Hadrian's Wall Virtual Challenge Complete December 10, 2021

With a meagre 5.4 kilometres left to bring me to the finish line of the virtual challenge my intentions were to do a small hike in the Banff area yesterday before driving home but the weather forecast for the area got the better of me and my focus turned to just getting home.  I headed to Nose Creek instead this morning at the first light of day and covered that distance the quickest I ever have except during my days as a runners.  

The finish location was at Bowness-on-Solway.  When I see that name, my thoughts go to wondering if the Ice Trail at Bowness is ready for skating yet. 

the completed route in blue

the finish line marked by the checkered flag

The Kings Arms Inn is located near the finish line and came recommended as the virtual place to take a rest and enjoy a home cooked meal prepared by the family owners.  

the last postcard

three final virtual views all near water

This chart now highlights all eight challenges I  completed.   

I will now try my best to walk away from these virtual challenges but they are additive so time will tell how much success I have at that. 

Banff National Park Marsh Loop & Area December 8, 2021

Today's plans changed by the hour then by the minute.  I tried my best to "save the day"  yet that was not an easy task.  While I came to Banff National Park for the snow, today the snow got in the way.  Given what the forecast was for today, I was not going to work hard to get to where there would be no big views,  I also did not want to be somewhere and have to endure white conditions either while hiking or driving.  

I started out with the easy Marsh Loop near the Cave and Basin.  I had not been there before.  There were a few flurries falling yet it was enough to obscure any far off views.  I wanted to cover at least 10kms today so this was a good start.

on the boardwalks over the marsh lands

The snow turned into more than just flurries so I...

....headed to the viewing blind for shelter.

When it began to only be flurries again, I headed out towards the trail to Sundance Canyon with now having intentions to get out there and complete the full loop around it.  There was promise in the sky!

I could somewhat see the mountains until...

...just like that deja vu, the flurries turned into more than just flurries!  There was no shelter to seek out  here in the open.  The snow was steady and heavy and wet . I thought it wise to do a turn about and get back to my car and back to my home away from home where I would be safe and dry and could see something.   

I slowly and safely made it back.  I did not wait until evening to get the fire going this time.  Once the fire was crackling, I poured a glass of wine, opened a bag of bar-b-que chips and ...

...enjoyed the view outside my living room window.  

The snow eventually stopped then the plows went through to clear the road. I was quite content to stay put and enjoy how I ended up finally saving the balance of the day.  

Banff National Park The Ink Pots December 7, 2021

While leaving Johnston Canyon behind and aiming for the Ink Pots, the sky began to brighten up.  

It was turning into an absolutely beautiful day. 

Thankfully others had been on days prior and beat a path through the snow. 

 It made for a much easier trek. 

 I gained elevation, then lost it, gained more back and lost it! 

Finally after loosing the last of what I gained...

...I arrived at level elevation with the Ink Pots.

This is exactly what I hoped for !  I felt elated!  The Ink Pots never fully freeze.

 a close up view shows the pretty snow flower formations near the frozen edges 

When there are no others on the pathways here, I can take the time to set up my tripod.

Views like this leave me speechless.

I took tonnes of time to "Remember to breathe"!

There are numerous little bridges that cross the creeks between the Ink Pots.

There were a few Gray Jays flying about.  These birds are used to being fed by people.  This one sat on the bench near me when I settled to have my lunch.  It got no treats from me.  While they can be annoying for some people, they are not for me.  They are cute little balls of feathers!

view while having my lunch

play time

I took photos, I ate, I played, it was now time to pack up and hit the trail back.  By now two fellows arrived.  Also two Gray Jays arrived on a tree beside me when I looked back.  They were still looking for treats but I was not sharing what I had left from my lunch.  

looking back as I left the Ink Pots behind and began the uphill climb

The trek back was just as beautiful.  Other than the two fellows who arrived at The Ink Pots when I was leaving, I met three other solo hikers heading into The Pots.  It remained quiet in the Canyon itself when I hiked back through it.  It took a matter of a couple of minutes to gear down once back at my vehicle and then a short drive back to my home away from home.

Banff National Park Johnston Canyon December 7, 2021

The best time to hike Johnston Canyon is early on a weekday before or after the Christmas busy season.  Today fit that time frame.  The forecast was for cold enough, lots of previous snowfall, and a nice big blue sky.  Those are ideal conditions for me when it comes time to experience a winter-wonderland.  The parking lot was empty when I arrived.  Two parks vehicles came a few minutes later to attend to the facilities.  

the beginning of the trail to Johnston Canyon

view while walking the catwalk through the Canyon

It was a treat to have the area to myself.  

I took time to enjoy the views.

Early morning here is always on the darker dull side as the sun is still behind the trees.

frozen falls 

This time I did not go down to the cave, rather I enjoyed the overall view from above.

I heard this bird before I saw it.  It's an American Dipper! It was entertaining to watch as it bounced about then dove off the ice into the water then surfaced again a few seconds later.  It did this over and over and over again.  

The catwalk that leads to the Upper Falls and the platforms, to see the frozen icefalls up close and watch the ice climbers, was closed.  I remember reading repairs were necessary. 

There was a spot higher up that offered great views.  

Look closely, can you spot the ice climber!  I took this photo while on the hike back out.

From Johnston Canyon you can carry on along the trail up and then down to The Ink Pots.  

That's where I went next!

 

Banff National Park December 6, 2021

For about a month I have been keeping an eye on Banff's weather forecast and highway driving conditions.  My hope was for a stretch of a few ideal days to head west and settle in.  Finally a window opened and I jumped through it.  This is what I found on the other side, a magical winter wonderland.  Before the time was right for checking into my home away from home, I spent a few hours roaming around the downtown area and also at some of my favourite spots close by.  

It was bitterly cold with a wind!  As I have mentioned numerous times in the past, it's those conditions that I find offer a level of high end beauty. I bundled up in my warmest winter wear and hit the "hot" spots. I started with a stroll along the pathway by the Bow River. 

view of Mount Rundle with the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Bow River

along the river walk

Downtown was on the quiet side for mid afternoon.  I had a list of stores that I wanted to invest in.  I had success with that then it was time to head back to the train station parking lot and get on with checking off items on my to-do list.

It was a rough drive down the short road to Cascade Ponds.  It is a winter-wonderland in Banff and the road conditions were a tell tale sign of what had transpired over the past few weeks.  My plan was to cover a couple of kilometres walking at The Ponds, which I did yet at a quick pace to help stay warm.  There had been no fires nor picnics for quite some time in this location. 

view from the meadow area of Cascade Mountain and the dining shelter in the bottom middle 

There was one last spot to check out before heading to my home away from home.  It was late afternoon  when I arrived at Vermillion Lakes and the kite surfers were packing up their gear.  There were sections of open water close to the shore and it took a few tries to get the cloud reflection in the tiny opening. 

One of my purchases was this Christmas Tree ornament.  With birding playing a new interest in my life this past year, a bird on my tree seemed appropriate.  I would love to have had a Black-Caped Chickadee, which there were none off.   When I saw this Cardinal decked out in a scarf, I knew it needed to come home with me.   

It was soon time for the sun to set so off I went to check into my home away from home!