tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26507703505387853262024-03-18T03:47:47.725-06:00Get Me OutdoorsA blog that highlights my outdoor adventures and travel exploits.Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-17381719742500486482020-06-18T12:34:00.000-06:002020-06-18T12:34:13.305-06:00Publications 3<br />
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In September 2017 I shared a post called <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/09/publications-2.html">Publications 2</a>, which was an update about where some of my writing and photography work had been featured. I thought it was time for another one, so I created this post to highlight what's been happening since then. I hope you enjoy it!</div>
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On November 4th, 2017 <a href="https://skinakiska.com/">Nakiska</a> was the second ski resort in Canada to open to the public. Thanks to <a href="http://www.seekers-media.com/">Seekers Media</a> I was there for opening day. My photos and video were shared on the <a href="http://www.snowseekers.ca/story/nakiska-opening-day-2017-photos">Snow Seekers website</a> and I also blogged about the whole experience <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/11/nakiska-ski-area.html">right here</a>. It was the second time I was contracted by the Seekers Team (the first time was my <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/08/mountain-biking-cypress-hills.html">mountain biking adventure</a> in Cypress Hills) and I hope for more opportunities in the future!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhuxc0uxhFoH-qzk8S8gOqEo2w9a2MEZ-woXzryPRDXJ9Fy4EiuVuch3ayxXOmoc9mYTP9BHOxtIb0Ji0PpLhCGV7oATwkmqjGLzZFKJIC-zrbK_p-AvUjmKOrosYmFEXpZtIWLMs7NQ/s1600/nakiska.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhuxc0uxhFoH-qzk8S8gOqEo2w9a2MEZ-woXzryPRDXJ9Fy4EiuVuch3ayxXOmoc9mYTP9BHOxtIb0Ji0PpLhCGV7oATwkmqjGLzZFKJIC-zrbK_p-AvUjmKOrosYmFEXpZtIWLMs7NQ/s640/nakiska.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Opening day at Nakiska was lots of fun!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://thegreattrail.ca/">The Great Trail</a> (formerly known as the Trans-Canada Trail) was completed in 2017 in conjunction with Canada's sesquicentennial. In celebration of this major accomplishment <a href="https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/">Canadian Geographic</a> hosted a photo competition and asked for submissions from across Canada in one of their five designated categories. I submitted a couple of photos and then forgot all about it. In late November I received an email saying one of my photos had been chosen as a runner-up in the <i>People On The Trail</i> category. The photo that was chosen was one I snapped during a bike ride on the <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/08/high-rockies-trail.html">High Rockies Trail</a> that runs through the Spray Valley into the heart of Kananaskis Country. The High Rockies Trail also represents the highest point on The Great Trail, which is pretty cool itself. As a runner-up I received a copy of <i>Biggest and Best of Canada: 1,000 Facts and Figures</i> and a one-year subscription to <i>Canadian Geographic</i>. To view the winning photographs in each of the five categories please follow <a href="https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/announcing-winners-2017-great-trail-photography-competition">this link</a> and to see the rest of the runner-ups <a href="http://greattrail.canadiangeographic.ca/">click here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sFZbKh8veBF5qNQrgiSZXWxRT0jyf4volJMOIFPFSg1K4lcIOcfI3KEmxp-Y32Co4ZbYmN1R6leSMJHIq17gMdryURN4m-aTaandxOiYIClcVm0khII1-JytxOLED7R569r956wYnO4/s1600/High+Rockies+Trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sFZbKh8veBF5qNQrgiSZXWxRT0jyf4volJMOIFPFSg1K4lcIOcfI3KEmxp-Y32Co4ZbYmN1R6leSMJHIq17gMdryURN4m-aTaandxOiYIClcVm0khII1-JytxOLED7R569r956wYnO4/s640/High+Rockies+Trail.