Minnestimma Lake at Larch Valley June 3, 2018

Once I heard Moraine Lake Road was open, I looked at my calendar to decipher what day would I be able to drive up it and head off hiking in the Larch Valley area.  I penciled in today and then just hoped the weather would be favourable when the time came.  I have been up to Minnestimma Lake at the base of Sentinel Pass a couple of times over the years in the spring.  The experience has been different each time.  For this time, I sketched out a mental image of my wish.

Well, the time came, the weather was favourable, I hit the highway early and arrived at the Moraine Lake parking lot early.  From my trip here today, my belief is the parking situation is going to be no different than it was all of last year for Canada's 150 Celebration.  

The trail was snow-free until I reached the bench at the intersection.  

After that there was intermittent snow of various depths.  

I was excited for the first teaser opening.  

 Lots of the snow sections in the early wide open spaces were easy to maneuver around.  

 eyeing the conditions higher up

There was still an abundance of snow covering the area.  At times I sunk to over my knees, other times the snow was solid enough I stayed on top of it.  I could see movement up on Sentinel Pass.  There is a person up there in the center.

The time arrived, I reached Minnestimma Lake to see exactly what I wished it might look like.  

First things first, I captured my destination shot.  

This was not intentional that my shirt closely matches the color of the ice.  

The big boulders were easy to get to so I settled down on one then took time to just be, to just be here, to just be here taking in all the beauty.  It was just me and the soloist up on the Pass, oh and a marmot.

There was just too much snow to descend down to the lower lake.  

 Exploring the upper environment, I found open water at the edge of Minnestima Lake.

 I was doing 360s.  

The beauty surrounded me.

some of the Ten Peaks from Valley of the Ten Peaks. 

 waterfalls

Exploring even more, I found another little lake, or I guess it would be a tarn.  It's not here later into the spring.  It was a dreamy discovery and captured my attention so I invested quite a bit of time admiring it from all angles.

 perfect reflection

 There was so much to reflect on today and this was the perfect place and ideal time to do it.  

My wish for today was granted!  

Kayak Bowness Lagoon June 2, 2018

Ever since my first kayaking experience last September when I was visiting family in Nova Scotia, I knew immediately the sport of kayaking would play a part in my life down the road.  Well, down the road arrived today.  I had my first lesson at Bowness Park through the University of Calgary Outdoor Center.  What a pleasant surprise to find out my instructor was the same guy who I took X-C Ski lessons from in December of 2014.  I knew I would be in good hands and come away with a wealth of knowledge and an improved kayaker. 

I arrived early and did a walk-about before checking in.  After a miserable last few days weather-wise, today kicked off with sunshine and warmth, ideal conditions for hanging out & about on the water.  The water was calm and surrounded by colorful scenery.

I picked up two items that would assist in making for an enjoyable dry experience.  The dry bag and waterproof case will come in handy.  There is room in the waterproof case for my other small camera, keys, ID, iPhone, money.  The following kayaking photos were taken with my iPhone while it was in the case.

I like the recreational kayaks.  They are not as long and are wider for better balance.  I learned how to get into it from off the deck.  It wasn't pretty but I did it.  I learned how to paddle properly, how to go backwards and sideways.  I learned how to stop, how to turn left and right, how to do a 360, how to meander down a winding canal.  I learned how to quickly straighten out when veering off.

We practiced all these things as we paddled around the lagoon, under the bridge and down the canal.  We were fortunate because this early in the season there is deeper water and we could continue on further.   I didn't want to turn around but we still had to paddle all the way back.  I already knew those unused muscles would be sore in a couple of days.

We arrived back at the lagoon and our instructor showed us how to pick up the pace and fly.  

He then flew and I did for a bit.  

I followed him to the far end and then back to the dock. 

While learning how to get into the kayak from off the dock, he also showed us how to get out of it once back at the dock.  I got the kayak snuggled up to the dock, I got the paddle placement right, but after that, once again it wasn't pretty.  I got onto the dock and was still dry and that's all I cared about.  Doing this properly will take practice.

I thoroughly enjoyed being back in a kayak.  

That past September wasn't just a passing phase.  

This sport is in my life to stay!

Nose Hill Park May 27, 2018

My friend threw the idea out there that we should head somewhere for a walk.  I jumped on the idea!  I threw out the suggestion of heading up onto Nose Hill. She jumped on the idea!  I had other ideas in mind to throw at her up there.  I'm not sure she knew what she was getting herself into.  When the time game to toss my idea at her, she jumped in and I jumped in and things got a little rocky!

Our intentions were to walk & talk & practice flowery macro shots.

 Breathe in the fresh air and get a bit of exercise.  

We hit the trail and aimed wondrously.  

It was hot & sunny!

It's between seasons for flowers up on the Hill.  

In another couple of weeks there should be a colorful presentation.  

That intention of practicing macros fell by the way side.  

What was more favourable was spending time at Nose Hill Lake.  It's prime season up on the Hill for lakeside entertainment.  In another couple of weeks the lake will probably be too shallow or even dried up.   As we veered away from the water, I began to look for a place where we could hang out for a snack and then.....

.....rock & roll!

I have been wanting to get out and play with my air lounger.  It takes practice and work to be able to settle into it and just relax.  I'm learning!  We were at a cross-road, which was a busy one today.  We were not the only ones entertained.  It took many tries with lots of rocking and rolling and belly laughs, but we finally..... 

.....got it right!

