Joy-Start 2015 Day 3 (pm)

After dining, I was ready for two more hours of cold -18C, snow, -25C windchill, all of which when packaged together create that mini polar vortex.  Like I said yesterday, I could see myself snowshoeing or X-C Skiing the Bow River Loop and throughout the Lake Louise campground, I just didn't expect it to be the day after making that statement.  That area would be ideal for today's conditions.  It is protected from the wind element, there are shelters to take cover if need be and there are options to make shorter loops.  On top of that it's just a slide and a glide from my front door. 

There were long stretches where I could slide & glide, a few very slight short inclines & declines too.  All the while, the snow came down and it was like paradise. These are two of the trails I ventured along.

The more I have been doing this X-C Ski thing, the more I am finding enjoyment.  I like that I can even move at a good pace on a flat trail, I don't feel like I am just walking with skis on, but actually smoothly gliding along which I was able to do on this long stretch through the forest.

It was peaceful in this place just like it was yesterday. I did come across two other skiers and we exchanged pleasantries.  Even with the electrified fences open for the winter, I still felt safe.

Once again, the two hour time limit was approaching.  

I could see myself being inside by now.

I aimed for the end and called it another successful joy-start.

Back out in the open, the wind was howling and I looked forward to wine by the fire, by the window with a view, wrapped in a blanket. Even scenarios like that bring joy.  

Joy-Start 2015 Day 3 (am)

A mini polar vortex found its way to Lake Louise through out the night.  I needed to alter my intended plan for today.  I was not driving further west on red coded roads and with a wind chill of -28C, two hours outside would be my limit.  I didn't really want to hike the Lake shore again (I just did before Christmas) but it is a safe bet.  There's no denying it was cold, but I got the gear that puts that cold at bay.  

It was a grey day with minimal visibility.  That's when I appreciate pops of color.  Black & White can be dramatic but I like obvious pops. Here a pop, there a pop.  I watched this person for a bit, they seemed lost just standing there and looking round and round and round.  

Others were out experiencing true Canadian western winter activities. 

It didn't take long before the frost built up on my hair.  

I made my way to the far end of Lake Louise and was glad to see that this time climbers were climbing the ice.  I watched for a very, very short while. Today was all about maintaining movement.

On my way back, more and more folks were out and about enjoying the mini polar vortex, there were visible smiles on this low visibility morning.  I did the hour out & hour back and that added up to my limit.  On the way to my car, I eyed The Chateau and yes she does look majestic no matter what.

With only a 10 minute drive from frigid to fire, I didn't bother to delayer.

While a grey day, the falling snow was beautiful.  I wanted to be out in it, so fueled up by the fire place before bundling back up again for some afternoon joy.

Joy-Start 2015 Day 2 (pm)

I was expecting the weather to go down hill abruptly as the hours passed but when that wasn't happening, I took the chance and headed out my door after lunch for a hike that started close by, meaning I could ditch driving to the trail head.  I still did pack prepared for the worst.  Well, the worst never did materialize and I thoroughly enjoyed a walk in a winter-wonderland along the Bow River completing the Loop.

I went back to the spot at the Bow River to admire that view again which I captured yesterday but it looked different today so didn't stick around there long. I continued on my way.

There were sections of open water that were a tease to a photographer.  

I played it safe and stayed away from the river edges.

The route follows through the Lake Louise Campground. 

Today it was a peaceful pretty place. 

Eyeing the recent tracks on the trail, I could tell there was a snowshoer ahead and X-C Skiers also.  Both of these sports, I would consider for here another time.  For now, I could only go where snow boots could safely take me.  No off trail, I could see the snow was deep.

The views from the trail were satisfying enough.

As I was nearing the end after three hours

my timing was ideal to witness a true Canadian view.

Back home once again just in time to watch a few flakes fall outside, while I put my feet up by the fire and rest up for more joy tomorrow.

Joy-Start 2015 Day 2 (am)

A "Joy-Start" sounds more suitable & appealing to me than a kick-start or jump-start!  To get that joy happening today, I aimed for the Great Divide Parking Lot just below Lake Louise with intentions of X-C Skiing again today.  With it being my first time for the Great Divide Trail, I did some due diligence beforehand and concluded I would only complete a portion of it and then incorporate other trails upon the return.  

The dogs which go on a separate track were ready to start the same time as me.  I waited two minutes to let them be gone.  It was quiet on the trail which afforded me the chance to take time and practice what had been preached.  The movement in the track was heaven, it seemed so smooth.  Could that have been that my waxless skis paired perfectly with the snow conditions?  I don't know enough yet to make that call but I will tell you, I like it like that!  I liked how the scenery was too!  The views were on the darker side at first.

After time on the Great Divide I got ready to veer off as the dogs returned. 

I took to the Telemark Trail, it had some fun easy downhill sections.  

I ended up on another trail too but shortly into it I did an about face, I know my limits.  I truly enjoyed this whole area.  I liked the openness, how it was beginner friendly and the scenery was great to boot.  

Two hours later, I called it a morning and headed to my home-away-from-home for lunch in the comfort of a warm living area with a fireplace and a view.  There is still so much joy to be had!

