the watch is on

While "out & about" yesterday, it suddenly occurred to me that it's time to start hunting!  Spring arrived today and with that the crocuses shall soon begin to peek out.  While there is still snow on some sunny slopes, that does not necessarily stop the pretty pink and purple blooms from making an appearance.  My first sighting last year was on March 31st and from the look of that wildflower, it had been out for a couple of days. My first sighing of 2021 was April 5th.  

During spring of 2020 I painted crocuses on rocks with acrylic paints.  In 2021 & 2022 I rendered crocuses with coloured pencils.  2023 brings you my watercolour painting of a crocus sprouting out of the snow!  Painting this flower was a challenge!  Never before have I wasted so much paper and paint on a watercolour painting project! With each attempt, after an hour or so in, it ended up in the garbage.  I forged on!  For this finished crocus, It took layer upon layer upon layer of paint to build the crocus!  For the petals, it took mixing various amounts of pink, blue and purple with a splash of gold and yellow brushed in.  The finishing touch was using gouache to make the snow.  I tilted the sketchbook upright, stood back, and breathed a pleasing sound indicating I loved my crocus!  

spring 2020

spring 2021

spring 2022

March 31, 2022

April 5, 2021

Stay Tuned 

 

Wandering in Waterton March 16, 2023

 

The freeze thaw these past few days is making for quite a variety of trail conditions. I was hesitant on hiking up the Bears Hump for those reasons.  Today I thought at least have a look at the trail and assess  my comfort level along the way.  I geared up at the trailhead, climbed over the snow back and took a look at the trail.

People had been in the past days. 

The snow was supportive in the centre of the trail.

  It was easy going early on.

 

Just as I was reaching the first steep section, a half dozen deer were working their way down the hill in front of me aiming for the townsite area. All of them were off trail going through the trees, except this one,  it was on the trail coming towards me.  I did not want to move off trail, one side I would probably sink over my knees in snow and the other side had the possibility of me sliding down the slope.   We starred at each other, it moved forward, I moved forward, we starred again at each other.  I tapped my poles together and voiced a few words.  It finally moved off trail and went around me, stopping and giving me this look as it did so.  

The trail was a bit sketchier the higher up I went.  There was loads of snow, it was still supportive but I knew that would not last when the sun hit it and would soften it.  I made it!  How gorgeous!  There was not even a breeze!  

With the warm temperatures, the lake now shows off lots of ice rather than snow. 

tea time

This is a view up the Akamina Parkway.  

I spent about twenty minutes up on The Hump.  I wanted to get down the steep sections before the snow got soft.  It didn’t take long, it was already less supportive.  Once I got the sketchy parts out of the way, I breathed again and enjoyed the scenery.  

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

Once back at my vehicle, I geared down for the short drive to the closed gate at the beginning of the Red Rock Parkway.  After enjoying a sip and a snack, it was time to gear up again.  There was already one vehicle in the parking location and from what I could tell, they were walking and not biking.

Even though there was loads of snow on long stretches of the road, I still stuck to the road instead of venturing along the trails through the trees and fields.  It just felt like the right thing to do today. This photo is looking back with Pass Creek down below.  

I did end up spending a little time hiking through a meadow.  

I found a slice of ice with a hole in it.  

It made a great prop to use for fun photo opportunities. 

view further along the Parkway

It was so pretty along here today.  It was warm with no wind.  

There were long stretches where there was no snow.  Around this time last year, the Parks People were driving the road, not yet this year, still too much snow. With a clear section on a closed road, I took advantage and walked the line.  This is how I do it!

A little while later, after performing my walk, I met a guy and his dog.  I hope he did not see my performance.  He was on his way back after hiking in 7kms. I reached the turn off for the Bellevue Trail and instead of veering off and following that trail, I carried on along The Parkway which I had not done before. 

view further along

This is as far as I hiked which was just short of six kms in from where I parked.  It is also the location of the first Avalanche Area sign.  While it looked like it would have been OK to go further, for me it was not a smart thing to do today.  I had a snack and a sip here then began the hike back.

I hoped the long snowy sections were still supportive, and they were!

The hike back was just a slow saunter. 

 It was a most beautiful day to be out & about in wild Waterton. 

