With spring finally here you can look forward to many new things happening at Friends of Banff Park Radio. Alpine Authors will have some new interviews airing this spring, including Lynn Schooler, author of Walking Home which won an award for Best Book at the 2010 Banff Mountain Festival Book Competition, Bill Waiser with his book Park Prisoners and Graeme Pole with his latest book Classic Hikes in the Canadian Rockies: An Altitude SuperGuide. You can also listen to a podcast of Allan Buckingham’s interview with artist Robert Sinclair here.

Now here are some events that are happening this spring you might want to check out:

The 12th annual Spring Bird Walk is happening Saturday, April 16^th and every Monday thereafter. The meeting takes place at 7:50am and the walk starts at 8:00am. This is a social opportunity for all locals and migratory visitors too. It’s a great way to know community members who share the same aspirations. For more information you can email banffcommunitybirdwalk@hotmail.com.

John Reilly is reading from his latest book Bad Medicine, at the Banff Public Library next Tuesday, April 19^th. You can pick up a copy of this great book in the Friends of Banff retail store, The Bear and the Butterfly at 214 Banff Avenue.

On Father’s Day, June 19^th, Jeff Gailus will be speaking about wolves and bears at The Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre’s ninth annual Open House. He’ll be joined by his friend and fellow writer (and world-class photographer) Peter Dettling. Northern Lights is just north of Golden, BC, in the Blaeberry Valley, and the event runs from noon until 5 pm (MST). Admission is Free. For more information for more information you can check out northernlightswildlife.com or call 1-877-377-WOLF.

Have a wonderful spring and be sure to keep visiting the Friends of Banff website for more information on what’s new and happening in the Bow Valley. You can also download and enjoy listening to all of Park Radio’s podcasts at parkradio.ca.

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En Vino Novellus

On March 20^th, 2011 at the Alpine club of Canada, there was a community event that paired local books by Canmore authors to different kinds of wine. Each author did a reading, spaced throughout the evening while guests sipped the flavour of the words and celebrated the creativity of Canmore's writers. En Vino Novellus was free and open to all. Some of the authors that were featured that evening have previously chatted with Allan Buckingham on the Park Radio show Alpine Authors. You can check out the podcasts for these interviews by following these links: Christine Thorpe with The Fact of Belonging, Rob Alexander with The History of Canmore, Jeremy Kroeker with Motorcycle Therapy, Angie Abdou with The Canterbury Trail, and Stephen Legault with The Darkening Archipelago. You can find all of these amazing books in the Friends of Banff’s retail store The Bear and the Butterfly, on 214 Banff Avenue.

 

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Anyone who's ever broken a bone has experienced the magical healing of the human body. While I know it often sucks while you're waiting for that healing to happen, eventually it does, and it's pretty darn cool. It was just over a year ago the I spiral fractured my tib and fib ski touring on observation peak, and finally in the last few weeks the snow and my schedule have combined to let me get out into the backcountry once again. But now I have two problems. 

First, my magical body didn't automatically rebuild all my skiing muscle, and stretch my ligaments in all the same ways I do touring. So now I have to slowly rebuild these muscles, and stretch as appropriate. Plus give my body time to heal. Which leads directly into the second problem I'm having which is that the snow right now is far too good to leave alone, and has quickly reminded me why I love skiing. 

With the weather now warming up and the snow continuing to fall, it will be harder and harder to keep from going out skiing. I'll have to though, because it's important to let my magical body do its thing. I don't want to be out of commission any longer then I have to be. 

Allan

PS I know this would be better with pictures, but I was having too much fun skiing and forgot to take pictures. 

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For those of you keeping track, yes, it's true.  My summer internship with the Friends of Banff (and summer itself?) is over... but, I'm not ready to go home, quite yet.  Good thing, too!  As it turns out, I'm needed!

As fate would have it, my stay in Banff will be several months longer.  An opening at Park Radio for October and November was offered to me, keeping me here until early December.  Now I get to experience the mountains for the change of the seasons and the beginning of winter!  No doubt, my exaggerated fear of elk will resurface during the rut and I'll be ingesting hefty, daily doses of ColdFX to ward off mountain strains of the common cold.. but Rocky Mountain autumn?  Ready or not!

