... try and find us

Sometimes adventure comes in the way of familiar experiences done with new friends. Kate and I were sad to see our neighbors, the Eaglesons, move from their house beside ours on Broadview Road to a new one closer to the kids' school.  Our sadness quickly changed when we met the new neighbors, the Pettigrews, who are a delightful clan in their own right. Shortly after they moved in, Kate was at their door, armed with an apple pie and a big helping of Collins Family hospitality.  We soon found out they were escapees former residents of Winnepeg and their desire to play in the mountains (and job opportunities) had drawn them to Calgary.  We quickly decided they were too much fun to leave to find all the good things in the area all by themselves, so we appointed ourselves as their tour guides and took to dragging them out to our favourite cycling haunts, for both mountain- and road-bike rides.  So far we have toured around the river pathways, invited ourselves ove...

The most amazing ridge walk.  We were encouraged to do this hike by a family from Minnesota with two 14 y-o boys. What they did fail to mention however, is that they headed down off Mt. Cautley and did not attempt the chimney on Wonder Peak. After a fabulous tromp across the meadows studded with the flaming purple fireweed, we found the trail leading up Mt. Cautley - heading first to the ominously named 'O'Brien's Leap'. Stunning views over Assiniboine Pass.  We then trekked up the ridge, across the scree to a peak with gorgeous views across Bryant Valley and back over the meadows to the Lodge, Lake Magog and the towering Mt Assiniboine.  We followed the ridge to the summit proper of Mt. Cautley (2,880m).  The ridge walk was very impressive with snow still snuggled on the north face. After traversing a steep scree slope made up of many different rocks, we hit the first chimney.  Seemingly insurmountable without the use of ropes, we had faith in the tr...

Everything here elicits a Wow! There are no hikes that provide substandard views. Windy Peak is no exception. Stunning views.  The hike takes you through the Og Meadows, about 3km of trail framed by magnificent peaks. It runs across the lower slopes of Cave Mountain then switchbacks up Og Mountain to Windy Redge.  It certainly lived up to its name with a fierce wind blowing.  The ridge dropped off sharply but afforded stunning views across the Sundance Range and Banff national Park.  Yes, here we were on the brink of the Continental Divide.  Gord Pettigrew, here is a great one to ass to your list! It was an out and back hike. Crossing the meadows is somewhat unfairly referred to as 'The Slog from Og' due to the long hike across.  With the peaks of Assiniboine, Magog and Strom, along with their associated glaciers, as a backdrop, who could call it a slog? Along with the numerous ground squirrels and chipmunks, we also saw a long-tailed weasel and ...

No guessing where we are going We are enjoying the lovely weather here and the lack of tourists.  A good portion of the joy I get out of being here comes from the solitude.  Hiking all day and seeing four or five other groups helps to let my mind wander.  I am not concerned with how fast or slow anyone else is; I am not overhearing other conversations; I am not seeing discarded trash on the trail.  If we are taking turns at the front (as the trails are often single track), I can sometimes forget I am with anyone.  The scenery seems bigger and draws me in more. The quiet gets into me and I end up solving the world's problems in my head.  It's pretty awesome. View from the Nublet As we had fresh legs, we decided to hike up to The Nub, which is part of a series of high points called (in ascending order) the Niblet, the Nib, the Nublet and finally, the Nub.  We made it to the Nublet and the weather seemed to be turning.  The one day of forec...

Helicopter.  This is certainly the way to get into the backcountry.  Despite delays due to roadworks on Highway 1 and our car overheating, we managed to get into Assiniboine, albeit on a later flight. View across Lake Magog meadows towards Mt. Assiniboine   The scenery was amazing.  We flew up Bryants Creek, almost touching the treetops as we rounded Cone Mountain.  Wonderful views of Marvel Lake, we went around Mt Cautley and the red rooftops of Assiniboine Lodge and Naiset Huts came into view. What a glorious location!  Snuggled in the large valley, looking across Lake Magog to the lofty and majestic Mt Assiniboine that soars to 3,618m. The alpine meadows are ringed by peaks with the odd glacier cascading down. We are staying in Aster Hut, a rustic hut sleeping eight in double bunkbeds.  There is no electricity, wifi or flush toilets.  The cookhouse is very well equipped, the joy of which is we need only carry in food and sleeping ba...

The Peak from the saddle I am King of the World! Gord Pettigrew, a recent import from Winnipeg, expressed a desire to climb a mountain peak from bottom to top.  And where better to do this than a scamper up Ha Ling Peak (2,407m) towering above Canmore.  It was a beautiful day, glorious sunshine, not too hot.  In the 5.5km round trip, the elevation gain is over 850m, a good cardio workout for those of us maintaining our fitness a little shy of peak! We reached the summit in time for lunch so enjoyed spectacular views up and down the Bow Valley, the Spray Valley and over Goat Range.  There was much more chatting on the hike down as we were all able to breathe!  A beer at The Rose and Crown capped the day off beautifully.  Gordon was impressed with the hike and is now eyeing off other peaks to conquer! The reward at the bottom! On the summit of Ha Ling

Hanging with Alena! One of the perks having the flexibility of time we currently enjoy is the ability to just hang out. One of our favourite hanging buddies is our 3 y-o great niece, Alena.