Autumnal gold!

Monday will see our second 'Thanksgiving' here in Canada, my how time flies by. The autumn this year is very different to last year as we have the beautiful autumnal hues to view. Trees shimmer in the breeze/wind. their leaves a myriad of shades from gold to red, too dificult to describe the exact colours. The past week has seen temperatures around the 20C mark and night time temperatures between 12 -> 7C; sometimes the temperature only drops to the nighttime low around 6 am! As this is Alberta, home of the big sky we can view from the deck the sun rising in the east and the darkness still in the west and of course in the evening the sun setting in the west and nighttime already encroaching in the east. The moon looks at times as if you could just touch it!

We have joined a hiking group and have been out on a hike up to Chester Lake, what a difference no snow makes. The last time we visited was in winter and we only realised that we had reached Chester Lake because a sign said 'No Fishing'. This time though we continued beyond the Lake to other lakes via Elephant Rocks, a large limestone outcrop. The conversation was jolly, the vistas beautiful as trees were turning gold. The big pyramidial peak in the centre is Mount Assiniboine, the highest peak on the south side of Highway 1 ( Trans Canada Highway).

From Sunshine Village ...............

From Sunshine Village walk south and uphill ...........................

Just picture a mild sunny day, temperatures plus 23C, majestic mountain scenery with a possibility of wildlife: September 3rd 2010 was just such a day.

We left Calgary later than expected due to a little lawn watering and arrived in time for the 1pm shuttle to Sunshine Village after a couple of 'construction' zones on Highway 1 and of course our Park pass had run out at the end of August so we had to wait in line at Banff Park gate to purchase a new one!

We were to be fortunate as we viewed mountain sheep, marmnots galore, some even posing for their photograph to be taken and a family of mule deer enjoying the warmth of a sunny afternoon.

Our destination meadows and three lakes: Rock Isle, Grizzly and Larix. These three lakes are visited often by large numbers, on a sunny day up to a 130 have been recorded, hence the trail is assiduously maintained and there are viewing platforms to soften the impact of human beings on this delicate ecosystem. Don't get us wrong the lakes and meadows are lovely but the mountainous expanse that spreads out from them in all directions is a sight to behold and one which the camera does not always do justice to. In the distance Mt Assiniboine thrusts its horn ever skywards and as autumn approaches the stands of larch trees are meant to add a brilliant gold to the alpine meadows especially around Grizzly and Larix lakes - but not yet and definitely "come again" scenery for later on in September when the needles of the larch turn golden before dropping to the ground. (The botanical name for larch trees is Larix hence the name of the lake!)

So from the ski lodge walk south and uphill 200m, take the left turn as it ascends gently. Continue past the next junction at 2290 m (7510 ft) in 1.2 km you arrive at the summit of the Greta Divide at this point take the path to the right and after a further 1.6 km Rock Isle Lake overlook allows you to view the scenery of lake and mountains - a little reminiscent of Tarn Howes but without the back drop of Mt Assiniboine! From this point follow the path around the lake affording you magnificent views of the mountains and the meadows as you head down towards Grizzly Lake, not as pretty as Rock Isle Lake but there are old grizzly bear diggings to take your interest. An overlook provides a view of the Simpson River Valley and a little shade from the sun. Larix Lake is pretty but would have been more prettier had the larches turned the autumnal gold they were supposed to at this time of year. The circular path rejoined the path leading back to Rock Isle Lake but we detoured up to Standish viewpoint, we were alone here and vistas were wonderful; 360 degrees of mountain scenery. We decided not to return to Sunshine Village by the path already known, instead we headed northwestwards through meadows just the two of us with silence of the great outdoors and a gentle breeze. We were rewarded with a sight of a family of mule deer resting in the afternoon sunshine. As we approached the subalpine forest there was evidence of fresh grizzly bear diggings for roots and/or ground squirrels but no sign of any bears. We reached the Village in plenty of time to catch the last bus down to the car park at 5.30pm.

A wonderful hike, beautiful scenery and wildlife to boot (they usually take cover when we are around!).