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My photo that was chosen as a runner-up in the <i>People On The Trail</i> category</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1G9NfYiw7qlZaY6X56KDbtl9uDDXTmAzlVq-HpNY7YY_YdMBLCwQI6GyMPUe9t4RDECfys2dJLIJq6Y4YUg0AOnDkvPvt71onRcLoonbul0IihRUP4xeCfDn_ypHGwDM8U4-k0E4dFfw/s1600/CanGeo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="1600" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1G9NfYiw7qlZaY6X56KDbtl9uDDXTmAzlVq-HpNY7YY_YdMBLCwQI6GyMPUe9t4RDECfys2dJLIJq6Y4YUg0AOnDkvPvt71onRcLoonbul0IihRUP4xeCfDn_ypHGwDM8U4-k0E4dFfw/s640/CanGeo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">In addition to the one-year subscription to <i>Canadian Geographic</i> I also won the book <i>Biggest and Best of Canada</i></span></td></tr>
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Also in November another one of my photos earned some praise from <a href="https://www.lifeproof.com/">LifeProof</a>. They were running a fall photo contest via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lifeproof/">Instagram</a>. I tagged a few of my fall-themed photos with their hashtag <i>#LifeProofFallContest</i> and waited to see the results. The photograph below was chosen as one of the winners and I received a sweet prize pack containing some awesome LifeProof swag. The photo was taken from the summit of the <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/10/sulphur-mountain-gondola.html">Banff Mountain Gondola</a> earlier in the fall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOQIP-ud7GXC8Q6HEd4BnAGByDKQr_4KjzOPN8VQZZ1aM20wlpZcN2JcsIrIZJANBElOk3dJEpEsXmTsYLZAG4kuqMp1XfQa6zk4Yry5Gqmf6pPoFU_h9zrwh5KTLtqeNv-B3V3df1P8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-23+at+12.30.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOQIP-ud7GXC8Q6HEd4BnAGByDKQr_4KjzOPN8VQZZ1aM20wlpZcN2JcsIrIZJANBElOk3dJEpEsXmTsYLZAG4kuqMp1XfQa6zk4Yry5Gqmf6pPoFU_h9zrwh5KTLtqeNv-B3V3df1P8/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-23+at+12.30.14+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My winning photograph as featured on the LifeProof Instagram page</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_qeSOwaEMyfSxk3ehJ1fY0s1F83DyiTzMNgdb1t3OjW0DjyHesqtsuSCmcF_98_ikgYCtrQ73GL56q1kXGqP0P4a8dY2K_G3smnxvRxDPRESSVxPqH9DKncyTeiyQt4D4fxsfIfnB0k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-23+at+12.33.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1420" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_qeSOwaEMyfSxk3ehJ1fY0s1F83DyiTzMNgdb1t3OjW0DjyHesqtsuSCmcF_98_ikgYCtrQ73GL56q1kXGqP0P4a8dY2K_G3smnxvRxDPRESSVxPqH9DKncyTeiyQt4D4fxsfIfnB0k/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-12-23+at+12.33.17+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The sweet prize pack that I won from LifeProof</span></td></tr>
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At the beginning of February I was contacted by the <a href="https://erwp.org/">Elbow River Watershed Partnership</a> (ERWP) to inform me that one of the photos I submitted to their photo contest had been selected to appear in their 2018 calendar. Although I was not the grand prize winner, nor one of the two runner-ups, my photo was considered one of the top twelve and therefore would appear inside the calendar. To read the full announcement for the winning photographs please see the Vol. 2017 (4) - December 2017 edition of <i><a href="https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=764e9a741ffe8733a6780dc80&id=8d539d124f">Eyes on the Elbow</a></i>. The photo I submitted was of a coyote hunting in the <a href="http://theweaselhead.com/">Weaselhead</a> area. To read about that unforgettable encounter and to see additional photos from that experience please visit my post titled, <i><a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/02/mousing-around.html">Mousing Around</a></i>. Since my photo was chosen to be included I received a complimentary copy of the calendar.