More driving, more travel. Here are a few images from yesterday’s drive along the Trans Canada Highway through Alberta and British Columbia (Canada).
The Alberta Rockies
Trans Canada Highway
Castle Mountain, Banff National Park
Golden, BC
Snow pile at the Rogers Pass Summit
Revelstoke, BC
Shuswap Sunset
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iPhone photography by Debra Hunter
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After days and days of cold temperatures and snow, it has finally warmed up . By afternoon the temperature had reached +2C and it seemed the perfect weather for a ski.
Today I decided to try Heritage Ranch for my ski spot, I thought a (literal) change of scenery would be nice, instead of skiing my usual route.
The trails were definitely a little bit slippy today with the warming temperatures. I will admit I paused at the top of the long hill before going down it, trying to decide how slippery it was going to be coming back up. After watching another skier tackle it with a slow “snowplow”, I decided to take the same approach.
As I only had a limited amount of time to ski, the plan was to go down to the base of the hill to the large open field and then turn around and go back up.
At the bottom of the hill I had a change of plan. It was pretty slippery in spots on the hill, and I knew it was not going to be fun going back up. I decided to go with “Plan B” and take the bridleway that snakes through the back way instead. It seemed to be a better option to break trail through fluffy snow, than spend the next 10 – 15 minutes sliding uphill. The “unofficial way ” seemed to be the most sensible option.
This just might be the last ski of the season, at least for skiing in Red Deer (Alberta, Canada). The forecast for the next six days is calling for temperatures above zero. Perhaps spring IS going to arrive.
iPhone pics by Debra Hunter
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Last night was the start of gardening season. It may be -22C with windchill outside, and snow deep on the ground, but it is time to get ready for the spring and summer growing season.
This year we are starting quite a range inside, even vegetables you traditionally directly seed into the garden, in an attempt to get some vegetables early.
The list of what we planted is as follows: tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage, lettuce, cilantro, basil, spinach, chard and kale. We also planted seeds for marigolds and calendula. Little bits of a large range of vegetables to hopefully get a head start on our 2017 garden.
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Just a few views from today’s wanderings through Banff and Yoho National Parks.
A quick get away to the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia allows for interesting views in every direction.
Castle Mountain, Banff National Park.
Kootenay National Park.
Traffic delays in Radium, BC.
Sunset over the Columbia Valley.
Late night outdoor swimming in the middle of winter at the pools at Radium Hot Springs. Water temperature was a beautiful +31C in the cold pool…..much hotter in the hot pool.
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A quick afternoon ski in Barrett Park (Red Deer, Alberta, Canada) made for a nice afternoon break. The sun helped to warm up the cold temperature Environment Canada was reporting, but the wind chill reared it’s ugly head as I skied in the south-west direction.
The trails have hardly been used since I was last on them. I think many people are thinking they are too icy, but in truth they are only really proving to be a problem on the uphills.
It is such a treat to have urban parks with ski trails set. It makes going for a ski no more difficult than going for a neighbourhood walk. The only downside is my snowshoes are feeling pretty lonely this year, having been pushed aside for skiing and the great workout it brings.
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With Christmas Day behind us, Boxing day always brings with it a very relaxed day. It is a nice break after enduring weeks over-scheduled with obligations. I like Christmas, I just don’t get the craziness. I like buying my family gifts, but it doesn’t need to be over the top. I prefer a rather laid back version of Christmas.
So as my family enjoyed the afternoon building with Lincoln Logs and Lego, and giving the PS4 a good workout, I ventured out to play with my new toys…..skis.
My husband and family treated me to cross country skiing equipment for Christmas. Years ago I skied a lot, but in recent years I had swapped skiing for snowshoeing. Now with everyone in school, I am able to sneak away during the day for an hour here and there, so it is the perfect time to get back into the sport.
We are lucky enough to have groomed trails just around the corner, with a lovely loop of trails in Barrett Park ( Red Deer, Alberta, Canada ). This makes for a picturesque ski with views of the woods, creek and bridges. This afternoon also included viewing a coyote in the distance, which is always a treat.
At -20C, it was cool out. My feet and body stayed warm with the skiing, but my legs, fingers and face sure felt the cold.
The final part of the ski also allowed me to watch the Boxing Day sun set. I’m sure there will be many more blog posts featuring skiing in the coming weeks.
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Just a few pictures from this evening to get in the holiday spirit. A couple of outstanding local light displays and some freshly baked Ice Box Gingerbread Cookies.
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(iPhone pics by Debra Hunter)
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Seems like we are always on the move and almost always headed west. The scenery from the road as we drive through Banff National Park never disappoints. Even on a cloudy October afternoon the mountains are stunning.
And of course every road trip includes a little knitting for http://www.handmade-canada.com .
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An unseasonably early snowfall has left us seeing white over the last few days in Alberta. Driving on the highway felt more like a trip in January or February, rather than just a few weeks into fall. The following are a few iPhone shots taken while driving down the Q.E.II highway. Not the best day for a drive.
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