20C, a bit of sun at Sunshine!

Yesterday (Saturday) we rose early, met up with a couple of pals at the Petro Canada on Highway 1 and set off for the early shuttle from the Sunshine car park to Sunshine Village. We were not the only early birds, as the car park was filling up with vehicles and some folk were already queueing or should I say that there was an element of an 'line up'. The shuttle is usually a yellow school bus - a true bone shaker, guaranteed to wake you up if you weren't already. However, we were somewhat surprised when a mini bus arrived and out jumps the driver and, with a home counties accent, announces that there has been a problem with the shuttle and he could take nine. No scramble just concerned looks. The shuttle was on its way but it needed to be 'fixed' first and it was a white school bus not yellow. The four of us got on board and arrived at Sunshine Village with not a bone shaken and watched as the day lodge was opened.

Hiking poles extended we set off in the direction of Simpson Pass and from there to Healy Meadows and Healy Pass. Our summer has indeed been wetter and we were greeted quickly with lush green meadows and meadow flowers in abundance; we stopped frequently as Neil and Linda were experts but Bill and I slowly began to remember names; we particularly like the Shy Maiden, a small white flower which shied away from the sunlight but so dainty. Paint brushes greeted us almost everywhere but the deep burgundy/magenta ones stole our hearts. Lakes were full of water, we had only ever seen them dry before and of course their chums, the mosquitoes, were about and yes we were bitten in those places where the insect repellent did not reach!

We arrived at Healy Meadows, along with numerous other people from all directions, and were amazed at the sight of the meadow flowers. They were flowering very late, it is mid August after all, but the scent and colours set against the back drop of the mountains was just spectacular. Truly 'awesome'.

We dined at the Pass, it was clear and the mountains looked splendid, some still snow covered. We dawdled back through the meadows and so our decent began. The return route took us through forestry, once again lush green with pockets of flowers; the colours of the flowers were confined to whites and yellows mostly with a few purples and reds dotted around.

We returned to a full car park, a little weary but after a cup of tea and we were ready to do it all again.

Our first Canniversary

We celebrated our first Canniversary and Bills Birthday with a hike to Helen Lake, with stunning views of Hector Glacier and the Drummond Glacier. Helen Lake was not as spectacular as Hector or Herbert Lakes, its waters were not the blue green of glacial melt. The hairy marmots could be heard whistling, calling us back another day when they could try and snatch our lunch, too many dogs around for their liking although most of them were happy just to lie or stand in the lakes cool waters. It was sunny and warm and more bearable in the mountains as Calgary sizzled to a warm and sultry plus 26C or even more. Odd to think that on Friday there had been a heavy drizzle for most of the day. So we ask has summer finally arrived? Last weekend they were skiing at Whistler having received a surprise snowfall ... global warming ????.

We both thought about the last year; the highs and lows, especially over jobs. The activities we have enjoyed; hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, exploring Calgary, building our home and now developing our ideas for the garden - all that research on what will grow and what will not survive the cold winter and also the Chinooks. We have learnt new skills too such as fly fishing and for Bill kayaking and there will be many more things for us to learn, explore and research in this new country of ours. We have enjoyed visiting the sub alpine and enjoying the wild flowers in the late spring/early summer. The colours and scents are sometimes difficult to describe.

End of a soggy spring in Calgary!

Summer arrived officially at 5.28 am this morning. Spring has been soggy by any standards; lots of snow at the start of spring and plenty of rainfall at the end. Farmers in the Prairies were calling for more precipitation but didn't expect the very large amounts we had - be careful what you wish for!

