Waterton Lakes National Park March 16, 2021

After my escape to Waterton Lakes National Park last July, I knew I wanted to go back again in another season.   At that time I was thinking the season would be early autumn.  As it turned out summer finished, autumn passed me by, winter came and now while winter is on the way out, on my way I went, back to Waterton Lakes National Park.  Note to self: go back in early autumn of this year.  

I love Waterton in the dead of winter, I have experienced it twice but boy oh boy being there at the end of winter could not have been more perfect.  With travel restrictions still in place, with unusually warm weather, then those paired with accommodation prices that were low low, I had to go!  For my entire time in Waterton, while out & about on the trails, exploring around the town, I encountered eight people that were close enough to share pleasantries with and about twenty others who were sightings off in the distance.    

 entering Waterton Lakes National Park

Before passing through the gate, I drove to the Waskinonge Viewpoint to have a view.  This time I walked the trail down to the edge of the Lake which was doable with the ground still being frozen enough.  With minimal wind, I was able to experience this amazing reflection.  

I drove to the gate, verified with the Park Warden that my Park Pass was still valid even with a January 2021 expiry date, then was on my way to the Red Rock Parkway.  At this time of year the road is barricaded but you are still permitted to access the road and trails by foot or bike.  There is a large official parking lot just before the barricade, from there I hiked the trail that parallels the Parkway.   

The scenery, the ground beneath my feet, the fresh air, the warmth, the peacefulness were all so appealing to every single sense.  Being on the verge of spring, I had my bear spray close at hand and paid close attention to my surroundings.  It was a comfortable place to be with the wide open spaces where I could see forever.  

on the trail above the Red Rock Parkway

little red rocks marked my way

view along the way with a warm wind

I admired this line of aspens that goes on and on from a distance last July, this time I hiked along side them.  The entire area was clear of snow, no extra gear was necessary other than hiking boots.   

I reached the bear display at the Bellvue Prairie Trailhead.  

It was snack time, relax time, fun time!

Soon the Parkway will be open and the traffic will be relentless.  Today I shared the area with two fat bikers.  They carried on further but this was my turn around point.  From here I crossed to the other side of the Parkway and followed another trail back.

With some time still on my side, I walked up the Prince of Wales Hill from Linnet Lake.  

The Prince of Wales Hotel is still closed for the season.  

view of Waterton Lake and the Waterton Townsite

that's Montana at the far end of the Lake

I checked into my home away from home.  After unpacking, changing and cleaning up, I sat on the swinging lounge on my balcony sipping a cold one while the warmth of the sun fueled my soul.  The slanted roof sheltered me from the wind and framed my view.  

The stars aligned perfectly!  How today transpired was reassuring that coming here at this time of year, in the year 2021, was a wise choice!  I appreciate being able to experience the wildness of a wild place.    

tunnel vision

With the feeling of spring in the air, I have developed a case of tunnel vision!  There is no need to take any kind of prescription to cure this case. In fact I have been doing everything possible to avoid all remedies.  Never have I ever embraced this feeling as much as I have this year!  

One morning this week I parked at the closed gate near Elbow Falls and instead of heading up Prairie or Powderface, I hiked straight ahead, along route 66.  I moved like I was on a mission.  I reached the Timber Harvesting Pull-Out and parked myself, right in middle of the road.  In a matter of weeks, the road will be open to traffic, for now it was me, just me. I spent some time here embracing my tunnel vision. Upon my return I met others who were moving like they were on a mission.  I sensed we were on the same page!  I look forward to when I can head further west along route 66 to a place I never forget, Forgetmenot Pond!           

With some pathways close to home clear enough with no slush or mud yet, it was time to lace up my new hiking boots and give them a break-in session before hitting true trails.  I checked out the secret stash of heart shaped rocks.  One sat on the boulder ready to be placed with the others once the snow melts off them.   The trees are now bare and brown making visible the tiny treasures.  I spent some time in this area embracing my tunnel vision!   

Bringing out my new hiking boots means there is a pair in the rotation that are ready for retirement.  While they look brand new on top, any kind of tread is now non-existent.  Instead of parting ways with them, my sketch shows the kind of life they will live on my back deck.  For now this boot remains inside and holds a Pile Cadierei.  When the weather is right, I will replace this tropical with a few annuals then place it on my deck.  

With spring in the air, my sense of hope is growing stronger!

Alps to Ocean Virtual Challenge Progress March 7, 2021

At a week into this 290 km Alps to Ocean Virtual Challenge in New Zealand, what I have experienced virtually is teasing me into wishing it was my reality!  That being said, my reality this past week has been quite something with the skating, walking and cross country skiing I did at Lake Louise then my wake up call this morning.      

To end of Sunday March 7, 2021 this is the progress I made.  To reach this distance, twelve of these kilometres were from this morning sightseeing around the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary then a walk along the Bow River from there.

The Bird Sanctuary is a good place to venture to in search of where we stand with the onset of spring.  I arrived just after sunrise to the most beautiful sights and sounds.  The early person reaps the rewards of peace & quiet and bird sightings.  This treasure is so close to my home, I am feeling I need to visit more regularly to receive the soothing benefits it offers. 

