Winding the curve up the mountain road, we were anticipating a delightful soak in the Miette Hotsprings in Jasper National Park.  The sky was dotted with a few clouds and the temperatures were above normal for February.  The signs indicated how many kilometres to the springs.  Then the very next sign said "Closed for the Season."  What?  So we pulled into the roadside turnout at the Falls when we saw the barricade across the road ahead.  Really?
Plan B.  We would drive into Jasper and see what our options are.  Before the townsite, we saw the sign for Maligne Lake and since we had never been there, we now had the opportunity open before us.  After a distance, again we came upon a barricade.  Sigh.  We turned left into the Maligne Canyon parking lot and saw a few cars.
The sun was unseasonably warm, reflecting off the deteriorating snow.  Gripping the handrail, I caught myself from slipping on the slick trail at the Maligne Canyon. Glorious! But slippery.  We hiked a short ways to see the breathtaking canyon formation, while other folks were also making their way back from one of the longer hiking trails.  They were equipped with proper cleats and hiking poles for winter.  We had on our running shoes.
We wandered into Jasper and drove around.  Several shops also had "Closed for the Season" signs.  But Smitty's was open and we grabbed a late lunch/early supper.  When we asked the waitress for a suggestion of a nice hotel, she recommended the "Sawridge".
The hotel and conference centre is owned and operated by the Sawridge First Nation from northern Alberta.  What a beautiful building, with First Nations artwork and log construction.  The foyer was nice but the great room in the middle boasted a large fireplace, dining area that opened out (one floor down) onto the pool and hot tub and sauna facilities. Our room was spacious and beautifully decorated.  The balcony view of the mountains was exactly what we hoped for!
Complimentary breakfast was in the lovely dining room.  It was a buffet of hot dishes, fruit platters and pastries.  Delicious!
We contemplated staying longer but with our options limited, we decided to drive down to Banff, where we were almost certain the Hotsprings would be open. The drive was gorgeous and we took several stops for photographs.  The highway was virtually empty of traffic.  We listened to music and then to more of our audiobook.  There was nothing open along the way until Lake Louise, so we munched on our snacks.
Once at Banff, we went directly to the Hotsprings and grabbed our towels and bathing suits.  This was what we came for!  The pool was moderately full but we easily found a space along the edge and let ourselves relax.  The mountains embraced us.  We were on holidays!
Gradually, we noticed the Asian population increasing within the pool.  Soon it was brimming with tourists, taking selfies and crowding our Canadian personal space.  We had been there almost two hours so we thought we'd find a hotel and some supper.  There would be more opportunity for soaking.
The "Irwin Mountain Inn" was a place we had been for conferences in the past, so Walter checked us in there.  The rates were surprisingly low and we thanked the Lord!  The "El Toro" restaurant was attached to the hotel and we chose to try it out.  Apart from two or three booths of customers, there was a large group of young adults in the back section, seeming to partake of a buffet.  The waiter - from France- explained the hotel and restaurant were hosting participants in the skiing certification training in Banff for the next several weeks.  They were a little loud and rowdy, but it was fun to hear the accents from various European and UK countries, as well as some American drawls.
We enjoyed our stay so well, we decided not to drive anywhere the next day, but just wander and walk the streets of Banff.  Again, the sun was shining and the temperatures were therapeutically warm.  We basked in the light and warmth as we made over 10,000 steps to the "Cave and Basin" site of the original hotsprings.  We tried a couple new coffee shops and bought some little items in the shops along the way.  By the time we made it back to our hotel, it was mid- afternoon and we needed a rest.  We thought we'd have supper and then check out the pool again.  Maybe tour buses would be gone by evening.
The dark sky meant we couldn't see the surrounding mountains and trees.  But a sliver of moon, God's thumbnail, shone clearly.  What an amazing experience!
Up to this point, news from home about my Grandpa's condition had been "no change".  But Friday, my Mom texted to say his breathing was becoming thready and the care workers were suggesting family gather.  So I of course felt a little torn.  We were having a wonderful time but knew this was coming.  In hindsight, I am glad we carried on with our plans and kept our appointment in Brooks on Saturday, because Grandpa made it until Sunday afternoon, Valentine's Day, when all his children and Walter and myself were able to be with him.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b
As I write this entry this morning, I praise the Lord for His perfect timing and His goodness to guide our paths.  I could feel myself getting uptight and I kept bringing my thoughts captive to Jesus.  God clearly guided us to come home Saturday night and to drive down to the nursing home in Weyburn Sunday.  Yes, it was sad to see Grandpa let go, but he went peacefully and the family was able to say their good-byes.
God is good.  I am glad I can trust Him.