It was then time to move on down the Hill.  My friend packed this thing up tiny and it fit right back into the pouch it came in.  We hit the trail in the direction that would take us on a loop.  Of course, I need to admire the clouds.  I like how the cloud looks like it is taking off from where the tree top ends.

We intersected the main trail and made our way back to the parking lot.  

My goal is get that air lounger up on a mountain top or a wide ridge and fill it right to the end with wholesome mountain air.  Four of us can cozy up on it up on top and just lounge back & hang out.  

It was a most enjoyable time up on The Hill.  It is forever green right now but that won't last long if we don't get some rain soon.  That green did pair perfectly with the blue sky and those wispy clouds.     I always appreciate Nose Hill Park for being an escape from city life while being right in the center of the city.

   

Moose Mountain May 20, 2018

I am feeling ready for one of those really really long days being "out & about" in our playground but until my time is ripe for that to happen, I am being patient and embracing the right now.  The road to Moose Mountain just opened on May 15th and reports have been that the road and the trail are in fine form.  That gave me faith that I could have an enjoyable ascent on the final stretch to the top rather than that ugly assault that took place last November.   So once again, I went with another very early start with hopes of beating the traffic on the road and on the Moose Mountain trail to the Lookout.      

I began hiking at 7:26am.  I was not the first on the trail and I did get a bit of comfort from that as who ever was here before me could begin to clear the way.  The early morning light was pretty.  The first glimpse I had of the switchbacks to the hump looked fine. 

I needed to perform a little bit of self talk to reaffirm my main objective was to get to the Lookout, so I passed by all the crocuses that were beginning to wake up.  I kept focused looking straight ahead knowing I would soon have my eyes on the prize.   It was still not in sight.   Along this section a lady runner passed me by.  She looked familiar so I told her that.  We chatted.  It was nice to meet you Fab (former follower of Michael JC).  I am not sure if Fab is a shortened version of her name. She had parked at the bottom of the hill and I didn't realize it was her running up as I drove past.  She stated she would be running for 15 hours today covering 70 to 80 kilometres.  She is training for the Sinister 7.  Maybe Fab is short for Fabulous!  

Up the hump and down the other side, the Prize came into sight and the way looked clear.  

showing a close up and looking good view

There was a short section of snow to go up through at the beginning of the final climb and a short section of snow to traverse after you go under the cable near the top. There were firm obvious steps to get through that final section and I was fine with it, whew.   As is typical of up here, the wind blew cold gusts. 

my summit shot

After capturing my summit shot, I walked around to check out the place.  The boards were off the windows so I assumed someone was manning the Lookout.  I walked a bit closer to the Lookout and the man manning the Lookout looked out and waved. I waved back and then retreated to a spot where I could have a sheltered snack stop in the sun.  

some Sunday shots

 basking in the sun

There are numerous shelters around the Lookout area.  

I sat in one that had this view.

Three people left when I arrived at the summit.  I shared my summit time with another lady.  As I was packing up getting ready to say so long a few more summiteers arrived.  Those firm snow steps were no longer firm.  They were soft and sliding to disappearance.  I got down through that section and breathed a sigh of relief.

view as I made the descent

Once down the steep stuff, then up and over the hump, I took another snack break and admired the scenery.  I didn't count but there was easily about a hundred people already on their way to Moose Mountain Lookout by now.  By now too, the crocuses were open to the warmth and the sun.  The season for these flowers up here was prime today.

Today's plan of attack was executed perfectly and I was pleased with the outcome.  I know I am not done with Moose Mountain or the meadows leading up to it.  I still want to be up there for a consecutive sunset and sunrise.  Maybe the stars will align for that plan to come to fruition this summer.  

Wasootch Ridge May 13, 2018

I am realizing, spur of the moment spontaneity is beginning to play a bigger role in my life. Actually it has for the last few months.   I am liking it.  I was pretty sure I wanted to hike today but didn't make the decision until I woke up.  I went to bed late last night, got two hours of sleep and woke early.  I tossed & turned and then thought the heck with this, just go hike!  Wasootch Ridge is one of my favourite ridges to venture up to on my own.  It is full of photographic opportunities and soloing is the only way I get my fill of playing photographer.  

playing with props 

This was the earliest I even began a hike up Wasootch Ridge and it was confirmed that is the only way to do it unless you prefer to be caught up in the trek with a hundred people.  Early also means wonderful fun lighting.  

I was surprised to see there was less snow up here than there was later in May of last year.  

prop play again

You will find the craziest trees up here, all twisted and bent.   

I like to put things into perspective or I should say out of perspective.  

You figure it out!

With only two hours of sleep, I didn't know if I was going to reach the summit.  I was tired and it was hot.  Lots of self talk took place and I finally reached the summit cairn. It felt like as I was nearing the top I just had to take care of business and get the job done.

As I was getting ready to leave the summit I ran into explor8ion.  

He looked familiar so I stated that, then we shared who we were.  

Just down slope a bit I settled down to snack and admire the views.

It was still peaceful and quiet at the summit area so I opted to play around a little more.  

Once again it was time for prop play.
A snowball photo-bombed my photo!

I took some time too, to think about my Mom!  

On the way down I caught up with Happy Orange Traveller.  Once he stated his favourite color was orange, I felt an instant connection.  We chatted for quite some time and that made the descent pass by quickly, which I was happy about.  But, I was happier than just plain happy by the time I arrived back at my car.  I just wanted to get home and clean up then become one with my sofa.  But really, just like the other times, I really enjoyed everything about today's hike.