Kananaskis Road Trip

Many times in past posts, I have referenced a sign that I saw back in the 80's at the entrance to Kananaskis.  That sign said  Life begins at Highway 40!  So much does begin when you take that turn off the 1 to the 40.  We took that turn today to explore a beginning, to admire this season's brand new autumn collection of colours!       

Our first stop was at Mount Lorette Ponds.  Perfection!  The reflection of Mount Lorette that is!  It was mid morning, no one else was here when we arrived, the sun was already hot, what an ideal beginning we enjoyed!

Mount Baldy reflecting in Mount Lorette Pond

In every direction, a reflection was offered. The shades of the season appeared prime to me, but this is only the beginning.  As we aimed for the exit, I browsed in at the picnic places, they looked inviting but it was early yet.  It was time to get back on the 40 where life begins!

Our next stop was up the hill at Kananaskis Village. We parked where we could do a meadow meander. From the edge of the meadow this was one view we had, that's Mount Kidd.  The autumn hues on the slopes were incredible as was the ground cover. 

I like Mount Kidd's colourful frame!

Another view we had was south, down to the valley where the golf course is. You can also see The Wedge taking up centre spot in the mountain range. At times it looked hazy, we could not smell smoke so just chalked it up to a heat haze.  A heat haze for the end of September is unusual. It was only late morning yet we were already feeling the mid 20 celsius temperature. 

Our original plan for this day fell by the wayside.  We blamed that on the beauty!  In stead of carrying on towards Highwood Pass, we veered off and aimed for Upper Kananaskis Lake.  This was our initial view when we stepped out of the vehicle.  In agreement, we felt this location worthy of a lengthy lunch.

Our original plan for today did not include a full on big picnic with all the fixings.  Instead we came with a simple set up.  All the picnic extras today came via the view.  It was delicious, there was loads to savour, it was the full meal deal!  What a view!  

While we were dining, a kayaker paddled across the Upper Kananaskis Lake.  For a few seconds, I envied her and was wishing that was me.  I got back on track and we continued on with sharing fun stories and remembering mountainous adventures we experienced in days gone by.  

incredible scenery, incredible colour, incredible our day has been so far

Before driving back up The Trail road to the 40, we followed the narrow winding road to the Interlake area.  Here we were afforded a great view of the Lower Kananaskis Lake with a backdrop of the Opal Range. 

A short while later we were nearing the Canyon Day Use Area.  I suggested we follow that winding road to the lot by another spot near the Lower Kananaskis Lake.  While on our way there, I shared my Bearmageddon Story with my friend.  A quick click on that link will give you the opportunity to virtually experience what I really experienced that day.  This was the view across the way from the lake side. 

A bit further along afforded us this view of the Lower Kananaskis Lake. 

It was time to get on with getting on!  We left the lake area behind and worked our way back to the 40 where life begins.  All the autumn shades at the intersection screamed loudly to me to capture this split second in time.  I was in awe at how much beauty there was in one split second in time if you take the time to witness it.  

The two locations on the 40 that sell ice cream had closed for the season.  I was surprised but then again why should I be.  At first my thinking was gosh it's hot it's sunny it's +28C!  Then on the other hand I realized it is now the end of September, it's a weekday and it is off season.  Instead of savouring a scoop, we savoured one last view of Mount Kidd framed in autumn shades.  

While we were leaving Highway 40 "where life begins" behind, it did feel like a new beginning on the drive back to the city.  We are saying good-bye to September and on the verge of saying Hello to October! Who knows what October will bring, but I do know, I will welcome it with open arms.  I will look for windows of opportunity that will open and venture through with wide optimism.  My hope is always to experience much beauty in many split seconds in time! 

Radium September 21 - 24, 2022

Time came to leave the concrete jungle behind and hit the road!  I loaded up my car and headed west to where I could then aim south from the junction at Castle Mountain.  I crossed the border from Alberta into British Columbia and from Banff National Park into Kootenay National Park. The winding road lead further south to my destination, Radium! I only ever passed through this area now I was excited to be staying awhile and hike to see hoodoos and wetlands.    