Joy-Start 2015 Day 1

As if I didn't get enough marvellous mountain time before Christmas for four days, I'm back at it for another four days to joy-start 2015.  I referred to those previous four days as a "retreat" which in hindsight was nothing retreat-like at all.   The down-time and rest-time came once I returned to home at the end of the fourth day.  The opportunity arose for an additional four days on short notice and I could not resist.  My toys & stuff were not fully put away from round 1 so it was very easy to pack up and be off.

The hope for these four days is to focus on honing my X-C Ski Skills and I got off to a good start.  I went back to Pocaterra where I took my lessons in early December.  I skied trails here a couple of years back so knew this place would work for me today. I arrived near 10:00 am to three vehicles in the lot and no one in the Hut.  

After a few glides along the grid I then smoothly transitioned into the track and was on my way.  It was a crisp, cold morning and the views were beautiful right out of the start.  

I remained upright except for one fall when the track for my left ski vanished and I slid sideways.  I skied mostly on green, I completed a short blue, and I walked down a black.  The air temperature was very cold. I need to work on a way to wear my left wrist-lacer with a warm mitt or glove that fits over top.

expressing how I feel about today

I made it to a meadow to find a moose meandering and... 

...came across two whiskey jacks frolicking on the ski track. 

I turned around at my planned turn around distance and skied back to the Hut to dine.  By now, others were out & about.  

I had time to pass so visited Barrier Lake then.....   

...drove down by the Bow River at Lake Louise Village.

I was tired by the time I checked in so was quite content to luxuriate for the balance of this first day of 2015 and just enjoy the view outside as it drew its curtain.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

NOW & NEXT

I love that saying from the movie WILD!  

It goes like this "I didn't know where I was going until I got there"!

For NOW, as 2014 draws to a close, I have finalized "OUT & ABOUT in 2014".  Since I started tracking in 2010, the distance I cover each year horizontally and vertically, I feel proud to report that this was a stellar year horizontally for me reaching a whopping total of 828 kilometers of distance covered.  Vertically was mid pack at 32.3 kilometers of elevation gain.  My trips to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Palm Springs where I hiked  for numerous days straight, helped elevate those numbers. 

At year's end, I like to pick an outstanding, for me for one reason or another, photo for each month to share with you.  This time around, that has evolved into a slide show.  If you have an additional spare 4 minutes and 2 seconds + 15 seconds, click on the 2014 4:02 of HAPPY link below (it will take 15 seconds to wind up then begin).    

2014   4:02 of "HAPPY"

NEXT, I have "OUT & ABOUT in 2015" designed.  I'm looking forward to this new year with even more enthusiasm.  I already have one big exciting trip booked and there is hope for two more on top of that.  Over the past number of years, I have given up making New Year's Resolutions preferring to stick with always trying to make the most of each day, live life large, be thankful & appreciative for the life I have and to "remember to breathe".

I hope your new year brings you 

plenty of peace

heaps of happiness

loads of laughs

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Present! Gift! Open!

Hhuumm!  Let's see!  Well!  Hhumm, aaahh!  

Today was one of those days! 

It is hard to find the words to properly describe it!

 Or to give it the justice it deserves!  

The forecast did not call for the greatest for Spray Valley Provincial Park.  It was cloudy, dark and on the dismal side for the drive down the 742.  But, we are both believers the day is whatever you make it, and no matter what we were handed, we would make today something.  We geared up and went on our way, not seeing much but grey sky, a tiny bit of a mountain view and snow covered trees.

We opted for the left trail that would give us the opportunity to descend to the gully where we could enjoy some deep snow, some bushwhacking and route finding and just fun in general.  This would eventually afford us a loop too.  We spent some time enjoying this section then when we exited and met up with the main trail WOW!  What a sight!  We knew we were in for something!  

We eyed our destination ahead of us.  We got lost in the beauty and the moment.  You get to learn to appreciate what is around you and the only thing that matters in time is the present.  Right here, right now.  We began to realize considering what we were expecting for today, this was the opposite.  We were handed a gift!   

We glady accepted it with open arms!  

We reached Shark Lake, which was frozen solid and snow covered, and where a path showed us the way across.  We fully unwrapped that gift we received and opened our hearts and minds to let that child within come to the forefront.  Mid lake wonderment!

 "This is what it looks like!" 

We eventually made our way to the far end of Shark Lake and settle in to dine.  We placed the large tarp, spread out our gear, set up our packs as pillows, chatted, dined, laughed, smiled and watched the sky turn bluer and bluer.  We were acknowledging the present and the gift.

our view to the left

our view to the right

our view straight ahead

and to where we aimed after an hour spent treasuring Shark Lake

We bundled up and made our way back across the Lake and into a short section of forest before coming out into the open again.  If we had been a minute sooner or a minute later the timing would have been off to see this jet stream so perfectly aligned with the tree.

There was so much snow everywhere.  

It was time to stick to the main trail and make our way back to the vehicle.    

The whole while we had this in sight.

Hhuumm!  Let's see!  Well!  Hhumm, aaahh!  Yup, I'm still stumped for words but I am sure after seeing what our day looked like, you know what I mean when I say today was a gift!  Thank you so much in sharing in making today the kind of day it was.  Yes, and that is what it takes, you make your day what you want it to be!  You acknowledge here today and right now, you accept the gift and you open it whole-heartedly!