At an elevation of 2206 metres, Highwood Pass is the highest point in Canada which may be reached by paved highway. There are a number of good reasons to pause at the top of the pass, one of which is to enjoy the view to the north that, although somewhat restricted, features the distant peaks of the Kananaskis Range  and some very interesting and instructive geology.

Highway 40 follows the valley of Pocaterra Creek as it descends towards Kananaskis Lakes. To the left of this valley is Pocaterra Ridge, brilliantly green in early summer and featuring some classic avalanche slopes.

Highway 40 closes to traffic at the beginning of December and re-opens in May allowing the animals some R + R away from humans and at the same time protecting humans from the avalanche threats that exist in the steep sided neve basins (snow bowls).

This was Zofia’s first time at Highwood Pass as Bill has visited on a number of occasions to hike, with our hiking group, and also to take part in photo shoots.  In summer moose and bears frequent the area; so they take priority when raising young.  This is truly a beautiful spot in winter as you can snow shoe into the meadows and watch back country skiers glide down steep snow covered slopes.  On the other side of the road is a short snowshoe up to Ptarmigan Cirque.

Snow was abundant and the car park full, everyone taking advantage of a little sunshine and a snow pack deep enough to enjoy winter sports.  The wind however was biting and it was a pleasure to dip out of it in the forestry.  Up high there was not that much wind but it was chilly once you stopped to take in the views or have a refreshment break; our hot chocolate went down a treat.

Our first snowshoe of the season up to the meadows beneath Pocaterra Ridge provided us with magical snow covered vistas ….. as the advert for Alberta says “remember to breath”.

A Few Days in Sin City

Recently we took a trip to Las Vegas, mostly due to the fact that Bill bought Zofia tickets to see Rod Stewart at the Coliseum at Caesar’s Palace as her birthday present.  It seemed obvious that we would take a few days to explore Vegas and its environs as we had only ever driven through the place in a torrential downpour many, many years ago!  Fortunately for us our trip coincided with minus 19C temperatures in Calgary and so we enjoyed plus 15C in a sunny, but somewhat windy Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is one of the most populous cities in the state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County. It is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city calls itself as “the Entertainment Capital of the World”, and is famous for its casinos.

Established in 1905, Las Vegas officially became a city in 1911. The city's tolerance for various forms of adult entertainment earned it the title of “Sin City”, and this image has made Las Vegas a popular setting for films and television programs.

Las Vegas is situated in an arid basiin on the desert floor, surrounded by dry mountains. The Spring Mountains lie to the west. Much of the landscape is rocky and dusty; the environment is dominated by desert vegetation and some wildlife, and the area is subject to torrential flash floods. The elevation is around 2,030 ft (620 m) above sea level.

We stayed off the Strip and drove in and enjoyed the lights, the shows and free displays in and around the hotels.  We particularly enjoyed the water fountains at the Bellagio and the volcanic eruption at Treasure Island was interesting.  We didn’t enjoy the smoky atmospheres of some of the casinos, Bill thought the smoke was meant to add to the gambling experience – if this was the case we made a very quick exit from these places!  Although the casinos at the Bellagio and Caesar’s Palace were almost smoke free as the smoke wafted upwards rather than around.  We watched people at the slot machines and also those at the black jack and craps tables, not many looked happy and some were practicing their gambling ‘faces’ (giving nothing away).  We enjoyed the M & M store – especially the coconut and almond M&Ms – it was hard not to buy (and eat) too much.

Rod Stewart; what a performance …. We were shocked to hear the old rocker announce that Maggie May was 40 years old, needless to say Zofia quickly added that she was a babe in arms when Maggie May hit the charts and Rod and the Faces performed at the Sundowner in Brixton!   A great performance with brilliant support from the band and the singers, two and a half hours just whizzed by.

As a break from the Strip; the lights and the crowds, we headed out to Red Rock Canyon, certainly a place to revisit and hike.  The rocks were red in places and the vistas were stunning.  We also went shopping but didn’t really buy much just a couple of pairs of jeans although many Canadians were buying as much as they could!

We rounded off our trip with the Phantom of the Opera which was performed in a specially designed theatre, which was small and somewhat intimate.  The costumes and performers were good and the scenery certainly was multi-functional – an enjoyable evening.    As we departed the Venetian we entered the winter festival (not kidding) with people dressed up as snowflakes and other wintry characters, a little odd for us as Calgary already had snow on the ground and of course it was much colder!

We would certainly return to Vegas for the shows, we just missed Sting and his ‘back to bass’ one nighter at the Coliseum, and also to further explore the environs beyond the busy Strip.