Wet snow allowed the 'greening' of the grass and trees to begin to leaf, the rainfall has enabled plants to thrive and grow. The grass is green, the trees in bloom and flowers are making their best efforts to provide colour. Nosehill Park was awash with spring flowers the vibrant yellows andpurples mixing with the fresh green grasses whilst overhead Prairie Raptors look for thermals to glide in. The rainfall last week has meant that the Bow and Little Elbow Rivers are in full spate and people are requested not to venture out into the fast flowing water as there has already been one fatality this past Saturday. The town of Medicine Hat has seen flooding as never seen before and over 200 homes have been evacuated due to the water levels and the build up of sewage in the pipes. Highway 1, the Trans Canada Highway, is closed between Alberta and Saskatchewan as 75 metres pf road have been washed away. One driver told reporters that she had never seen so much water all around the Highway and so little actual Prairie. Climate change ?

The views of the 'big sky' from our deck can be spectacular. We have watched storms develop; typical geographers watching the clouds build and develop - nothing like the North West of England and those endless cumulus clouds. Even on a grey day it is still bright. The colours and the effects of the changing light can only be described as stunning.

We have taken to strolling around the area where we now reside; we have seen several deer, a female coyote, very well fed we might add, and yesterday evening we heard, and saw for the very first time the coyote cubs. We have heard their howls in the evening and yesterday we were very fortunate to watch five cubs at play a short distance from where we were standing. Even the hare stopped and listened to the cubs at play, as usual the camera was left behind.

The temperatures are warming nicely although we are still below average for this time of year. Today, Monday June 21st. a very warm 21C, it was a tad too warm to sit comfortably on the deck at 5.30 pm with cup of tea after work!

House building part 2

Towards the end of January the furnace was working; the builders ran it to ensure that all the ducts were functioning and then of course for heat. Internal framing was quite an art form especially around the heating ducts! and the fireplace in the 'great room' - posh lounge really. February saw the sidings going onto the house hiding the wooden structure. Between the wood and the aluminum (Canadian spelling) siding was a waterproof layer commonly called Tyvak. Our builder ensured that this waterproof mambrane didn't suffer from the elements and applied it prior to the sidings being attached, other builders attached the waterproof layer quite early on and left it exposed to the wind, rain and snow for quite a long time. Our membrane is black other son the estate are blue or yellow. Another builder nearby uses bright yellow and green!.

We also had the wiring put in for the speaker systems for the televisions and also for the house alarm, that way everything is hidden and nothing is an after thought. The plastic hats hanging down are for the speakers once the ceiling as been added and above that insulation and lots of it.

Once all the framing is complete, the first fix of wiring completed then the plaster boards are added and 'mud' applied to seal the joins and to create the corners for the walls. The deck received its first coat of paint although the stairs leading down to the garden are missing but will be added later.

When the paint and lacquer is being applied we are not allowed to visit the house, but when we do the floors are down; hardwood and carpet and tiles.

The final walk round and inspection took place on May 12th. 2010. We spent the next two days ferrying our few possessions to the house. The guest bed arrived on the Thursday and we spent our first night in our new home - sheer bliss.

May 28th. saw the arrival of the container at our house; we had expected a wagon with all chattels in but the crew broke the seals in front of Bill and started unloading. I had been awake since 5 am. It was quite emotional as we hadn't seen our things since late June 2009 after the sale of the house. All our things and a few surprises - things we had forgotten we had packed or owned! Now where do put it all ?!

The drive is being prepared for the arrival of concrete, yippee. We are then waiting for the final grading of the back garden, a certificate and then we can start seriously planning the garden. What's that Bill we need to rake out all of those stones we can see from the deck ...........................

The Spring Shoulder Season

This time of year is called the 'Spring Shoulder Season' due to the varying nature of trails following the winter, which hasn't quite left us! Today the sun shone and temperatures rose to a giddy plus 18C.

