Making Waves

Color on a Gray Day

2012-01-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

I thought for sure, due to feeling tired, sore and depleted when I went to bed last night, that I would spend today enjoying a one on one with my sofa. I woke raring to go though! So I went! I went back to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park with intentions of testing yet even more features that my 40SX HD offers. After 11km and almost three hours later, this is what I have to show.

Today I tried the different color options. I didn't necessarily go for great scenery shots but picked locations along the trail where there were colorful objects that I could make pop out. I picked different levels with the first photo here being taken so the red stands out.

For this photo I changed the level to mid range so not only does the yellow pop, there is a bit of additional color in the yellow tone showing throughout the photo.

This feature allows me to pick full black and white except for the color which I focus on.

I see me having lots of fun with this option.

Then I went for landscape shots and picked a color to pop. It is obvious that I went for the yellow. In addtion to making the yellow stand out, I also added a touch of fish eye effect to the picture.

In this wide angle landscape photo (which was even wider but I cut of the sides to bring the photo in to where you could see the orange), the lens picked up the orange meadow and made everythig else black and gray.

Now here is color on a gray day! I focused the color on the pinkish orange in the sky and it added that color in a deeper tone to the surrounding landscape. It looks like a beautiful autumn day. This may be the option to use for sunrise and sunset photos which I am having trouble with.

When I took a photo of this structure in the summer, it showed as brown with green grass and trees. Once again I went for a black/gray color with hints of gold here and there.

As I turned to start the hike up out of the valley, wildlife caught my eye and I caught them!

One last photo to capture today would lead me to believe, if I didn't know any better, that we were in the middle of another season other then winter. A couple of small sections were ice covered yet I was able to easily walk around the ice and two paths sheltered by trees were snow covered, but only by an inch or two.

I thoroughly enjoyed this morning being out and about and especially glad to have the time to spend getting to know my camera even more so.

Backside of Banff

2012-01-28T22:51:00.001-07:00

All day yesterday I had a plan in place to C-X Ski Louise area today, by evening that changed and I was prepared with gear and maps in place to Ski Pocaterra area. I hit the road this morning, jockeyed for a position on the highway, went with the flow and this is where I ended up! Not Lake Louise, nor Pocaterra! I drove underneath this arch.....

...and found myself at the backside of Banff, behind the Banff Springs Hotel, at the Spray River trail head. It was nice to see only three other vehicles in the lot . It pays to get out early! Before slipping into the tracks, I checked out the map to see what I had in store. I knew I was going to like this already.....

.....because the track would follow a river that wasn't frozen! The mountain scenery was soothing and the sound of water in motion was calming. What more could a Maritime girl transplanted to the Rockies ask for.

The further along the trail I went, the better the track conditions became.

I made it to the picnic table, which was my destination so got my ski-stop-shot out of the way. You, my followers, should know the meaning behind this pose! If not, check out my previous post. Realizing it was too early for lunch, and having more fuel to burn off, I carried on down the Goat Creek Trail for another two kms. I should say carried on "up" as it was all up hill. Then it was time to enjoy the downhill back to the picnic table and by now it was lunch time.

You might know if there is food in sight, then there would be a whiskey jack in sight.

This one stood guard!

I took in the view one last time then began the ski back to my car. I reiterate, it pays to get out early. Having the track to myself heading back, I met walkers, skiers both X-C and Skate, plus snowshoers all coming towards me and noticing too, they had been all over the trail which made it a little tougher for me to stay on track.

I was beat by the time I made it back to my car and I just wanted to head home!

I learned that the Spray River Trail in Banff connects with the Goat Creek Trail in Canmore and that it is possible to ski all the way from the beginning of one to the end of the other. Someday I would like to do this!

Choosing an "S" !

2012-01-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

All week I knew I would be doing something today. The only thing I was sure of was that what I would be doing would begin with an "S"! It wasn't until this morning that I made the decision. I wanted to ski instead of snowshoe or skate. I was quick as a whip getting ready and out the door. I wanted to be one of the first on the trail, as usual. I arrived at the Pocaterra Hut at 9:15, took care of business then slide into the tracks and I was off. I wasn't the first but pretty darn near.

I could not have asked for a better day for my first, real, serious business, ski. The sun felt warm, the sky was blue, the new snow sparkled and I was in my glory. The trail signs are quite nice. I stopped at each one to get the lay of the land and to make sure I was staying on the green easy trails (for now).

Like I mentioned in a previous X-C Ski post, I needed to work on what the signature shot will be for when I reach my cross country ski destination. This is it and I call it my "ski-stop-shot". This isn't just a silly pose, it has meaning as you can see in the photo under this one.

X & O...loving life these days!

My intentions were to complete 10 kms, 5 out then return the way I came. I was enjoying myself, time was flying and I was too, so instead of turning around at 5 I did it at 7 kms. I was back to the Hut by 12:30, had my lunch then headed home!

I'm already looking forward to getting out again and incorporating more hill training.

Lesson Learned!

2012-01-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Finally! I got that big white elephant out of the way! I had my cross-country-ski hill lesson today. It was cancelled last Sunday so I signed up to take the lesson today. I also signed up to go in the Van instead of driving myself. The whole day from beginning to end went well! After learning how to attack hills, we went on a short tour to put our newly learned skills to the test. Here's a shout out to the University of Calgary Active Living Outdoor Center and especially to the instructors I had for both lessons. I learned what I need to know and now I can get on with my life!

WONDERING WEDNESDAY

2012-01-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday and I'm Wondering!

What does Parks Canada have in store for this year's Winterfest!

Courtship Cancellation

2012-01-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today was the day for my X-C Skimance to grow and flourish! Instead, the date was cancelled so there wasn't an opportunity for courting to take place. I always hate when dates get cancelled at the last moment. I become skeptic and wonder what the real cancellation reason is. I am terrible for getting caught up in excitement and anticipation. To this day, I haven't learned how not to be that way and when a date gets cancelled, I deal with a great amount of disappointment.

Today was different! Date Cancelled = No Disappointment! When I woke this morning, there was no excitement nor anticipation. Rather, I was ecstatic not to have to head out onto the highway west where road conditions were rated red (poor) and temperatures hoovered around -18 Degrees Celsius with a -30 degree windchill. A year ago today, I took the chance, hit the highway west and paid big time, the cost of a car.

As today went on and the snow stopped and the plows plowed, I threw caution to the wind and went out to breathe in the fresh cold air and exercise my lungs and legs up on Nose Hill. I'm not sure why there are a load of these signs on the trees up on that Hill. A portion of the sky turned blue for a very short period and I relished in it.

There was no rhyme or reason to the route I took. I just went! If you look at the tip of my left hand, that spot was the only bright spot in all of the down town core. For those of you who are from away, in front of me stretches sky scraper after sky scraper.

Every time I hike around Nose Hill, I come across something new.

I covered a very tiny portion of the Hill today but it was a big enough portion to give me time to ponder and to come to terms that I have a commitment phobia. I cannot commit to just one, I need to play the field. I need to be able to go from skates to snowshoes to X-C skis and back to my skates again, maybe even skates and skis in the same day and my snowshoes the following day. On that note, I may not commit to a hill date with my skis for next weekend. Call me fickle, I can handle it!

Focus & Stretch

2012-01-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

My muscles screamed at me this morning when I moved to get out of bed! Yesterday I discovered muscles existed within me that I didn't even know were there. It hurt to walk down the stairs, it hurt to sit, it even hurt just standing. I've been there before and I know what the best medicine for this is. A good long walk to stretch and work the aching muscles. I wasn't interested in walking just for the sake of walking so put my free pass to the Calgary Zoo to use, and focused on practicing with my camera. It appears I wasn't the only one focused today!

This was the perfect day to see how good that Canon stabilizer really is! Lately it has been very windy here in Calgary and in the Rocky Mountains. Today in the city, gusts were reaching up to 58 km/hr. While I wasn't actually in the Rockies today, I was in the Canadian Wilds where the wind was wild. Looking at this photo, where I zoomed, I would say the stabilizer lived up to all the hype.

Walking around the Zoo was working wonders for my legs. I needed to stretch my legs to get into position for some of my shots and I purposely stretched them a little further to make it more of an exercise. I'm glad the tiger stretched its legs out from behind the tree!

After a couple of hours of walking, stretching and taking photos, I was feeling tired. I was content with the period of time I spent at the Zoo and with what I saw and also I was curious to see the outcome of my focused practice session with my camera. I earned a well deserved nap so headed home where I could lay my head down too!

The more I play with my camera, the happier I am with the choice I made. There is still lots to learn and I have ear-marked a few more features to try soon. Like I have said many times before....

Looking for Love

2012-01-07T23:58:00.002-07:00

At the beginning of every new year lately, I get this yearning to find love and I begin the search. This year is proving to be no different. I do know that I need to feel good about myself and also to be in a place in my life where I have the time to work on a relationship. Well, there is no time like the present! To assist with the "feel good about myself" aspect, I updated my wardrobe with a fashionable pair of skinny pants and stylish ankle high booties. What lady that is looking should be without these, these days? I am at that place in my life where I have the time to work on a relationship so I have opened my heart and I'm putting myself out there with hopes of success!

I never believed in love at first sight and I still don't. I am in support of love growing over time. Call me old fashion but I favour a courting period, spending time together, becoming comfortable, learning and growing and ultimately developing something that is wonderful. I am happy to report that I am having some success. I am taking baby steps, I don't want to rush things, I am slowly but surely making progress. This is my choice to go at this pace because I don't want to get hurt.

After already spending a few occasions together, having reached a somewhat comfortable place, I took control and decided it was time to kick it up a notch! The place of choice to do this was where I feel at home, in my playground. What better view then this to get into the mood!

It was time to really see if there could be a loving relationship between me and my cross country skis! The few occasions together where I have put myself out there, it was just me and my skis trying to find our own way. Today, it was serious business, my first official lesson! The lesson was beneficial in strengthening the relationship. I can't report that there is a "love" yet but I'm feeling something more then just "like". Let's say, I am in a state of "loke!" I realize this relationship needs more work so have set up another courting period for next weekend.

I just happened to come across this photo on another website and there I am front and center. I had no idea my photo was being taken or who took it. If I had known, I would have looked up and smiled, after all, one of my goals is to always be smiling when I am out and about.

OH! By the way, these are my new fashionable skinny pants...

...and these are my stylish ankle high booties!

Additional Sources

2012-01-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

They know me well! I received two additional items to add to "My Summit Source Library." With the weather we are having lately in southern Alberta, either book can be put to use. I'm looking forward to learning about near places to adventure too!

Finally the Ending, Already the Beginning

2012-01-02T06:20:00.001-07:00

Here are the final totals from being out & about in 2011. You may have to click on the chart, pick view then zoom in. 9.8 Kilometers (6.1 miles) of the snowshoe tallies are actually cross country ski distances. I have added this sport to my 2012 chart. I enjoyed every time I was out and every inch of ground I covered in 2011.

I'm off on the right foot for 2012 and I'm looking forward to wonderful times this year. I wish all of you lots of fun times doing what you love to do. I hope to share some out & about time with you. I look forward to seeing your photos and reading all about your adventures.

Three for Three

2012-01-01T21:44:00.001-07:00

And on Sunday, she shall rest! Not me, I'll save that for tomorrow! I wanted to be "out & about" today in a way that I wasn't the past two days so what was left to choose from was skating, running, biking or X-C skiing! I picked skiing to make it three for three. This sport would be the one that gets me caught up in the middle of the mountains, it would be an opportunity to try the skis yet another time, I could get a good work out without having to go very far and I would be in a place that I could play photographer afterwards.