Arnica Lake, Banff National Park

I wanted to break up the drive to Radium on this gorgeous day by hiking up to Arnica Lake.  The trailhead is a short drive after turning south from the junction.  This lake is lined with larch trees and my hope was they would be somewhat golden. I was too early!  They were only beginning to change and would need another week to put on a prime time show.  Nevertheless, the hike was gorgeous.  From the parking lot, there is a short steep descent down to Vista Lake which can be seen in the second photograph.  From the shore, it is then a continuous climb along a rooty, rocky, narrow, winding trail.  At roughly the halfway point between Vista and Arnica, I encountered snow, a bit at first and then the trail was totally covered with snow and ice for the balance of the climb. The sights along the way were lovely, I almost stepped on a grouse, the ice crystals sparkled, I liked the red mixed with the white. I could see Vista Lake in the centre in the large photo in the bottom collage which shows how high I am at this point with still more ascending to do.   It was time to take some time when I arrived at Arnica Lake.  It was so pretty even if the larch trees were still a healthy looking vibrant green.  This was the perfect hike to pass five hours.  

The Hoodoo Trail, Fairmount Hot Springs

The trailhead for this hike was a thirty minute drive south then west then north from my home away from home.  While it is called The Hoodoo Trail, the hoodoos are only visible from the side and top.  The views from the top of the trail were of the Purcell Mountains and Columbia Lake down in the Columbia Valley. I also had views of numerous birds, a few of which I was able to capture photos such as the Grouse I almost stepped on, the Dark-Eyed Junco on the tree top and the Townsend's Solitaire having a drink at the trailhead.  After the ascent through the trees, the trail then hugged the edge where it was fenced off in places and wide open in other areas.  If there is sand along the way to play in, I will!  This was a unique, pretty area to pass a few hours.

The Old Coach Trail, Radium

Just a hop, skip and a jump south from my suite, is one of the trailheads for The Old Coach Trail.  This trail was a road used by Model T's back in the 1920's. The route I followed took me through a forest, over meadows and out to the edge where I could follow it for kilometres along the benchland,  eventually creating and completing a big loop.  On the edge was my favourite stretch to be as it offered wide open vistas of the mountains to the west and the Columbia River and Wetlands down below.  It was a great location for birding, although the birds that were here today were busy busy busy not stopping long enough for me to snap shots of them. This turned into a most gorgeous day with amazing views. This type of hike was different for me and I thoroughly enjoyed everything it had to offer!

Wilmer Wetlands, Wilmer

It was dull, dark and drab when I arrived at the parking lot to hike the Wilmer Wetlands.  For a very short matter of minutes I was disappointed but that was quickly replaced with being in awe! Why the sudden change?  The clouds began to dance and perform openings and closings.  This created such a look that I was then appreciating, even more, being here when it looked like this.  When the sun peeked through, it cast gold onto the landscape behind me.  It was cold, yet it was calm.  There were numerous paths to follow and I took as many as I could. I took time to listen to the many birds chirping their morning greetings and warnings. A few hours later, I was feeling fulfilled!

growing takes patience & persistence

These days my interest in various techniques of sketching and painting is all over the place!  One day I think I am heading in a direction with pencils then just like that I see something, get distracted, then off I go in the opposite direction with paints.  

What recently captured my attention was a technique called "line and wash."  First I drew the scene (buildings, trees, bushes, power poles, waves, ground outline with sprigs of grass), with the light blue lead pencil.  Next the blue pencil lines are traced with thin black india ink pens of different widths.  I used Faber Castell Pitt Artists Pens which are waterproof.  That is the "line" part of this technique, now it is go time with the "wash".  The "wash" is loosely done wet on wet!  First I wet the entire paper except for a narrow portion in the middle that consists of the tops of the buildings and the towers.  The colours of paints are mixed with a high water content, then laid on the paper with a wide brush trying to complete that part while the paper is still wet.  The finishing touches involved painting each roof and the towers with a more dense color then laying some dark lines in the tower reflections. This is the outcome!  It was my second attempt at this project, the first was a disaster.  