To prepare for my move over to Park Radio, I've been spending progressively more time there.  Production and performance are far cries from my active skill set, but I've dusted off my learning cap and am in the process of throwing my inhibitions to the wind.  During the course of my education, I've been lucky enough to be present for a number of interesting and informative interviews.  My favourite was last week's from Alpine Authors where Allan Buckingham interviewed Kathryn Manry about her new book, West on One.  Kathryn is primarily an artist by trade, but upon discovering a number of interesting local stories that were deserving of a larger audience, she decided to write a book.  She had completed a photo essay by the same name when she'd been in school, but as she says herself, it was clear the pictures needed a story to go with them.. and vice versa.  Her book focuses on the TransCanada Highway and the scenery along the highway between Calgary and Lake Louise.  You wouldn't believe some of the stories she uncovered.. stories that even a Bow Valley local might not know!  I've just begun her book, and am up to my eyeballs in TransCanada highway history... and loving it!        

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So here's a little bit about what's going on with me.. I suppose it's an understatement to say that I've got a bit of catching up to do.  When last I wrote, I'd just gone on my first paddling adventure... and even though that was weeks ago, I'm still itching for another chance to be out on the water.

Thankfully, last Wednesday, the Friends of Banff and Park Radio team got together for a bbq on the shores of Lake Minnewanka.  This was my first trip to the 'Lake of Evil Spirits' (in Nakota) -- how exhilarating to shoot out across the water, and travel down the centre of this 28km lake in a little motor boat!  I'll tell you that, still very much the Ontario girl I was a few months ago, I can't think of much that compares to a sunny day on the lake, surrounded by mountains.  Add to that the good company, the good sangria and the great food, and you have yourself a winning combination!  We set ourselves up about 3km down the lake, on a little, rocky beach, riddled with alpine driftwood.  The Friends of Banff canine, Nike, embodied the mood as he bounded up and down the beach, bouncing between greeting new boatloads of people and attempting to scavenge bison burger bits from the makeshift driftwood picnic table.  Our stomachs full, and our eyelids heavy, we eventually began the trip back to the dock, our cars and eventually, home.  I've never been to one before, but I doubt a team bbq could have gone any better.

On to the weekend!  I woke up early on Saturday morning, with not really a clue as to what I'd be doing that day.  I knew I wasn't much in the mood for hiking, but I definitely wanted to do something new-- an adventure.  I was nothing short of delighted when my roommate invited me on a trip to Calgs and the Calgary Farmer's Market.  The closest thing to a farmer's market that I've ever been to is a roadside blueberry stand in Northern Ontario, so this was a pleasantly new experience.  A packed parking lot accurately foreshadowed the high energy within the walls of the market.  Walking in was an overwhelming experience of being bombarded with the smells of fresh berries, lavender, sharp cheeses and fragrant veggies.. not to mention the sounds of vendors chatting with the the hundreds of customers, browsers and pedestrians.  I could very easily see myself justifying a weekly jaunt, either by bus or by hired car, to this market-- I wouldn't even need to buy anything!  No doubt, I'd be content to wonder the pathways holding a Phil and Sebastian javski.. or maybe some Dolce de Leche gelato..  That being said, this last weekend had me purchasing some local rhubarb, cilantro, roma tomatoes and purple onions.  I can't tell you how amazing the pesto I made, that night, was!  I mean, I could, but it's one of those things that just doesn't translate the way I wish it would.

Calgs consisted of a few more stops that had me appreciating stores like The Great Canadian Superstore and Winners, far more than I ever have before.  Nothing on Banff, but when the average price of a t-shirt from town to city differs by more than $20, how can't I be a little giddy?  Another question-- is it a little blasphemous to say that visiting Calgs made me realize I sort of miss the city?  A little?  :)     

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Sorry I haven't been around much.  I feel sort of ashamed to admit that I've taken the past two weekends at an incredibly lackadaisical pace, not doing much other than planting myself in front of the Food Network for hours at a time with the occasional glance at my computer or the Oprah's Bookclub volume I started 1.5 months ago.  I attempted to justify said behaviour with nightly runs, but not even I'm buyin' it anymore.

Thankfully, this past saturday, I was invited to "go paddling" with a group of local enthusiasts.  Saturday morning, I was up in a flourish (slight exaggeration..) and without checking the weather, dressed in shorts, flip-flops and no sleeves, I was out the door.  The keen of you will have picked up on the problem, immediately.  In my defense, my Muskoka mind groups canoes and paddle trips with sun and leisure-- you would think that by now I would have realized where I am... and that where I am is Banff.. and Banff is not Muskoka.  And river paddling is not lake cruising.  And the Bow River is not Bay Lake.  But, no.  I arrived at the meeting place to find 5 other bodies dressed in neoprene and fleece, staring at me like I was the biggest loon they'd ever seen.  Luckily, they took pity on my innocence (read: ignorance) and drove me back to my house so I could change into something capable of withstanding the 5'C water (guaranteed to splash over the side of the boat).. not to mention the pseudo- katabatic winds (look it up, Onterrible) over the water.

