Elbow Valley November 20, 2025

That trip deep into the Elbow Valley to Forgetmenot Pond on October 30th was supposed to be one last visit to the area before the gate closes until May of next year.  Today I squeezed in another visit! I hoped to see snow covered trails, lots of ice on The Pond and of course the Wild Mustangs.  What I did not expect to see were Mountain Sheep!  I don't remember ever seeing Mountain Sheep in the Forgetmenot Pond/Ridge/Mountain area. 

At the Powderface junction, they were licking salt off the road.   

This young guy would not move out of the way! 

I very, very slowly drove around him!

Before hiking along the Little Elbow Trail, I stopped by the far end of Forgetmenot Pond.  It is still mainly open water.  The water level is the lowest I have ever seen it. It was calm allowing the reflections to be pure.  While in this area, I checked around for the Mustangs but no sign of them.

I could not help myself, I needed to check out the shoreline with hopes there would be icy formations.  Every time I see something like this, I marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature. How does this happen, the detail, the intricacy, the perfection, so crisp so clear.  

It was time to get on with the reason I came here, to hike along the Little Elbow Trail! I am not wearing platform boots! The road through the campground is closed, it was clear of snow, ice and mud.  I walked a short distance along the road  but preferred to be on the tree-lined trail where I had views of the river below.  While hiking along this area, I looked around to see if the Mustangs were anywhere but no luck.

view ahead from along side the river 

I found some snow and frosty views.  No my hair is not white, that's the beginnings of frost build up.  It was cold but not crispy enough for a large amount.  Little things like this excite me, it is a tease of what is to come!  

snow on the tree-lined trail

the perfect spot for my destination shot, even though I went further than this

Another couple of kilometres beyond the above location was my turn around spot.  On the way back, I stuck to the meandering trail where I had open views.  By the looks of it from this vantage point, there were no large amounts of snow over there on Forgetmenot Ridge. 

But there was ice collected in areas where I was! 

Yes! The Wild Mustangs!  As I neared my vehicle, I spotted the horses! There were a few others further off in the trees.  Seeing them was the perfect way to end this last visit out deep in the Elbow Valley.  I hope they have a wonderful winter and are able to thrive. I will be back next spring with hopes of seeing them again!  

Banff National Park November 14, 2025

When I woke this morning, my last day at Lake Louise, I looked out to a new light layer of snow covering everything. Eventually into last night all that rain turned to snow at lower elevations.  I packed up, loaded up my vehicle and checked out.  Before hitting the highway to home, I wanted to check out Lake Louise once more.  I arrived to "a late autumn tease", the peak was peeking through the clouds. 

I waited and watched to see the clouds disperse.  

What was not here the past few days was snow settled on the branches.  

Icicles now hung from the roof of the boat house!

Chipmunks now had to swish through the snow to find food!

It was time to capture one last location selfie!

Yesterday there was a very tiny thin layer of ice in small sections near the shore but this morning that was gone.  It is going to be a long while before any skating will be happening here.  Swimming is still going on.  That little orange star I added is to show you where the girl is swimming. She is to the right of the star. It was not just a cold plunge she performed, she was out there in her one piece swim suit, wool hat and footwear. I watched her for about twenty minutes at that point she began to swim back to shore.  

I captured this panorama photo as one last look back 

before heading to my vehicle and hitting the highway back home.

For approximately one hour of the two hour drive home, it was very stressful. The road was like a skating rink.   Everyone was driving about 40 to 60 kms per hour, at times even less than that.  The downhills were sketchy.  The traffic heading west was at a standstill for well over a kilometre. Many vehicles were in the ditch, a transfer truck was on its' side and another one sideways on the road.  I prayed I would make it home safe and sound in my new vehicle.  

I made it home! Whew!  I needed to decompress!  Painting birds is what my Doctor would call for!  I picked out one of my photos I took, along the shore of Lake Louise, of the Clark's Nutcracker.   

UGH!  

I knew when I was well into the painting, it was not what I wanted it to look like yet I finished it.  

Maybe I just needed a little more settling down.

I checked out my other photos of the Nutcracker and think I may be able to do a better job of replicating this shot.  I am not ready to give up on the Clark's Nutcracker, I will put paint on paper again a little later.

Banff National Park November 13, 2025

The forecast was for rain all day in the Lake Louise area. At high elevations that would be snow. My plan to drive a portion of the Icefield parkway was aborted. There were warnings for that road to have bad driving conditions.  I played it safe, especially with a brand new vehicle, and stayed local. That meant I needed to don my waterproof gear then get out there and find beauty! 

I drove back up to Lake Louise to walk the shoreline again.  It was a totally different experience than two days prior, yet just as beautiful.  It would be a morning of admiring what was up close as vast views were not to be had.  While taking photos, I kept wiping the lens to clear away water drops.  

I admired the reflections in the water and how the ice was forming.

there were thousands of water droplets to choose from to photograph

the water looks more beautiful on such a grey day

I built another snowman!

I love playing with perspective!

That’s it in the bottom of the photo! 

This is where the ice climbers like to hang out. 

It will be quite some time before the icefalls are ready for them.

at the far end of the lake

I was loving the colours I was seeing!

lining up the droplets with the shade of the water

There was loads of this going on!  

After a few hours of being out and about around the lake, I was ready to head back to my suite and settle in for the balance of the day, I brought my knitting with me so got comfy on the couch and knitted away. I had the window open and listened to the rain fall down. 

Along with my knitting, I brought my watercolour  supplies 

and completed another painting of “Maverick”.

Before closing the window and shutting the curtains, I looked across to see if all the rain falling here was snow in the mountains!  I will be curious to see what the area looks like at first light tomorrow morning!

Banff National Park November 12, 2025

Not only did I want to be surrounded by a late autumn tease of a winter-wonderland during this getaway to Banff National Park, I also wanted to test my cross-country ski skills since having surgery, going through physio therapy and now living life to the fullest again. I want to report my success rate to the surgeon when I see him in December.  The tracks are in very early season condition but I can’t wait for when they are prime. 

I drove over the border into British Columbia to begin skiing the Great Divide from the O’Hara side rather than the Lake Louise side.  No one else was there yet which I was thankful for. I was a tad apprehensive as I clipped in and glided off. 

The kilometres I planned to cover were predominantly flat with a few very small gradual hills. The temperature was a few degrees above freezing with no wind. This called for light layers.  This area also calls for carrying bear spray which I had at my side with easy access. 

Today was not about being speedy, it was about staying upright, being happy and wearing a smile. 

I opted to take the skis off and walk the downhills.

It was overcast yet the views were beautiful!

I arrived at the border between British Columbia and Alberta.  I stayed on the B.C. side, not feeling ready yet to climb the big hill then have to descend it.  It was here where I finally met up with another skier. He was a serious speedy skate skier in his black tight tights! He disappeared just as quick as he appeared.  

This was a good spot to stop and stretch.  

the shelter

still smiling

Even on the way back, I still removed my skis to walk down the hills. My confidence will return!  Portions of the flat sections were on the icy side but that comes were early season and warm temperatures. As I neared the end I began seeing more skiers just heading out.  I was happy to not be in the midst of them. 

Upon reaching the end, I let out a big happy sigh, I stayed upright the entire ski and I was still smiling!  Aaahh success!  I am not sure when I will get to cross country ski next but I do know now that I will be absolutely fine.