The West Edmonton Mall

There's a truck in the room..., originally uploaded by mickzilla.

We survived Jasper, and the Mountain Goats - I never did find the part of the park that I paid to get into to - but at least I supported the Park economy none the less.

A short day of driving, just a quick 4 hours and we where into Edmonton. I figured every other street would be "Wayne Gretzky Way" or "Wayne Gretzky Ave." but alas, I was wrong - i guess they never forgave him moving to L.A. We did find Alberta's greatest tourist destination, and the biggest mall in North America. From 1983-2006 it used to be the biggest (by total area) in the world - but China has built 2 bigger since. Apparently communists really like to shop.

The mall area itself didn't seem too big - maybe about the same size as the Metrotown mall in Burnaby, BC - but what did make it massive, was the full Waterpark, Amusement Park, and Hockey Rink located inside. Not to mention the the life-sized replicate of the Santa Maria in the lake located inside. We couldn't do it all - but we did go skating for a hour - it's pretty neat doing that in the middle of a mall.

Since we roughed it last night - i went to check out the "Fantasy Land" hotel that's in the mall - apparently they do theme rooms. Since it was Wednesday, and they had extra "Truck" rooms - we got a deal, and signed up for it. I'm sleeping in the back of a Truck tonight - Keona's sleeping in the cab. The room also has a hottub - go figure.

Billy Goats Gruff

Watch for Goats
Originally uploaded by mickzilla

Just outside of Jasper - we stumbled upon 3 Mountain Goats Gruff. One stopped us, and said "You can't cross here - I'm going to eat you". So I said, Mr. Billy - let us head to West Edmonton Mall where we'll fatten up, so we'll be much tastier when we return - and to that, his response - "Mick, you're fat enough!"

So we ran! - Next stop WEM!

Worst campers ever!

We made it to Jasper, Alberta! For some reason I paid $9 to get into
the park, but I haven't seen this $9 park yet... I'll figure that out
tomorrow. We did find the quaint town of Jasper and my plan was to
park in one of their many tourist parking lots, and crash in the car.
Rightly so, Keona thought that was a bad idea, and that along with the
signs that said it wasn't allowed had me looking for new
accomidations. We stumbled upon Whistlers Campsite, and for $27, Keona
and I are the proud owners of campsite 6H for the night! Sadly, we did
not bring a tent, or flashlight, but that didn't stop us wannabe
campers. With only minutes to spare before pitch blackness, and the
bears come to eat us, I converted the Honda into our 4 star sleeping
facility, and built the most awesome fire you see in the picture.
Maybe we're campers after-all!