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrt4sXney39cfuQAChIb7z5XGv-3A_aahn1U8ZCP1H6VqU4PH5g917Y9hUmgUTLAgEdA3BL_khNS50i-H0pKLdp7HpsFuOvxLYGIULmVBnE9-h_j0wUhI539eF7RIhMLKV3X-HJzGJhc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-02-09+at+7.36.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1404" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrt4sXney39cfuQAChIb7z5XGv-3A_aahn1U8ZCP1H6VqU4PH5g917Y9hUmgUTLAgEdA3BL_khNS50i-H0pKLdp7HpsFuOvxLYGIULmVBnE9-h_j0wUhI539eF7RIhMLKV3X-HJzGJhc/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-02-09+at+7.36.56+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The front of the calendar with the grand prize winning photograph on the cover</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho78BvdjgrNPxIBLqsJufYHIP7RPbyolCQ0nBXEOOjR2QBhyphenhyphenV6Rdd1hGpo99Oe-dR4-UvEYhn9zF3KxLMQCiDIANSuh3yKJbior8LM89bPPmMKjjme4Lt4mWtAWr2hMW_427nc6OC_JAo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-02-09+at+7.37.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="760" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho78BvdjgrNPxIBLqsJufYHIP7RPbyolCQ0nBXEOOjR2QBhyphenhyphenV6Rdd1hGpo99Oe-dR4-UvEYhn9zF3KxLMQCiDIANSuh3yKJbior8LM89bPPmMKjjme4Lt4mWtAWr2hMW_427nc6OC_JAo/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-02-09+at+7.37.07+AM.png" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My photo of a coyote hunting in the Weaselhead was the feature photo for January</span></td></tr>
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This spring Parks Canada was running an online social media contest called <i>#ParksStories</i>. Each week they put out a new theme and folks are encouraged to share their most memorable moments from national parks across Canada. The theme in early June was your best paddling stories, so I decided to share photos from the different glacier-fed lakes Christine and I have paddled on. Shortly thereafter Parks Canada contacted me saying congratulations as my story had been chosen as the weekly winner. As a result my <i>#ParksStory</i> was prominently featured across all of their social media platforms for an entire week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmatRK83P_naAM1ZqQED5VyJAhuY8KaRCV2f1JaUpTQJZYim_edChaJC1itVYI5AiE3qhTUCzKNM1nZXk6xwxCcVIjgQXYF1nZITb1tiKWSNY1VrgQFu-fG89tSW1E63tQD6-wteuyK8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-06-14+at+9.03.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmatRK83P_naAM1ZqQED5VyJAhuY8KaRCV2f1JaUpTQJZYim_edChaJC1itVYI5AiE3qhTUCzKNM1nZXk6xwxCcVIjgQXYF1nZITb1tiKWSNY1VrgQFu-fG89tSW1E63tQD6-wteuyK8/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-06-14+at+9.03.54+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is the featured banner on their Twitter account</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC2kM50nZ-pzyHSj6gjP8UUU3lodVUVb4UokNC5DwpOX0I9CYm_NhbAxPQ4a_guKtJZo8HaIDT1E_cG74X20LdM2Leno-FT35i5qsqrdhOjPLALdOSAbRBqcWN5K5Lm6HmpB3shIf6pM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-06-14+at+9.04.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="1238" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC2kM50nZ-pzyHSj6gjP8UUU3lodVUVb4UokNC5DwpOX0I9CYm_NhbAxPQ4a_guKtJZo8HaIDT1E_cG74X20LdM2Leno-FT35i5qsqrdhOjPLALdOSAbRBqcWN5K5Lm6HmpB3shIf6pM/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-06-14+at+9.04.14+AM.png" width="584" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is what their pinned tweet looked like</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZomnub2AlYsfcydVMDSupAYt7sNLOl7HesRwlnULuPWBFwa1fTiFOacNqU3XgFW8TOL9LF8_lbMzG-tLOH8aBpWwNJXBsLFvfBcTYlRdBtV2FVF6yAFjwFiMERrKHspP_-2YvFV3x4M8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-06-14+at+9.04.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZomnub2AlYsfcydVMDSupAYt7sNLOl7HesRwlnULuPWBFwa1fTiFOacNqU3XgFW8TOL9LF8_lbMzG-tLOH8aBpWwNJXBsLFvfBcTYlRdBtV2FVF6yAFjwFiMERrKHspP_-2YvFV3x4M8/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-06-14+at+9.04.53+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Here's the banner from their Facebook page</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXujYYPFD4H2dY9vwornfXH0SU1F8O-Naa9PGPEpOqxVsOh3QD9GJHH43hkkGHdM7gpIQUQzktt4vSjFQnIKDC2akLx-H4Ggl07D4LTrRkHJ6kTV_uW5_OfC1PTDKCKhHmL2f9LPEtMY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-06-14+at+9.05.