Monthly Tops

I spent a little time reflecting back on 2012 looking at all the places I was fortunate enough to explore.  I began to try and choose some favourite photos.  After picking a top shot for each month and seeing all 12, one right after the other, I then realized how truly thankful I am to live in such a gorgeous part of this world.  Looking at my pictures reinforces the importance of not taking life for granted and making sure to "remember to breathe" each and every time I am out and about!

January 1, 2012 - Cascade Ponds, Banff National Park, Alberta

On my way to X-C Ski Cascade Valley, I stopped to check out Cascade Ponds. A blue sky with an early morning shadow on this first day of a brand new year, lends hope of optimism for 2012.  

February 19, 2012 - Waterton Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

I spent the Family Day long weekend enjoying Waterton Winterfest.  This morning proved so true that photographers just have to take a chance, just have to go, just have to wait and see what transpires.  I took a chance, I went, I waited and I watched this transpire right before my eyes. 

March 10, 2012 - Spray Lakes, Spray Valley Provincial Park, Alberta

Exploring here on March 10th, 2012 was my second winter visit to the area and this trip was an absolutely, totally different experience than the first.   The first time was icy, foggy and dark.  It makes me wonder what kind of adventure a 3rd visit here could possibly be like!

April 28, 2012 - The Boundary Pine, Grass Pass, Kananaskis, Alberta

I had been to Grass Pass a couple of times previously with no success in finding The Boundary Pine.    This day we had success!  Bare land surrounds this lonely tree signaling spring is here and we can look forward to snow-free hiking.

May 5, 2012 - Two Jack Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta

I love early mornings alone in the mountains.  With only a Park Warden watching over me from a distance, I was able to thoroughly enjoy the peace, the quiet and take time to reflect while admiring the reflections in Two Jack Lake.

June 21, 2012 -  Antelope Flats, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

This road seems to go far.  The landscape is vast and the sky wide.  Far, vast, wide, oh so huge!  That's exactly what this car trip to Wyoming was.  It was a land of beauty as this photo depicts.  Soloing for 11 days here, I felt I grew huge as an adventurer!

July 21, 2012 - Mist Ridge, Highwood Kananaskis Country, Alberta

What a colorful part of the world I live in!  I enjoyed the varied ridge-scape as we sailed along it.  From orange rocks, to green ridge tops, from treed slopes to copper mountains, from snow capped peaks to bluebird skies.

August 18, 2012 - Rockbound Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta

Arriving at Rockbound Lake on this day made the trek up the long boring treed trail to get here, well worth it.  My polarizer really worked wonders defining the wispy clouds, bringing out the emerald color, and revealing the rocks beneath the water.  All the added touches were a sight to admire.

September 14, 2012 - Burstall Pass, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta

It's views like this that leave me speechless!  I took a chance mid September, hoping the timing was right for autumn shades, then we arrived and I was blown away, it was prettier then I ever imagined it could be.  This was only one of many days this year when I was so happy the stars aligned.

October 22, 2012 - Rae Lake, Highwood Kananaskis, Alberta

I love winter and snowshoeing and I get excited for the season, but I do find it hard to make the adjustment to this sport and the conditions that go with it.  The adjustment began today.  While prepared to snowshoe, we were able to hike but donned in many layers while battling high wind chills.   

November 11, 2012 - Mount Hoffmann, Sheep Valley Provincial Park, Alberta

Being Remembrance Day, I wanted this day to be special and it was.  It was full of wonderful surprises such as this Inukshuk on the summit.  I enjoy adventuring to new areas. It lets my anticipation run wild.  November 11th is a day to remember to be thankful for all you have!  

December 15, 2012 - Carry Ridge, Sheep Valley Provincial Park, Alberta

While December 15th is technically still autumn, the city and big mountains to the west are deep into winter.  How lucky are we Calgarians to just veer a bit south if we choose to make the hiking season last a little longer.  Western looking, wispy clouds, wind swept ridges, winding fences all packaged together makes a favourite kind of photo of mine.  

I'm sure you would have to agree that I live in quite a gorgeous area.  I'm sure too that if you take the time to go out and about in your part of this world and open your eyes to what is around you that you would also find beauty!  Embrace it! I do!