I hit the road early and arrived at the Lake Minniwanka parking lot along with four other vehicles. I was tempted to pass on skiing and just go back and look at the scenery I just drove by. But, since I was there with gear in tow, I clipped in and skied off.

The scenery was something special!

I liked the deep grooves that were set to ski in.

I really took to the gentle downhill sections.

I enjoyed the views, the fresh air and the exercise.

Now heading back, I moved over to the other lane thinking that you are suppose to stay to the right and met a bombardment of folks coming towards me in both lanes. I kept moving out of the track until they went by for fear of a crash. I'm pretty sure this isn't the way it is suppose to be but didn't want to say anything as I am the novice one and still learning the etiquette! I hope to learn all this stuff when I take proper lessons. Seven kilometers was enough, it was time to get on with my day.

I drove back to the scenery I passed a couple of hours ago. I took some photos of Lake Minniwanka then sat in my car facing the Lake while I had lunch. I have been out this way many times but never in the winter. This beats any summer day scene I have seen.

I stopped off at Cascade Ponds and hiked around it, practicing with my camera settings.

The color of the broken ice was gorgeous.

These are three of my favourite photos!

Feeling content with seven kilometers of skiing and lots of photography practice, it was time to call it a great way to enjoy the first day of a brand new year. Now time to head home to spend a relaxing night.

Today I learned that there are similarities between running and cross-country skiing. Once you have the gear there are no other expenses other then taking lessons. Running and X-C Ski cloths are designed the same therefore I already have the skiing wardrobe!

Excited for 2012 !

2012-01-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

I enjoy reflecting and reminiscing and I am forever thankful for what I have been able to experience in life. The true enjoyment though for me, comes when I begin making plans and the anticipation of living out these planned experiences. I always like to have something to look forward to and goals to aim towards.

I already have some ideas of what I want my 2012 vacation days to look like. I see them being car trips, I see my tent being used lots, I see them being more sight-seeing days then long hiking days. I see me seeing these four unique places!

I know 2012 will be a year of learning! I already know that because I believe you grow through learning and I am not done growing yet. I have ideas of what I want to learn this year and will keep you posted on my progress.

"Out & About in 2012" is waiting for its first entry! The photos framing the top of the spreadsheet are from some of my 2011 adventures, with two favourite mottos book-ending the bottom. I have high hopes of having plenty of entries for all activities.

STAY TUNED!

and lastly.....

2011-12-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

.....my 2011 play time in the mountains has come to an end! No matter what, I was going to be out there today. I knew I would snowshoe and I had some places in mind but the road conditions would be the decision maker of where I would end up. I am still working on getting my winter driving confidence back, I have made headway but I'm still not 100% yet.

The roads decided I would be snowshoeing the Elk Pass Trail and I agreed with that decision. I arrived early, only two other vehicles arrived today before me and they were X-C skiers. I was glad to see that as I like to be first and I was the first (and as it turned out, and the only all day) snowshoer. Heading in I took the route dedicated to snowshoers. There was a trail blazed but it was partially filled in with brand new snow. I'm so happy with how this photo of my route up the hill turned out. The sun's rays show instead of a bunch of purple dots.

I kept stopping in the forest section, to look around in amazement at the beauty of all the snow.

I definitely know I am a winter person!

Lots of views like this today!

What are you starring at?

I stopped at the picnic table for lunch. That's where the whisky jack joined me. There wasn't even a breeze and I was able to spend a little time basking in the sun. Don't ask what happened next in this photo. I swear there was only tea in my thermos, even though it is New Year's Eve!

I trekked through the meadow for a while on the way back, then worked my way out to the official trail. I followed my tracks back until the hydroline and then made a bee line straight down in the powder back to the parking lot.

My car is just over this little hill.

I packed my snowshoes into the car, called it a year then hit the highway to home to where I could have something other then just tea! It was very fitting to say goodbye to 2011 in a way that has become such a big part of my life, being out and about!

GOOD-BYE 2011 !

Free & Easy!

2011-12-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

Not me! My day was! I was given the opportunity to enjoy today away from the office so took full advantage of this free day and escaped the city to get one last true hike in before the end of 2011! I wanted something easy that wasn't far away, so I could save myself for New Year's Eve. I picked Prairie Mountain. I did escape the city, but thanks to the telephoto lens on my SX40HS, I was still able to get up close and almost personal. I think I see my co-workers through the tower window!!!

This was my sixth time up this mountain, so by now, it would be a challenge to take unique photos from the ones I already have in my collection. This would be a good chance to practice zooming in really close which I could never do before. The SX40HS has a great stabilizer. This is Calgary's down town core. The image seems a bit grainy to me but then again, I am taking this photo from approximately 80 kms away.

The gas flare in this zoomed in shot looks very clear.

This photo, zoomed in 35 times, taken from the summit of Prairie Mountain, of the Moose Mountain Lookout is crystal clear. I passed two very slow fellows on the way to the summit and also two passed by me on their way back down. I was glad to own the summit for awhile so I could play and practice.

I checked out this quinzee. The entrance is on the far side. It was quite a size, much taller then me. I'm sure it was lots of work to build. I tried to see inside but the angle was such that I couldn't without sliding down into it.

The last photo I took was my summit shot. This summit shot pose is unique to Prairie Mountain. I like to think of it as my summit siesta shot. No time for a siesta today though!

As you can see from the digits below, it was quick and it was easy! I was finished by lunch time, so checked out Elbow Falls, had lunch in my car then headed back to the city. I thoroughly enjoyed this free and easy day!

2011 Tops

2011-12-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

While 2011 is not over with yet and I still have two more days of adventuring left, what I have planned for those two days will not top what I already experienced this year so I feel confident in picking my "2011 Tops" right now. It wasn't difficult to pick out five top adventures for 2011. I didn't go for the most scenic, or the longest or the highest. Neither did I pick adventures where I had the most fun. I went for treks that stood out because they meant something special or because of their uniqueness. They are listed here and are not in any particular order:

Dead Horse Point State Park

My Utah trip in May was tops in every way possible and that makes it hard to name what was most outstanding. I will go with my day hiking the circumference of Dead Horse Point State Park. I soloed today and owned the 14 kilometers except for 15 minutes or so when I helped a few lost souls. I had many moments on this day where I had to pinch myself, I couldn't believe where I actually was nor seeing what I was actually seeing! It was empowering to be adventuring solo and finding my way in a brand new place in another country!

Lake O'Hara Day 2

Day 2 of our three days at Elizabeth Parker Hut in mid August stood for everything I have ever wanted in adventuring in the mountains. I got to go to bed at night and wake up in the morning in a place where I could almost reach out and touch the mountains and which was only five minutes from a trail that leads to one of the most beautiful places ever.

Mount St. Piran

When I think of "over the moon" (title for this blog post) I think of the phrases "more than expected", "above and beyond", "WOW"! This day in late July was exactly all those and more. It stands out because: it was a place I wanted to return to, I got to share the day with a friend before she moved away, the weather was perfect, we pretty much owned the trail, and I got to meet the Copelands.

Piegan Pass

This one-way hike in Glacier National Park opened a new door for me, for getting away from the tourist trails. This day in early August stands out because it was full of a way more adventure then we had anticipated and I love adventure! I felt so high on top of the world, I was sure I was flying!

Pigeon Mountain

I never thought hiking Pigeon Mountain would be a top memorable experience, especially when it was a mountain that I always just looked at passing by thinking boring & blah. Much to my surprise our hike here in early November far exceeded my expectations, which may have been due to the company, the fresh fallen snow, the blue sky and being one of those days where the rewards far out-weighted the effort. I was reminded not to judge a book by its cover!

Stay tuned for my year end post!

December 25, 2011

2011-12-25T15:42:00.002-07:00

With Toys in Tow, Off I Go...

2011-12-24T23:56:00.002-07:00

...west to where it looks and feels like winter!

I was watching the weather forecast for Lake Louise all week, praying it would align perfectly for Christmas Eve, and it did exactly that! After a hectic last little while, I wanted a day to escape to a magical place where I could play. I arrived early at Lake Louise, just as the ice man finished preparing the ice surface. The view was dreamy!

This gave me that magical feeling I was seeking!

It felt so good, it felt so right to lace up my skates then etch edges in the ice. I owned Lake Louise for a little while and for that period of time, I skated, twirled, glided all in sync to my music. As others began to arrive, I stuck to skating wide circles around the outer circumference. With 6.5 kilometers on my blades, it was time to switch modes of movement.

I took a brief break, had a snack, altered layers, then for the second time only in my life, hopped onto my X-C Skis. The flat, wide open, not another single soul around conditions, were conducive for me to safely play. I still need to work on my standing still on skis skills.

I followed the track which I had to myself, all the way to the end of the Lake. It was just before noon, so that meant lunch time but not before taking a ski-stop-shot. If X-C Skiing is going to be part of my play mix, then I need to work on what my ski-stop-shot should be!

While enjoying the view and lunch, the horse drawn sleigh arrived.

This photo of the frozen falls at the end of the Lake was taken with my camera set at full 35 x zoom.

After lunch, I skied the 2.2kms back to where I started then once again take a brief break, had a snack, altered my layers then went in search of more magic inside the Chateau and outside. What a wonderful find and how perfectly this aligned into my day!

I stepped up to the ice bar!

My desert and treat to top of this magical day, was a glass of Mission Hill Ice Wine.

I stayed at the ice bar for a little while, taking photos, enjoying the fire, chatting up the bartender, and most of all savouring the wine, the scenery and the sculptures. This has to be one of the most unique ways I have spent Christmas Eve! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about today, and now feeling fulfilled and content, I headed home with a permanent smile fixed on my face!

Hanging Out in the Hills

2011-12-17T23:06:00.000-07:00

The forecast for today was to enjoy spring-like weather, hang out in the foothills, get caught up, all this while snowshoeing the Deer Ridge Trail in the Sibbald Flats area. I was also looking forward to another opportunity to test my new camera and to try out my brand new hiker's tripod.

The plan was to snowshoe but there wasn't enough snow at the trail head to bother strapping them on our feet so we strapped them to our packs. As it turned out, they remained there the balance of the day. The first portion was a pretty stroll through the winding aspen forest. We had a hint every now and then through the trees of where our destination was.

After taking that last little climb to the right to the out crop, this is where we ended up. Distinct Mount Yamnuska is visible at the right. We spent some time here enjoying the wonderful warm wind and.......

....firstly taking our summit shots....

...then just hanging out...

I brought a little bit of home to the hills! While I brought tree decorations, Happy Hiker brought people decorations. She is donned in her decoration and the tree is donned in mine. Mine included a lighthouse of course, Santa in a kilt, a sailboat and a tartan stocking.

Our lunch was a late one in a sunny spot with a view and little wind. With not much distance left after lunch and still some daylight minutes to spend hanging out, we wandered around the field by Moose Pond.

The sun was getting low over the foothills creating pretty views through out the meadow and surrounding area. It was perfect timing to arrive at this site. The plaque reminded me to be thankful!

While the views from that rocky out crop at the summit were great, I remember as I walked through this meadow, I was thinking how beautiful it was right here and right now. We enjoyed the spring-like weather, we hung out in the hills, we were all caught up, it was now time to head home!

