Brrrrr....

Well, the summer temps were bound to end at some point... but even in the cooler weather, there is still an abundance of things to do around the Bow Valley. We toured around Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Banff, including taking the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mtn to enjoy the always spectacular views. We busted out the fishing gear, and casted our arms off at a couple of spots along the Bow River as well as at Grotto Pond. And today was the first time ever that we've been to Sunshine outside of the ski season. Even though the wildflowers have long since bloomed, the Meadows are amazingly beautiful... there has been a skiff of snow, and the brilliant yellow larch trees against a greyish sky gave the whole area a different perspective.

The forecast is looking reasonable for the weekend - by reasonable I mean no rain or snow!! So perhaps we'll get a few more climbing days in? If not, I know we'll find something to do, regardless. As I said before, any day NOT at work is a great day!!

Cheers.

Success!

Well the first couple of days here in the Bow Valley have been a success!

Wednesday, we didn't exactly get an 'alpine' start... however we were able to spend many hours sport climbing at Grassi Lakes. It was like our very own climbing gym! NOBODY else was there! At least not climbing. There were many people out enjoying the Indian Summer temps, hiking up and down the trails... but it wasn't until we left at 6:30pm that we saw another party of climbers.

Today (Thursday), we rolled out of the house before 5:30am, and proceeded to zip up to Edith Pass, then come down and continue on to Lake Louise... where again, the amazing quartzite cliffs at the Back of the Lake were empty! We had it all to ourselves, which is pretty much unheard of! We climbed there late into the afternoon, very much enjoying the crowd-free crag.

I'm not sure what the rest of the week will bring, but I'm sure it will involve being outside... perhaps more climbing, hiking or even fishing... To tell you the truth, it doesn't really matter. Any day that I do NOT have to spend at work, it is a great day!! It's just such a bonus to hang out in the Rockies!

Cheers.

The Rockies are my friends...

Ahhh, there aren't many sights more stunning than Alberta's Rocky Mountains! Especially in the fall - the trees turn firey shades of orange and yellow, and the first dustings of snow high up on the craggy peaks make the entire place seem so surreal, like a dream world. For the next two weeks, I'm going to be puttering around the Bow Valley - climbing, scrambling, hiking, taking pictures, and just enjoying the beauty of the change in seasons. I look forward to mountain adventures and great weather and meeting up with friends I haven't seen in ages! Let the games begin!