 

It has been a little while since I worked with my coloured pencils on toned tan paper.  I love how the colours pop in the top left photo.  I used my Faber Castell coloured pencils to complete this project.  I replicated it from a photo I found in a sketching lesson.  In the lesson it was done with watercolour paints on white paper but I was not keen on that look.  I like the look I gave it!  

The other four photos are projects I did with watercolour paints.  I followed a tutorial for each one.  The plan was to do one dessert, the salted carmel cheesecake. Once that was completed, I was hooked on desserts. Next it was time to indulge in the blueberry pie and the three layer fruit flan.  I liked working on the lattice pie crust and the carmel topping on the cheesecake.  I wanted more of that style so went for something a little more healthy, a piece of toast but of course I had to add the poached egg on top.

As I said at the first, I am all over the place with where I go these days with sketching and painting.  I would like to do more "line and wash", I keep looking at some anime lessons I have saved, I have been reading about gouache and I also have been thinking of buying a toned grey sketch book.  Stay tuned!

Sunshine Meadows September 9, 2022

All along I had intentions of catching the gondola back up to Sunshine Meadows to witness the autumn shades that appear before summer is even over.  With that opportunity ceasing on Sunday, I went for it today. There was rain in the forecast for last night which was due to end around 4:00am, I knew it would not be rain at the top of the world!  I was excited for that and it was more of a reason to get up there today to hike.  I could see nothing out the snow covered gondola other than through the top where the window was open. The window had been left open over night so the seat was partially covered in snow.  

I was dressed in my winter layers and I needed them!  I ascended the trail that would take me to Rock Isle Lake.  This was the view behind me. It was an incredible view and feeling to be here right now!

Hippies on Sticks dressed in Winter White

the view in front of me

When I reached the bridge that crosses the creek to view Rock Isle Lake, 

I sighed knowing I would be making the first foot prints in the first snow of the season up here.  

at the Rock Isle Lake viewpoint

At the junction it was time to decide whether to visit the other lakes first or head a couple of kilometres west to the Monarch Lookout.  The lakes were calling me!  As I rounded towards the backside of Rock Isle, the red popped brightly through the new white gold.

looking across to where I was, at the Rock Isle Viewpoint on the left

The trail through the forest from Rock Isle to Grizzly Lake was so pretty, yet as I descended there was less snow, nevertheless, it was just as beautiful.  I could tell no had been yet.  I was warned that on Wednesday a grizzly roamed this location so I stayed vigilant.  After leaving Grizzly Lake behind.....

.....I found more snow along the way to Laryx Lake.  While we are well into September, the Larch trees remain as green as can be.  With this weather though, they could begin to change colour quickly.

I was in awe of the look of Laryx Lake!  

Cold meets warm and this is what you get!  

From the snow to the Lake, to the reflection, to the clouds, 

to The Monarch in the middle over there, this view was a photographs dream!  

along the trail beside Laryx Lake

With the loop around Grizzly and Laryx Lakes complete, I ascended back up to Rock Isle Lake and then veered west to hike along the Twin Cairns to Monarch Lookout Trail.  To see these reds, was one of the main reasons for wanting to be here today. 

heading west along the trail that meanders through the middle of the photo

As noon approached, the sun was higher yet it was still chilly, chilly enough that I was thankful to be donned in my winter wear.  It's this chillness that is necessary to assist in turning these green larch trees to gold.    