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1002" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXujYYPFD4H2dY9vwornfXH0SU1F8O-Naa9PGPEpOqxVsOh3QD9GJHH43hkkGHdM7gpIQUQzktt4vSjFQnIKDC2akLx-H4Ggl07D4LTrRkHJ6kTV_uW5_OfC1PTDKCKhHmL2f9LPEtMY/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-06-14+at+9.05.12+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Here's their pinned Facebook post</span></td></tr>
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In September 2018, <a href="https://beakerhead.com/">Beakerhead</a> rolled into Calgary for their annual festival dedicated to the crossroads of Art, Science, and Engineering. The <a href="http://theweaselhead.com/">Weaselhead Preservation Society</a> had an interactive exhibit at the <a href="https://library.mtroyal.ca/home">Mount Royal University Library</a> and one of my coyote photos was part of this virtual experience. I was blown away to have some of my photos featured in this exhibit and to be apart of Beakerhead was really incredible.<br />
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The Weaselhead Virtual Experience was described as,<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">"Come explore the Weaselhead Park through an all-day immersive installation with 360-degree visuals and VR headsets. At 5:30pm meet those studying the Weaselhead and the biological impacts of the Southwest Ring Road. Presented by Weaselhead Park Preservation Society and Mount Royal University Library, Riddell Library and Learning Centre."</span></blockquote>
Please follow <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/beakerhead/sets/72157701496154974?ytcheck=1&new_session=1/with/44919396331">this link</a> for a complete photo gallery of the event. If you're interested in seeing all of my coyote photos from that memorable encounter, please visit my previous post titled, <i><span style="color: #38761d;">Mousing Around</span></i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjra2ayzsTM7cgzW9CQNixG8tU1gQbmXzAbQ8TK_OdVZKP3JXRazXLRuRbkO3PyOmzNI96l0xAMkzVWl3RE0JziNUgpSm9YMNKsSfM_ku6eukS_R7U1JxIjK6CkvDFdwOYxr6cBkDWV3C8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-09-21+at+7.32.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1210" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjra2ayzsTM7cgzW9CQNixG8tU1gQbmXzAbQ8TK_OdVZKP3JXRazXLRuRbkO3PyOmzNI96l0xAMkzVWl3RE0JziNUgpSm9YMNKsSfM_ku6eukS_R7U1JxIjK6CkvDFdwOYxr6cBkDWV3C8/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-09-21+at+7.32.13+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A Tweet from Weaselhead Park about my photo feature</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAlcjdfUodAlX8vvxFYM0Yg2PMGEU813dOLBg9VcCP2pTw4KJISc5NgGAueLuWGM2Tc2bmcBSuGG5AdwisIwWu-banRiSxPdNskFv-w91U9FtCaxlT0bbs3FzMFT3_PwJKywSiFvtLBc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-09-21+at+7.31.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1198" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAlcjdfUodAlX8vvxFYM0Yg2PMGEU813dOLBg9VcCP2pTw4KJISc5NgGAueLuWGM2Tc2bmcBSuGG5AdwisIwWu-banRiSxPdNskFv-w91U9FtCaxlT0bbs3FzMFT3_PwJKywSiFvtLBc/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-09-21+at+7.31.47+AM.png" width="592" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Another Tweet from the MRU Library that features one of my coyote photos</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJF5zxeNtS64cq6yTwDffmafPGAtXXrfqcqtKIyEBqZTdh_1o5UyzQigSyZS5C5s4e_N9QEerzwerFHTZC5pgy8L5p7NObEKp-c9wYEmcsYec1GmIBADtISxrTmrbL2ERLaKUmJ4NW0A/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-09-21+at+7.32.