Trail Trial

2011-12-16T15:51:00.003-07:00

My new x:(c skis have been sitting by the door to my basement. They slowly worked their way there, from my front door that leads outside to exploring and adventuring. I have opened that basement door many times with the intentions of taking the skis down those stairs and leaving them propped against the wall in the dark. Why did I buy them? It was a not so smart impulse purchase! Yet, there has to be something to the fact that they remained by the basement door and never did make it to the dark dismal basement! I question myself on this!

I had a three hour window of opportunity this morning to fit something in. I made the most of it and went for a trail trial on my x:(c skis. I had no idea what to expect having never been on these kinds of skis before. I will admit, I didn't find it easy. I'll admit I fell three times while standing still. I have to admit I loved the fast down hill sections.

I owned the stadium, thank goodness. At times I was a menace. I don't have experience elsewhere to compare today's trails to but I was fine with the snow conditions. I liked the wide openness, it felt safe. It was this mornings perfect sunny warm weather that swayed my vote for the trial run.

I knew I wanted to cover about five kilometers, even though I had no idea how long that would take me. You can cipher from the digits below, I spent quite some time not moving. Enough said on that!

There were times I was happy to be on my x:)skis and other times I found them awkward and frustrating to be on. I still have lots of questions about this sport and will need to spend more time looking for answers.

Today I learned that with regards to experience levels of cross country skiing, I am whatever comes before beginner! It will take a lot of hard work to get to a point where I feel a little bit confident and comfortable. With that being said, I was never one to shy away from hard work!

Celebrating Friendships!

2011-12-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

Celebrate!

2011-12-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's a Saturday to celebrate!

This morning's total lunar eclipse was the last one until 2014.

Now that's a reason to celebrate!

I joined the locals at Nose Creek to watch the show.

The beginning!

The total lunar eclipse!

I didn't stick around to enjoy the sunrise with the locals!

I have another reason to celebrate today so had to head home and get ready for that.

I'm ready!

Just waiting!

my version of "remember to breathe"

2011-12-03T23:03:00.001-07:00

Did you check out the video on my previous post? Or, have you seen the new Travel Alberta ad on television? Well, I borrowed their theme "remember to breathe" for today's snowshoe to Tower Lake. It was to be a snowshoe and I will record it as a snowshoe but for more then half of the distance, we were able to hike.

The trail head is at the Rockbound Lake trail kiosk.

We owned the parking lot when we hit the trail around 9:00am. There wasn't much snow and what was there was packed, so we hiked the trail where all the elevation was through trees with no views and managed to do it quickly.

When we broke through the trees, going quickly ended quickly. On went the snowshoes as the snow was deep and untouched. With no visible trail and the area looking totally different to Short Stop then when she was there in the summer, yet with a general idea of where our destination was, we put our route finding skills to use to find our way to Tower Lake.

...but not before taking the time to admire Eisenhower Peak and Castle Mountain...

...and not before taking the time to appreciate the spectacular alpine meadow...

...but mostly importantly...

...not before taking the time to...

...remember to breathe...

I love winter wonderlands, only a trio of us today, owing the area. What was a week that started out with life being put into perspective and being very thankful in the middle of the concrete jungle, was ending on the very same note in the center of an out there, in a playground, in a wide open space. Out here, the little insignificant things are all that are truly beautiful and important! Like...

snow covered rocks

that "V" between Castle Mountain and Eisenhower Peak

trees growing on top of boulders

We reached our destination of Tower Lake! We took the time to enjoy the view and take photos under the blue sky. We also took some time to have a look at the rockwall that leads up to Rockbound Lake and decided an unplanned extension was not going to be happening today. Next, we followed the lake shore just about to the far end and took some time to find a nice sheltered spot in the trees to dine.

...but most importantly...

...not before taking the time to...

...remember to breathe...

I am calling the above "remember to breathe" photo my summit shot for today!

As we were finishing dining, the wind whipped up then flurries flew in and cold crept lower. We layered up in down to keep warm as we got going, then hit the trail to head home. It was much easier going in our already broken track.

I learned that when I am out here, I have always taken the time to "remember to breathe" but never knew that was what I was really doing! I knew I was enjoying views, and appreciating being where I was and what I was seeing. To me, that is what taking the time to "remember to breathe" really means!

remember.....

2011-12-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

.....to breathe.....

STAY TUNED!

GOOD-BYE NOVEMBER! HELLO DECEMBER!

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's getting down to the nitty gritty with not much time left in the year to get the numbers up! These total digits are for November. I had intentions of skating twice this month but it never happened. Maybe in December! No more biking this year, probably no more hiking either unless it is an urban hike somewhere like Nose Hill Park. There is the possibility of more runs and maybe one snowshoe trip. Be sure to check back on December 31st for the final tally for 2011!

What will December bring?

WONDERING WEDNESDAY!

2011-11-30T04:50:00.002-07:00

It's Wednesday and I'm Wondering!

Would this be the best way for a newbie to start off on the right track?

Learning!

2011-11-29T05:34:00.001-07:00

A great blog that I follow is found right here Summit Stones! I have learned lots from these muses and I have also been left to wonder lots, especially when I am out wandering. The post dated November 25th titled "Of Educations..." which is simply one photo, one phrase, one personal note, resonated with me. I learn lots when I am out there being "out and about". DSD's Nov. 25th post gave me an idea to acknowledge what I learn and to share it with you. I can put a tiny twist on this idea and have fun with it too. So here goes!

I learned that if I want to maintain friendships with my fellow adventurers then I better get into cross country skiing!

Today's Run

2011-11-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

With a forecast for easy Saturday's, my thinking is there should be nothing stopping me from early morning Sunday runs which I have always loved. Today was the first run since I ran the Run for the Cure on October 2nd. I was expecting it to feel awkward, be slow, cause discomfort with heavy breathing but as always, it felt so good it felt so right! What I wasn't expecting was to be followed and paced by a police cruiser! I wasn't running from anything or anyone early this morning, I was only out for my Sunday morning sunrise run. Mr Policeman, when I picked up the pace, I wasn't trying to ditch you, the wind was just pushing me! Now on with my day!

Playing in the Dark!

2011-11-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

In the past, I have only ever admired the Lions Festival of Lights from the vantage point of a slow moving vehicle. This year I had reasons to get up close and personal! First, it was a great opportunity to play with the low light, night time, fireworks etc features on my new SX40HS. Second, I could check off an item from my to-do list! The item I got to check off was to particpate in a mob flash dance. How cool was that? Very cool! Especially seeing the looks on folks' faces when the dance broke out.

This is a sample of how my camera performs!

I am happy with the fireworks setting.

Night time burst works great!

Close up in the dark is perfect!

Auto focus does exactly what it is suppose to do!

Then there are the characters and face dectection, blink detection, red eye reduction!

Harvey!

The Mayor!

All in all, a fun and successful time out playing in the dark.

There are roughly 50 pages in the camera guide yet to go through, so I still have lots to learn.

Failed Attempt!

2011-11-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

I ATTEMPTED!

I FAILED!

IN FACT, I FAILED MISERABLY!

Yes! This is Ha Ling Peak!

No! I did not attempt to summit Ha Ling Peak today!

My Friday's are "me" days for the balance of the year! I had a plan for today's "me" day! The plan had been in place since last Sunday evening after arriving home from the three day back pack trip. The plan in place for today was to sleep in, enjoy coffee in my pjs with my feet up on the coffee table, veg out on my sofa, watch T.V., eat, sleep, eat, veg-out....you get my drift! The plan stood until very early this morning, when it bit the dust, fell apart, got put on the back burner.

I did attempt to stay home but I failed at that and at the crack of dawn this morning I was out the door heading west. Not only did my plan bite the dust this morning but my camera did also last weekend. I was anxious to test my new Canon SX40. The above photo of Ha Ling Peak was using the zoom lens and I was at the back side of Quarry Lake for this shot.

This is where I was standing to get the close up of Ha Ling Peak seen on the top right.

This photo of Quarry Lake and the mountains was taken using the fish-eye feature.

This is Barrier Lake with the camera set on landscape.

I set my camera to auto and let it do whatever it needed to do to get a photo of these two ducks at Policemen's Creek.

This beautiful brown eye belongs to one of the many rabbits that have taken over Canmore!

This is obviously taken with the zoom feature.

So far I am pleased with my new camera's performance. I only tried a few of the options today. There are so many more to try and I have lots to learn. But that will have to wait. I have postponed today's original plan until tomorrow! Here's to having a successful attempt tomorrow!

ESCAPE! DISCOVER! ENJOY!

2011-11-20T23:56:00.003-07:00

ESCAPE!

One of the adventures on my to-do list was to go to the Elk Lakes Alpine of Canada Hut. On my list I didn't get into when I wanted to go, for how long, how I was going to get there, with who, I only knew that I wanted to go! Check Mark! I went! It didn't take long before I began to feel like I had escaped. Sign after sign proved I was getting further and further away.

We were able to hike until this point but from here on in, it was snowshoe time! Just one thing, from here on in, it wasn't from here on in. It was back track then aim for the Hydroline Trail and from there it was from there on in.

There was much more snow then anticipated and that slowed our pace when we had to break trail. (Note: This sign was actually taken on the way out two days later in daylight hours.) Back to on the way in! We had already snowshoed an hour in the dark by the time we reached this sign. I had snowshoed in the dark before and felt a little wobbly, but with a 42 pound pack on, I felt like a drunken sailor.

Finally, just over six hours later after leaving the trail head, we arrived at home sweet home!

DISCOVER!

Discoveries can be good and bad! The good ones far out weighed the bad ones for me this long weekend! I love being in new places with child-like wide eyes discovering new mountains, new creeks, new lakes!

I discovered that winter hutting takes work! On top of trekking in through the deep snow with a heavy pack, I lost count of how many buckets of snow we collected to make water. I'm sure that if all the logs I brought in to keep home sweet home toasty, were put on top of each other, they would make one of those gigantic B.C. trees. It was work but work that I didn't mind doing at all!

The discoveries that I did make that were bad were that I had lost my down jacket on the way in (never to be found on the way out) and that when I dropped my camera the last morning some insides broke off (never to be able to work again). Those are just materialistic things but I still had to have one of those "behind my sunglasses moments" without sunglasses, then carry on with life!

ENJOY!

I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh air, the exercise, the company, the scenery, the Hut! There were so many reasons to smile and to laugh. My most favourite moment was on Saturday morning when I got up before the rest and I was sitting on the deck by myself, sipping on my coffee, watching the stars disappear, the sky begin to light and the alpenglow put on a show.

photo by Adventure Designer

An enjoyable part of this adventure was spending looooonnnngg hours in front of the fire.

photo by Adventure Designer
I ESCAPED!
I DISCOVERED!
I ENJOYED!

One of the things on my to-do list is to go to the Elk Lakes Alpine of Canada Hut. I don't know when I want to go, for how long, how I'm going to get there, or who with, I only know that I want to go back!

Where? Oh Where?

2011-11-18T05:27:00.001-07:00

During some of my quiet moments of the day, my mind wanders...

...to places I have been...

....to places I would love to go...

During some of my early morning down time....

...I sign on to Peakery...

...seeing how small my playground has been....

...seeing how many peaks, ridges, hills, mountains I have been on top of...

...seeing that now I can say...

"I have been up there and up there and up there"

...one after another, all side by side...

...seeing right down to the specific details...

During some of my quiet moments of the day, my mind wanders...

....to places I would love to go...

...in this big playground...

Escape! Discover! Enjoy!

2011-11-17T23:59:00.002-07:00

Red Sky........

2011-11-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

.....at morning, hikers take warning!