Heritage Park

We spent a glorious sunny Saturday at Heritage Park; a place where you can see small town Canada of Olde.  From the car park you can either take the trolley bus to the admission kiosk or walk along a paved walkway which takes back in time from 2011 to 1800.  Inside the kiosk all those people selling admissions are dressed in clothes of yore and even at the gates students check your tickets wearing long dresses (girls) or trousers with waistcoats (lads).  The walk uphill is gentle and quickly to the left is a windmill turning and in the distance the sound of the steam train calling passengers prior to departure.  We quickly left the young children to the games and activities in front of us on a large grass expanse and set off to the left following our map to the compressed air mine locomotives.  Bill had promised me shopping at the end of the day as there were a number of Olde World shops at the entrance!

The locomotives gave way to the Dingman Discovery Well (1913) made of wood making it much easier to leave behind when the oil ran out!  The road construction barn brought a smile to our faces as we recognised the shapes of Calgary's snowploughs! The S.S Moyie, a paddle steamer, was calling passengers on this occasion, we watched the vessel depart as we hurried to the Railway Roundhouse - what fun, a steam engine, a caboose and you could walk around unhurried.  From there we made our way to the Main Street; most of the buildings had been brought to Heritage Park from other parts of Alberta.  

We spent time with the Blacksmith, entered a Masonic Lodge, walked through Wong's Laundry, marvelled at the tools for tooth extraction at the dentist's.  The snooker parlour was particularly grand and of course you get a hair cut at the barbers at the entrance.  We entered the Alberta Bakery, well our noses led us there, the smell of cinnamon rolls freshly brought out of the oven; we treated ourselves to freshly baked sausage rolls Heritage Park style and a loaf of tasty bread.  Lunch was had at the Wainwright Hotel; a grand building with all the original features we spent time reading a Christmas menu from 1914 - we don't think that could have moved after eating such grand fayre.  We chatted to RCMP members; one along the main street and the other further along at Berry Creek where the RCMP shackled a lady for making too much noise in the saloon!! She was shackled to a chair as there was no cell - not very comfortable.  As ever we thoroughly enjoyed the schools; the classroom layout, the Union Jack and pictures of Queen Victoria.  We spent time in the Aboriginal encampment and spoke with the ladies of the Blackfoot Tribe who were sitting inside their teepee's. 

Life for settlers coming to western Canada was not easy whether they came from Eastern Canada or from overseas. The climate; the harsh winters and hot scorching summers must have been extremely hard to get used to not to mention the Aboriginal Tribes who did not see eye to with each other let alone the settlers.  The Hudson Bay Company had forts all over what is now Canada to buy pelts, mostly beaver, from trappers.  Many a young man from Scotland came to Canada to work for The Bay and after three years could return to Scotland, ticket paid or remain in Canada with small portion of land, three acres or so.  Many of course decided to stay as they either had nothing to return to or could not as the solitude of working in the Great White North (Canada) meant that they could not readily live a normal life.  Small churches sprang up to help people come to terms with where they now lived; singing hymns helped many to forget from whence they had come - there were so many people in the same boat so to speak.

There was so much to see and do that we will certainly return another time.

Healy Meadows

Last week we went out to Healy Meadows and Healy Pass hoping to see carpets of wild flowers, as we had seen last August.  The weather forecast was good; plenty of sunshine and temperatures around plus 23C, so good hiking weather.  We made our way to Sunshine to catch the 0900 shuttle up to Sunshine Village, it's an hour and half from home.  We were therefore somewhat surprised to see that the whole world had descended into the car park for the 0900 shuttle which was already somewhat full - should have reserved seats on line! Seems everyone was going up to the Village to view the wild flowers by the three lakes (thank goodness) and a second shuttle duly arrived to take the overflow which included us - it was packed to capacity.

A small number headed towards Simpsons Pass and Healy Creek, we were all prepared for the hike carrying plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and bear spray!  As the views opened up we saw the larger amounts of standing water and lakes larger and much fuller than usual and then the flowers started; the anemones had already gone to seed but the wild asters, columbines, saxifrages and paint brushes to name a few, were all in full bloom.  The higher we hiked the more like a carpet the flowers became, hues of yellow, purple, red and white and the scent, indescribable - you will just have to come and see for yourselves, as photographs seldom do justice to such a scene. 

The top of Healy Pass was full of hikers, all searching out that quiet spot for lunch, to sit, eat and just commune with nature in all its glory.  We really didn't want to start our journey down, this time via Healy Creek.  We dawdled and allowed numerous people to overtake us as we took in the meadows.  The way down is all down hill with a long walk out towards Sunshine car park, we took our time enjoying the warmth of the day and the sound of the creek running over rocks.  The car park and our vehicle came too quickly in the end, the cool box provided cool refreshments prior to our journey home. 

We decided to end the day at the Scotsman's Well in Creekside; a simple evening meal before home and showers and then a cool glass of wine on the deck; taking in the colours and sounds of our garden.

