Fifteen TrailBlazers, led by Judith and Ed, headed for Jasper on a foggy morning to once again search for Sam on top of his throne high above the valley floor. En route the sun made several brief appearances until it finally came out in earnest. As we neared Jasper there was beautiful blue sky above with low-hanging fluffy white clouds down in the valleys, quite unusual. We were relieved that Tom and Dewayne came today because the final ascent involves hauling ourselves up a rope to the top, and a little extra testosterone is welcome for those of us who are vertically challenged! 

First we ascended the trail to a rocky bluff that is across the valley from the throne. It was cool, and breezy on the ledge, but that changed when we trekked down the rocky road to pick up the base trail around the throne. There is quite a lot of tree fall and damage on the trail, no doubt due to the ice storm. Imagine our surprise to find a dogwood with flowers on the trail. As we hiked there were great views of the rocky palisades leading up to the throne. Serviceberry trees, with their fluffy white flowers, were blooming everywhere. 

Eventually we reached the steep rocky, slot leading up to the staging area for the final assault. Mountain goats like Linda and Ed pussyfooted up to the top to get the rope in place for the rest of us. We all made it safely to the top where we ate lunch and explored the top of the throne. Preacher Sam didn’t show up, wasting a great opportunity to practice his Easter sermon for tomorrow! 

It was a beautiful warm, sunny day – what more could we ask? Happy Easter!