Upon arriving at Castle Junction, where we'd be putting in, I couldn't help but notice how fast the water was moving..  I knew I was with experienced paddlers, but being somewhat inexperienced myself (in this area, at least), I couldn't help but feel a little intimidated.  The first few moments on the river felt similar to the first, wobbly skating strides I take at the beginning of each season.. a little unsure but gradually more stable.  Before I knew it, I'd mastered 'the pry', 'the draw' and perfected my forward and backward strokes.  

Something I learned: river paddling is all about the steering.  For most of the trip, it would have been easy to get by without any forward propulsion, at all.  The river current is so quick that it does a lot of the work for you-- thus river paddling's designation as the lazy Alberta sport.  Still, I'd pick it over climbing, any day!  

And then we came to the whitewater.. we'd gone about 3/4 of the trip without encountering much turbulence, but enough that I was [again] silly enough to think we were on whitewater.  As it happens.. we weren't.  We came out of an eddy, around a bend and all of a sudden there are waves up to there, rocks sticking out of the middle of the channel and huge, curling torrents!  My heart was racing!  There wasn't much to fear as we made it over the rapids (second largest in the area, only to Lake Louise) with little more than soaked shins... but it was SO exhilarating!  There's something to be said for being in control of the boat you're guiding over the waves... unlike certain other whitewater excursions..  I even joked at the end of the day about owing my party $80 plus $10 for transportation.  

All in all, it was a fantastic day and a wonderful feeling to be out on the water again.  Now, anybody up for some wakeboarding?  :)

Note:  On account of the fact that I didn't want my camera to plunge into the icy depths of the Bow, I opted for leaving it in the car-- therefore, it should be said, that the pictures in this post are not of the actual stretch of river we canoed, or on the same day.  But they're of the Bow!    

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So, it's been a while, eh?  Last week I played host to a friend from back home.  For the first time since my first week in Banff, I had entire days free to do whatever I wished.. well, not whatever I wished.. another person got to weigh in, too.

I had been fretting for a while over what we should do.  Obviously when I have a day off here, all I want to do is hit the trails, but I had another person to consider.  Should we hike what I'd already hiked, or try something new?  Daring, even?  I've been itching to tackle Rundle for the past month, but how fair would it be for me to ask her to do it with me?  Especially after my 2 months of altitude and fitness acclimation?  Not fair, at all.

What we ended up doing was a mishmash of the Disneyland BNP experience, and some good ol' fashioned hiking and exploring.  Sulphur Gondola, Icefields Parkway and Whitewater Rafting (so not impressed) balanced by some hiking of Tunnel Mountain, Sundance Canyon, Sanson's Peak, Peyto Lake Lookout, the Athabasca Glacier, Lake Agnes, Plain of Six Glaciers and Healy Pass.  Not too shabby?

I still feel like I did a terrible job of showing off everything that the Bow Valley has to offer, however my friend assures me she had a blast.. and that's even after the car fandango (which I won't get into), the party scenario (I'm a terrible host), the bakery fail (muffins should not equal breathing problems) and a bunch of other little snags.  

My favourite part of the entire week was hiking Healy Pass.  It was my first time, as well as hers, and the second we reached the meadow at the end of the hike, it was like I became Maria from The Sound of Music.  It was such a beautiful, beautiful scene.. I'm not even ashamed that I ran up the hill with open arms and threw in a few twirls at the end.  This scenery does the weirdest things to people.. it can't be just me..

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So Parks Day was celebrated by Park Radio in a truly and authentically Canadian fashion-- we escaped the hustle and bustle of town and spent 3 days hiking and camping/cabining in the backcountry of Kananaskis and Banff National Park.  Remember my apprehension?  It was apparently unfounded.. the only truly shocking thing was the difference in scenery.  WOW, but the mountains sure do pack a punch!  (Or, if you're like my uncle, viewing my pictures from back in Ontario, you might be saying "Why does every picture have a mountain in it?  It's getting kinda old."... are you? )  

We all met in Canmore, early Friday morning.  Our group had decided to take two cars so we could leave one at the Mt. Shark parking lot for when we hiked out.  One of the cars I'm actually purchasing in the not too distant future.. a manual transmission Saturn wagon from last decade.  The joke is that I have no idea how to drive stick.. or rather, I didn't.  As I was about to get into the other car for a nice, cushy passenger seat ride to the trailhead, I was handed keys to my [soon to be] wagon.  Oh. No.  A little terrified, I buckled myself into place and turned the key... no explosions.  Phew.  I ended up making it to the far side of town before I stalled out for the first time.. but not without a few 'hucka-huckas'.. the second stall was on the steep part of Spray Lake Road..  Let me tell you, there are some very definite pros and cons to getting your first lesson in stick-shift on a narrow, gravel, mountain road...  but please don't let this humble account fool you-- I was told I'm 'a natural'.. despite all.