We all did our homework last night and this morning checking weather, road and avalanche conditions and seeing that all was in check and A.O.K., we decided today would be a let's do it day for Sparrowhawk Tarns with the option for another close by Ridge! The sky was absolutely beautiful for the drive out with the pinkish red mixed in with the blue. For us, this meant a nice day ahead!

We found the trail head and parked on the side of the road to wait for our friends. We got out to walk around and check the conditions of the surrounding mountains only to see these tracks at the trail head. We put our animal tracker skills to use and declared a cougar had passed by here within the hour. Just like the red sky, new cougar tracks were no worries for us!

Our friends arrived, we joined forces then hit the trail! We made it through the sheltered tree section then we were out in the open for the rest of the ascent. From this vantage point we could see that Read's Ridge was a definite possibility on the way back.

We ascended between Read's Ridge on our left (above photo) and the beginnings of Red Ridge on our right (below photo).

This cairn marked our way!

We layered up behind this boulder as the wind was picking up and it felt like the temperature was going down. I looked behind and took a photo of Spray Lake thinking this could possibly be the only view I might get of it today.

We continued our determined ascent through swirling snow, paying close attention to foot placement through the gigantic boulder field. At times we were able to walk on top of the snow, other times we sunk to our knees. Our pace slowed. Visibility was decreasing. We would stop look at each other, no words being spoken, then carry on.

Thank you Smuts Fist for this photo!

When conditions deteriorated to this point where I could barely see my friends a short distance ahead, we stopped then looked at each other, and this time words were spoken! Smuts Fist made the call, to call it a day! We couldn't see anything, it was getting worse, we couldn't tell what was a slope and what wasn't. We all quickly agreed with the call and hightailed it out of there.

But of course, not before taking our non-summit shots!

We worked our way towards the trees finding a sheltered spot and stopped for lunch. After eating and hiking back to the trail head, I checked my 60CSX to see we were going to be just short of 10km of hiking. Now that's a short day! Even though, it was still fun to be out adventuring with my friends!

If you check the google earth map below, you will see we almost made it to the Tarns. Give or take another roughly .5 kms over approximately 50 meters up would have taken us to the beginning of our destination. Today the smart decision was made though! I know I will return one day in favourable summer or autumn conditions where including a close by Ridge won't be an option but a definite instead!

Freedom to Explore

2011-11-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

It has become an annual tradition for me to spend November 11th, Remembrance Day out in my playground being thankful and also this is the place I choose to be to take the time to remember those that fought for our freedom! When the invitation was put forth to explore the Powderface Ridge area on and off trail, I jumped at the opportunity. I have never been before! This is the main ridge which we saved for later after exploring another area first.

It wasn't the prettiest blue sky day, but gorgeous none-the-less.

There is Banded Peak in the far off distant center.

Nihahi Ridge uniquely framed!

At 11:00, we found a nice sheltered spot to take a moment of silence.

Lest we forget!

While this was not our high point for the day, I thought it was a great spot for a dramatic summit shot. This location was about 45 minutes into our hike and already we had forever views.

We tracked back and then ascended the slope to the main Powderface Ridge. We only covered a very short portion of it before finding our dining spot. What an amazing view! My feet frame Calgary which is not recognizable in the photo but which I could see plain as day.

From here on in, we were off the beaten track and this is where the true fun started! We traversed, switch-backed, slid, tripped, bush-whacked down slopes, over rocks, through fields and meadows and more meadows and even more meadows. The proof is in the track!

The meadering through all the meadows was to find this stove which we spotted just as we were giving up our seach and carrying on with ending our day. We spent some time here taking fun photos. About 30 minutes after visiting here, we landed on a trail which would hopefully lead us back to Route 66 where we parked our vechicle for the shuttle back to the start.

We came out of the bush a little bit off track, so had a short distance to hike to the vehicle. The car shuttle back to the start was an adventure in itself and what happened on the car shuttle stays on the car shuttle.

This was a very easy day exploring and playing and a great way to acknowledge the freedom we have.

Remember!

2011-11-11T05:38:00.001-07:00

Wondering Wednesday!

2011-11-09T04:59:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday and I'm Wondering! Is it skating season in Banff or Lake Louise yet?

I always thought......

2011-11-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

....I knew where I was heading but only now I am....

Always Passed By

2011-11-05T21:26:00.002-06:00

I was expecting my long week of long dinners, long meetings, long lunches to carry on into Saturday with my planned 15km 950 meters of elevation hike to Pigeon Mountain being a long one potentially through snow. As it turned out, the only thing long about today would be our shadows! I have passed by Pigeon Mountain many hundreds of times and always just looked at it then quickly forgot about it the second I passed it by. Today, we didn't just pass it by, we stopped in for a visit!

The first five kilometers are along roads and power line trails with continuous gradual elevation and no views at all. This portion went by quickly and easily.

After the 5 kms and a couple of switchbacks, we arrived at the sign that indicated it was time to fuel up, gear down and start to climb. We only had to endure a few more minutes of being without views and then.....

....we landed in a wide open space where we could see forever from here on in! Finally we could see our destination which is that high point in the center of the photo. It looked so close!

While ascending the steep snowless slope, I took some time to admire the views and pick out familar sights. Right before our eyes were Wind Tower that I summited just over a year ago, the Three Sisters (Faith, Hope, Charity) and I could see Ha Ling Peak peeking out over Canmore.

There were numerous dips that created framed views!

Near the top was gorgeous! The trees were lightly covered with brand new snow, as was the ground and the whole wide opened space sparkled. It was here that we felt the wind and the windchill.

I was fine with my four upper layers on, along with hat and big mitts. The sky was clear for my summit shot background except for a plane passing by. The others made a quick descent while Agent-X and I took a few more summit moments to take care of other fun business.

While so many others have summited Pigeon Mountain, it has not been claimed by any Peakery members. So I claimed it and this is my badge! I will own it and wear it proudly.

I didn't take the time to enjoy this view on our ascent, my priority was concentrating on the final push to the summit. Now it was time to fully enjoy seeing the Bow Valley down below with Mount Yamnuska distinctly sticking out.

We checked around for potential hiking options for another season. This gentle slope led to what looked like a possible lovely ridge walk with an easy scramble down the other side.

Where's Waldo?

Look closely!

One had to have an eagle's eye to see these eyes!

The last five kms along the power line and road went quick and as we were finishing up, I was realizing that I would be home having dinner at my table at what I consider a normal dinner time. Not all that long ago, 15kms with just under 1000 meters of elevation would have been a long day for me. I think we were all glad we were now heading home!

I missed being in the mountains last weekend, so was glad to be out today and it was great to catch up with my, busy with life, friends. I liked that we could once again leave the snowshoes at the vehicles and be quite fine with just boots. It was these important little things that made me feel like I was "on top of the world" today!

Be Sure To.......

2011-11-05T06:17:00.002-06:00

Good-Bye October Hello November

2011-10-31T16:59:00.000-06:00

Wait! Stop! Hold on! Let me catch up! This year is going too fast!

Out & About in 2011 below shows ground coverage for the month of October with the "Total" tallies being just for the month. Comparing my year-to-date digits to those of last year for this time, there is no way 2011 will top 2010! I may be competitive within myself but that is as far as it goes!

Speaking of being competitive, I will take and own being the leader any way, any chance, any how I can get it! As it stands at the end of the day on October 30th, I placed #1 on Peakery for Canada for the number of peaks summited in the past 30 days. No, I am not competitive! I do need to clarify that many summiteers are not members of Peakery and many summiteers summited peaks that are not listed on Peakery. But, hey, like I said, I will take being #1, if only for a fleeting moment.

November, please take your time in passing!

I may not get the opportunity to be out and about as much this November, but will try and make up for it with quality.

Wondering Wednesday!

2011-10-26T00:02:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday and I'm Wondering!

Are there specific requirements for a destination to be considered exotic?

Or is it like beauty and is in the eye of the beholder?

You grow by.....

2011-10-24T00:02:00.001-06:00

I-solated.....

2011-10-22T22:24:00.001-06:00

.....and loving it!

There is not a whole lot of information on the world wide web for Isola Peak. Even the Peak's name does not appear on this BaseCamp Map. How on earth did someone ever even come across this place? It's isolated! It's desolated! It's unknown! While all this may sound like negatives and deterrents to some, for us those descriptions are everything we love about adventuring out there and we embrace this and welcome these conditions with open arms!

Yes, we are adventures and explorers and hard core but oh my gosh, we were so thankful and grateful that this bridge was in place right at the trail head and we were spared the dreadful feat of crossing the frigid Livingstone River.

The first five kilometers or so were uneventful, non-picturesque so non-photo worthy. It was a logging road that afforded us an easy, quick-paced initial ascent. Then the view opened but the sky didn't! We had a short time frame to enjoy the view then the snow started! I was able to get a shot of some great rock colors and formations.

We took a short break on the grassy slope to fuel up and gear up before tackling this rocky section.

Many rocks along the rocky section caught my eye and I was amazed to see these two laying side by side. There would be no shadow shots today nor reflection photos! Our route didn't pass by lakes and the sun only shone as our adventure wrapped up but I found something new to add to the mix, a mirror image!

We made it out into the wide open space!

The wind howled and the snow blew but that wasn't going to stop us.

We were so close at this point, I could taste the summit!

It tasted sweet!

We had no view at all at the top, it was a blizzard with white-out conditions. We spent about twenty minutes here taking fun group photos and then we aimed to where we knew the gentle ridge down on the other side was and we followed it to a spot in the trees with shelter and took our late lunch break. We did find some unique views on the way down! This tree for example! This was the only tree amongst thousands that looked like this.

Thank you Mother Nature for this beautiful sight...

...and an even bigger thank you for this view! This was the best view of the day! Our hike was ending, the sky turned blue and the sun came out. It was a stunning autumn day at the trail's end.

Our energy is spent and we remain quiet as we head towards the vehicle but I know there are always unspoken words and I let my mind wonder to what you all might be thinking and I once again take the liberty of putting my own words in your mind and mouth!

There was no I-solo today! Today was all about WE summit Isola together! It didn't matter that we had no views at the summit, or that the first five kilimeters were boring, or that we got caught in a blizzard, any time I am with my friends exploring out there in these isolated places, I feel like I am "on top of the world!"

Remember to.....

2011-10-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

Remember to.....

2011-10-20T00:01:00.001-06:00

Remember to.....

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-06:00

Remember to.....

2011-10-18T00:01:00.001-06:00

Remember to.....

2011-10-17T00:01:00.003-06:00

Experiencing the Unexpected

2011-10-15T23:19:00.001-06:00

At the trail head, we could see our destination off in the distance, it's that brown lump on the right side of the photo, known as Belmore Brown! We expected a very vanilla experience of following a creek, hiking through some trees, switch backing up the side, having our lunch at the summit then doing the same thing all over again in reverse back to the car.

.....and so our day begins.....

We did follow a creek and we did hike through some trees.

We got closer to see our destination and it was very vanilla looking underneath the moon!

Then! The view opened up and the dusting of snow took away that very vanilla look and presented an appearance of stunning stripes on the slopes. We could see the trail that led to the top but decided to save that for our descent and instead challenge ourselves.

Not expecting to be taking a direct route to the top, I was thankful I had my new boots on with lots of support and grip to trudge and slip and slide up along this steep slope through the scree and talus. I took a moment and looked around me, then realizing we were in for no more vanilla today!

When I reached the little saddle and looked over, I was so surprised! This was not what I was expecting today to look like. The view was amazing. I was also surprised to see such a big cornice formed already and it is only mid October.

