Banff Cabin Retreat September 25, 2025

For this retreat, I came prepared to hike. I was loving being at my cabin so much that for a fleeting few minutes I said ditch the hiking and enjoy cabin fever.  Then I came to my senses, I can have it all, hike in the morning then embrace cabin fever for the balance of the day. The trailhead for Boom Lake is a mere fifteen minute drive from my cabin. There were two other vehicles in the parking lot when I arrived just before nine. I assumed they belonged to backpackers who spent the night somewhere, both vehicles were frosty looking. It went down to 3C last night.

 I was last here in January of 2023, it was a winter wonderland. It was nice to see the area dressed in autumn shades.  Yes, you need to be able to quickly draw your bear spray.  I practiced! I was very vocal tbe entire way to Boom Lake. I did have one scare, it was my shadow!

beautiful colours along the trail

Dark-eyed Junco

how perfect is nature, this was growing on the side of the trail

Spruce Grouse

the pattern on the side of a rock 

This heart was calling out to me from the middle of the trail.  

I picked it up to transport it.

This was my first view when I arrived at Boom Lake.

Before doing anything, I needed to capture my destination shot!

This is where I transported the heart to.

It measures about two inches in size.  

Time came to settle down for awhile.

After savouring the sights and snacks, I packed up and geared up for the hike back. No one else had arrived while I was at the lake.  I remembered to take a panorama photograph.  And yes, the water was that colour.

I did not take photos on the return.  I did chat with many others who were on their way in.  I stopped counting at twenty-one.  I arrived back at my vehicle feeling very pleased that I accomplished this hike. I was feeling more excited to get back to my cabin to feel that fever on my deck, inside on the sofa, during a nap in the bed, having beer and chips in the sun with my feet up, hearing the birds, squirrels and chipmunks.  I bring a whole new meaning to the term cabin fever!  Now to get on with enjoying the evening!