Where the Mountains meet the Prairie

We set off on a Thursday evening with our friends, Neil and Linda for the south of Alberta and Waterton National Park.  We had been to Glacier National Park on the American side many, many years ago and had fond memories of the Going to the Sun Road and Logan Pass and the very large grizzly bear we saw .... not that far from the Visitor Centre!  On this occasion we were driving through gently rolling prairie grassland when the mountains erupted up and out in front of us.  There were no foothills to draw you towards the mountains scenery.  Waterton National Park and its other half, Glacier National Park in Montana were the first National Park in  North America to gain UNESCO World Heritage status as a Peace Park.  The scenery is spectacular, the wildlife is abundant and the wild flowers beyond comparison.

Our first excursion was to Wall Lake and we crossed into British Columbia through the Akimina-Kishenina Provincial Park which was established in 1995. The lake lies buried in glacial cirque pockets beneath stupendous cliffs.

Our route took us over creeks, through old forest lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir.  Arnica, queen's cup, foam flowers, cow parsnip and wild onion, amongst others, lined our journey towards the lake.  Great bear habitat although the bears were resting that day!!

Wall Lake is a large lake with the Akamina Ridge rising above it, a little over 750 metres from the south shore, almost shutting out the sky.  An ancient forest rings the north shore and fisherman are found along the shore, with BC fishing licence of course.  At the end of the trail beside the lake the path petered out and we decided, as we were hungry, that this was a good a place as any to stop for lunch.  In front of us a snow patch - the product of  innumerable avalanches slowly melts into the lake.

As we returned we detoured to Forum Falls, the waterfall was full as it came hurtling down the rock face.  The spray was cooling and this coolness along with the breeze kept the mosquitoes at bay. 

Our second excursion was to Bertha Lake via the falls.  En route we counted over 45 varieties of wild flowers.  We reached the falls and met up with a couple who been along the Lineham Creek Falls trail and had seen many more wild flowers; bear grass and monkey flower.  So a change of plan and as we returned to the car park it felt as if we were in the middle of Piccadilly Circus as hordes of people, in inappropriate footwear made their way to the coolness of the waterfall.

The Lineham Creek Falls path greeted us with mosquitoes and other flying, biting creatures so it was time to "deet" up - lots of it.  The path was uphill and we passed through colourful meadows full of wild flowers including mariposa lilies and wild buckwheat.  The Falls, were loud and full of water.  We were grateful to return as it was hot with very little moving air  until we reached the shade of the woodland.  Ice creams made the perfect end to the day.

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A Knight Up High

Saturday the 16th July and we rose early and set off for Kananaskis Country, our destination the trailhead for The Black Prince Cirque. The name Black Prince conjures up images of medieval castles and chivalrous knights! The name originated with Prince Edward of England, a fierce, 14th Century warrior who wore striking black armour.  It was revived as the name of a World War 1 battleship.  In memory of the ship, the name was bestowed on a striking Canadian Rockies peak: Mt. Black Prince.  Our destination was Black Prince Cirque.

Channeling the warrior's spirit we hiked up the steep head wall guarding the lower Black Prince Cirque and wandered amongst the lakes hidden within it; Warspite Lake is one.  Odd to think that as we neared the head wall having navigated our way across an avalanche area full of rock and newly deposited trees it was snowing in the cirque. Yes, snow.  To our joy the cloud lifted as we entered the vast basin, or cirque, and the sun shone through. 

The final assent was steep and muddy as we navigated our way alongside the creek which was in full speight and provided us with a splendid waterfall, the Warspite Cascades.  The sound of rushing water masked our huffs and puffs as we went ever higher.

As we entered the upper cirque cresting its lip we entered a grassy basin littered with boulders, ahead of us was Mount Warspite at 9348 feet and to the left was Mount Black Prince.

A grand day on the hills!

July 24th. 2011. Our second Canniversary!

We haven't posted for a while, been somewhat busy with the garden.  It's quite time consuming when starting from scratch and especially with the soil that we have, that's if you can call it soil as it really cannot support much except weeds and prairie grasses!  Bill has been improving the soil with peat and  richer garden soil, we have been out watering the plants but the dry winds certainly dry out most things pretty quickly.  We have been successful with roses, rudbekia and sweet peas to name a few and we have a good display of hanging baskets and tubs.  we bought a cherry tree and also an apple tree; the apple trre cam covered in tiny apples we removed most of them so as not to stress the tree but we will have half a dozen or so in September!  Bill is growing beans and tomatoes but we now realise that we will need to start growing indoors and plant out once the plants are much bigger.  The snow didn't really disappear from the garden until mid April and then the ground needed to thaw so all in all a very short growing season.

We have been out hiking and found that the snow pack has not fully melted so cirques which would normally be filled with wild flowers are still in late spring stage with snow and tiny leaves breaking forth out of the ground.  There are of course the early flowers that shoot up ever so quickly.

This second year seems to have  flown by more quickly than the first year! We are trying to get out and enjoy the mountains more this summer as well as work in and around the house.  Stampede came and went, good to have William and Kate as so many more folk attended Stampede this year but then the economy is picking up.  

What's that Bill ... not another weed!!