The hike itself was gorgeous.  We followed an old logging road for a bit.  By five kilometres in, we'd already ascended through a dense forest and were emerging on a meadow full of levies from the melting glacier, not too far in the distance.  Navigating these levies was hilarious.  Myself and another had come without poles-- a hiking must for those who find the idea of debilitating muscle and joint pain in your 40s less than appealing.  Hopping whole channels, tiptoeing from rock to silt bar and even trusting rickety logs as support... we did it all.  Only one person from our group had much trouble.. and that is more than forgivable for two reasons:  1.  She made us laugh hysterically with every shriek and protest  and 2.  She's 4'11'.  

We proceeded to hike over the pass, through the still plentiful snow, and back down into the Upper Spray Valley.  I have to admit, during this time, I had fallen into a bit of a silence.. a determined silence.  The mosquitoes were worse than I could have ever imagined!  Their swarming was wearing on my nerves...  it was all I could do not to run stark, raving mad into the river!  Finally, there was a merciful breeze and I remembered that there would be a cabin and relief, soon.  

(To be continued..)     

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Just so you know, my 'Sorta Camping' turned out to be a massive success.  There are tales to tell, but due to the hectic state of the office today, I haven't had time to begin writing them all down.  Soon.  Soon.  In the meantime, please enjoy a little selection of vistas from the first day-- a bit of a photoessay.  There are tons more where this came from, and I solemnly swear to do everything within my power to share them with you before midweek.  

Enjoy!

(I was being Ansel Adams..)

(Finally, "Cabin Ho!")

(Just the view from the dinner table.. no big deal.)

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So here is an exciting development for this self-proclaimed 'local'!  In direct contrast to my leisurely World Cup weekend from a few days ago, I'm now looking ahead to a weekend of backcountry camping!  Well, sorta camping..  The truth of it is that the group of us that are partaking of this epic trek (through the wildest of the Canadian West) will not be staying within walls of canvas and piping.  No, we'll trade that specific brand of 'comfort' for a ranger cabin, thank you, very much.

The thing of it is, I'm a few years out of practice when it comes to camping.. and alpine camping (or cabining..)?  Never have I ever.  Don't get me wrong-- I'm not intimidated.  ...but if I'm being honest, I might be a little apprehensive.  What do I bring?  How do I pack?  Any camping I've done in the past has been with a canoe, and a pack that only has to be carried for 20min at a time.. usually 50lbs, or so.  With a hike upwards of 15km and no boat, what does that add up to?  Not to mention the bipolar weather.  We could be hiking into anything from the warmest sun (note: bring sunscreen) to a summer blizzard (no really.  It snowed last night.  No joke).  How am I supposed to prepare for that range?!  I'm thinking I'll end up at Monod's at some point tomorrow.. looking for some miracle fabric..

I have also been informed that myself and another gal are responsible for a breakfast.  I can't decide if they asked the right person, or the wrong person.  Breakfast is my love-- there is no better way to start the day than with a delicious, big breakfast.  French toast with strawberries and mascarpone cheese?  Belgian waffles with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh peaches?  Silver dollar pancakes with butter and maple syrup?  Le sigh.  Unfortunately, none of these options are fit for a trip such as this.  And so I pose this question:  How do I make a culinary compromise?!  I don't know that I'm actually capable.. there's very little I'll settle for, but food is paramount!  I'll take any suggestion!  Otherwise, muffins it is.  

Please don't let it be muffins.  What kind of people are you, anyway?     

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The World Cup. 

Sunday was the final game of the 2010 World Cup, held in South Africa.  The game was between the Netherlands and Spain (blegh).

I've never been interested in soccer.. or futball, depending upon which side of 'the pond' you call home.  This year though, I was definitely intrigued.  Was it David Bisbal and Shakira on the FIFA soundtrack?  Was it residual national/international pride, leftover from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics?  Was it South Africa?  Was it that CBC special?  Was it a combination of all of the above?  Probably.

11:30ish am on Sunday morning, I was tumbling down Sulphur mountain, already late for saving a seat at the local pub.  Luckily, my friend Allan, whom I was meeting, had actually gotten there on time and secured prime seating across from at least 3 of the bunches of televisions in the place.  What a gem!  

