Blockers & Blockades July 2, 2026

I just wanted to be "out & about" wandering trails that were full of nature's fresh fragrance, had mountainous views and were on the quiet side.  I knew I could get that out in the Little Elbow Valley section of Kananaskis.  After checking the Park Reports, I had somewhat of an idea of what to expect yet I went anyway.  By now the stranded 2000 people had been rescued from other sections of Kananaskis plus some roads were repaired enough to get by.  Other areas remain closed until they are inspected and repairs are made.  All that is just a small snippet of what transpired after the rain event on Sunday and Monday.  It was a welcoming sight to see some blue sky, the flags hanging still and so much green.     

At this spot along the roadway, 

I slowed down but did not need to stop as the cows stayed to the side.

This youngest gave me the big brown cow eye!

This pullout offered a good view of how fast and high the river was running.

Not long after arriving at the parking lot, gearing up, then wandering off, I came upon the first blockade.  The water had breached the bank and left a mess of mud. I could not see where the trail was. I wouldn't walk through that mud anyway even if the yellow tape was not in place. 

I veered away then veered back where the trail was open.  The river had receded somewhat since Monday yet it still ran fast, high and brown. Logs had been washed downstream and pushed to the banks.

I was getting the mountainous views and I was breathing in fresh air that had that green tree fragrance.  

I came upon another blockade so reverted back to where I could go.   

Lots of wild flowers were growing where I could go!

Wandering the tree-lined trails was off limits. 

Thats OK though, because..... 

.....out in the open the flowers offered up sweet sights!

While working my way west, I reached the Suspension Bridge.  

A blockade was in place.

The trail on this side of the bridge remained open and I could see why Parks People did not want us down there on the other side.  There is a section on the other side that I like to walk, by looking at this photo, it appears to be under water.  That's OK though, because I could continue walking the dirt road.  The campground was like a ghost town, there was no traffic.  

This young Buck held his ground! I walked closer and closer, he would not move. I told him to "move"! He wouldn't! After quickly and loudly trying to stamp my feet, I had success, he darted into the bushes.  

I continued on my way finding sights to savour and photograph.  

A Wild Rose with a mountain backdrop!  

The Paintbrushes were plentiful! 

Once I rounded the corner, I could see yellow tape across the trail by the kiosk that leads further into the Little Elbow Valley.  At that point I turned around and worked my way back to my vehicle.  I had already been wandering for about two hours so was content with that.  Before heading to my vehicle, I took one last detour to have a look at Forgetmenot Pond. Oh so green!

Those cows were still hanging about when I was on my way home 

yet this time I had to stop to let them cross the road. 

This cow would not move so I drove around it!

Deer usually dart across the road when vehicles come, not this one.  I waited, it waited, I slowly drove towards it, it did not move, I drove closer, it very slowly moved to the other side of the yellow lines.  I slowly drove by while it stood there and stared at me.  

There were lots of things to block me from going where I wanted to go. This morning made for a great reminder to embrace a slow pace, be flexible, be patient, make the most of what you are presented with and just go with the flow.