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="958" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJF5zxeNtS64cq6yTwDffmafPGAtXXrfqcqtKIyEBqZTdh_1o5UyzQigSyZS5C5s4e_N9QEerzwerFHTZC5pgy8L5p7NObEKp-c9wYEmcsYec1GmIBADtISxrTmrbL2ERLaKUmJ4NW0A/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-09-21+at+7.32.00+AM.png" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A hunting coyote on display at the Virtual Weaselhead Experience</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirocOkL3gC-u-D8xsfAEDSuzIogD1hsV86RrWgbVjZ593bihaCUWZbpLj8uFnD3hs5a3L4m-hBGQw75EaoAsRPZBOmfwu0Upzk4EQGz3-McRZb64ZSqMfAOu23ENTDb3AnlAZj73ZaW1s/s1600/44199798954_5ee4991e0d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirocOkL3gC-u-D8xsfAEDSuzIogD1hsV86RrWgbVjZ593bihaCUWZbpLj8uFnD3hs5a3L4m-hBGQw75EaoAsRPZBOmfwu0Upzk4EQGz3-McRZb64ZSqMfAOu23ENTDb3AnlAZj73ZaW1s/s640/44199798954_5ee4991e0d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Another one of my coyote features is in the background of this picture</span></td></tr>
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In late summer 2018 <a href="https://albertatourism.com/">AlbertaToursim.com</a>, an independent tourism company, reached out and asked me if they could feature a couple of my blog posts on their website. Of course I agreed, as they're promoting things that I love to do, so now you can view a couple of my stories on their site.<br />
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<a href="https://albertatourism.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="460" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fsUFv0aMPZfQf4X6FjLc_QIi8aM63DysT90ome_HnCLT5ve2d62-unsabqiDFLfnOOzVlT97WGKA_YD3R4IC2IFZS_lMCR9ZwdATJJI_wz__EWNyKwuIslYHkjgp70lQRWh4z0-xwvA/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-11-26+at+2.49.42+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our camping trip to the <a href="https://albertatourism.com/oldman-dam-provincial-recreation-area/">Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area</a> and our day-hike to <a href="https://albertatourism.com/burstall-pass/">Burstall Pass</a> are both featured on the <a href="https://albertatourism.com/about-alberta/blog/">blog section</a> of the webpage. They have also used one of my photos, another from Burstall Pass, on their post about the <a href="https://albertatourism.com/listing/canmore/">Town of Canmore</a>.<br />
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It's pretty cool to have my work featured on another website and I feel honoured that they liked my writing enough to include it.<br />
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The night of January 20th, 2019 there was a Super Blood Wolf Moon in the Calgary sky. I was also invited to attend the launch party for the <a href="https://lastbestbrewing.com/">Last Best IPA</a>. <a href="http://albeerta.com/">Albeerta Provisions</a> partnered with the <a href="https://www.calgarytower.com/">Calgary Tower</a> to have the tower light up green to coincide with the release of their latest beer. On my way to the party I stopped downtown and captured the following shot, showing the tower, its reflection, and the shining moon. The photo was well received on social media, but I was quite surprised to see it featured in a <a href="https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgarians-point-cameras-skyward-to-capture-rare-glimpse-of-super-blood-wolf-moon">Calgary Herald</a> article showing some of the most popular shots from that evening. Definitely a first for me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlrlB41-FAU_rzrYxcwg4NyEbPu4sfdZO4lkP6B2tR_kjHzuZu4dAtOJgnamUypI3b2sHeFR-ZfdH0n-FEfXogMVHwZCBT2pFKn6nbkYz33a2anzF_5V3KBjUaT-5ZZYNRs5hPgiT1og/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-01-21+at+3.23.