Monday, December 9, 2024

Banff National Park December 9, 2024

spirit of the season in snowy surroundings

…..and just like that, the city is back to being brown again!  I left the city behind this morning to head west where it’s more winter-like even though it’s still technically and officially autumn.  I arrived in Banff at the shore of Lake Minnewanka to see it surrounded by open water. The whole area looked very similar to when I was here in October.  I enjoy following the lake shore capturing Mother Nature’s winter creations. But! Where’s the snow? Where’s the ice?


The snow is high on the mountain peaks!
There is no ice to be seen!

There is a bit of snow in the crevasses where the sun does not shine!

When I rounded the corner, there it was, ice galore but only in the shore.  Play time!  I found this slice, gave it a polish, propped it up between rocks and made it my muse.

that’s it at bottom left 

two slices of ice sitting near the open water 

the inlet lined with many ice gems 

a bit of snow, a bit of ice

This was a perfect slice of ice!

I posed with it!

a Townsend’s Solitaire

a Snow Bunting 

an American Dipper

Before heading into Banff Townsite, I stopped by Cascade Ponds to have a late lunch.  I found the perfect picnic table in the sun and with a view.  As I approached the table, I noticed a Buck who noticed me.  I opted to dine in my vehicle.  After a couple of bites of my tortilla with peanut butter, the Buck began walking towards my vehicle,  I then made a quick drive away!

While walking through the townsite, I stopped to enjoy the sights of the season!

a very quiet Banff Avenue, free of ice and snow

no snow falling only snowflakes suspended in air

The spirit of the season is in the air!

6 comments:

  1. Wow, gorgeous views of the lake and mountains. The ice images are cool. Love the bird photos, especially the Snow Bunting. Take care, have a great day!

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    1. It was a sweet surprise to see the Snow Bunting!

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  2. Alexandra, I looked at the large view of each photo and when done I felt like I’d been to Banff! Another excellent post. Thank you for sharing! John PS The Snow Bunting is such a sweet little bird!

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    1. It makes me happy to hear how my photos give a real feel! The movement of something white in the snow caught my eye, it was across the road so had to zoom in to see it was a Snow Bunting!

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  3. I'm surprised that the lake isn't completely frozen over.

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    1. I was surprised too! There is normally lots more ice at this time of year.

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