Wandering in Waterton March 15, 2023

By end of day yesterday, the wild wind worked its way down to a decent level and then overnight into this morning it became non existent.  Whew, that meant it would be a safe and enjoyable experience to be out & about today.  Yesterday’s original plan became today’s plan, a hike into Cameron Lake from Little Prairie.  Hiking options are limited in winter so this is one I always do when I visit Waterton in winter. I am ready to go! 

What tracks were there were faint.  The ski tracks were filled in and there were no visible walking or snowshoeing tracks.  I was sharing the route with something else that was here very recently as the tracks were as fresh as could be.  The snow was hard packed and supportive as long as I stuck to the middle.  

view of the moon setting over Mount Custer in Glacier National Park Montana 

at the far end of Cameron Lake 

As I  passed by the Alpine Hut, I could see through the trees, people were packing up.  The tracks from the hut were obvious leading towards Cameron Lake.  They were probably from late yesterday.

at the entrance 

As I got closer to Cameron Lake, there were spots where I broke through the hard crusty snow.  I moved gingerly with careful foot placement.  The snow was supportive on the edge of the lake and that is where I stayed.  During numerous past winter visits here, I walked across the lake for a good distance, that was not happening today. It hurts and it is work when you break through that hard crusty snow.

Two Stellars Jay gave me a loud welcome.  This one watched me intently, I imagined it was hoping I would share my snacks.  While it was not cold nor windy here, the Jay had its feathers fully fluffed up. 

my destination shot

photo at the same spot from last August

tea time

While savouring my tea and the scenery, along came a Park Warden on a skidoo.  He parked his doo, ditched his helmet, then came over to where I was.  We chatted for a lengthy time.  I tried to nonchalantly check out the gear he had on.  It looked like a bullet proof vest but I was not sure.   While we were talking, along came the groomer setting new cross country ski tracks.  They chatted and I went about my business.

bears between the educational signs

It was time to begin the trek back.  The sun was high and the shadows were pretty.

The Park Warden waved has he drove by and I got him in action after he passed me.

shadow shot

On the way back, I passed the people who were heading out after spending a few nights at the hut. I also met a large group of people on backcountry skis heading in for a day of skiing the slopes.  If you look close, you can see the groomer setting a track through the forest. This was a busy place today.  

Before driving back into the townsite once I drove back along the Akamina Parkway, I headed out to Pass Creek Day Use Area which is also a camping location only in winter.  These are a few photos showing the location and set up.  It is a beautiful spot for a picnic. 

Wandering in Waterton March 14, 2023

When I woke and saw what the wind was forecasted to be like today, I put an alternative plan in place.  Instead of being up high or off into the wide open, I stuck close to my home away home where there would be numerous locations to take shelter.  While wandering about, I kept my ears and eyes open for the Parks People who were doing their thing. Each day, all day, they are clearing major streets.

With a route in mind, I bundled up and aimed for the lake shore.  

Parts of the path were wind scoured and others were drifted over.  

This video gives you an idea of what Waterton is known for, both beauty & the beast!

The photos are not in order of the route I followed.  During my wander, I passed by where I like to stay in the summer.  They are due to open in mid May.

my favourite store in Waterton and 

where I catch the shuttle to hike the Carthew Alderson one way

The new Visit Center is open year round.  In my recent trips to Waterton, I did not go inside so today  I took a little time to stop in and wander about.  I also confirmed  with the Parks People which area near Cameron Falls is closed due to Avalanche concerns.  

a video with commentary 

a little slice of ice

The following three photos are views along the way heading towards the campground.

I spent lots of time wandering around the campground, snowshoes would have worked better than just my spikes.  Some of the shelters were free of snow drifts and I was able to find one to settle in for a break from the wind and savour a snack.

by Waterton Lake

I went as far as Cameron Creek.  Crossing the bridge over the creek was off limits due to avalanche concerns.  I could see where there had been two small avalanches on the slopes.  I took the easy was back along the lake and that was following the path between the trees where there was no snow.

With all the wind and the warm temperatures plus the showers that fell last evening, ice was now visible.  It took on that pretty blue hue.  It was from this location and three hours later that I headed back to my home away from home.

my watercolour painting of the above photo