Our aim for the day was to complete a circular route starting and finishing not far from the winter closure gate on the Elbow Falls Trail commonly known as Highway 66. We parked up at the Elbow Falls Recreation Area and passed through the gate across the road. The sun shone brightly although we carried an array of clothing just in case the forecasters got it wrong and we found ourselves in a blizzard. We found the sign for the Prairie Creek Trail and found ourselves beside the frozen Creek although at times we could hear water running beneath the ice. The path was clear but where we were closer to the Creek it became a little icy in places. The conifers were a fresh shade of green as they received their dose of sunshine whilst the high mountain tops were snow covered. Our return route was along the Prairie Link Trail which brought us to the Powderface Creek Trail for the final leg of the walk. It was along these two trails that we understood the term 'shoulder season' hikes; the path in places was covered in thick ice, thank goodness the sun was out and temperatures were rising as it made traverse of sheet ice a little more easier in places. Along the trail, where the sun had not reached, trees were our friends as we held onto them to prevent ourselves from sliding away. It was pretty tiring concentrating on keeping our balance but theviews and constant fluttering of butterflies helped to keep us from flagging. Needless to say once we returned to the car park we grabbed the flask of tea and biscuits and headed for the Elbow River where we managed to find a space beside the river. The place was packed; every picnic table and fire pit were taken by families enjoying the warmth and sun.

We returned via Bragg Creek where we stopped for an early evening meal in a bar, along with a tasty beer, and treated ourselves to a tasty ice cream for pudding! The journey back to Calgary took us along Highway 8 and those rather large properties where there are no fences between them.

House building Canadian style Part 1.

Buying a new house on a new housing estate is a very different experience from that in the UK. Our last house was new, although it was two years old by the time we had moved in. Gratefully previous possible purchasers had not gone far enough to choose the carpet! We lived on a building site for the next three years or so and watched numerous houses being built the traditional way. our property was deemed large in the UK based on four bedrooms, a double garage and large garden. Prior to landing we looked at houses for sale online and wondered what 3,000 sq. ft. looked like when it was neatly arranged into rooms and of course we can't forget the garages here - double but with careful parking you could fit in three vehicles!!

Once we were settled in with family we started looking at property and found that 2,000 sq. ft. was far too big for us; we could easily lose contact with each other! We quickly discovered that the yards (gardens) were far smaller than we were used to and while some properties had designer gardens others were quite simply left to grass with a few trees and bushes. After a winter here in Calgary we now understand why. It is March, it is spring and the ground is still frozen; certainly no sign of snowdrops or crocuses poking through the soil. It snowed last Friday and flurries are forecast for the early part of the working week.

We thought that we might be better off looking at condos or townhouses as the floor plan would be smaller - far too small and the lack of windows and natural light put us off very quickly. We found some very desirable apartments in Tuscany, west Calgary, they were beautifully appointed, with balconies and green space around the development but we realised that to have the mountain view was at least an extra 20,000 C$ if not more. The cost of these apartments was more than the condos and townhouses we had looked at. Some builders have large homes and the sales staff, we found, had little understanding that we did not want a large property with a handkerchief garden. Finally we found a builder, Avi, who built smaller homes similar in size to our last house in the UK, about 1250 sq.ft. We looked in the west of Calgary but the properties were a tad too small and so we went in search of other developments in and around Calgary. Finally we settled on a development in the north west - Sage Hill. There are number of builders here and we looked at the show homes with more of a critical eye than before. We chose Homes by Avi as we liked the layout of a particular house and then in true British style asked where this particular design would appear on the development. We were shown a plan of the development, the lots allotted to Avi, given a map and told to go and have a look; some lots carried a price tag but certainly not as large as we had previously seen (as much as 250,000 C$). We found a site we liked and which would enable us to have a walk out basement as well as the sun from sunrise to sunset. So we chose to build at Sage Hill and to have the house that overlooks the Prairies. With the development of Stoney Trail it takes only 15 minutes or thereabouts to reach Highway 1 and the journey westward into the mountains! So on August 30th. 2009 we chose the plot, signed on the dotted line and had to pay a slightly larger deposit than most buyers as would as we were having a rather small mortgage. We spent time talking with a number of banking establishments about a mortgage; our bank wasn't as helpful as another, being more preoccupied with the fact that we were landed migrants, rather than the fact that we had money from the sale of a home prior to landing. The other Bank treated us like real people who had made the decision to migrate and settle in a new country; they took our credit reports (Experian and Equifax) made copies and talked over the mortgage process and procedure in Canada. What's more the offer was made within a few days and because the house was yet to be built we had a builders mortgage offer which secured the rate! Wonderful. Once the builder had submitted the house plans to the City of Calgary and they were accepted foundations and footings were in, this was November 2009 and we were getting excited!

