Got a good book I can borrow?

Or two, perhaps? I'm going to need something to read on the plane. That's right. On the plane. As in, JUMBO JET. Yep.... It is soon going to be vacation time for me.... I am taking a trip to New Zealand! Woot woot! I am soooo excited to be able to continue my quest to see the entire planet!!

To be honest, 2011 has been kind of hard on me. Life as I'd known it for years, changed big time - both personally and professionally. So, while I'm not complaining, I really do think I'm due for a treat! Yeah! And I truly don't know of any better therapy than spring-time hiking through a gorgeous, South Pacific country! 36 days and counting....

In the meantime, here are a couple of pics my friend took while we were on the trail to Barrier Fire Lookout last week. Thought you might like to see the 'other side' of the hiking boots photograph....

Snapping a pic of the view to the East

On McConnell Ridge

Wow, life is good! How fitting that Thanksgiving is just around the corner - because I have an incredible amount of awesomeness in my world to be thankful for!!

Cheers!

The same day.... thrice!!

Uh oh. I don't usually hike the same trail twice... much less three times!! However, when time is limited and the weather is unpredictable, sometimes there just isn't a choice!

So on Friday, I made my third trip up to the Barrier Fire Lookout. I can get from Red Deer to the trailhead in just under two hours, which is a bonus. Plus the day was super enjoyable - the company was great and the trail is mellow and affords a beautiful paradox of views. Looking east, you can easily see across the prairies as far as Calgary. Then do a one-eighty and gasp at the gorgeous front range peaks in the Kananaskis Valley. There aren't many spots with such easy access, with this kind of panorama!

East

West

Hopefully it wasn't the last day that I'll get out hiking this year... however, if Mother Nature has decided to shut down summer for the season, well, this was a pretty good way to end it! No complaints!

Cheers!