Elbow Pass & Elbow Lake November 26, 2023

when the wind will blow

the sun-kissed snow

that's where I must go

In five days the gate deep in along Highway 40 that leads to this wildlands playground will close for the winter until June 15th of 2024.  I ventured out that way to Elbow Lake, Elbow Pass and Desolation Flats in early September to witness the fall foliage. Today I went back to feel the winds, see the snow and get mindfully lost in the beauty!

While it was cold and very windy, it was heart-warming to see the trees still laden with the new fallen snow.  I covered the first steep hill quickly to warm up then once the terrain levelled out, I took time to admire my surroundings.  

The trail was well packed by hikers from previous days.  I wore spikes but could very easily have done without.  I did step off trail to closely inspect the crystals on the trees, that's when I realized yes the snow is deep.

the result of my close up inspection

The early morning light was not user-friendly for capturing pretty pictures of Elbow Lake so I hiked on by.  Just before where Peter Lougheed Provincial Park meets Wildlands Provincial Park, I found some untouched snow off trail to dash through into the Wildlands.  

After a bit of dashing came some sauntering. Every little thing was catching my eye and calling me to stop and savour the sight.  Look at this icicle!  Look closely, look inside, you can see its soul! How perfect it is!

With not a cloud in the sky and the sun shining bright, the snow looked whiter than white.  

Through the forest, I was protected from the wind yet the snow was sun-kissed.  

Let that sun-kissed snow kiss me!

Being familiar with this wildlands playground, I knew very shortly I would break out of the forest and face the wild wind.  That wind whipped up some pretty clouds that shot out from the mountain top while the sun peeked out front the side  

I knew the creek was just down the slope and others had been, I followed the beaten path to the water's edge.  The sound of the running creek sounds so soothing.  I stayed awhile because the sight and sound drew me in and I got mindfully lost in it.

methane bubbles

methane bubbles in the making, these bubbles were dancing

The sight and sound underneath this thin layer of ice was mesmorizing!  

This was my destination for today!  By now the cloud formation was stunning.  It did not last long.  I watched it develop quickly and thought it may dissipate just as quick so I better get my destination shot right now.

The clouds danced across Tombstone Mountain, then over Piper Pass and the Cats Ears. 

It was time to do the wind test! How strong are they!  Proof is in the pouring!  After capturing this video, I sipped some more, pairing that with savouring the sights and snacks.  While doing so, I watched the clouds dance away and disappear.  The sky once again became clear blue except for plane trails.  

It was time to leave my destination location behind and hit the trail back.  

This was my view as I looked back

 just before putting my head down 

and fighting into the wind working my way out of the Wildlands.  

By now the light was better yet oh so bright at Elbow Lake. The Lake was snow covered. It was an invitation for people to safely partake in activities on it.  I watched a fellow set up an ice fishing hole,  some people were skiing across it, others were walking on it.  I enjoyed it from the trail that follows along side. 

Those few hours of mindfully being lost in such beauty felt so fulfilling, healing, rewarding and satisfying.  I arrived back at my vehicle ready to face reality once again!