I'd gone into the game not really knowing who I was rooting for.  I was leaning towards the Netherlands because A) they were underdogs, B) they were totally pulling off bright orange uniforms and C) we were surrounded by a sea of orange, at the pub.  Plus, to be quite honest, I'd had a mental image of a friend from Spain's online photo circa the Germany-Spain game, and it was enough to make me hope for Spain's humiliation (it was grotesque so I will not share it here..).  Upon deciding I was rooting for the Netherlands, I looked down at myself and.... realized I was wearing yellow and red.  Fantastic.

The game started and guess what I quickly realized?  I hate futball.  Holy moly that sport is absolutely infuriating!  The amount of times players took dives without ever having been touched.. and the way they rolled around on the pitch, "in pain"... guess what dude-- if you were *actually* in pain, you wouldn't be able to move like that!  Now, as a Toronto fan, I'm no stranger to one sided refereeing, but this game took that frustration to a whole other level.  Within minutes, at least half of the Netherlands players had been awarded yellow cards while Spain's players were free to dive about without consequence.  My hate for Spain grew...

As long (or so it seemed) as this game went on, and as much as it messed with my blood pressure, I have this to say about my experience:  watching sporting events in a bar is the most genius idea.  Sure, at home it may feel a little easier to express every burst of joy and anguish (or at least I enjoy this feature.. ) but watching in public offers a whole different dynamic.  First, cheering in groups is exhilarating.  The sound of a collective voice really boosts one's energy.. which is saying a lot considering you're seated, much of the time.  Second, I like the idea of having opposing ideologies in the same space.. ie.  You've got the other team's fans at the table next to yours.  I need to remember this, come hockey season.

In double overtime (yes, I'm going to use hockey speak, now), Spain finally scored and ended up winning.  This was sad for me, and for the rest of the orange in the bar.  And so anticlimactic!  As if that wasn't enough, it gave Paul, the clairvoyant octopus, a perfect record of predicting World Cup games.  Curse you, Paul.

And so, thanks to World Cup 2010, I have decided that it would be in my best interest to stick to hockey.  Those dudes will never roll around on the ice or swish their long locks in a dramatic slow motion shot after a goal, or avoiding a penalty.  Hockey is my sport.  Thank goodness.    

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A night off, a beautiful day, and multiple options for after work activities.  I ended up choosing a short hike through Sundance Canyon.. the following are a few pictures I took.  Lazy blog today?  Yep :)  Just not much to say.  I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Was what they had to say interesting?

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Busy, busy, busy.  I haven't even had time to stop and smell the flowers..

Oh wait.  This morning, after completely missing my chance at achieving zen before 8am (free yoga in the park..), I strolled down the hill, through Cascade Gardens, at a leisurely pace.  I usually steam right through in an attempt to make up my coffee getting minutes, but today I was early.  I walked right through the gardens, and let me tell you something.. they are gorgeous!  I remember my first month here, the beds of earth were nothing but some dull soil-- but after adding ample amounts of fertilizer (trust me.  Ample.) and planting a myriad of colourful flowers, it's a whole different effect.  

The only thing is, it would seem that the most pleasant time to enjoy them is in the early morning.  I think the workers start at 730ish, and the tourists flood the place as soon as they're done their breakfasts... usually for the rest of the day.

So if you're looking for something to do at 6am (and I know you are), a visit to Cascade Gardens may be just the ticket.  Forget yoga-- I'm buzzing on floral zen. 

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Wow, was I not in the mood to go hiking, yesterday.  All set for a day of gloom, I was holed up in my room, temporarily perched in front of my computer and eyeing the book I was given to read about 1970s India (with an Oprah's bookclub designation).  What happened then?  My roommate swooped in and announced we should hike Cory Pass.  I blew over the hike description in her guide, thinking a quick hike might do wonders to improve my mood-- my brain registered the words "steep", "very steep" and "partial scramble" but it didn't bother to think about what they might mean...  

2 hours later I was tired, hungry and [truly] grumpy (due in large part to the former)-- not to mention still 30min from the Pass.  If the entire sky hadn't been so overcast, I'm certain you would have been able to spot one little grey cloud hovering over my head.  

My sour mood produced several trains of thought during the hike.. let me share with you, some of them.. 

What is up with trail running?  Ok, I get it.. running trails like Fenland and even Tunnel Mountain.. ones not significantly difficult, fit for a running shoe and with fairly consistent weather .. that I get.  But running Cory Pass?  Are you kidding me?  There are places where the trail is less than half a meter wide!  It is rocky and unstable.. and STEEP!  How is it 'good for you' to run down (or up) a mountain?  My knees were killing me and I was walking!  What do they do to alleviate pressure on their knees?  They run carrying ski poles!  Ok, they're for the steepness I mentioned.. but if the trail is so steep you need poles, why are you running?  Also, what is up with the 'costumes' trail runners wear?  The fabric leaves nothing to the imagination-- and while there's nothing truly wrong with that, I have to wonder what kind of protection space-age spandex onesies can provide from the hail and howling winds we experienced at the top of the pass..