We visited, and still visit, the house site at the weekends, when we had time to walk around and speak with Todd the Avi Homes rep on site; he was invaluable to us and helped us understand the building process. We spent time going around the show home and were shown what were upgrades and what was standard. In October we visited the Homes by Avi selection centre: we had planned a Saturday afternoon initially to see what it was all about and aren't we glad we did! On display different kitchen layouts, appliances, flooring, wall and floor tiles, hardwood, taps in fact you name it and it was there. There a few folk around to help. Our meeting had been scheduled with Megan the following week in October. She was 'awesome' as we deliberated colours, appliance upgrades all inter mingled with questions, questions and more questions. In fact the carpet took longer to choose than anything else even the hardwood floor to the great room! We did upgrade the underlay throughout the house where the carpet would go. It wasn't as bad as we thought and we only overspent our initial budget by a little. It was very obvious though just how much you could spend on upgrades without thinking. Shortly after this meeting we went to the sound system place - yes all wiring is in place at the time of the build not as an after thought. So the sound system for the TVs, the computer, telephone and home security wiring were all discussed, priced and added into the price of the house after the deposit had been paid. During this time the framers were framing the house: up went the walls followed by the roof and then the windows! Internal framing of the walls goes in next and gradually you begin to see the house taking shape.
By now we were into December, we knew that time would be lost due to bad weather and we also knew that work would not really start on insulating the property until the roof and sidings were on. It wasn't until the second week of January 2010 that the roof went on; asphalt shingles as the wooden structure cannot really support ceramic tiles. Inside though the furnace had been added and heating ducts, pipes and vents were appearing throughout the property. Externally it was beginning to look like a house! The floor of the deck had also been added at the back of house, Bill had decided quite early on that it would run the length of the house rather than just a little thing outside the kitchen door. Both of us are looking forward to drinking tea/coffee/wine on the deck in the sunshine. Cheers!

Just by Spray Lake and Mount Shark

We enjoyed a very pleasant snow shoe last weekend in the vicinity of Spray Lake and the intersting profile of Mount Shark. Our final destination was Karst Lake via Watridge Lake. The sun shone, the temperatures rose and the vistas opened up as we progressed along our chosen route.

The route is multi use, namely for cross country skiers, snow shoers and winter walkers. As we stopped to take in the scenery we chatted to other folk out enjoying the great outdoors. At times we felt overdressed as we passed some quite scantily clad people; short sleeves with no hat or gloves visible but no one was in shorts! While some folk were clad in warmer gear as they had been into the back country areas.

The scenery was 'awesome'; the snow clad mountains surrounding us and that bright, bright sunshine and the blue sky. Thank goodness for sunglasses it was far too bright to be without them. We arrived at Watridge Lake which was completely frozen and covered in a layer of snow. It was frozen enough to walk/ski on and we watched as two people made their way across the lake and as two skiers made their way towards us and like us took time to take in the view and have a refreshment break. As ever Bill always comes up trumps at lunchtime, I don't know how he does it!

From the Lake we found a path which made its way towards the forest, wide at first and then quite narrow. Not a place for cross country skiers but there was evidence that snow shoers had been before us. In the forest where the sun's rays hadn't reached for a while the snow covered trees glistened in the light, it felt cooler too. The trail narrowed even more and began slowly to climb. We came to a bench and we watched and listened to the stream as it made its way down towards the Watridge Lake. The final few switchbacks took us to our journeys end, Karst Lake. Not quite a lake but a large pool of water emerging from the limestone.

Now it was easy to understand why the stream was full of mosses - all due to the minerals in the water. There was also a bench, not just to rest after the last push to each Karst Lake but to admire the view, mountains bathed in bright sunshine.

We were the only two people taking in this view and on our return journey there were many times on the trail when we were alone with this magnificent scenery.