Lake Louise to Banff January 2, 2017

-26C With a windchill of -32C you say!  When I saw that and saw that it would be staying somewhat similar over the next few hours, I knew being "out  & about" would have to look different than it looked the last two days.  Seeing as it was go home day, I decided I could be "out & about" in my car turning today into a photography outing.  All road reports were looking decent too.  My car took some time to warm up.  I drove around the village and up the hill to get it fully warmed before taking it off onto the 1A.  

an early morning shot in The Village

All of the traffic was heading straight up to the Ski Hill at the intersection where I veered right onto the 1A.  I enjoy this road, it's quiet, it's scenic and the pace is slow.  I know early morning is the best time to see wildlife and that was my hope for today.   I soon lost track of looking for animals when views like this began to appear.

Mount Temple

I stopped so many times along this route.  I could not believe what was right before my eyes.  Each time I got out of my car for a few minutes, I was frozen even with a down jacket on, a hat and light gloves.  I had gloves on while driving but still felt like I could get frost bite on my fingers.  

As I drove east on the 1A the pinkish hues of alpenglow were turning to golden.

It had to be the most beautiful I have every seen this area.  This section of road is as straight and as long as can be and for the whole length the trees appeared to shine gold.  I could not capture a photo to do it justice.  I have never experienced a scene like this before and I thought OMG what a gift from above!  I thought that I truly did!  The golden up ahead was out of this world so I picked up the speed to hurry up and get to it but by the time I got there it was gone.

I watched the last bit of golden on Castle Mountain.  I parked in the lot at Castle Mountain Chalets to have a snack and just admire this beauty.  I remembered back to this summer when I stood on top of her on the spot to the left of the V in the center.  I know some day I want to be there again.  

I came back out onto the main highway from Castle Junction and admired the beauty along the way.  It was incredible.  I kept thinking I need to stop to take photos but there was no where that I could do that safely so I just carried on and then decided to go for some shots in Banff.  

here's a different view of Mount Rundle

I walked along the path down by the Bow River and even walked out along the lake.  Here is a shot of Cascade Mountain from down there.  The pinks are gone as are the golds but now we have that wonderful soft blue with the puffy fluffy clouds.

downtown Banff on the coldest morning ever

I believe the colder it is, the more beautiful the scenery!

I walked for about 20 minutes and by then I was frozen and my cheeks were numb.  I could not have put on any more clothes on, well I could have but at some point you have to draw the line.  I even saw a fellow walking about in shorts.  I drove to the Bow Falls view point and it was utterly breathtaking there.  This is looking towards the Falls....

...and this is looking in the other direction.

I didn't want to leave but I had to get on with my day and get back to reality.  I was thankful for a smooth sail back with the traffic not being too bad and a dry bare pavement right to the turnoff to my condo complex.  These three day away felt like eternity and I like it like that!

Lake Louise X-C Ski Trails & Evening January 1, 2017

When I woke I laid in bed and looked out through the open curtains at snow sitting on tree branches in the dark and still of the morning.  I thought about facing this new year and wondered what it would bring.  I know what I do hope it brings and that is a gentleness and kindness.  

The kindness we start with this new year in Lake Louise is that snow fell through the night but there is no gentleness in the temperature.  For me that means still getting "out & about" but with another layer or two.  I put my plan in place of needing to warm up quickly and that meant climbing immediately.  I started my X-C Ski trip at the Railway Station and skied up the whole length of the Tramline.  

                                        

After the long gentle climb I arrived at the beginning of the Fairview track.  Before jumping into that, I fuelled up then layered down.  It was nice to see others out enjoying this new day of this new year and all were so kind.  Fairview is always so welcoming with its rolling hills, snow covered trees, winding tracks and pillowy meadows.  

                             

                                    

I reached the Moraine Lake Road just in time to ski down a recently groomed and set track that no one had been on yet.  It gets no more perfect than this.  It was a smooth, quick, easy Ski to the bottom of Moraine and then along Lower Tramline and to the bottom of it.  This X-C Ski outing has got to be one of the best I have experienced to date.  

                                      

After a late lunch, some wine tasting and then a nap, I was ready to get on with being "out & about" again.  One thing I do miss about this area in the winter is having access to the Bow River Loop to snowshoe, ski or hike.  It is off limits while the ice is still built up with the possibility of overflowing.  I headed backed up to Lake Louise for a walk and photography during sunset time.  

                             

I reached the far end of the Lake and went a bit beyond.  At a certain point it becomes avalanche terrain so that was my turn around point.  A few others were enjoying the area also. The ice climbers were done for the day and the horse drawn sleigh was beginning its ride back.     

On the hike back The Chateau looked beautiful as did everything else.  I slowed my pace not wanting this view to end.  This was my first time for seeing all this in early evening light during winter.  That not so gentle coldness was becoming unkinder and I could feel it.  I captured a few more memories then retreated to my car then back to my home away from home.

                                      

When it was time to sleep, I laid in bed and looked out through the open curtains at snow sitting on tree branches in the dark and still of the night.  I thought about how this new year began.  I felt hope for a kind and gentle year and that is my hope for all of you. 
            

Cascade Valley & Lake Louise December 31, 2016

My stars began to align on Friday morning as I tried to formulate a plan to make for a memorable long weekend that would involve saying good bye to 2016 and greeting 2017.  When everything I checked into and about proved positive there were only two things left to do and they were to pack then head west.  When the heading west time came I knew I was in for something special when I saw Yamnuska on fire, I took that as a sign.  Then how could I deny the specialness when Cascade glowed golden!

Even though I arrived early at the trailhead to X-C Ski to Cascade Valley I had to share the track with many others.  The track was perfect for me and the surrounding views were lovely.  I skied to the campground and visited for a bit at a picnic table for a drink and a snack.  The pace back on the downhills was speedy and I felt sure-footed and confident so just went with it.  Not long after noon I was back at my car and ready to get on with the day.

                                      

   

                                

I heard about there being lots of new snow in the Lake Louise area and I have always wanted to drop in and see Baker Creek.  I enjoyed the drive along the 1A to get to the parking lot where there is a hiking trail.  There was a Warden in the lot so I checked with him about the area.  He said it's beautiful and goes for about 20 kms to Wonder Pass.  I hiked for about an hour.  Some day I would like to go back and carry on further.  

                                             along the 1A

                                                              along Baker Creek

                                             

                                      I see a heart or a great big smile!

                                                 I see the top of a DQ ice cream.

                                             

I had a sneaky suspicion that the Ice Bar at Lake Louise would be open for business.  Sure enough it was so I bellied on up to the bar and ordered a shot of Kahlua. I hung out for awhile savouring my shot then thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of this beautiful place on the last day of 2016.

                                                   top of the ice castle

                                              frozen in a pillar of the ice castle

                                 

                                    

                                     

I have the best room with a view in the place as I lounge in my chair by the window.  

This day was truly wonderful and I am thankful for that.  The beauty of this whole area with the snow covered peaks and the fluffy puffy mounds of snow, the groomed tracks to ski and the trails ready to be be snowshoed, is why I have come to embrace winter.