Which brings me to the next little rant.  Alberta weather, I would like to offer you a wake up call.  It's July.  Hail, snow, temperatures less than 10 degrees?  Unacceptable.  I travelled several thousand kilometers to spend my summer here and frankly, the weather of late has been rather inhospitable.  Take a note from Ontario and consider throwing some 30 degree days into the mix.  Please. 

That was probably only about a 10min taste of what was going on in my mind, yesterday.  And remember, the hike was about 5 hours...

My ranting aside, I've got to admit that nothing cures the blues (or the mean reds) like reaching a summit and turning around to survey the landscape.  AMAZING--I became almost giddy!  Cory Pass was the coolest hike I've done so far, and comes highly recommended.  Honestly, if it hadn't been for several extenuating circumstances, I know I would have enjoyed all 5 hours.  As it is, I know I have to hike Cory Pass again-- for one, I have to readjust my memory of it for the better, and two?  I HAVE to take more pictures.  The opportunities were innumerable and I took advantage of only a few.           

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CANADA DAY!

I can't decide which of this week's holidays I was more impressed with-- my birthday or Canada Day.  Both were record-making and will go down in the history books.  

I was particularly excited for Canada Day not only for the simple things.. like a day "off" (YES!!).. but also because having grown up in a border city, I'd never really experienced a truly patriotic Canada Day (I still vow to one day spend it in Ottawa).  Of course, I'd planned to soak up as much of the red and white Canadiana as I possibly could.. this didn't quite come to pass..

However!  I am anything but broken hearted about it.  Let me explain.

My hope to sleep in ended up being in vain-- I was up for a 6am skype sesh with my dearest cousin, who was on her way to an [isolated] Algonquin Park summer job.  After that, I rushed to get ready for my (volunteer) gig, hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire/Get to Know Parks Canada?  I didn't get to give out a million dollars, but I did get to yell at the tourists in line for free pancakes.  Oh!  And you know those beavers at the [amazing] Olympic closing ceremonies?  They were there.  I got a picture with one.  

Back to the house I went, happy to get away from the crowds of people milling about, waiting for the festivities to begin.  It was about then that I made the decision to disappear from civilization for the day, and go off on a hike to Stanley Glacier.  I'd been told this was a hike I must do, and I concur.  

It's located in Kootenay National Park-- a 40min drive from Banff.  Oh, and make sure you're watching the highway signs because I missed the one saying we were leaving Alberta and entering British Columbia.  I found out I'd been in BC all day on the drive back.. :)

Anyway, the hike is through the part of Kootenay that was ravaged by forest fire a few years back--38km2!  It's amazing how a place can look so barren and dead, but also so beautiful and alive.  The wildflowers were beginning to come out and were a stark contrast against the charcoal logs around them.  The hike itself was nothing too challenging, but I'm starting to wonder if I should be investing in a pair of these hiking poles I see so much.  Apparently they aid in providing some support for your knees on the way down.. a time that I dread, when I can feel the tendons and muscles behind my kneecaps make their protest known.  I'm told that I'm too young to have this problem.. great.  I'm going need new parts by 40..  

The night ended with some David Bisbal, a toast to my birthday, a blisstastic nap and watching the fireworks explode over the trees without even having to leave my bed.  And that was my Canada Day-- not the projectile red and white that I'd thought it would be, but I'd argue a definitely more satisfying dose of Canadiana.  Do you know how many people on the trails wished me a 'Happy Canada Day"?  Lots.  I love it here.  

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Sooooo.. yesterday was my birthday.  

I'd been planning June 29th for over a month-- you see, I've been plagued, for the past few years, with truly treacherous birthdays... terrible, horrible days.  I absolutely refused to allow that to happen again, especially in Banff.

The day was beautiful and I found myself whistling the 'Happy Birthday' tune on my walk down to town in the morning.  I was granted some time off work (both works), and spent the afternoon baking yummable flourless chocolate cake while singing Shania songs at the top of my lungs.  

But I'm getting ahead of myself.. before partaking of that bliss, I spent my morning hiking Tunnel (in a skirt.. class at all times) with a group of Voluntourists who were participating in Parks Canada's Trail Tuesday.  What is Trail Tuesday, you ask?  Why, it is a weekly volunteer event when people get together to rehabilitate Banff's hiking trails.  This particular day, the group was working on reversing erosion caused by hikers cutting their own trails and taking shortcuts between switchbacks.  The trail is there for a reason, people-- if you're not able to hike the whole thing, just turn around.. and if you're looking for something more challenging, try a scramble.  The erosion on Tunnel was evident, even to me, on my first day in Banff.  Since then, Parks and its Voluntourists have covered the worst parts with matting and put up additional signs to ward off any misplaced sense of adventure.  

