My Mountain Retreat Day 2

Etchings were on my mind of something to accomplish while on my mountain retreat.  I have my own equipment so packed that into the car this morning then aimed for even further west to Lake Louise.  I like my etchings to be pure and obvious so that would mean an early start.  

I arrived at the set up area at 9:15am seeing only two others so far, designing their creations.  I laced up my skates, planted the blades on the ice and skated off.   The sound of the blades etching into the surface was wonderful.  Hearing that sound, coupled with the vision surrounding me, afforded me that lost feeling of being so far removed from any cares or worries.  The sharp edges made distinct carvings. I could see the smoothness, geometric, fine lines.  I would have to call my etchings abstract, I could not figure out what they looked like.  

An hour later, after thoroughly enjoying the exercise, fresh air, 

castle & throne...

...it was time to move on down the Lake.  

From skates to boots in a matter of minutes, I hugged the shoreline of Lake Louise and hiked to the far end, right to the new Avalanche warning sign. The views along the way were enjoyable.

two horse open sleigh

 winter wonderland

 she walked into my photo shoot and created a reflection

 along the way

By early afternoon I arrived back at The Chateau looking forward to savouring a glass of ice wine at the Ice Bar, but to my dismay, the bar was closed today.  I didn't let that dampen my spirits, I settled down on a bench and enjoyed my hot tea, while soft snow flakes flurried about me.  The snow was accumulating on the trees.

Now it was time to head back to my home away from home. 

There I could put my feet up and relax.