Photo Challenge: Landscapes

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Whistlers Mountain, Jasper Skytram, Tramway, Jasper, Alberta, Hike, Canadian, Adventure, Gods

Close to 3,000 years ago the ancient Greeks believed that Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in mainland Greece, was the home of the gods. With the highest peak topping out at 9,573 feet, legend told that 12 gods lived on the mountain and ruled the universe, controlling everything from the weather, to the sea, to livestock and agricultural, to love and beauty.

Closer to home, standing atop Whistlers Mountain in Jasper, Alberta, it’s easy to understand why the ancient Greeks believed gods lived on mountains.

A few years ago, I befriended the untamed landscape of Whistlers Mountain and completed the six-hour hike to the summit. While it was a great physical test for a novice mountain climber, the true breathtaking moments came from the view.

Whistlers Mountain, Jasper Skytram, Tramway, Jasper, Alberta, Hike, Canadian, Adventure, Gods

At a height of more than 8,000 feet, the mountain offered heavenly views of the town, people and clouds below.

What also set this hike apart from my typical non-deity days was a face-to-face encounter with a brown bear cub. At first thought, the serendipitous rendezvous in the forest felt welcoming, as if the cub was introducing me to his playground. Then, remembering my backpack full of snacks and that bear cubs are closely followed by their helicopter parents, my thoughts went from delight to fright and my lack of almighty strength compared to an angry mama bear.

Whistlers Mountain, Jasper Skytram, Tramway, Jasper, Alberta, Hike, Canadian, Adventure, Gods

I quickly moved away from the cub and began feverishly shaking my bear bell like a Christmas caroller trying to wake up an entire neighbourhood. Fortunately, these bare necessities paid off and I was able to safely continue my hike.

Whistlers Mountain, Jasper Skytram, Tramway, Jasper, Alberta, Hike, Canadian, Adventure, Gods

As Winston Zeddemore famously said, “when someone asks you if you’re a god, you say YES!”

This post was inspired by The Daily Post’s photo and discover challenge. To join their next challenge, check out their blog. New themes are announced every Friday.

21 Comments
  • glasgowmango June 13, 2016, 10:18 pm Reply

    Great views!

  • twobrownfeet June 7, 2016, 11:17 am Reply

    There’s something soothing and terrifying in the mountains. You’ve done a terrific job at capturing both these contrasting elements. Those clouds look stunning!

  • spiritofdragonflies June 5, 2016, 10:05 pm Reply

    Breathtaking photos. It must have been a wonderful experience.

    • Jon June 5, 2016, 10:06 pm

      Thanks for visiting my blog – yes – it was an incredible experience!

  • swritings April 24, 2016, 5:43 am Reply

    I can’t get enough of these! Absolutely stunning!

    • Jon April 24, 2016, 8:26 am

      Thanks so much 🙂

  • Linda Arthur Tejera April 15, 2016, 3:07 pm Reply

    These landscape photos are gorgeous! 🙂

    • Jon April 15, 2016, 6:26 pm

      Thanks so much Linda!

  • aekshots April 5, 2016, 10:17 pm Reply

    Beautiful shots…nice reward for the long hike.

    • Jon April 5, 2016, 11:48 pm

      Thanks so much! Yes, the photos were a great bonus from the trek to the top 🙂

  • Kiran Acharya April 4, 2016, 9:43 pm Reply

    Wow, what a spectacular view! No wonder they considered those mountains, the home of the Gods. Brilliant pictures.

    • Jon April 4, 2016, 10:37 pm

      Thanks so much for checking out my blog!

  • aurawithwriting April 4, 2016, 12:42 am Reply

    OMG! They are breathtakingly beautiful!!!!!!

    • Jon April 4, 2016, 9:40 am

      Thanks for the kind words 🙂

  • Maverick ~ April 2, 2016, 9:36 pm Reply

    Majestic mountains, beautiful images.

    • Jon April 2, 2016, 10:25 pm

      Thanks so much!

  • Connie T April 2, 2016, 7:54 pm Reply

    Nice pictures.

    • Jon April 2, 2016, 10:26 pm

      Thanks for checking out my blog!

  • indacampo April 2, 2016, 5:12 pm Reply

    There’s that beautiful Alberta sky. There are so many things about home that I get melancholy about. Images like this are among them. It’s true, you don’t really appreciate home until you leave it.

    You’ve taken me back for a few moments, thank you. Fantastic photos. 🙂

    • Jon April 2, 2016, 5:44 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing – I hope to go back some day soon.

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