A world away, I share the Alps to Ocean Trail with hundreds from all over the world.  

You can see me mid pack just under RC.  

There are even a few others from Calgary who have taken on this challenge. 

I have a long way to go.  

The scenery so far has been spectacular.  I understand from others who are further along that there are long sections where there will be no data provided for google views, so I am soaking it all in now.

The Conqueror sent notice they just released three more challenges.  I am already thinking Kruger Park in South Africa might be a nice place to virtually venture through.  For now though I remain focused on the Alps to Ocean challenge, being on the verge of spring in Alberta, and protection for the people bringing hope!

Lake Louise March 5, 2021

I love the look of Lake Louise first thing in the morning!  While this morning I was not successful in getting there for sunrise, I did arrive when the area was goldenly glowing.  My intentions were to capture some gorgeous seconds in time and also spend time walking to the far end and back. It was brisk before the sun was high enough to cast its rays and warmth on the Lake, so I kept warm making the walk a workout.  

When I arrived back at The Chateau I could see Elladj was working his magic on the ice again.  I watched for a little while then carried on with my day.  I wondered about Lake Louise and the surrounding area and what it will be like here this coming summer!  I hope to be able to come back to camp and hike.  Only time will tell!

Emerald Lake X-C Ski March 4, 2021

One of the things I am most thankful for today was the drive to and from Emerald Lake  The highway was completely free of snow and dry.  The turn off for the road to Emerald Lake is only a 25 minute drive west from Lake Louise Village.  While it is such a short drive, in winter so much can go wrong in that short distance, I know from experience.  This morning I was the only vehicle heading west along this section of highway.  

I arrived at the parking lot, geared up then headed to the edge of Emerald Lake where the X-C Ski track begins.  This was what I faced!  The view was jaw dropping!  I was excited to ski here again.  The track was just groomed yesterday.   

I followed the groomed track across the Lake then along the side of it to the far end.

looking back to where I started

continuing on towards the Alluvial Fan Loop

my ski spot shot

I went for the Alluvial Fan Loop in a counter-clockwise direction.

I completed the Loop then carried on to Emerald Lake and this time took the track on the Lake instead of beside it.  I had a snack at my car then went for a walk around the area before hitting the highway and heading east back to Lake Louise.  I was thankful for the easy, quick, quiet drive back.

With yesterday's ski and today's, I feel quite content if that is it for this season.  

They were both enjoyable, beautiful and fulfilling experiences.   

Skate & X-C Ski Louise March 3, 2021

While the ice skating conditions in Calgary are winding down for the season, they are prime at Lake Louise.  The elevation of the Lake location along with it being groomed daily makes a difference.  I arrived as the groomer was nearing the end of prepping the surface.  While waiting for him to drive off and away, I captured a few photos of the ice castle.   

I was the first to etch designs on the newly groomed Lake Louise.  

Within a matter of minutes two others joined me.  The guy looked familiar.  I confirmed was he Elladj Balde then asked for a photo op with him. He is a Canadian Figure Skater from a few years ago who is making headlines these days with his motivational and inspirational interviews and performances.   The other person with him, his videographer, took this photo.  

That's Fairview Mountain!

I hope to hike to the top again this coming summer.

The Chateau!

The Ice Castle!

My plan was to skate for an hour, which I did.  The whole hour was truly magical.  Within a very short time frame, I was no longer etching but gliding.  This was my first X-C Ski outing this winter.  Better late than never!  It felt so good, it felt so right!  I picked as easy route, the Bow River Loop along with the Campground Loop.  I have been here numerous times other winters and it was as pretty as ever.

Well into the afternoon, the sun came on my balcony.  

Before pouring a glass of white, I savoured a cup of hot chocolate 

Feeling the sun on my face while admiring the mountain view felt dreamy 

but this was my reality!  

Minniwanka & Johnson Lakes March 2, 2021

Finally the stars aligned for a winter-wonderland escape!  Too much time was passing quickly and with life's happenings I was wondering if I was going to have success with executing an escape.  Then, just like that, the stars aligned, my ducks were in order, it was time to live out of a suitcase!  These winter-wonderland get-aways have always occurred in December and January so I was curious as to what a March one would look like.  

The kick-off was wandering along the shore of Lake Minniwanka in search of blue ice and bubbles.  I landed smack in the middle of a photographers' dream.  There was blue ice and suspended bubbles galore. I was in my glory!  Not only were the bubbles suspended so did it seem time was.  Before I knew it, it was time to head on down the road.

A short drive down the road is the trail head for Johnson Lake.  While it is still winter, there were signs of spring here. I love winter yet the spring-like feel was uplifting even moreso.  I hiked the circumference of the Lake only seeing four others along the way.  It was a very quiet day in this part of Banff.  

Well into the afternoon hours, I continued on with my escape aiming further west to Lake Louise.  I was ready to unpack and settle in.  After a rigorous check-in process (many questions and a temperature check) I headed to my suite, unpacked my suitcase, poured a glass of white then sat in the sun on my balcony.  Aaaah!