My Mountain Retreat Day 1

I needed to pass a few hours before checking in later today and with the forecast showing blue sky over The Ink Pots in Banff National Park my decision was set in stone on an objective.  While not a lofty objective, it turned out being exactly what I needed to experience that, escaping from the realities of the big city, feeling.  That feeling set in once I veered right off the main highway and passed through the gate to "away from it all".

I enjoy cool, crisp, fresh, invigorating mountain mornings and I knew I could be in the midst of one of those this December morning at Johnston Canyon which you pass through on the way to The Ink Pots.  The only vehicles in the parking lot were tour vans.  That meant ice climbing would be taking place at the Upper Falls.  

eyeing the ice

 eyeing the frozen falls

 eyeing the guy

After the Falls, the trail is not pretty, but it's only three kilometers through the forest then it opens up and you descend to the meadow containing the pools of water all surrounded by mountains.  Today it appeared exactly how I hoped it would.  

Another thing I hoped for was to own it, and indeed I did.  

That meant the freedom to play as I wished.  

my destination shot

 solo reflection

 at the point of no return

it pays to get this right on the first try

As I was packing up after lunch, a couple began their descent to the area and then a soloist shortly thereafter.  My timing was spot on.  I still took my time for a couple of last looks and then for the return trip took my time too, to enjoy the sights and sounds.   

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

I will sleep well tonight.

You Can Find JOY If You Want To

Four days prior, we had our plan in place.  Last evening, confirmation of that plan was made.  This morning ole heck broke loose and our plan fell to pieces. That's life!   We are masters at saving the day, that's what you become, "masters at saving the day", when a large part of your life revolves around being in the mountains.  Today was to be our Christmas tree decorating celebration far-west of the city in the great big mountains.  Before leaving home, I saw our turnoff road was reported as being snow & ice covered.  I walked out the front door to load my car in pouring rain.  I made my way to the designated meeting spot.  We met, we discussed, we waited.  We hit the highway.  We pulled off, we stopped, we discussed, we waited.  We hit the highway again.  We saw trouble up ahead so we turned off, we stopped, we discussed, we waited.  After all the stopping, discussing, waiting, two hours later we were sitting in the parking lot at our revised location gearing up to hike. We did not know exactly what trail but we were determined to find a way to make today happen.  We ended up hiking in the close -west of the city in the smaller mountains along the Ridgeback Trail and Tom Snow Trail.  How fitting to be on the Tom Snow Trail today.   

The road was not sanded nor was it plowed but we slowly but surely safely arrived.  

We began our hike with the sky being gray, the snow falling, the view looking pretty.

There is loads of forest on these trails and the snow was accumulating on the tree branches.  We were sheltered from the elements.  Near the beginning, there appeared what looked like a welcoming arch for us to pass under leading us to the gate to pass through and start our day.  It felt very welcoming and almost like it was created just for us.

I knew today was not going to be about big far off vast views.  I knew today that we would be bringing the color and being the color.  After all,  we are "masters at saving the day" in any which way and I like color.  As we got well into our hike, we began the search for where we would hold our tree decorating celebration.  We crossed bridges.....

.....we passed through forest after forest.....

We finally found the perfect tree for us. It was time to celebrate!  I had an array of Christmas tunes to accompany us as we went to work.  We placed the ornaments with care on the delicate branches.  What a nice variety available to display.  Each decoration having meaning for each of us.  From snowshoes to skis, from joy to celebrate, from a hat to skates, from an angel to a snowman to a bear, we had it all.    

After making our tree beautiful, we secured our solo shots which we also considered to be our summit shots.  We had no idea if this was a summit or if it was to be our high spot for the day.  But, I know I felt high getting to be a part of this special kind of celebration.  

We then, settled down to dine with a view of the pretty tree.  We swapped stories and laughed all the while enjoying hot beverages, our entrees and thank you Short Stop for the deserts of gingerbread women and rum balls.  With the music still playing, we sang along too.    

The decorations were carefully packed into our packs, now with more meaing to place on our trees at home.  We continued on with finding our way on this hike. The day contained many oops as at times due to no flagging, no blazing, accumulated snow, it was hard to find the trail.  But, we are "masters at saving the day" and finding our way.  

Our hike concluded with an amazing sunset.  

It was almost like this was orchestrated especially for us.    

We wanted to find JOY today and we did!

the UPS & DOWNS in a Relationship

Every relationship has it ups & downs and today's focus was learning how to get through these when your day is going smoothly straight along and then all of a sudden you are dealt a big up and before you know it, the opposite happens and you are handed a large down.  To reach the top of anything in life, you have to work hard but you want to make sure you have no lasting effect from that work so focus & form are important.   Being capable of making quick alterations is indeed important because we all know, what goes up must come down.  Staying calm and collected will get you through any down affording you to come out the other end in one piece mentally and physically.  Relationships work best when you can display patience & persistence.  

Our morning was spent reviewing yesterday's lessons learned.  

After fueling up and before hitting the hills, I took a little time to build on making this relationship a positive one.  There was a steep small hill close by that I found yesterday so aimed for it to work on those ups and downs.  But, I could not help taking time to admire the spectacular scenery.  I planted my gear then took some shots.

peering down the trail to see what is around the corner

enjoying a few splendid moments before joining the others

We had many ups and downs to contend with this afternoon.  I made an effort to remain positive knowing that plays a big part in obtaining success.  I expressed my concern about potentially facing a big down, but was reminded that remaining focused and choosing a correct option for me, will successfully get me through any downs.   I remained focused on what to do to give myself the best chance of success. 