We reached the top and before doing anything else I had to have my summit shot, shot! This was a very rewarding place to be with not a whole lot of effort. We had a 360 degree view for our dining spot.

Unexpectedly for two, this was also a birthday celebration spot!

After our celebration and lunch and photo opportunities, we parted ways with two heading back and the rest of us carrying on to explore. The conditions in certain areas looked O.K. to do this. Continuing along the ridge in the other direction, we had a great view back at the summit of Belmore Brown where we just were.

We reached another little peak which would be my high spot for the day. We thought this would be it for us but my friends tested out the conditions for ascending another high point and as it turned out they were able to go even higher.

While they were experiencing another unexpected high, I tried for some artistic scenery shots of the snow swirls. I have been doubting my camera's capabilities lately but when I see that it gives me this, I have to give it a little more credit.

I love mountain tops that look like this!

They descended their slope, I descended mine and we joined up half way down. Then it was back into hiking through some trees, following a creek and the final little ascent to the trail head. Even after seven and a half hours over eleven kilometers and seven hundred and thirty-nine meters of elevation, we all still had lots to say!

Days when we get to experience the unexpected are such a big bonus! Even more so when the reward far exceeds the effort! It was the unexpected today that made me feel like I was "on top of the world!"

Wondering Wednesday!

2011-10-12T06:51:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday and I'm Wondering!

Where are you Mr. Kennedy?

Thanksgiving Road Trip

2011-10-10T22:57:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a road trip in one direction, today I hit the road again but in the opposite direction. My preference would have been to be out and about enjoying fresh air and exercise but I am leaning towards the chicken side of hiking on my own in lesser populated play ground areas. Short strolls with the safety of my car close by would suffice for this Thanksgiving Monday.

I heard there was lots of snow in certain areas of the mountains so I went to check for myself. I could see it off in the distance, the distance that I was aiming for. My timing was perfect taking a road trip today, the sky was blue, traffic well there was none to speak off and the tree colors seemed to be peaking!

This is what one sees on a Rocky Mountain type of Thanksgiving road trip!

There were many picnic areas to choose from and I picked this one to enjoy my lunch.

Ah! So this is the snow they spoke off!

I didn't venture far seeing as this trail was closed due to bear activity!

Rocky Mountain Autumn!

With scenery like this, I am very thankful to be able to just hop in my car and go and take it all in.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

Leaving Them Behind

2011-10-09T22:17:00.001-06:00

That's the mountains I'm talking about! I had enough of them yesterday! I wanted to get away from the city today so headed in the opposite direction and left the Rockies behind in favour of the bald ass prairie! I woke with a headache this morning and this was the culprit, a chinook-like sky and I felt the chinook-like winds as I tried to keep my car on the road. I could see the mountains lining the horizon and disappearing the further I drove.

Alberta should be nick-named "Big Sky Country" like Montana!

The sky went on forever as did the bald ass prairie.

Although in some areas it wasn't as bald as others.

A farmer being creative!

Being out on this country drive reminded me of when I lived "back home". Thanksgiving time was a popular time for searching out the red colors and the pumpkin people and viewing all the homes decorated in the festive autumn theme. While we don't have the reds here, nor the pumpkin people nor the home decorations, I still love being out for the country drive, amongst the golds, and enjoying the scenery. It brings back memories and brings me "back home" to back then, for a little while. I found a beautiful country road where I stopped to have a few moments behind my sunglasses before turning around and heading home, back to reality!

A touch of "back home" will always be with me!

After a couple of hundred kilometers, I'm happy to be home, between the Rocky Mountains and the bald ass prairie.

The Master of Indecisiveness

2011-10-08T22:26:00.000-06:00

For a couple of days before hand, then as I lay my head on the pillow last night, including heading out the door this morning and for the whole drive to Lake Louise my summit goal for the day was to be Mount Saint Piran. But from the moment I stood facing Lake Louise that goal changed and an upside down kind of day began! I now gave myself an option of either summiting a Mount or a Hive and I have marked my choices and would make the decision as I went along. Yes, I did mark my choices, remember I just said this was turning into an upside down kind of day!

I programmed my 60CSX and went on my way. Before even leaving the Lake, I saw a summer reflection, autumn colors and winter frost, yet the warmth felt like spring!

I veered off up the trail that said Lake Agnes this way and very quickly found myself by myself. It didn't take long before I arrived at Mirror Lake. There was one of my possible destinations mirrored in Mirror Lake. I decided I would make my final decision on either the Mount or the Hive by the time I reached the next junction.

I couldn't decide by the junction and as Mother Nature was calling, I choose to head to Lake Agnes and answer her call first. I arrived only to find myself by myself. I hung out for awhile and had a snack and to see if others would arrive but no luck. I scouted out my options, saw no snow anywhere, but seeing as I was solo, I still needed to make a safe choice. Whew, I made a decision! As I eyed the Devil's Thumb, I would pass on the Mount, go for the Hive and check out the trail to the Thumb while I was up there. How did the Thumb get caught up in the mix! How could it not with an inviting view like this!

I circumnavigated Lake Agnes and was thinking the whole way how nothing was black and white today. I guess when you are solo you can play that kind of game of winging it as you go. If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you can see the Lake Agnes Teahouse.

What was black and white to a certain extent, was that today was full of color. Although one flower looked like it was ready to give into winter frost and the other beamed brightly like a mid summer day.

I made it to the Big Beehive! I was Queen of the Hive! Once again, I found myself by myself! I enjoyed the view, took some photos, had lunch and tried to decide where to go next. The Devil's Thumb was close by and it has been on my to-do list for this year. Decisions! Decisions!

While owing the Hive, I noticed these off in the distance. I wasn't able to figure out from my GemTrek what they were! Hhhhmmm! After 30 minutes of ownership, I packed up and hit the trail towards the Thumb, but very soon into hitting it, I turned back deciding this wasn't going to happen today and certainly not solo.

The Hive would be my high spot for the day and I was content with that but I certainly was not happy with the little distance I covered so far. I made another decision, I would followed the Highline Trail and join up with the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail and carry on to see the Death Trap. Along the way, there was autumn and winter right in front of me.

I reached the trail that heads to the Abott Pass Lookout and the Death Trap and my decision was made for me! This was the end of the trail for me today! It would be all down hill from here so after another thirty minute break, I went down hill. Figuratively and literally! I covered about 11 kms so far and I was feeling tired and had about 6 kms back to my car.

I landed at the Lake and took a break to enjoy the view and the warmth from the sun.

I watched others who knew exactly what their agenda for the day was and I enjoyed watching them enjoy their adventure. At this point I was very happy with the outcome of my indecisive day and realized I made wise decisions all along. I got to enjoy peacefulness, scenery, all four seasons and lots of color.

There are not many more days left this year that one will be able to enjoy the Lake Louise area coat-free, boot-free, hat-free, snowshoe-free, mitts-free! While I enjoyed visiting Lake Louise today under these ideal autumn conditions, I love the area just as much when it is a winter-wonderland! I'll be back to see the area in all that glory!

Bear Book Report

2011-10-07T23:54:00.000-06:00

It's been ages since I did a book report blog post, the last one was back in the days when my passion was running. Back then, I shared a few running related favourite books with you. If you are a follower of mine then you know my life lately revolves around mountain adventures. I have many books and guides about this topic, some are listed on the left hand side here, others sit on my bookshelf. This book is one that now sits on my bookshelf, having read it and deciding it's a keeper.

I first read some rumblings about "Night of the Grizzlies" on a forum that I follow but just brushed it off and forgot about it. Then when I was in Glacier National Park in Montana in August, Brady the Ranger, mentioned it and went into a little more detail and I was hooked, I had to have it! I picked it up at the Many Glacier Ranger Station a couple of days later.

Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down! This true story explains why it is so important that absolutely everyone know and practice proper bear safety procedures when they are out and about in the bears' playground.

NOTE: The book is sitting on a pillow I made. The light green section I quilted is called "bear claw!"

I am doing what I can to be knowledgeable and prepared for when I am enjoying mountain adventures. I took a Bear Safety Workshop a couple of weeks back. I carry bear spray and I know how to use it. I make lots of noise when I am adventuring solo and even when I am with friends. I also keep a clean campsite during camping season.

This is Parks Canada's website warning!

Night of the Grizzlies is a suspense filled read! It is not a read for the faint of heart. I have not been to the area of Glacier National Park where the book is based on, but hope to explore there one day. When I do, I know I will be thinking about this book and taking note of locations and remembering what happened where. The story is an eye opener and has lots of lessons to learn!

Wondering Wednesday!

2011-10-05T04:44:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday and I'm Wondering!

Will the trees still be looking beautiful this Thanksgiving weekend?

I hope so!

I Ran for the Cure!

2011-10-02T13:21:00.001-06:00

I was looking forward to this morning so I could experience that "feel good" feeling that I always feel when I do the CIBC Run for the Cure! Being amongst upbeat attitudes and bright cheerful pinks, I felt lifted. Thousands and thousands of us were there to lift those that need to be lifted! We got to do that under a magnificent blue sky.

While I was waiting for the Run to start, I checked out the signs around me to see who everyone was running for. What I saw, once again, confirmed that breast cancer does not discriminate. Who did you run for?

The Heebee Jeebees have got to be one of the greatest supporters of the Run for the Cure.

They show up every year!

New employee of CIBC as of this year, Hon. Jim Prentice spoke shortly before the race began. His pace for the race suited me just fine, so I stuck close by and we shared a few pleasantries at the finish line.

This time, I took the time to get a photo of the pink bras that are strung across one boulevard. This is just seven of the couple of dozen that fill the line. I usually jump up and swat at them but I couldn't snap and swap at the same time.

I didn't wear my 305 so I have nothing official on time or pace to share but a rough guesstimate according to my plain old Timex would be 31 minutes for the 5km. After snacks, and socializing, I left with having a whole day to look forward to of feeling happy and good for doing something good!

Hello October!

2011-10-01T21:28:00.000-06:00

Today's forecast was not conducive to a pleasurable hiking experience yet I didn't want to let the day go by without being out and about enjoying what could be one of the last days for colorful trees and scenery. With camera in tow, I took Touring on a road trip to ring in October!

Look what we found!

It was very quiet out in this neck of the woods this morning. In a few areas I took short strolls but didn't venture too far. I had my camera in one hand and bear spray in the other as I shuffled through the fallen leaves. Five hours later, I was in sensory overload and ready to head home!

September Out & About

2011-09-30T23:59:00.000-06:00

GOOD-BYE SEPTEMBER!

You seemed to have disappeared in the wink of an eye! The proof is in the pudding - time does fly when you are having fun! This month's hiking was all about quality with two being ranked "Premier" and the other two "Outstanding" according to one of the Bible's that I follow.

While the hikes were rated "premier" and "outstanding", they were not the highlight of my month, having company was. Instead of showing off Banff and Lake Louise again, this time for the first time, he got to see Kananaskis and Canmore.

Another top-notch man I got to be in the company off, was Keith Urban! It was a wild night at the Saddledome and rates up there as being one of the best concerts I have ever attended. Being in the "reach out and touch" section made it that much more enjoyable.

Speaking of wild, in another out and about day, I came across this coyote leisurely strolling along the side of the road.

Rough sketch of a work in progress!

HELLO OCTOBER!

STAY TUNED!

That Time of Year Again

2011-09-25T23:58:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year again for the migration west to see the spectacular larch presentation. Due to the grizzly activity in this area of Banff at this time of year, it is mandatory to hike in a close knit group of four or more folks. Well, that was the law until this morning. The restriction was lifted so every single soul, twosome, threesome and dog was there today. Thank goodness though, a very high percentage veered off at the fork and went up to Larch Valley. I have done the Larch Valley trek three times already, so come hell or high water I was going to view the presentation in a different area and was determined to touch this sign.

