Ford Knoll : a test September 20, 2025

Stop the clock please so I can catch up! While I have conquered lots since May, there is still so much more to accomplish.  At times lately if feels like life is out of control.  I am constantly playing catch up and it is not a feeling I enjoy. Yet, I am reeling in my patience and focusing on progressing. Even though I have some plans in place to look forward to in coming weeks, I am still focusing on each day as it comes. Today's focus was to try my first real hike since May.  That meant a good distance of a drive, carrying my larger backpack with water, snacks, extra layer, bear spray clipped to pack belt, along with my tripod in the side pocket. Of course too, I had my camera and mini purse around my neck.  I aimed for the Elbow Valley area of Kananaskis, first to see Forgetmenot Pond and then to complete a small hike called Ford Knoll.  It's time for this test, doing something I love!

I left the city long before sunrise so I could arrive at the far end of Route 66 just as the sun began to rise over the foothills.  My focus was to get to the trailhead to hike but I could not pass up pulling out at the pullout to savour this sunrise scene.  

Instead of walking a complete loop around Forgetmenot Pond, 

I did an out & back to where I captured this panorama.  

The alpenglow was still in full swing. 

Now it was time to hit the hiking trail which was 

through this gate and down the pasture a short distance.  

Into the forest I go winding gradually uphill with dirt beneath my feet!

Once I completed most of the elevation gain, the views began to appear. 

My intentions were not to be a birder today but the forest was full of them.  At times I was distracted and forgot the purpose of why I was where I was.   This is one of a few Rod Crossbills in the area.  

a view across to Powderface Ridge with a steep drop in front of me

This was the second heart I saw today, the first being the framed photo at the top.  

Good thing it is important these days to look down paying more attention to my footing.   

a Spruce Grouse

A view of Nihahi Ridge along the way!  For this hike, I wore my hiking shoes rather than my hiking boots and I did not bring my poles.  I will incorporate those in hikes to come. Also, I tried to get a bandana on my head to keep my hair in place and out of my face but I had no success with that.  Once I can get that on my head it will be another graduation day.  

 a small beautiful waterfall

that had such a soothing sound

a Ruby-crowned Kinglet

view along the way

Shades of autumn were scattered here and there. This ground cover was adorned in tiny dew droplets. Speaking of moisture, I cannot remember when we last had rain. Everything is tinder dry, it has been usually hot for an extended period so far this September.   

I enjoyed seeing these shades along this section.

I passed through that gate marking the end of the hike. 

I just had a short stretch along the roadway to 

complete the loop and arrive back at my vehicle.

Now I had the one hour drive home ahead of me.  I was happy to make it home.  I was tired and happy.  Happy to have successfully accomplished what I set out to do. It is only uphill from here on future hikes, incorporating more distance, more elevation gain,  carrying more equipment.  It will all come in time slowly yet surely!