Exploring Calgary: Nose Hill Park

At 1,100 hectares, Nose Hill is Canada's largest urban natural environment park and at 1,230 metres, it is the highest point in the 'Clagary area'. So we just had to go and see. Temperatures were meant to be on the low side but as we left the car park we quickly shed our jackets as the breeze was warmer and we were going uphill at a pace - how else would we go!

It is possible to become disorientated but thanks to Bill, the path finder, we did not get lost. There were plenty of landmarks to guide us on our way for example the airport was in the east, the mountains ranges, shrouded today, were to the west. There were also power lines that crossed the hill and the antenna standing near the quarry which also marked the descent to the car park. We could also see the Canada Olympic Park which was not far from home

In the west the fall is not so colourful as in the east but the aspens do give a beautiful shade of gold whilst at ground level the the rose hips are gradually turning a vivid shade of red. Parts of Nose Hill are covered with groves of trembling aspens, these are native trees with round leaves that tremble in a breeze. All the aspens within a grove are genetically identical as the original tree clones itself by sending out suckers from underground roots, each of which becomes a new aspen, Some the aspen colonies in Alberta are over 6,000 years old. Interestingly all clones within a colony change colour at the same time in the fall. The groves make great hiding places for animals but we only saw robins and magpies.

Nose Hill allows you to leave the sights and sounds of Calgary behind as you walk along either grass or gravel paths. Today there were few people in the park; the odd jogger and cyclist and few dog walkers.

As we returned to the car our thoughts turned to lunch as the hunger pangs began to hit. Nose Hill Park was well worth a second visit as there were too many paths we hadn't ventured down.

A 'stroll' up Wasootch Ridge

Bill decided we should stretch our legs and go for a walk! He didn't let me see the write up in the book so I should have known that it would not be straight forward. I was right, the start of the hike from the car park was up and I mean up steeply! Thank goodnes it was a cool start to the day. As we gained height quickly we found ourselves looking directly over the car park and watching the climbers getting ready for their days climbing; it was strange as we could hear their conversations and jokes - what a strange way to eaves drop.

Once closer to the Ridge the vistas opened up, the views of mountains increasing in size and shape. Once again 360 degree views all around us and where do you start looking down Wasootch and Porcupine canyons or Mt Baldy, Mt Allan, Mt Lorette or Mt McDougall. At trailsend on the Ridge there are fine views of Mounts Sparrowhawk, Bogart, Lougheed and in the distance Mount Rundle. Spoilt for choice in Kananaskis yet again.

The Ridge is dry and we carried large amounts of water, as well as leaving water and fruit drinks in the cool box at the boot. Lunch was a pleasant affair as we gazed on the scenery and the knarled trees, in the heat of the day there was very little wildlife and certainly no bear sightings. Kananaskis is known for its bear (both grizzly and black) sightings and there are information sheets in the car parks reminding us all of being bear aware.

On our return journey, downhill most of the way, the views continued to embrace us as the hike drew to its close. Steep, yes, but well worth another visit possibly in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. The car park was full of cars mostly climbers, there were eleven of us on the Ridge. The climbers were making their return from a days climbing on the slabs along Wasootch Creek. We were all thirsty and the well stocked cool boxes were emptying fast. With words of ' a great day' 'beautiful views' we gradually packed our vehicles, turned out of the car park and onto Highway 40 and our respective journeys home.

A travelling we will go .....

As we missed the August Bank Holiday in the UK we decided to travel to the Kootenay Valley over the Labour day weekend! We departed Calgary on the Monday and headed to Banff, people had said it was warmer in Banff but we did not expect the intensity of the heat in the afternoon. A short stroll confirmed heat and the need to take in lots of water. After an early start on Tuesday we started our hike up to Healy Meadows and up to the Pass from Sunshine car park, we prepared ourselves with sunscreen SPF 30, Deet to keep those bugs at bay and of course bear spray. The bear spray is psychological as if you have to use it you are in a situation you shouldn't be in. Rangers tell you to talk loudly, make noise and call out which we do as it is better not to surprise a bear let alone come between a mother and her cubs!

As we reached the Meadows and then the Pass we were the only hikers encroaching on nature. The views were awesome, 360 degree views of mountains, glaciers, cornices and the only sounds were from the breeze and the insects as they flew around. We were too late this year for the brilliant meadow flowers - perhaps next time. After a short while we were joined by three other hikers who found their own space to take in the views. We munched on our sandwiches courtesy of Safeway in Banff; we can well recommend the gourmet sandwiches the fillings, chosen by yourself, are fresh and exceedingly tasty but perhaps a little on the large side.

On returning to our hotel we showered and decided on an early evening meal which turned out to be very fortuitous as after the main course we watched an electrical storm the likes of which we have never seen. To top it all there was a power cut every where in Banff; some other residents went back to dark rooms Why? When like us they could remained in the dining room watching a spectacular display of forked lightening - light was restored an hour or so later.

We departed Banff the following morning and decided to travel along the Bow Valley Parkway for a while until the Kootenay Park turnoff. We were rewarded with a grizzly bear sighting, a young angry male who scowled at us as he crossed the road and gave us an opportunity to take a photo. Our journey continued through Kootenay Park and into British Columbia. The Park has many stopping places often with a trailhead; Stanley Glacier is an enjoyable hike as it offers mountain views and also the Glacier. Last year we had to take care on this hike as a bear had been digging quite close to the trail. Ranger stations, Banff, Radium and at Kootenay itself have up to date information regarding bear sightings and also cougar sightings. It is important to be bear aware.

Lake Kootenay is a perfect place to chill out; there is the lake with osprey and eagles (and other birds) you could even go fishing yourself. It is peaceful except for those loud motor bikes doing the Selkirk Loop. There are no night lights in the area so on a clear night the milky way is visible as are satellites as they spin around our planet all at different speeds.

The garden at the Log House is still blooming with colourful roses and other flowers; the trees are still heavy with fruit - plums will be ready shortly followed by the apples. The grapes are small but juicy and tasty to eat. Other berries are now dwindling in supply, however green string beans and zucchini are plentiful. My sister and her husband grow enough vegetables to be sufficient throughout the winter only having to purchase meat and fish. The temperatures in the morning and the late evening were telling us that the fall was not that far away, before we left the heating kicked in as the temperature in the Log House fell to 8C and the geothermal pump felt it needed to pump in warm not cold air! What efficiency.

Our journey back to Calgary allowed us to see a female moose with two young in Kootenay Park, the cooler temperatures had allowed a sugar frosting of snow on some of the higher peaks.