The scenes in the presentation were as I had hoped for and have come to expect.

Yet I would have preferred a blue sky which would have made the view of the Valley of Ten Peaks that much more award winning. When it came down to it, I still loved being there with my friends sharing in this "that time of the year again" thing.

My friends have been here before and stated that Eiffel Lake looked drained. While the water level was drained, the color wasn't when the sun peeked through. Gold against turquoise was another sight I had hoped for and as you can see, I saw it!

Our destination is behind me above the area where the numerous patches of snow are. At this point it is very warm and humid and I thought to myself this feels like the calm before the storm and especially made the feel seem more real with the sky looking the way it was above our destination.

Off in one direction, the trees are so colorful, looking delicate and soft then turn your head around and you see rough and rugged. I love these wide open spaces and what they off to offer.

In every direction, there were award winning presentations!

Just before starting our ascent to the summit, the wind picked up, the rain started, the temperature dropped but like I said before, come hell or high water I was going to touch that sign. I'm not sure where my energy came from, but all of a sudden I felt a surge and I pushed on into the wind and rain, all the while looking back every now and then to see where my friends were. I could see they were determined too. One by one, we reached the summit. The rain stopped for our summit experience but the wind didn't. It was a short visit, just long enough to get the job done. I held on for dear life while getting my summit shot!

After about thirty minutes, we descended over the rugged rock to a somewhat sheltered spot for our late lunch. After that, it was a steady trek through wind, off and on rain, off in the distance thunder yet still award winning scenery all the way back to the trail head. We commented that this may have been one of the last few days to view the larch show, as we saw the larch needles blowing past us.

"That time of the year again" is, once again, over for me!

I'm thankful I got to be amongst the beautiful larches again and to share it with my friends.

Trying To Be Smarter Then A Bear

2011-09-23T18:19:00.001-06:00

Karelian Bear Shepherding Institute of Canada

Instead of being out in the wild today, I spent half of the day learning how to be safe out in the wild with bears. This workshop was sponsored by COAC, was presented by the Karelian Bear Shepherding Institute of Canada, with Jay Honeyman as our instructor. The workshop started with him informing us of bear populations in different areas of Alberta, he covered how to differentiate between black bears and grizzly bears, identifying the various bear behaviors and how to react to each, plus the numerous bear repellent products. The workshop ended outside where we learned the proper technique for deploying bear repellent from a canister. We practiced this technique using a bear spray canister that was filled with an inert compound.

A Few Statistical Take-Aways

June 2010 Grizzly Bear population declared at a threatened status.

Bear population needs to reach 1000 to not be considered threatened.

Female bears mean range is 520 square kms compared to 1405 for males.

A Few Behavioral Take-Aways

Grizzly bears mate every 4 to 5 years.

Black bears return to the den in October.

Females with cubs are the last to come out of the den.

Grizzly bears mate between May and July.

A Few Distinct Visual Take-Aways

Grizzly bear toes are further from the foot pad then black bear toes.

Male grizzly weights between 300 and 600 pounds.

Female black bear weights between 100 and 200 pounds.

We came away with lots more information to help us make wise decisions when out playing in bear territory. While all these facts, figures and additional new knowledge may not make me smarter then a bear, it does boost my level of confidence that I can contribute to a positive outcome if any encounters take place.

This workshop was timely as tomorrow I am heading into an area of Banff National Park where it is illegal at this time of year to hike with less then four people in a group because of bear activity that is taking place and for the high probability of an encounter.

STAY TUNED!

Land Like No Other

2011-09-17T23:59:00.000-06:00

I was excited to have the opportunity to explore an area that turned out being land like no other! I have been hiking in Waterton National Park before but not in this part of it. We had two destinations for today with the first being Carthew Summit and the second Carthew Lakes. The Summit destination is to the top of that peak on the far right.

It was a fairly easy trek with lots of gorgeous sights. Our first short stop was at Summit Lake at just over 4 kilometers into our day. We had cloud cover which didn't allow for the greatest photo of the Lake but it was pretty to sit beside for a few minutes. One of the most gorgeous sights of the day came 15 minutes after leaving Summit Lake. About 25 meters (80 feet) to our right on an open grassy slope was a healthy, shiny coated, well behaved black bear. It was so busily engrossed in forging, it allowed us a few seconds to admire and snap a shot or two. Then one of the other most gorgeous sights was this mauve/rouge slope which makes me think pyramid. We by-passed this our way to the summit.

I quickly got my summit shot before piling on three more upper layers. It was cold and wicked windy here. You can see the trail we took along the left side of the red ridge and then along top of the ridge with a tiny tiny rocky section to the top.

We spent maybe 15 minutes at the summit before scurrying down to shelter and carrying on to our next destination. A portion of the trail reminded me of Zion National Park and Arches National Park which are both in the red rock canyon country of Utah. This type of trail along with a little rock hopping lead us to the Carthew Lakes.

The turquoise lakes against the red rock was an amazing sight. I hear that it is even more beautiful on a clear blue sky kind of day. Although, I like that the clouds make it a little more dramatic looking. The trail follows around the lakes and we took all the trails to enjoy every part of the lakes that we could. We took our lunch and snack breaks in sheltered areas as wind gusts were picking up speed as the afternoon went on.

On the return portion up the red slope, the gusts blew me up the hill and at times off the hill. I even hunkered down in spots waiting for the gusts to pass. In one spot I grabbed hold of a sign post and held on for dear life. Waterton is known for its winds so I was not surprised at its wickedness.

This National Park is also known for high chances of wild life sightings. Here is that well behaved black bear. On our return visit to Summit Lake, we watched this moose for about 10 minutes until it went into a quick swim mode to our side of the lake. We packed up and moved on and let it enjoy its territory. Marmots were out in full force near the first Carthew Lake.

It was a day of land like no other and lakes galore. In addition to Cameron Lake at the trailhead, the three Carthew Lakes and Summit Lake, we also passed by a view towards the US Border and Nooney & Wurdeman Lakes.

Our last stop was at Summit Lake before ending our hiking day with 4 kilometers to go from here. This is where we watched the moose and the cloud cover cast the beginning of a pink hue onto the water.

9/11/11 Sunrise

2011-09-11T07:47:00.002-06:00

No Labor on Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-05T21:13:00.001-06:00

I was reluctant to head up the Icefield Parkway for the long weekend without a campsite reserved. I don't do well with unknowns and I don't like flying by the seat of my pants. It's just another step forward in the growing as an adventurer direction. As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about, I had many sites to choose from when I arrived at 9:30am. This was my choice.

I bought fire permits for both nights and picked out a supply of wood to last for two night fires and one morning fire. I had that fire crackling and roaring and sparkling and everything else a campfire does! From the looks and sounds of things, I out-crackled and out-roared those around me.

Not really paying too much attention to anything other then unpacking my day gear and getting my evening gear in order, I sensed something going on behind me and when I turned to acknowledge that sense, this is what I saw!

I enjoyed everything about this hiking/camping weekend!

I finally learned the trick to having a great campfire!

I realize I prefer colder weather camping!

I still have lots to learn though!

Heading Home!

Wilcox Pass Plus

2011-09-04T23:27:00.000-06:00

The second "Premier" hike from "Don't Waste Your Time In The Canadian Rockies" that I wanted to do was Wilcox Pass and doing that today fit perfectly into my weekend plan. After a great night at my campsite, I was ready to rock and roll early so hit the road early before there was lots of traffic.

I made a couple of stops first along the way.

What is a hike these days without reflection shots? Bow Lake was beautiful!

Waterfowl Lake was pretty too!

After all the extra stops plus the driving distance, by the time I arrived at the trailhead it was packed. That was O.K. as I prefer not to be alone through the woods section. I got out of the woods quickly and arrived at wide open spaces where I spent the majority of my time. This is on Wilcox Pass looking forwards Athabasca Glacier.

This is zoomed in on the Glacier as far as my camera would allow me. I've been there, on that bus, up on that snow, walking around on the Glacier. It was a once in a lifetime experience for me only because it is crazy crazy busy with too many people and long wait times to get on the bus.

I made it to the summit of Wilcox Pass and there's that Glacier again behind me! I explored around some here before finding a great spot for a lunch break. This is where most people stopped. I watched four other guys carry on and I wanted to go where they were going!

So I followed!

The elevation was done, so this was a stroll for a few kilometers along a wide open meadow, by creeks and flowers, between mountains and over rocks. It was peaceful and perfect.

I caught up with the guys and asked them to take my photo at what I determined would be my final destination along the Pass. They were carrying on to Tangle Falls but not me. I know my limits and this was it for today. I still had to hike the 8km back while they had a car shuttle organized.

I watched them go off in their direction and I turned around and went in my direction. I kept looking back admiring the view of this wide open meadow. I now owned a few kilometers of this meadow.

I was glad when it was over! It turned out being a hot day and I was dressed for a cool day. I changed into my hot day cloths in the car and enjoyed the drive back to my campsite but not before making a few more stops for lake photos! I couldn't just let this pass by without acknowledging it.

Once again, I was ready for my dinner, my fire, this time wine and my hubba hubba! I fell asleep feeling happy for another successful day along the Icefield Parkway. I thought too that I need to visit this area more often. Camping makes it more accessible being a three hour drive from Calgary. It may not happen this season but definitely next summer!

Parker Ridge & Higher

2011-09-03T23:54:00.001-06:00

It has been over a year since I headed up along the Icefield Parkway. There are two shorter hikes along there that I have wanted to do, both of which are rated as "Premier" in the Copelands book "Don't Waste Your Time In The Canadian Rockies." You will see that I have that book listed in "My Summit Source Library" on the left side here. While both are rated as "Premier", they are shorter and driving time would be longer then hiking time. Problem solved! Camp!

I drove the three hours early this morning, found a camp site that was perfect for me, set up my site then took off along the Parkway to the Parker Ridge trail head and was geared up and ready to go by 10:45. It was an easy up and the view was incredible pretty quick. That's Saskatchewan Glacier right in the center. Parker Ridge itself was pretty colorful with red and gold and orange colors.

Saskatchewan Glacier

I covered one side of the ridge and it wasn't enough so explored the other side. I was warned to dress warm and put a brick or two in my pack. This shelter was the perfect spot to dine. I watched two fellows carry on down the backside of this ridge and I wanted to go where they were going!

So I followed down the backside!

Up a steep rocky snowy slope!

Seeing the Parkway on the bottom right!

I caught up with them and called this my summit for the day! After the guy took my summit shot, they carried on. I know my limits and this was it. I took out my map to see where I was, to see where they were going and to see what mountains were around me. I made it to the ridge crest of Mount Athabasca. That sounds impressive to me so I will take it and own it!

It was a slow descent over rock and snow then on to wide open spongy meadows before being back on Parker Ridge then a flew the rest of the way to the trail head. I was tired after the long drive, setting up camp then driving another hour to the trail head. I just wanted my beer, my dinner, my fire, my hubba hubba! After I got all that, I turned out the lantern feeling tickled pink for how the day turned out!

Out & About in August

2011-08-31T23:58:00.000-06:00

It's been a month of National Park hiking, from Glacier to Yoho! It took until August to have the best National Park hiking conditions this year. I'm not during very well with running, I'm just not motivated what-so-ever. I have good intentions but when the time comes, the excuses come very easily to do something else. I will be doing the CIBC Run for the Cure on October 2nd but that's just 5km and very easy to wing it. I'm looking forward to September and have an exciting get-a-way planned for the long weekend! STAY TUNED!

