The image caused me to yearn to get back to Maligne Lake, Jasper, Alberta, where I have paddled a few times. This image is of World Heritage Site called Spirit Island. I was there three years ago and enjoyed lunch on that spit of sand you see on the left side of the island. Directly behind the island is the south end of the lake, water color is generally aquamarine...to the north of Spirit Island is the narrows which opens up to the north end of the lake, generally a swimming pool blue color. Dissolved mineral content changes the color of this lake from year to year. The last time I was there the water was a pasty blue color because of excessive runoff from the glaciers. At the extreme south end of the lake is a small campsite where campers can stay for a maximum of 5 nights, assuming they reserve their spots a year in advance. I very highly recommend that if any paddlers are coming to Canada, get over to Maligne Lake, give yourselves a full 16-hrs to paddle, start at 0500h and stay on the lake until you paddle it from end to end. During the average day, you will get beautiful clear skies, wind storms (not quite katabatic but close), thunder storms or just passing squalls and a full memory card if you take along a camera. That would be one trip you would not forget. Apparently, I have been given the task of taking Keith, Linda and Wifey (Keiths wife) to Maligne Lake later this year or some time next year.

Robert N Pruden