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1420" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlrlB41-FAU_rzrYxcwg4NyEbPu4sfdZO4lkP6B2tR_kjHzuZu4dAtOJgnamUypI3b2sHeFR-ZfdH0n-FEfXogMVHwZCBT2pFKn6nbkYz33a2anzF_5V3KBjUaT-5ZZYNRs5hPgiT1og/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-01-21+at+3.23.19+PM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A screen shot from the Calgary Herald website that featured my tweet and photo</span></td></tr>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-63960754242146836512019-05-26T08:55:00.003-06:002019-05-26T08:55:22.433-06:00Minnewanka Shoreline<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: May 2019</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The </span><a href="https://www.trailforks.com/trails/minnewanka/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Minnewanka Shoreline</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> has been on my mountain biking hit-list for awhile now. I was fortunate enough to pick the nicest spring day of the year thus far, to tackle this popular 30km out-and-back trail in </span><a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Banff National Park</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. Please note this trail has seasonal closures in place for cyclists. These closures occur between July 10 and September 15 each year. The trail remains open during that time for hiking and backpacking, it's just closed to bikers.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Stewart Canyon bridge that spans the Cascade River</span></td></tr>
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The trailhead is the Minnewanka Day-Use Area. This is a very popular tourist destination, so you'll want to get there early to ensure you get a parking spot. To access the lakeshore trail you'll follow the paved trail/access road to the <a href="https://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/search?q=stewart" target="_blank">Stewart Canyon</a> trailhead. From there continue on the dirt trail towards the canyon before crossing the bridge that spans the Cascade River. Keep in mind that the Stewart Canyon Trail is very popular so expect it to be busy with hikers, families, dogs, kids, backpackers, and other cyclists. The good news is once you're past the bridge the crowds will begin to thin out and they'll be even smaller beyond the <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/banff#Aylmer" target="_blank">Aylmer Lookout/Aylmer Pass</a> turnoff at the 8km mark.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3SK66TZe8Y5Z-lxEqC9cyfOU2NuFdWE8oW92ZJ2UUg5prlKER5uK-4xEpUJT98b3mBrD3_kUcNOKMfF7d_5B6Gd0FYUZmRm9OceJGy9mmpOzX9t-ZuBsfiLVoeCpyFgOD_YIAgdNxHM/s1600/IMG_3622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3SK66TZe8Y5Z-lxEqC9cyfOU2NuFdWE8oW92ZJ2UUg5prlKER5uK-4xEpUJT98b3mBrD3_kUcNOKMfF7d_5B6Gd0FYUZmRm9OceJGy9mmpOzX9t-ZuBsfiLVoeCpyFgOD_YIAgdNxHM/s640/IMG_3622.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The amazing view from the top of the climb. I believe that's Mount Inglismaldie on the opposite side of Lake Minnewanka.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXepI9e9GPH2oHZmVGqw5tZW16zOcCTHPPHnFy7x5IqGXakSaZ-kOYvfPgy6FyUEI0oWm0bPqDRLOY68j1f3vA2HNH85WkdA5CyeZB_djgxIY_atpUKpTmrYtWxLwtFpMDZHjxXfNAigM/s1600/P5112072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXepI9e9GPH2oHZmVGqw5tZW16zOcCTHPPHnFy7x5IqGXakSaZ-kOYvfPgy6FyUEI0oWm0bPqDRLOY68j1f3vA2HNH85WkdA5CyeZB_djgxIY_atpUKpTmrYtWxLwtFpMDZHjxXfNAigM/s640/P5112072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Jeff descending a fun section of the trail</span></td></tr>
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After crossing the bridge you'll encounter the hardest climb of the day (until your return trip), but the scenic views at its crest are more than worth the effort required. After the fun descent you're faced with moderately technical singletrack that's fast and flowy. There are roots and rocks to navigate, as well as several washed-out sections that appear to be casualties from the devastating 2013 floods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGGWSkYyvGNPztX4JRYZ46fklKWH0bzeMgyD_HKiDFm2zUGG0CBvh16_U-bwxW4C8CcypIUacXw5Zth5nTz2VtYxgCZoAlC-aBXPSgjwzbfOocLtSO6LUT6dJQzV5LArDvFgEmrsa6W0/s1600/P5112078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGGWSkYyvGNPztX4JRYZ46fklKWH0bzeMgyD_HKiDFm2zUGG0CBvh16_U-bwxW4C8CcypIUacXw5Zth5nTz2VtYxgCZoAlC-aBXPSgjwzbfOocLtSO6LUT6dJQzV5LArDvFgEmrsa6W0/s640/P5112078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Ryan