The group was lively and worked carefully.  Most of them were from an outside organization called Outward Bound, and the individuals were from all over Canada.  There was a guy from the GTA among them--I always enjoy talking to someone from Onterrible who is experiencing the West for the first time... the stark contrast between the different regions usually garners the most interesting reactions.  Not to mention the proclamation, "I plan to live out here, someday."  or "I don't think I can go home!"  I'm wrestling with these thoughts, myself..  the thing is, isn't there so much more world to see before I consider lowering an anchor?    

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After a week of double shifts--late nights and earlier mornings--I could hardly justify sleeping in on my first day off, when I finally had the opportunity to go hiking.  I'd been waiting all week for a chance to take to the trails, and here was my chance.. at 8am on Saturday morning.

Mercifully, before going to the trailhead, we made a small detour to Laggan's Bakery in Lake Louise.  Again, mercifully, they carried a few gluten free options.  Hot choc coffee 50/50 and almond macaroon in hand, I was ready.  

We drove up to Moraine Lake, where the Consolation Lake trailhead is located.  Moraine Lake is the most phenomenally beautiful body of water I have ever seen.  It's kind of unnerving how blue it is-- it glows in this really intense, almost radioactive way.. especially when the sun hits it, just so.  I could have spent the morning there-- no hike necessary.  However, we quickly peeled ourselves away and set out crossing the first rockpile.  

Word to the wise: for those who are not sure of foot, do not do this hike.  You have to cross rockpiles and even the trail itself is riddled with rocks and roots more than many others I've encountered.   Other than that, I'd agree with one of my hiking buddies when she says it was a "wussy hike":)  Hey!  Don't judge-- we all had to work in the afternoon!  

As always, I was completely taken with the beauty of the scenery.  This time we were hiking through dense forest, along a very lively alpine stream.  All you could smell was water, moss, trees and the occasional flower.   When we emerged from the trees, a huge valley stood out before us.  There was Consolation Lake-- a deeper blue than Moraine, surrounded by trees, avalanche chutes, residual snow and plenty of rocks and scree.  

Along the way, we'd picked up another hiker-- Andy from Melbourne, who was hiking alone, heard our voices and decided to heed the warnings to hike in groups due to active carnivores in the area.  It's funny how fast friendships blossom, out here.  What is it that unites people so quickly (besides bear warnings...)?  By the end of the trail, numbers had been exchanged and plans had been made for the next day-- not by me, however.. I had the 'pleasure' of working.  

Oh yes.  Another highlight of the hike was the lichen on the trees.  --Anyone who has read the Georgia books (or just appreciates a good dose of sillyness now and then) will appreciate this.-- The lichen, it so happens, when carefully fashioned by a 'crazy Canadian girl' (Andy's words), makes a stupendous mustache!  

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And now, here is the post I promised to you two days ago..

This past Sunday, I joined a group of Banffies bound for a hike on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail in Lake Louise.  Banff is honestly the most friendly place I've ever visited-- I can think of a list of multiple other communities that could benefit from Banff's seemingly well protected secret.  I had just met these people at BikeFest, the day before, and all of a sudden, I'm spending the next afternoon with them.  Not only that, but also, upon stopping in a local store on the way home (same Saturday), I 'picked up' another hiking buddy-- I believe her and I are hiking Boom Lake, early Saturday morning. 

But back to Plain of Six.  Are you familiar with the David After Dentist viral video?  Most people are.  I cannot tell you how many times along that trail (let alone my time in Banff) I wanted to slur, "Is this real life?"  Imagine, if you will, walking along a pristine, turquoise, alpine lake.. hiking up next to a massive rock wall where recreational climbers are spending their afternoons..balancing on the ridge of glacial moraines in the middle of a glacial valley.. hugging another rock wall with the occasional waterfall cascading down the side and across the path.. watching (and hearing!!) huge avalanches at the end of the valley as massive pieces of glacier break off and fall down the rock.. and ending up at a quaint little teahouse with flavours like chocolate mint tea.  Are you holding that all in your mind?  Ok.  Well that was my afternoon.

Of course, I can't not make a fool of myself when I'm in the company of a new group of people.  Considering the cool weather of last week, I dressed myself in pants and a long sleeved top for hiking.  This proved to be a good decision.. that is, until..  Let me just say that I'm short.  Since I'm short, most of my pants are too long-- another in a long line of examples of clothing companies making their clothes for Barbie dolls.. Anyway, being too long, the hem of my pants caught on a rock as I was walking and partially tore itself off.  Not wanting to wreck my pants further (ironic) I attempted to rip off the entire hem.  I reached down, pulled and... RIIIIIIIIIP... all the way up my leg.  Fantastic.  I hiked the last 4 km back to the car looking like a castaway pirate.  Arrggghh, Matey.