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park

2011-08-28T20:46:00.000-06:00

Only twenty-seven minutes after driving away from my front door, I arrive in the parking lot of the new Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park which officially opened on August 9th, 2011. I wanted to be out in the sunshine getting exercise but once again I didn't want big mountains or a big drive. I printed off a map to bring along but didn't need it as the signage throughout the Park is excellent. This is the lay of the land!

The trail types are varied!

dirt trails

paved bike paths

shaded tree lined walk-ways

train tracks to cross

it's a blooming place

trail follows the Bow River

a path runs parallel to the train tracks

it's best to obey all signs

protected barn and land

General Store

The trials were busy with bikers but there were lots of hikers too. I covered 12.5 km and there is still lots more to see that I am saving for another day. What a wonderful legacy from the Harvie Family.

Big Mountain Break

2011-08-27T22:10:00.000-06:00

All week I was feeling I needed a break from hiking and from being deep into the middle of the big mountains. I could handle rolling ridges but I didn't want to be on them and would be quite content to just look at them. The plan for awhile was to spend today with Ms M and with the stellar forecast, we picked Forgetmenot Pond as our day away place. It was right where I needed to be. We arrived at 10:30am to secure a spot (smart thinking that was) and spent the first couple of hours catching up and catching rays.

The duck was catching too!

Our first course!

After some wine and cheese, and before the main course, I did the 20 minute loop around the Lake and this was the view from the far end. It was just after this spot and by the bridge, I ran into a wedding party only to find out some of the guests were hiking friends. We hugged, we chatted, they were waiting for the bride, time was passing and the groom was pacing. Ms M and I were pacing too, but we were pacing our courses and seeing as we were ready for our next one, I carried on!

We enjoyed our main course, then snacks and finally desert. By this time the afternoon was turning into dinner time, we had enough sun, we were caught up with each others lives, so we packed up, headed out and drove home! Today was exactly what I needed in every way!

A New Direction (Day 3)

2011-08-21T23:19:00.000-06:00

A new day means a new direction! Instead of following that same path that leads to Lake O'Hara, we headed off in the opposite direction towards Lake McArthur. The trail sign for this Lake is literally right outside the entrance to the little Hut. Right away, the landscape looks different. The sun is not fully above the mountains so still casts a shadow over us.

The trail is well defined!

Even though we are headed in a new direction and the landscape looks different, there are still colorful lakes. Schaffer Lake still had some snow to one side. It was such a pretty, peaceful, place to be early in the morning.

But McArthur Lake was even much more so! We owned it for quite some time! For the best photo opportunities of McArthur, well into the afternoon would have been better but I'm pretty sure you would have to share the space and my testament to that is from the number of folks we passed heading up when we were heading down. This was actually our long, late breakfast spot. Sights and sounds of avalanches kept us entertained.

The sun dancing on the Lake monopolized our photography time.

After our late breakfast, and after the sun's dancing performance, we took the low route for our return trek. We passed by this protected area and wondered what was down there. One Warden did tell us, it's not the greatest place to be as it is not maintained, there are lots of trees and it is closed in with no views. I still wondered though!

We took the Big Larch Trail down to Mary Lake which is one of the little colorful lakes we saw beside Lake O'Hara from high above yesterday. This was the last lake to see this weekend but it wasn't enough for me.

I took one last stroll along Lake O'Hara, for one last view, for one last photo from a new direction.

The only thing left to do now was to go back to LeRelais and wait for the bus to take us the 11km back to my car. No more searching for those elevens like yesterday but on my way to the bus, I still did happen to find an eleven. At $700 to $800 per night, staying in a Cabin here is out of my league.

I took a few minutes to reflect on how much I have been enjoying the new direction my hiking and mountain experiences have taken me. Right now I feel this new direction in adventuring shines brighter then all others!

Thank you to Happy Hiker for this photo!

High Hopes (Day 2)

2011-08-20T23:24:00.003-06:00

After yesterday's teasing views from a short hike around Lake O'Hara, Larry Stanier's slide show, reaping the reward of a luck of the draw and sensing my stars were aligned when I saw them all lined up in the sky, then I shouldn't be out of line to have high hopes and great expectations for today! No car pool meet up today, no driving to a trail head, just walk out the front door and within a few minutes I already start feeling like I'm at a higher level!

My first photo of the day! Lake O'Hara at 8:30 am!

We followed the east side of Lake O'Hara to the far end and then began the climb up which took us past a few smaller lakes before reaching Lake Oesa. This was going to be one of those days where there are reflections everywhere. We took our first big break here before hiking around and to the far side of the Lake.

Once around Lake Oesa and to the far side of it, we had a direct view right up to Abbot Pass and could see the Hut sitting there blending in. I watched a group of five work their way across the scree slope to the right side and pick their way up the snow instead. From blue at the far side to green on the near side, the lakes are so gorgeous!

Then totally green! Shortly past Lake Oesa is Lefroy Lake.

Our ledges of choice for today were the Yuckness Ledges. The trail was marked with the odd cairn and yellow elevens on blue squares which were not always right under your nose. This was a fun area to hike, with a little bit of hands on here and there.

No doubts here of not being out of line for having high hopes for the day. Being on the edge of the Ledge gave us a great vantage point of Lake O'Hara down below. That little light green open space in the trees is where Elizabeth Parker Hut is. See the other little lake to the left of Lake O'Hara.? That's Mary Lake which we will be beside tomorrow.

We spent lots of time up on Yuckness Ledges looking down at lakes now it was time to spend time beside a lake, this time Opabin Lake which was yet a totally different color then all previous lakes. We picked out our friends who were up playing on the glacier and watched another group disappear over the back side of it at the pass.

Opabin Lake was a nice place to relax and reflect!

After reflecting, relaxing and refueling, we carried on as we still had lots of ground to cover and lakes to see. Happy Hiker makes her way across a bridge to the west side where we followed West Opabin to yet more lakes.

We took a detour up to Opabin Prospect and found a spot where we could capture the three lakes all in one photo. From here we could see our home away from home was still a long way off in that little light green opening.

It has been a long day and we revamped our plan of attack and decided to work our way home!

I picked this one as my summit shot with Lake O'Hara below me, Wiwaxy Peak behind me and Cathedral Mountain on the left. You can see the switchbacks on my right that lead up to Wiwaxy Gap. Standing right there in that spot, on the edge of that slab, at that moment in time, fulfilled my high hopes!

Once back down to lake level, we had a lovely stroll towards The Lodge to fill our bottles from the porcelin fountain first then waundered through the meadow back to the front door of the Hut where we called it a hiking day and I turned off my GPS. What a joy, no worries of a long drive home after alomost eleven hours of hiking. It was time for wine, dinner and chatting with the other hut guests. Even though we are now at meadow level, looking up at the mountains that surround us, I feel like I am as high as they are. As the sun sets and the stars come out, I notice how the stars are aligned! Maybe mine will be tomorrow!

STAY TUNED!

Luck of the Draw (Day 1)

2011-08-19T23:07:00.003-06:00

I have to be one of the luckiest girls on earth! I got to reap the reward of someone else's luck of the draw. If this evening was any kind of indication of what I was in for, for the next two days, then I am in for a treat of a lifetime in paradise!

The Elizabeth Parker Hut which is an Alpine Club of Canada Hut, is located in the middle of an alpine meadow just a 15 minute walk from Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park, just over the Alberta border into British Columbia. I have been to this area twice in the past but only on day trips.

From mid June to early October, only 24 people a night get to stay at the Hut and those people are chosen through a lottery that takes place in the previous November. It was Happy Hiker's (who is the other luckiest girl on earth) friend whose reward we got to reap! The luck of the draw went in her favour but timing was not in her favour. We were happy to relieve her of her lottery winnings!

The anticipation was killing me and I was thankful today finally arrived. We had a two hour drive to the parking lot, an 11 kilometer bus ride from the parking lot to the center of this Unesco World Heritage Site and then a 600 meter hike to my home away from home for two nights. When I rounded the last corner this was my view! It was more beautiful then I imagined it would be! We quickly claimed our bunk spot and then we were right back out the door to enjoy an early evening hike around Lake O'Hara.

We found a bench with a view, then cracked open the wine and made a toast!

The timing of our hike was in our favour for reflections!

After the hike, after the views, after the wine and after the reflections we attended the slide presentation by Larry Stanier at the Le Relais Day Shelter. While we are no where even remotely close to being capable of experiencing the adventures that he does, we certainly would be seeing lots of the same sights that he showed us. It was a taste of what we were in for and that just increased my level of anticipation.

Lake O'Hara and Elizabeth Parker Hut take up a very small part of this vast area in Yoho. Tomorrow we will venture off and seek out many of these other colorful lakes. Until then, this is to be my first time sleeping in an Alpine Hut!

STAY TUNED !

Ready! Willing! Able!

2011-08-19T10:01:00.000-06:00

READY!

No more sleeps!

Pack packed!

I'm ready to go!

WILLING!

Growing as an adventurer!

First time for an Alpine Hut!

I'm willing to try!

ABLE!

Performed R.I.C.E. on my knees!

Have new tested and true boots!

I'm able to hike!

STAY TUNED!

Looking Forward To A.........

2011-08-16T16:54:00.000-06:00

Paget was a Pageant

2011-08-13T23:02:00.001-06:00

Paget Peak and Sherbrooke Lake share the same trail head parking lot just across from the west end of Wapata Lake, the pink star marks the spot. From the highway it looks like a gravel pit and don't expect a sign to tell you to turn here because there isn't one.

You follow the Sherbrooke Trail for a short distance and then you reach another sign pointing you in the direction of Paget Lookout. Mount Paget Lookout was built in 1944 and is the oldest surviving lookout in the mountain national parks.

Paget Peak didn't need the "an" to make it a pageant today, it put on an amazing show of beauty all on its own! It all started with the Paget Lookout. This Lookout has glass windows on three sides and sits perched where you can enjoy views sheltered from what ever Mature Nature may throw your way.

We took a twenty minute break at the Lookout before beginning the climb on the wide open rough and rugged and rocky slope that would lead us to our destination. As we got higher, the beauty pageant was beginning to declare a winner! The color of Sherbrooke Lake was unreal and in the very same view I could see the Kicking Horse River and the highway west.

The first portion of the trail from the Lookout was steep with slightly slippery scree sections. Then it mellowed a bit before reaching a batch of big boulders where I needed to use my hands to maneuver around and I could see why this was considered more of a scramble then a hike. We reached the top and could see the true summit cairns after passing a couple of false ones.

We made our way to the summit, took our summit shots then settled down in a sheltered sunny spot for 90 minutes of enjoying snacks, siestas, scenery and sharing stories. We owned the summit the whole time and only as we were packing up to leave did we see others come along to claim their ownership status.

Before leaving though, I took a few more photos. This is looking towards Mount Ogden and Mount Niles with Niles Meadow below in the center. The Daly Glacier Overlook is the dip to the right of Mount Ogden and a place I hiked to last summer.

Being on Paget Peak, we had views of a whole row of glaciers and here is Mount Niles with Niles Glacier.

On our descent we stopped of at the edge where we had a view of Wapata Lake down below.

Edges and ledges are wonderful places to be for enjoying spectacular views but it doesn't always pay to "live on the edge" or close to it. As the day has passed and we are now into the night as I share my day with you, I see my knees changing color and size right before my eyes. There is no beauty in this scene!

