FINALLY! WINTER IS HERE!

For the past couple of days, I knew I wanted to ring in winter some how but just needed to get this week over with and then see what kind of forecast was in store.  The first thing I did when I woke this morning was check the Kananaskis forecast and driving conditions.  The forecast was to be A-1 but Highway 40 showed red the whole way which meant snow and ice covered.    I packed up and hit the road anyway knowing if it got bad I could just turn around and come back home.

The driving was fine and I landed at the Chester Lake parking lot early.  I was the first snowshoer of the day.  I got a little confused as to which was the correct way, the early part of the trail looked different due to the June flood.  I made a mistake and took an earlier trail but then turned around and got back on track.

The temperature was perfect, as was the snow and the scenery.  

I'm so happy winter is finally here!

I love winter!

The view from the wide open meadow could not have been more beautiful!

Chester Lake is under all that snow.

I made my way up to the Elephant rocks.  

My destination shot puts the size of the rocks into perspective.  

I was owning the place right now!  

It was so peaceful and so beautiful. 

I stepped back to have an overall view of this section of Elephant Rocks.

There was another reason I wanted to be "out & about" today.  I wanted to decorate a tree for a few moments of enjoyment.  I found the perfect one.  I was thankful for the warmth of the sun and no wind so I could take time and place the decorations with joy and love.

After the celebration, I packed up the decorations to bring home and place back on my Christmas Tree. When I look at these specific five, they will bring joy with their now extra special meaning.

I checked out the second set of Elephant Rocks at the other end.  

The sun lit up the area and made for spectacular scenery.

It was time now to make the return trip.  There was still no one else at the Rocks.  I chatted with two fellows when I arrived back at Chester Lake, suggesting they should carry on up along the trail for another ten minutes if they wanted to be amazed.  Then I met Josee, a loyal follower of mine, and her friend Patricia.  I am flattered when someone recognizes me from here.  Thank you for stopping to chat.     I hope your snowshoe trip was enjoyable as mine! 

A view of some blue sky, fluffy clouds, snow covered peaks and a large pure white meadow has to be one of my favourite kinds of scenes.  I could feel I was beaming from ear to ear as I made my way across this meadow towards the descent through the forest.  It is very easy to embrace winter when you are gifted with a day like today!

YIPPIE!  It's winter and I love it!

YUP!  I LOVE IT!

I'm looking forward to more fun "out & about" snowshoe trips.  

Stay tuned!