Bryant Creek Warden Cabin from Provincials to Nationals

While I have enjoyed investing time the past little while working on my relationship with my X-C Skis, my snowshoes still sat at the entrance of my front door, never far from my thoughts.  I vowed to devote just as much time to them and I was overly excited for today's adventure on them.  We decided  to repay a visit to the Spray Valley Provincial Park area but this time add a new twist just to shake things up a bit.  Our intended plan was to hit Watridge Lake, visit the Bryant Creek Warden Cabin, attack the Spray River & Spray Lake edges, conquering a big loop that would encompass spectacular scenery the entire way.  

We aimed for early, for the 100% ownership that would afford us.  The first few clicks along the ski trail went by quickly, but that was all that went by quickly. We arrived at Watridge Lake surprised to see the amount of snow we would have to contend with.  We broke trail the entire length of the Lake to the far end.  The views were already pretty.

 at the far end inlet 

It was from that far end inlet that we then made our way through the forest aiming in the direction where we believed the X-C Ski trail was that we would intersect and end up at the bridge that crossed the Spray River.  Once again, we were taking turns breaking trail through the deep snow.  I was already wondering would we be able to conquer our intended plan for the day.  Standing on the middle of the bridge is a fine place to capture Cone Mountain.

me and my friends

We reached the bridge that crosses over Bryant Creek and then carried on along the trail hoping the Warden Cabin was not too far along.  It was still tough going for us following the edge of the trail making our way through the snow.

 We made it!

The Cabin is in such an amazingly gorgeous location with a mountain backdrop and the open creek running by.  It is closed for the season, no one had been, we needed to break trail down to it.  We explored around the place, played, took photos, admired the beauty, then settled down to dine.

our destination shot

 wood pile

 my location shot at the hitching post 

 framed mountain view

After all the fun and games were taken care of at the Cabin, we geared up and headed back to begin the next portion of our adventure.  I was still wondering what our success rate would be for completing the plan of attack for the day.  I then voiced my opinion and my concern!  We were all of the opinion that it would be best to play it safe and alter our plan. It didn't take long at all to make that decision and then we happily carried on.  We veered off trail and snowshoed down a portion of the Spray River until we reached our turn-around time. 

 We made it far enough down that we got to enjoy the beauty.

Another location shot!

 Another destination shot!

For the sake of safety and finishing in daylight, we made our way back the same way we came.  We had the luxury of following our already broken trail from hours ago.  What was surprising was how much our trail along Watridge Lake had been wind blown over.  We made it back to the open ski trail and enjoyed the scenery that was offered us the whole way back to the parking lot.

pretty picture 

 As we were nearing the end, it was that golden time of day when the lighting is fabulous.  

The snowshoeing athletes that we are, we were able to go from Provincials to Nationals in one day.  Normally one would complete something Provincial and work their way up to go to Nationals.  We began our day in Spray Valley Provincial Park and snowshoed our way to Banff National Park.  While Nationals would usually mean bigger and better, in today's case Provincial and National were on the same level.  Both were equally beautiful and fun places to explore around.  I am sure my friends would concur with me, that we all tied as winners in both categories!  

Cascade Fire Road If only the cascading.....

.....from one Saturday to the next, could be as smooth as my X-C-Ski trip was today!  As this past week went on, my motivation for making something fun, beginning with an "s", happen today dwindled.   Last night when I lay my head on the pillow, I saw what my Saturday would look like. Instead of skate, snowshoe or ski, I would take care of stuff.  I woke this morning with a startle, jumped out of bed and prepared to go about my day doing that thing that began with an "s".  No taking care of stuff today, I headed west with all my ski gear in tow and aimed for Banff National Park, to Lake Minniwanka parking lot which is the trail head to X-C Ski Cascade Fire Road & Cascade Valley. 

As time allowed earlier in the week, I looked to others for a boost of motivation to get out.  When that wasn't working, I checked sites to find that boost.  Early on I did see that the Cascade area was finally turning sexy once again after being out of commission for awhile.  I hit the highway early, arrived at the trail head early and enjoyed the golden morning light on the surrounding mountains.

A few folks fastly left before me and they were soon out of sight.  

I skied and I skied and I skied.   

I enjoyed having the track to myself to practice the proper technique.  

Of course too, I appreciated having the opportunity to safely stop and shoot shots.    

As time passed, so did people pass me.  A few friendly fast folks came along.  I am not sure what prompts people to inquire if everything is O.K.!  Surely I am smiling because I am enjoying this sport, although at times it seems like hard work and I may have a struggling-like appearance.  Could it be I am skiing with a brace on my arm?   

my ski stop shot

I believe I would be correct in saying, I did not ski the Cascade Valley, only the Cascade Fire Road.  I came to a big steep hill that I was not keen on descending, I knew I would have to come back up it and my energy level was questionable today.  I picked my turn-around point and did just that, turned around. On my return trip, it was nice to see familiar faces.  To the side of the track, we caught up on years passed as people passed.  For others, pleasantries were exchanged as were smiles.  

As I was nearing the end of the fire road I took a detour down another trail, not sure where this was leading and seeing more downhill terrain, I once again turned around.  This sport still seems very exploratory for me.  I am continuing to find my ski feet and build up confidence.  Each time I am out, I sense I am making progress.  

I glided back to the trail head ending my day with just as wonderful a view as I started with.      

The kind of "s" day this turned out to be was exactly what I needed.

Scenery setting was spectacular.

Snow conditions were superb.

Sailed on my skis.

Sun shone.

Several smiles!

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!