This little incident did not in any way what-so-ever take away from me

feeling like I was

"on top of the world"

today!

Scenic Point GNP Montana Aug 3

2011-08-03T23:15:00.000-06:00

Once again, before hitting any trail, we checked in at the St. Mary Visitor Center for the latest conditions. They seem to be changing on a daily basis due to snow slopes improving, or snow bridges getting worse or trails closed due to bears. Our plan was for Scenic Point in East Glacier and we confirmed it was A.O.K. We got a later start due to yesterday's big day and there were already lots of cars at the trailhead by the time we arrived.

We hiked in the trees for a very short distance then the start of the 17 switchbacks began and this is where the views started immediately. The trees along the slope were scraggly and the wild flowers were splendid. While still in the same National Park, this side had a whole different look.

The trail was very obvious and totally clear of snow. At about the third switchback, we could see the edge of Two Medicine Lake. This area seemed much further ahead with snow melt then the St. Mary or Many Glaciers areas. It was so wide open with no place what so ever to take refuge from the sun beating down.

As we worked our way up the switchbacks, we got to see deeper into the valley between Mount Henry and Appistoki Peak and the start of Appistoki Creek in the center of the valley.

A few of us took a small detour up a rocky scree covered slope which added more elevation to be at a high point where we had this view. We took a few minutes and a few snacks before descending to join the others again and then head off to our destination.

That's our destination, that very last rock that is sticking out at the far end! This whole dome- like ridge is called Scenic Point. Much of the elevation is already done at this point, we just need to traverse this slope then climb to the final rock formation.

Once at our destination, this was the view! Two Medicine Lake is plain to see, a portion of Upper Two Medicine Lake was visible and Dawson Pass is on the right. We could also see the townsite of East Glacier and Browning in the other direction.

I joined others to have this view for lunch. This is Lower Two Medicine Lake.

Shortly after our descent began, and while we still had a wide open view, I took a panorama shot with Two Medicine Lake being the center of attention. It was a very quick trip down. I was already thinking this is an area I would like to come back to. It is not suppose to be as busy, and I was surprised at the number of other hikers on the trail. I know the National Park now has three Ranger led hikes in East Glacier where they never did before so are promoting it and I can see why. It has beauty of a different kind and still a rewarding area to hike in.

If you decide to give it a go, go prepared for wind and take lots of water if it's a hot day. The drive too and from the trail head was an adventure, being a smaller version of the going-to-the-sun road, but with no guard rails and the sides of the road giving way in a few spots.

This hike had great rewards for not too much of an effort distance or elevation wise. Having a view like the one above in my panorama photo, how could you not feel like you were "on top of the world!"

Piegan Pass GNP Montana Aug 2

2011-08-02T23:59:00.001-06:00

After checking out maps, reading trail descriptions, reviewing shuttle times, then chatting with the Ranger at the St Mary Visitor Center about conditions, we came to a consensus that Piegan Pass would be our hike for today. We agreed to keep our options open and assess as we went along and if conditions were safe, we would carry on further. The selection was limited of safe places to hike where crampons, ice axes and knowledge of self arrest were not advised. Yet, even after doing all the necessary homework, our day turned out to be a wild adventure!

The Piegan Pass trail head is at the Siyeh Bend just before the last stretch up to Logan Pass.

We followed the creek for a short period then veered off into the forest for a few kilometers before reaching a wide open space where we would spend the majority of our time. You can see the trail ahead of me which leads up to Piegan Pass. Between where I am and where the trail ahead is, there were two short steep slippery snowy sections to traverse.

As we got higher, I kept looking back and at this point the view was great of Siyeh Bend in the center of the photo and that's where our cars are parked.

We reached the Pass and could see down in the valley on the other side. The turquoise tarn nestled at the base of the wall was a pretty sight. This was our lunch stop and where we took time to assess and discuss options. A couple of other folks along the trail had some info to share but not much more then we knew already. We decided to carry on and continue the assessing process as needed.

Looking at this eastern face of The Garden Wall, it was hard to imagine that on the other side of this is a long large wide grassy slope carpeted in wild flowers.

We can see for the next stretch that conditions are fine so begin our steep descent but switch backs and scenery make it an enjoyable and quick one. At the end of this portion of descent, its time for one last longer rest to snack and enjoy the view before heading into the trees for the balance of the hike. At this point, conditions have been great and still look great ahead, time is on our side, so we decide the Many Glacier Hotel will be our destination and we will catch the last shuttle from there back to St. Mary then transfer on to the Park shuttle to get back to our vehicles.

Not long after our longer stop, we come across a very steep slippery snowy slope that hasn't yet been crossed. Others begin the traverse and I start to but just can't do it so take the three steps back and descend the steep slope on solid ground trying not to kill too many glacier lilies and thinking I will feel safer crossing over at the lower portion then climb back up on dry land on the other side. As myself and my friend who sticks with me get lower, we see the trail on our side again. We wait here for those that traversed across because they need to complete the switchback then traverse back again to reach the trail lower down. At this point, we are waiting for them to appear and to watch them cross this slope. One friend did loose their footing, tried to self arrest but couldn't and slide to the bottom landing in a drainage below a snow bridge but thankfully came away unscathed and O.K. I couldn't watch the rest of them cross from that point on!

We finally reach Cataract Creek, our descent is done. Now it is pretty much flat the balance of the way so can make up our time along this section. This is a beautiful view looking back at where we were and Morning Eagle Falls in the middle of the photo but we need to cross the creek and we see the wooden bridge on the other side of the creek laying in a protected area in the bushes. The Rangers have not been out yet to but the bridges back in place. The creek is high and cold and fast and we walk it looking for options to cross. We were warned about snow bridges and that some have collapsed and others are ready to do so. This snow bridge is our only option to cross the creek at this point. We assess it, test it out, then all make our way safely across.

We come across another place where the bridge is on the other side, and where the creek is wider, there isn't a snow bridge, so we need to do a bare foot crossing and all the assessing and the crossing take up time that now leaves us in rush mode to make the last shuttle at 5:30. With 3.7 kms to go its serious business so heads are down, the pace is rush, voices are loud and we motor to the Hotel arriving at 5:08, thankfully with time to spare, so we think. We find out the last bus left at 4:45! No more shuttle runs, no cabs, no tour buses! We are a long way from our vehicles which are almost at Logan Pass. We talk with the Hotel Shuttle Hostess, who is able to contact a shuttle driver who is willing to come get us and take us to St. Mary but we have to wait an hour for him which is absolutely fine. He drives us right to our camp site so we tip him big time. I drove the two drivers from the morning up to Siyeh Bend, they hop in their vehicles and we all drive home!

It was great to be in an area away from the hoards of hikers where we could own the trail for the majority of the time. I appreciate an area where the landscapes are varied and it is so wide open that you can see forever. I really enjoy when the trek gets wild with unique situations that make for a memorable adventure! It pays to keep options open, to take chances and to explore because you can end up in places where you feel like you are "on top of the world!"

Hidden Lake GNP Montana Aug 1

2011-08-01T23:37:00.000-06:00

For the third year in a row, I have chosen to spend a few days in early August at Glacier National Park in Montana. This time would be different though in the sense I will be camping instead of hotelling it. I set up camp yesterday at Johnson's Campground for four nights. I arrived yesterday while my friends were out hiking Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Tunnel.

This morning we stopped in at the St. Mary Visitor Center to check out trail conditions and to see if the Ranger could make a safe suggestion for us that didn't involve needing an ice axe and crampons and that was on the shorter side. We came away with the decision to do Hidden Lake which I had done twice before but certainly didn't mind hiking it again.

Once behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center where the trail head is, I thought it looked more like early spring time then the dog days of summer due to the amount of snow. What wasn't covered with snow, was covered with glacier lilies.

The sticks in the snow marked the trail. Under all the snow is a board walk with stairs and landings. It was fun to watch people ahead of me wearing everything from hiking boots to sandals trying to make their way up the snow.

Most hikers opted to stop at the Hidden Lake Overlook and that was what the Ranger recommended but did say folks are going beyond but there are steep slippery snowy slopes and proper foot wear and hiking poles are a good idea. The little black dots are people crossing the slope. I bit the bullet and just went for it! UGH!

On both previous occasions being here, Hidden Lake was totally melted but this time it wasn't and that made doing it a third time all worthwhile. It looked so pretty with pieces of ice floating in it.

When we reached the lake side, the reflections were gorgeous. We found a nice spot in the sun and rested for quite some time, ate, took lots of photos and played around the water.

What is going to Logan Pass and hiking Hidden Lake if you don't see a mountain goat? It's part of the package deal! The goat population is growing and this baby is trying to get through the snow to catch up to Mom.

Nearing the end of our hike, Ranger Brady was ending his work assessing conditions along the trail so we stopped for a chat and a photo op. He had interesting info to share and talked a bit about the story written in the book Night of the Grizzlies. (I picked up the book at the Swift Current Ranger Station before heading back to Calgary.)

The Hidden Lake trail conditions should improve over the next few days with the gorgeous hot sunny weather but I wonder if it will totally clear before the new snow starts to fall. Today was a great start to this vacation and now we get to go enjoy happy hour at our campsite then dinner, more drinks and end the evening under the stars around a campfire. Aahhhh, this is what life is all about!

July's Ground Cover

2011-07-31T19:30:00.001-06:00

I just realized after looking at what ground I covered in July, that all the hikes expect Mt. Lipsett on July 1st were in the National Parks. While out covering ground this month, I saw lots of ground covered in wild flowers and some mountains covered in old snow while others were covered in new snow. For the new snow that has fallen, I don't know whether to say "it's still snowing or it's snowing already!" Considering camping is taking up some of my time, I'm pleased with my hiking tallies but not what I have to show for running or biking. The total numbers are cumulative for the year.

Waking Wiser

2011-07-28T17:29:00.000-06:00

This three day camping trip was an experiment, a quiet get-a-way, and an opportunity to grow and to learn by choice, even yet, also to become wiser for a reason which I have no control over. My agenda was a very simple, sedimentary, slack one! The only hard work I had was setting up my home away from home and the more I do this the easier it gets.

Once I was moved in, I quickly made myself at home!

A "Tartan" and "Spooky Campfire Stories" by daylight set the tone for my get-a-way.

I brought along lots of reading material to pass my time between meals and naps. I like this add in the Backpacker magazine! It says "navigate the unforgettable!" Well, I did! I saw the sun rise at Mesa Arch, I rappelled and canyoneered and I hiked to the Fisher Towers all during my trip to Moab in May of this year. I learned lots about backpacking meals from this magazine that I will put to use.

I have been curious ever since June of 2009, if the Letterbox is still there and how many more folks found it. I went for a drive in hopes of remembering where it was and I did find it, only to learn just two others found it since we did.

I didn't have to go far to see a variety of wild flowers in full bloom! With in a ten minute walk around my Loop, there were plenty to see. I did the Loop quickly between showers and was able to capture some of the flowers still with rain drops on them.

While my fire didn't crackle much, it was enough of a campfire to do what campfires are suppose to do! I was envious of my neighbours crackles'. I am learning that it takes patience to get one roaring!

I tried new recipes on my Trangia which I learned will work great for my next trip. While most of the get-a-way was quiet, I did meet my neighbor who is from Arkansaw and just finished a five day backpacking trip and was resting a couple of days before heading to do a seven day trip. I could learn lots from him, he has been doing long backpacking trips for 40 years.

I came away wiser from this trip too! Don't they say "the older the wiser"?
Thank you for the wishes!