Just before reaching the Monarch Viewpoint, I met two Parks People who had spent the night at Egypt Lake and were now on their way back to the Sunshine Village.  They were glowing, as I felt like I was, knowing we were witnessing such beauty.  Here is the view from the Monarch Lookout over to Healy Pass and down to Simpson Pass.

view from the trial down to Simpson Pass

I settled down on the bench at the Lookout for a little while.  The view was incredible, it was peaceful and I savoured every second while snacking on my sandwich and sweets.  I exchanged pleasantries with a fellow who ascended from below carrying his heavy overnight pack.  After investing plenty of time, I then geared back up and got on with my day which was to hit the trail back and then continue straight down to the Village.  This was the view I had in front of me as I left the Monarch Lookout behind. 

It was time for one last selfie before descending into the forest.  I was warned a black bear had been spotted on Wednesday in this forest area, so I stayed vigilant.  

view of those reds again

The entire stretch of grassy area beside the trail down to the Village was covered in red. This was the view as I looked back from where I came and just before popping out to where I had a view of where I would catch the gondola.

As soon as I got back to the Village, I jumped on the gondola for the ride back down to my car.  By now, the snow melted off the windows and views were available.  I admired the scenery on the way down and also sighed many sighs from that feeling of fulfillment.  It was a most amazing day to say good-bye to Sunshine Meadows until next summer!  

KAYAKING Good-bye August Hello September

As we Bid Adieu to August, the heat wave continues!  What has been working best for me through these days is to be "out & about" being active early for a couple of hours.  On this morning I did just that at Bowness!  I like that by going early I get to park beside a grassy area where I can inflate my packraft, gear up, leave everything in my car, walk a minute or two, hop in and paddle off.  It was a hot start to the day so being on water was a comfortable place to be.   I am savouring these kinds of moments because September is just about here and only time will tell what will come with that!  

*********

Welcome September!  But, certainly not welcome to the smoke that I smelled for the first time this summer!  When I walked out the door, there it was, it wasn't strong but smoke was in the air.  The further into the foothills I drove, the more obvious it was.  It wasn't strong but smoke was in the air!  I arrived at Forgetmenot Pond, the location of my maiden voyage with the packraft on July 28th.  Once again, I arrived early with hopes of hanging out in my kayak for a couple of hours before it got too hot.  Deja vu, it was a hot start to the day even out in this location of the foothills.  I did a few easy slow laps around the pond, then aimed for the middle and settled back to relax.  By late morning, it was time to head to shore and seek space away from the sun.  I hope to get out here again paddling before the end of the season, but only time will tell if that will happen!

"Aussie Coastal Bushwalk" Conquer 2022 Virtual Challenge Progress September 1, 2022

More often than not, my in depth progress check was not in depth at all!  I still posted my purposeful distances, saw that I remained ahead of plan, saved it on my google map and that was that.   When I did do a deep dive, I discovered I made a gross mistake in the distance between my "start" point and my planned "finish" point.  But first things first, at the end of the day September 1st, I have covered 1470 kms of my 2022 kms goal as you can see my chart.

This map shows what I accomplished so far and as you can see I am now virtually at Wallagoot which is only 105 kms north of the border between New South Wales and Victoria.  That border was my planned finish location. I calculated that border to be 2022 kms from where I started at South Stradbroke Island which is not the case with the route I planned to take.

I had to revamp my plan! The orange tack just north of the border is my current location and the orange line after the tack is now the route I plan to take.  The orange line above the tack is the route I covered already except I did not veer inland to Canberra the capital, I virtually hugged the coastline instead.

From this day forward, I will carry on with reaching the goal of covering 2022kms in 2022, yet I will be doing this without a planned finish location.  Where I end up is where I will end up! If I reach my goal before the end of day December 31st, I will continue to move west and track my distance whatever it may be.   

I still have my eye on this medal with confidence I will conquer 2022!

The Conqueror People are beginning to put thoughts of Conquer 2023 out there.  No more year conquering for me!  I will consider a challenge or two or three though if there are offers of interest, such as The Icefields Parkway!