2025-06-19 on the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff, CA

19.6.25 Snaring River->Jasper->Mt. Kerkeling Camp, 55km, 530hm. I slept significantly worse last night because I was still exhausted from the effort to Mt. Hawk and my entire leg muscles were sore. When I left the campsite just before 9 am, Mt. Hawk was shrouded in clouds. I rode on the side road until it merged onto Highway 16 and checked out the cemetery that survived the fire. It was likely protected, as even the sign at the gate is still burned. The cemetery has people who presumably emigrated from various countries. I find Luigo Caputo interesting. The gravestones are partially inscribed on both the front and back. In Jasper, I use the outlet at the tourist information center again. I write to WarmShowers people in Calgary and New York. And indeed, I receive confirmations from both places within an hour! At the Downtown Hostel, I can actually exchange my finished book for a new German one titled: Tomorrow is a new sky. At the pharmacy, I buy new blister plasters and at other stores, food for four days and two cans of beer. When I finally want to leave after two hours, it starts to drizzle. I read a few pages in the new book. Not until 3 pm do I leave Jasper on the 93a. Here, everything on the left and right is burned. The side road has a few more inclines but is quite peaceful to ride and only merges onto Highway 93 at the Athabasca Falls. The river drops more than 20 meters into a narrow canyon and has carved out several mill ponds. A rainbow appears in the spray. On the way, I see deer standing by the road twice. They aren't bothered by the traffic. Shortly after 7 pm, I arrive at the Kerkeslin campground. It should cost $31.25 since firewood is included. Since you have to register yourself, I first wait to see if there’s any check. After pitching the tent, I wash myself in the river, cook, eat, and am invited by neighbors from Dresden. They are very kind to me, and I devour two sausages, bread, and a beer. Many animals stop by; a large raven lands right next to the table, a fox comes within five meters of the tent, and three deer wander along the riverbank. It's really late today. At 11:20 pm, I snuggle into my sleeping bag and still feel my leg muscles from the hike.