The black sand beach along the Athabaska River is a serene place to write and reflect upon our week-long escape. My faithful black-and-white companion sits at my feet. The water is fast and loud. Against the river’s edge, small waves kiss the sand. There are two peaks in the distance obscured by a veil of gray smoke. I’m unsure of where the forests are burning. Thinking about it makes my heart feel heavy. My eyes are stinging and my throat is dry. Here in Alberta, the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Banff National Park and Lake Louise are places that feel like my backyard. Two Jack Lake is where we started our little odyssey. The heavily wooded campground is sheltered by massive rock walls. The commercialized town of Banff is a little more quiet than usual. We poke around the shops, purchase some boots, and settle in at a …