Alberta’s David Thomson Explorer’s Trail and the Aurum Lodge- A Golden Nugget by Donatas Speyer
ELECTRIFYING UNIT
When someone mentions Alberta, Canada, automatically think of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
I will not argue with you that the three are not gorgeous, but if you're looking for the best kept secret in Alberta, take a walk along the path of David Thompson Explorer (Highway 11 on maps). You will not regret, especially if you are looking for that ideal romantic and peaceful.
Who was David Thompson, anyway? He just happens to be one of Canada's most important geographers, and it was he, who in the years 1806-1808 traveled to the North Saskatchewan River and discovered the Athabasca pass through the Continental Divide.
After experiencing the spectacular drive, we realized how appropriate was the name of the road after this great Canadian. By the way, the route extends from Stettler for the Saskatchewan River crossing at the intersection of Highway 93, within the limits of Banff National Park.
The most electrifying of the unity of my wife and I was an hour and a half from the town of Rocky Mountain House to our destination, the Aurum Lodge.
The beauty and mystery of Crescent Falls, Bighorn Canyon, Lake Abraham and the surrounding dense forests was comparable to reading a brilliant piece of poetry. Our spirits were lifted to heights we could never have imagined!
If you have the time do not forget to visit the Historic Site of Canada's Rocky Mountains.
ONLY PLACE IN NATURE AND THE DESERT
The scene of the firm, and one can still clearly visualize, is when we approached the Aurum Lodge is located along Highway 11 overlooking the stunning beauty of Abraham Lake.
As an artist, my wife could not pronounce the help of all the adjectives in English and French vocabulary in describing these majestic views! Adding to our excitement was that they were checking into a lodge whose location and its surroundings have the perfect ingredients to enhance the aura of romanticism.
From the moment he entered the lodge and settled into our large living room, my wife and I were drawn to the unparalleled view of the turquoise Lake Abraham and mountain surroundings of Mount Stelfox, Elliot Peak, and Mt. Michener.
Swiss born innkeepers Alan and Madeleine Ernst first went to Canada from Mexico in 1989, after having traveled and worked in over 40 countries. In 1999 they decided to make their home in Alberta, in a location that is a half hour drive away from the nearest town, Nordegg and adjacent to Banff National Park. In 2000 "opened its doors to welcome the first guests of the lodge.
What is more unique and desirable throughout the season, Aurum Lodge is found in nature and the wilderness that is easily accessible, besides being rich in history and native culture.
The main philosophy of the owners is that their actions are driven by the acceptance of both environment and profitability. As a result, we have taken into account the impact of the lodge in your environment, aesthetics, the choice of materials, waste reduction, efficient control layout, sound, thermal insulation, climate control, use passive solar energy, electricity, pollution, waste management, transport and water supply and management.
Alan, a former Swiss banker and not as I had imagined, an architect or engineer, made a surprising amount of research, and it was he who designed this eco-sensitive lodge.
If the romantic rooms? Of course they are, if we take into account the privacy, spaciousness, brightness, comfort, environment, and yes, there is even a room with a jacuzzi for that special occasion.
For convenience, all scrupulously clean six cozy lodge rooms are equipped with orthopedic mattresses, feather duvets and pillows (synthetic bedding is available upon request), private bathroom with tub / shower.
There are also two cleaning cabins and a two bedroom apartment complete with fridge / freezer, stove, microwave, and bathroom with shower. These units are independent of the cottage and have no access to the facilities of the lodge (for example, common areas or meals and no maid service).
We could not help but feel the spirit of the Rocky Mountains the culmination of all rooms and around the lodge. By the way, if you're wondering what the name Aurum means, Alan reminded me that it is the Latin term for gold. The cottage owners firmly believe that there are values ââin life that can not be measured in monetary terms, but are equally valuable.
One of the best compliments the owners received was from a middle-aged couple who came here to relax and went with the comment that their stay had been special because it was the first time in years, who had the opportunity to sit, relax and speak, without being bothered by telephones, children, friends or TV. That is the summary what the Aurum Lodge is all!
DINING
Any questions you may have been related to National Park Boundary, Columbia Icefield, Bow Summit and Peyto Lake in Banff National Park, Ram River Falls and sites along forest roads.
Weddings
The lodge is available for a small intimate wedding for couples seeking a low cost event in a natural environment.
