Three months last Saturday!

Who would believe it three months since we landed, we seemed to have packed in so much. It's hard not to keep sending emails, and letters, to family and friends full of all the new things we have seen and done. The weather has been interesting to say the least here in Calgary with early snow falls and low temperatures followed by more 'normal' autumnal temperatures. We awake on Saturday expecting rain only to find snow. We reside on the western side of the City and quite high up, 0ver 4,000 ft, and so we received over 10 cms of snow! The weather forecast caught up with the weather once the snow had stopped falling, weather forecasters have he same problems here with getting it right.

We have been out exploring; Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and the areas around Bragg Creek. There are so many things to see, explore and do. Most of the Provincial Parks provide a variety of all year round use for example hikes in the summer become snow shoe routes and cross country skiing routes in the winter. The scenery is ever changing as winter nears, it is strange however to see snow trees fully laden with leaves which haven't dropped yet. In the garden we have a rowan tree full of leaf and berries, following the snows and low temperatures the leaves have turned brown but the berries by contrast are still bright red. Lots of the Canadian Robins have been flying through on their way to better weather. On our local walks through the ravines and green spaces, the aspen trees are the same although their leaves have curled and have turned a rather unpleasant shade of yucky green/brown but they still rustle in a breeze. The oddest sound is that of melting snow dropping from the trees and at the same time hearing the rustle of leaves!

We spent a pleasant day in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park,as it was a Monday there were very few travellers on the road and we had the park to ourselves most of the time. Our journey from Calgary was interesting as we travelled through rain, sleet and snow. There was very little snow on the ground in the Park and the clouds hung low, affording glimpses of the snow covered high mountains. Certainly come again weather.

We had a picnic lunch in one of the day use areas, it was a pleasure to sit and eat our lunch surrounded by awesome mountains and have only the sounds of nature for company. Our journey ended at Canmore, at the Nordic Centre, where there was a 400 metre track already available for skiing! They open officially on November 15th. we shall be visiting again and trying out those trails.

Three months on and one of us has a job, we have ups and downs (mostly Zof re:finding a job)but mostly ups. Home sick ? .... no time really too much to see and do!

Sunday morning .....

Sunday morning we woke up to snow, yes snow in October.

All gone by the end of the day. Today, Wednesday, snow flurries, a little hail and at 4.56 pm the sun is shining. As the Calgarian winter begins to play out we are enjoying the changing scenes not just day to day but also minute by minute.

The mountains look stunning in their winter coats of white glistening snow. Unfortunately the big lens is in store so no photos, yet.

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.

Settling in

Five weeks really have whizzed by; not much time to sit and contemplate. We collected our new vehicle a week ago and it really has given us 'freedom'. We have decided to look for property in either the SW or NW of Calgary; this side of Calgary has quick access to Highway 1 and the mountains.

Last weekend we went hiking in Kananaskis/Peter Loughead Provincial Parks. As we passed through Canmore the locals looked fit and tanned - I think we have some work to do in tightening those muscles! The Nordic Centre is well worth a visit as it has maps, trails, biking trails and a new sport disk golf, all good fun and it gets you into the great outdoors. The views really were spectacular. Our journey took us past Grassi Lake off the tarmaced road and onto dirt cum gravel ... our nice new clean car not for long.

We passed long horned sheep, a cute young black bear on our journey to the trailhead; sorry no photographs why? Because we decided to watch and the camera remained on the floor of the car. Next time it will be see the animal and take a photograph. We hiked upto Windy Pass and were greeted by a welcoming breeze, a group of friendly Canadians and views that did take your breath away. What wonderful places Bill takes me to for lunch! Our sanwiches never tasted so good. The breeze meant that there were few biting insects about. We certainly enjoyed seeing what is on our doorstep and easily within an hours drive from SW Calgary where we are staying.

The job front is slow, we have put in a number of applications and are now just waiting to see what becomes of them. Zofia has also put in papers to the Alberta Teaching Association for accreditation of her qualifications: nothing is cheap 250C$ and then a further 85C$ at the Notary. All copies had to be 'notarised' I had a shock as the Notary was signing and stamping each copy as two people before us had paid 25C$ for just one signature on a document. So imagine the relief when he said 85 dollars .. phew! The Association didn't seem to think that sending originals by post wasn't normal. The Notary however did agree with us - never send originals by post. Also UK trained teachers in Alberta must contact every post secondary institution for a transcript of the course studied, these transcripts must be sent directly to the Alberta Teacher Association so it doesn't matter if you have a copy with you it won't count. Also you will need to contact the GTC for a statement of Professional Standing. Once everything as arrived at the Registry the process will take 11 - 14 weeks.

Usually when we come on holiday in the summer thoughts at this time of August turn to returning home and going back to work. We guess that psychologically this week will be one of emotional turmoil for us both, as we are not returning from holiday .. in fact this summer has been busy completing paperwork, applying for jobs (not a usual holiday activity), finding our way around, looking at showhomes and contemplating a mortgage and oh hoping for an improved exchange rate!

Two weeks have flown

Two weeks ago we left Manchester Airport a little delayed in taking off and charged with emotions difficult to set down in words. Once airborne thoughts turned to our forthcoming adventures. We made up a fair amount of time in the air and landed only fifteen minutes late at 6.45 pm. What followed was unbelievable; we left the aircraft, proceeded through immigration, collected our bags went through customs and were walking out through the doors by 7.30 pm!! The family were not expecting us through so quickly and there were no parking charges to pay at the airport.

We arrived to warmth and sunshine, although the weather this past week has been interesting what with thunderstorms, lightening displays, hail and torrential downpours.

One of the first things we did was visit our Bank and alter a few things with our account and apply for a credit card. We also exchanged our old UK driving licences for Alberta ones; we took the sight test, had our photographs taken and are awaiting our new licences. We also went into the City to obtain our Social Insurance Numbers - the cards have already arrived. We hope that our PR cards will also arrive soon. Once these have all arrived we will be able to register for our medical cards. Cards with your name, photograph and address are invaluable here.

Bill spent a great deal of time researching vehicles: we are fortunate to have our nephew's car for use. Car reports reflect a different set of values to the ones we were used to in the UK: reliability is key here and the Japanese producers top the tables, could be due to the fact that they import their models from Japan and therefore have a better hold on build. The makes we would usually go for do not come out well in reports and also are on the pricier side. We have opted for a Toyota 4Runner which give us the ability to navigate mountain and logging roads to reach trail heads for our hikes. Having credit reports from Experian and Equifax proved useful when looking for a small amount of financing.

We spent time looking at car insurance, wow what a shock we were quoted over 3000C$ for the pair of us! However, we remembered Wiki on the British Expats site and we found a company, Canadian Direct, which took into account our driving records from the UK. Prior to leaving the UK we changed our licences to the new plastic ones and on receipt of them also received paper copies of our driving record.

The exchange rate is not doing what it is supposed to so we are only exchanging enough monies for the car deposit and for living expenses at the moment. We hope it will rise somewhat when we come to buying a house.

We have both applied for jobs in a variety of sectors hoping to utilise our transferable skills acquired through so many years of teaching. Fingers crossed.

Two weeks in and we feel it is time to slow down a little and relax.