized bed… then through the door two beds and the entrance to the bathroom. So the kids (except Echo who was in a cot in our area) were in the room with a door. We got our OWN bed!!! Though the pillows were super squishy, too much so.
Photo on the stairs... lovely wooden things
So we got into the cabin, dropped our stuff, changed the baby and off to the restaurant so we could be treated to a lovely dinner! Apparently Trinity was not hungry so her meal and half of my lovely pizza came back to the cabin and into the fridge for later.
The Newly-weds
So she TASTED it but that was about it... generous servings though!
After dinner was a bit of a drive – we went to the Miette Hot Springs which are a short drive up a mountain from our cabins and an hour out of Jasper city. Of course there was one scenic stop off that we had to make. Can’t miss those photo ops!
Ready for the hot springs, but enjoying a moment of mountain bliss first
Not only snuggly but kissy kissy too
The kids were absolutely in love with Jocelyn
Our family in the mountains
The view unobstructed
The Miette Hot Springs had 2 hot springs and at least one cold pool that I saw though I, and the kids, stayed mainly in the warm spring. It was one you could slowly walk into and of the two hot springs the lower temperature. The hot and deep one was way too much for me though Ken and I did go in briefly to check it out.
Ready to get into the springs
VERY warm
It was fun and somewhat relaxing but we did have to keep rotating the kids OUT of the pools. Emanuel especially got very red quickly and with Echo’s PDA we did not want her to strain, though she enjoyed herself immensely. After all it was just like a long bath and she LOVES baths. Trinity even let us know when she had to potty and peed in the toilet in the change room! Was I ever proud!!
All the boys waiting on us
Echo totally got into it
This is really neat... these are pictures of the springs in the 1920's there was a big hotel and a single pool there until the 80's apparently.
After almost 2 hours there the kids and myself were wearing out so it was time to head out. But first pictures of the sunset while I breastfed Miss Echo who was really ready for bed.
So breathtaking!
Then off to the cabins and bed time for all 5 kids. We had to have two to a bed and luckily Gavin was fine with sharing with Trinity…
Two beds, 4 kids... asleep
Echo was taken from carseat to cot without barely moving and that was it for the night, leaving the adults to chat… then Chris and Chris off to their honeymoon cabin… decked out in style…
From here...
...to here without a fuss
Jocelyn, Ken and I stayed up late into the evening chatting and getting to know each other even better. So on top of all the excitement, the pictures, the outfits and all that I also have a new friend!
And now… looking back at ALL the pictures… I think I will stop there leaving the question – How much of the mountains can a family of 7 see in 2 days? – only partially answered… but trust me… day 2 in the mountains is photo full so check back!!!
Fat Sheep out front of the newly-weds' cabin