I came out the other end of today beaming brightly.  

I found pleasure in this relationship once again.

Time to Rekindle that Flame

Almost three years ago, I had a urning and realized it was time to fill a void.  Something was missing in my life, so I went on a mission.  I began the search for a new loving relationship!  I shared some inner most deep thoughts with you back in January of 2012.  (To fully comprehend, I suggest reading what I shared in the link.) That relationship was wonderful in the beginning and then that itch set in and the love dwindled.  I realized it was my fault, I did not give it the time and attention it was worthy of.  I was torn and pulled away by another love.

Time has passed.

I have matured. 

I know what I want. 

I know what I have to do to make this relationship work. 

It is now time to rekindle that flame!  

Today, I once again took the beginner cross-country ski lessons at Pocaterra through the University of Calgray.  We learned the basics of striding and gliding, of slowing down and then parking it.  I fell, I got back up,  I laughed, I smiled,  I giggled, I felt like a flame was flickering inside and I was wanting more.  I was truly liking what I was feeling and where this relationship was heading today.

feeling the love

"this is what it looks like"

I cherish winter!  I love the snow, I don't mind the cold, the beauty is out of this world.  When I waivered three years ago, I was being torn away to snowshoe.  I adore that sport.  Being a woman during the 21st Century, yes we can have it all.  I need to figure a way to have two true loves.  

I am excited for tomorrow!  

I feel stronger this time around.

I have it inside me to give what it takes to make this work.  

I know I can turn this into a long lasting loving relationship.

The Chloe Test

With a forecast looking like this....  

.....I decided to save being "out & about" until Sunday afternoon when the temperature and windchill for the weekend would be at its highest.  Goodness gracious, there's loads to be accomplished within the household, so a stay-at-home Saturday right now is ideal.   I put my mind to it, stayed focused and progress was made.  

Today was the day to test my new Chloes.  My Valdezs gave me three wonderful winters of wandering.  We shared many adventures and I knew they were nearing their end as they were tired looking and they felt tired. It was time to bid them adieu.  

As my old boots Valdez looked like a Valdez, these new boots do look like a Chloe.  They have a feminine touch and a soft side.  They are light weight, have a toggle pull, the grip is great....wait until you see the sole.       

I headed for Confluence Park at Nose Creek to test the boots.  

After two hours of wandering through the snow, along trails, up hills then down them, over bridges, in the trees, around boulders, over ice, I could not help but be happy.   My feet remained cozy warm, there were no irritations nor hot spots. Remember I said wait until you see the sole? 

See the sole?

The next test will be to strap my Lightning Axis to them.

 How will they pair together?  

My sense is they will be compatible.  

Even though.......

.......still on track!

If you are loyal followers then you know I am a numbers girl, in the sense that I enjoy tracking the distance and elevation covered when I am "out & about".  Considering how this year played out beginning on Sunday of the May long weekend leading to many weekends of down time, I am still on track to equal or exceed the past years of kilometers of distance covered.  I sincerely doubt a large enough amount of elevation gain will happen to make a new record though.  I have not included my urban recovery distance covered in the above digits, that number was 79 kilometres. 

   

Now on the verge of December, with only four weekends left (one of which is already booked otherwise), plus a handful of vacation days to fill, there is great potential for setting a record.  Even though..... 

STAY TUNED!

Bear Creek Canyon Oasis - Palm Springs Vacation Day 6

The hike into Bear Creek Canyon Oasis came recommended by my friend who hiked it last December.  He has a sense for what I like so I knew I could not go wrong here.  It also brought me into a different area to check out.  The trail head was only a 35 minute drive away. I was up early and raring to get going. It was easy to find as were all trail heads I hit.  I was prepared for the heat and would be going all the way today.

I arrived early to an absolutely gorgeous area, so pretty, so clean, just so appealing as a first impression.  I knew I was in for something special.  I did my homework on this route as there were postings that it could be a challenge to get on the correct trail. I made my way through the first section and found my way to the wash.  It was a long wash to follow to the other side where the ascending began.  I realize now how I enjoy washes!  They are so photogenic. 

The ascent began in the heat.  I took my time and made sure to appreciate every little thing especially once I got high and could see forever.  I was able to pick out places and identify them, finally, as my vacation was nearing the end.  I ascended, and ascended.  Higher and higher.  Then I rounded a corner and could see a green patch down below in the far off distance.  Ah, the oasis!  O.K. So I have to descend, ascend, then descend and ascend again. Fine, I came prepared.  The oasis was an oasis, like a hidden treasure.  I took a little time here then said goodbye.

I made my way back to a high point with a wide open view to have my lunch.  I lingered long.  I knew once I was back to my red Chevy that my vacation was over. So, I lingered again.  I knew once I was back to my red Chevy that it would be one more sleep then heading back to cold Calgary. So, I lingered again.  I knew once I was back to my red Chevy that it would be time to face reality again. So, I lingered again. You get my drift!  

I arrived back at the wash, meandered here, chatted with folks then aimed for the palm trees and my red Chevy.  I drove back to Palm Springs to where it felt like home to me and to be.  Thank you for your suggestion on this hike, it was a fine topping to top off this marvellous vacation.