Book Reading & Slide Presentation for
Something to Crow About in Jasper National Park

Friday, April 24th
6:30pm @ Jasper Museum Bridgland Room

Books available for purchase!

Choose Your Side

Choose Your Side

Hi, I’m Miss D, or that is what my pet crow, Rocky, called me.

I was so fortunate to grow up in Jasper National Park, and to have shared so many experiences with Rocky. Rocky learned to talk (and curse), was very stealthy about stealing brightly coloured objects and then hiding them, insisted on attending school and causing chaos in the classroom, invaded family barbecues and dive-bombed those people he wasn’t fond of.

Please click my cover to get a glimpse of MY side of the story (a little more realistic, perhaps, than Rocky’s memories).

— Miss D

Hi everybody, I’m Rocky the (in)famous crow in Jasper National Park during the late ’50s and early ’60s!

I want to tell you all about growing up there, about attending school, frequenting local restaurants, hanging out at the pool hall with the guys, learning to speak the lingo, chasing bears with my puppy pal, etc. Most Jasper and Lake Edith residents from back in the day have a tale or two about me. Totally cool!

So, click my cover and you can see some highlights from MY side of the story. (You’ll love it!)

— Rocky

Something to Crow About in Jasper National Park describes the adventures of a young crow growing up in the park in the late ’50s and early ’60s. Daphne Rowed Richard’s wonderfully creative book recalls her youth spent in the beautiful natural environment of the Jasper area, through whimsical storytelling from both her perspective and that of her family’s pet crow, Rocky. This captivating mix of humorous and informative anecdotes, epic photographs by Harry and Scott Rowed, and evocative artwork by Okanagan artists Shannon Wylie and Rod Charlesworth will delight anyone with a connection Jasper or to the mountains and wildlife in general.
Something to Crow About in Jasper National Park took a ‘team’ – an amazing, creative group of individuals who helped me to realize this dream.

I have described their work and contributions in the book, but would like to acknowledge them here too.

Layout Design and Editing Team
Jennifer Stuart
Anne Ryall
Shadow Light Productions
Jenna Cumbers

Photographers
Harry and Scott Rowed

Artists
Shannon Wylie
Rod Charlesworth

Publishing and Distribution Assistance
Alpine Book Peddlers
Rob Kaye

Authors
Rocky and Me (Miss D)

Sincerely, thank you! It has been so much fun being down the “Rocky rabbit hole” with all of you!

Something to Crow About in Jasper National Park was written about experiences in the park many, many years ago; Rocky and I had much more freedom, at least in our imagination. Today is a very different time, with an ever-increasing number of visitors; new guidelines are in place to retain, enhance and protect this special area and its wildlife – rules which we must respect and obey.

National Parks help protect uniquely Canadian landscapes along with their ecosystems that wildlife depend upon for their survival. Wildlife is extremely sensitive to the stress of human activity. When our actions reduce an animal’s wildness, the natural character of our national parks diminishes. Whether you plan to drive the roads, hike or bike the trails, or relax in town, take time to understand the important precautions wild areas demand. Your responsible behaviour affects the survival of wildlife and helps ensure your safety. The chance of seeing wildlife is one of the most exciting things about visiting the mountain national parks. It is important to treat wild animals with respect. Approaching too closely threatens their survival. Once wildlife becomes accustomed to being around people, they are in danger of losing the very thing that makes them special – their wildness.

Top Tips to Respect Wildlife and Stay Safe

The chance to observe wildlife as they go about their natural lives is a fascinating experience. With this privilege comes the responsibility to treat wildlife with the respect they need and deserve. Learn how to respect wildlife with these safety tips.

  1. Learn about the wildlife in the destination you plan to visit
  2. Never feed wildlife – it’s illegal
  3. Keep your dog on a leash at all times – it is the law
  4. Keep your picnic site and campsite clean
  5. Hike during the day
  6. If you see wildlife beside the road, slow down, stay in your vehicle and move on
  7. Give wildlife space
  8. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings
  9. Carry bear spray
  10. Stay on designated trails and respect area closures and restrictions
  11. Leave your drone at home

Jasper National Park Locations referenced in Something to Crow About in Jasper National Park

(The majority of these are identified on a map in the centre of the book. I know YOU will be familiar with many of them!)

Mt Edith Cavell (including Angel Glacier, Cavell Meadows and Lake of Forgiveness)
Tonquin Valley/Amethyst Lake
Skyline Trail
Pyramid Mountain
Pyramid Lake
Athabasca River
Lake Edith
Lake Annette
Columbia Icefields
Mount Columbia
Mount Mowat
Mount Geikie
Icefields Parkway
Athabasca Falls
Marmot Basin
Maligne Canyon
Medicine Lake
Maligne Lake
Colin Range (and Old Man Mountain)
CNR Railway station
Chaba Theatre
Baxter’s (Gifts and Coffee Shop)
Palisades Centre
Moberly Homestead
Valley of the Five Lakes
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Talbot Lake

Jasper Townsite locations:

  • Canadian National Railway Station
  • Rowed & O’Neill
  • Baxter’s (Gifts and Coffee Shop)
  • Athabasca Hotel
  • Astoria Hotel
  • Spero’s
  • Chaba Theatre
  • Jasper Seton Hospital
  • Jasper Anglican Church
  • Connaught Street/Drive
  • Jasper’s Pool Hall
  • Jasper Elementary and Senior High Schools