Ice, Glass or Crystal? No, Water at Heart Creek!!

The sounds of a moving creek are soothing at any time of the year but when that time occurs after a long period of cold weather it can be even more appreciating. Hiking at Heart Creek just east of Canmore in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada I was privileged to be able to view and hear the sounds of rushing water cascading over the rocks and log jams along the route. Amazingly, the waterfall which is the primary feature of the hike was a block of solid ice

Mountain Lake Serenity

These photographs were taken at Upper Kananaskis Lake located in Kananaskis Country in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Although this particular day was cool no ice was yet forming on the waters. The trails that I hiked in this area, those around the lake were easy to hike with only slight elevation gain. This area is well travelled by bears so bear spray is an absolute necessity. I plan to return to the area in the spring/summer to hopefully do some back-country camping.

Alberta Back-Country Hiking

Last weekend I hiked the areas west of Bragg Creek, Alberta which included the back-country areas of Kananaskis. One of the areas I hiked was Little Elbow Trail, at the end of highway 66. There was not much elevation change in my experience but I did venture across the bridge that leads into a pure "natural oasis". Because of recent bear encounters, I did not explore the area in depth as I did not have my bear spray. But I fully intend to revisit the area next summer to experience a true camping experience in the depths of the Rocky Mountains.

 

Beaver Habitat in the Rocky Mountains

The beaver is a respected animal in Canada. Our Canadian nickel is adorned with the image of a beaver. On Sunday, November 25, the second leg of my hike in Kananaskis Country in Alberta, was at Beaver Lodge, located where the foothills meet the Rockies. Beaver Lodge, on low land at the side of the Elbow River, hosts river tributaries, and marsh land ideal to support colonies of beavers. There are visible beaver dams along the trail. The hike is quite spectacular in the late fall/early winter as the ice is still struggling to form amidst the fast moving waters.

Beaver Dam is visible "rear centre"

Winter Freeze Settling on Waterfall

Late fall/early winter is a beautiful time of the year but it can be extremely challenging to capture those perfect photographs. Fortunately, I live less than an hour away from the Rocky Mountains which provides a perfect backdrop for photographs regardless of the season.

On Sunday, November 25 I headed off to Kananaskis Country near Bragg Creek, Alberta. I hiked three trails in the area, all which had a different story to tell. The first of which I feature tonight is Elbow Falls.The falls are only about 3 metres high but despite this are still very stunning. The canyon leading from the falls is equally as gorgeous.

Waterfall in the Winter

This weekend I hiked the trails of Grotto Canyon in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. I used my newly purchased crampons so I would not have to use all of my energy trying to stay upright on the ice formed in the deep canyon. I went further than I did last weekend, reaching the caves and hoodoos of the valley. Winter in the canyon has proven to be splendid. I have never been to Grotto Canyon in other seasons but do look forward to visiting in the spring and summer.

I also hiked in Kananaskis (also in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta) this weekend, at Elbow Falls, Little Elbow Trail and Beaver Lodge. I will post photographs in the coming days.