Besides that little mishap, Sunday was one of my most pleasant days in the Park, thus far.  The combination of scenery, hiking and then driving the TransCanada listening to Bryan Adams was pretty potent Canadiana.

Speaking of, Canada Day is next week and I'm all a-flutter.  Thinking of what will be my first real Canada Day gave me heart palpitations at work, last night.  Coming from Windsor (not exactly a hub of Canadian pride...), I'm so eager to spend the day with flag tattoos on my arms and red glitter on my cheeks, pub crawling, taking in a concert or two and watching infamously amazing Canada Day parades.  !!!  Oh no.. there goes the heart again..         

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Don't you hate when it's a beautiful day outside and you're stuck inside working?  I could have had today off, too.. what a sucker, I am:)  However, now that I'm here, I have occasion to share my weekend adventures with you, fine folks.  

Saturday, I was a part of a team that helped with the Cruiser Crit registration-- an event that was a part of the much bigger Banff National Park BikeFest.  The Cruiser Crit is something of a fun race, and our table saw many dressed up in their heritage costumes with their creatively decorated bikes, by their sides.  The best one I saw was the group of guys that dressed in pirate themed clothing (except one who looked more like an 80s rocker/lumberjack hybrid).  They had even attached their bikes to a huge contraption, equipped with a sail, a rudder and a mainmast-- a ship!  Unfortunately, I heard their ship "ran aground" not too far into the race.. their victory was not meant to be, it would seem.

After the races, birthday cake (celebrating Banff National Park's 125th) was served to any and all.  Two huge, bilingual cakes were devoured by the masses.  As it happens, we cut and handed out the vanilla cake first-- you should have seen the scowls on the kids gathered around the chocolate cake.  One girl proclaimed that she "had been waiting for this since 6am!" and couldn't understand what was taking so long.  I agree with her-- who should ever have to wait for chocolate cake?  No one, I say.

I think I'll tell you about Sunday, tomorrow.  It's a longer tale with more pictures than is kosher for just one post.  Be patient, friends!    

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Pardonez moi pour m'absence dans sa blog.  I've been very busy and important, this week.  Yes, yes.  I know I posted yesterday.. but I still feel as if I've neglected these duties for the past couple days.  Why is this?  Well, I've been experiencing a whole different side of Banff, lately.    

I, not unlike many others in town, now have dual employee status-- in plain English, I have taken a second job.  This has morphed my workday from 8 hours, to 14 hours.  Having two jobs- and remember, I'm speaking from my single week of experience- isn't as hard as I thought it would be.  It's kind of nice to have the contrast.  At this point, my only complaint is that I don't have much time to do the hiking, running and other activity (not excluding grocery shopping and laundry..) that I've grown accustomed to, out here.  My intake rate of decadent desserts has also increased, ten-fold-- some dishwashers have all the luck!

My day starts at 7am with all the usual activities-- I walk to work numero uno and get there for an 830am start.  Websites, radio interviews, note taking, a few brainstorms and some walks to either Wild Flour or Evelyn's .. all of a sudden it's 430pm.  At this point, depending on how organized I was in the morning, I either pick up some quick food or head straight for the bus stop.  I arrive at work nombre deux shortly after 5pm, with just enough time to change and mentally prepare myself for when the clock strikes 530pm.  From 530 to 11pm, I wash dishes with the best of them (I really mean that.  But then, anyone may 'bear' the title of "best" when working with a newbie like me).  The people I work with really are great-- most come from abroad.  How cool is it that so many other people think this country is worth calling 'home,' even just for a while?  Another in a long line of reasons I'm so proud to be Canadian!  

Finally, the last bus comes, I'm on it and back at the house before midnight.  Shower, fire off a few emails and I'm ready to pass out.. wait, no I'm not!  Because I'm so full of energy after spending my last few hours in a heated kitchen, working as hard as I can ever remember working, that I can't even contemplate sleep.  I let the trains rolling in through the valley lull me off...

SUDDENLY MY ALARM GOES OFF-IT'S 7AM-LET'S DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN!

For the moment, I'm truly enjoying being so busy.  I may even find someone to watch Ghana and Aussieland with me, tomorrow!        

(Egalement, merci pour Pierre, pour l'inspiration sur ma Francais.  Je suis desole pour le quality ;) C'est la version de moi! )  

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