enjoying a taste of mountain biking</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-bCSt4Hs995gbk8yDS6_HGeKGav373DOM0-Fjq4Zy1vaqlu6dUW96LBLjfTH-uCSZ-MkLYsvCtsKSNDcD-Rl3Xj884yN9EjS70jpCCxUFvNzjnVhzQfg_tJ8yDzrgYGZsEolaj6rDvA/s1600/P5112081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-bCSt4Hs995gbk8yDS6_HGeKGav373DOM0-Fjq4Zy1vaqlu6dUW96LBLjfTH-uCSZ-MkLYsvCtsKSNDcD-Rl3Xj884yN9EjS70jpCCxUFvNzjnVhzQfg_tJ8yDzrgYGZsEolaj6rDvA/s640/P5112081.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Jeff enjoying the beautiful scenery that's laid out before us</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzINl_cahyxJLGePPRa5wxm1A-Vn9EkzLvVu0Rh1T-_6lvb0ct17TUmqgkaHGfRJ3iiH2OFQYC3MjzUg_7RcRjwRrQ0IPvz86jR7yhv7EqxopaWNQpcuRgJT-D2r3vzFYtk5gibvaXH4/s1600/P5112085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzINl_cahyxJLGePPRa5wxm1A-Vn9EkzLvVu0Rh1T-_6lvb0ct17TUmqgkaHGfRJ3iiH2OFQYC3MjzUg_7RcRjwRrQ0IPvz86jR7yhv7EqxopaWNQpcuRgJT-D2r3vzFYtk5gibvaXH4/s640/P5112085.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Just look at that backdrop!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span>Although you can ride this trail past Lake Minnewanka to the Ghost Lakes and eventually out of the park into Devil's Gap and the <a href="https://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2013/08/ghost-valley.html" target="_blank">Ghost Wilderness Public Land Use Zone</a> beyond, the most popular turnaround spot for bikers is the backcountry warden cabin at the 15km mark. This makes the perfect spot for a snack, to relax on the beach, and revel in the park's surrounding beauty before making the return trip to the parking lot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWtqSbpe_hMGZNX6xmRUZdBz48APjMyw6BNHFOEGZKILExJ17zHEOcXDWXuIXqVd_-7DIbyhXoJ5mrOrrst_kBjFAcPrtUVg3qnAgjRaUXuQATv7hL-_8bIRtZtpghig9OMa82VYGxRE/s1600/P5112088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWtqSbpe_hMGZNX6xmRUZdBz48APjMyw6BNHFOEGZKILExJ17zHEOcXDWXuIXqVd_-7DIbyhXoJ5mrOrrst_kBjFAcPrtUVg3qnAgjRaUXuQATv7hL-_8bIRtZtpghig9OMa82VYGxRE/s640/P5112088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Using this very narrow bridge to cross a stream</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScNOemxI_F2HUEv3vV7Pa5kAwCslWf-clCFzaGY-zy8UNhFi3ASUUPmG1kTaABa-TrApa2KDdZ5YIdJLsMtDlzTpoHlr-kNkIWOLzjCoLCOGyc39b7jtDETtZNct0bGCzhUSIMQzEjk0/s1600/P5112098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScNOemxI_F2HUEv3vV7Pa5kAwCslWf-clCFzaGY-zy8UNhFi3ASUUPmG1kTaABa-TrApa2KDdZ5YIdJLsMtDlzTpoHlr-kNkIWOLzjCoLCOGyc39b7jtDETtZNct0bGCzhUSIMQzEjk0/s640/P5112098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The boys entering one of the washed-out sections of trail</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtrgLwnurLUhbb7pmJeZgj6wUgu7pY1fqYGrCDrKmKU5G_8hzLvd4PjTulY4YlxoJaTf5S6qZYcMur1ebb2PWtUPq1R5We-crU3FcslZ8VFUke64tE-l7D2KeNmU5C0akm0sIhi6TTkg/s1600/P5112102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtrgLwnurLUhbb7pmJeZgj6wUgu7pY1fqYGrCDrKmKU5G_8hzLvd4PjTulY4YlxoJaTf5S6qZYcMur1ebb2PWtUPq1R5We-crU3FcslZ8VFUke64tE-l7D2KeNmU5C0akm0sIhi6TTkg/s640/P5112102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Admiring the view</span></td></tr>
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Remember this trail rides through the heart of bear country, so ensure you've packed along bear spray and are making noise while riding. It's also recommended to travel in groups. Because this is a national park dogs must be kept on leash at all times. For additional wildlife safety information please review this <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/securite-safety/faunesecurite-wildlifesafety" target="_blank">website</a>. You can also check the current <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mtn/ours-bears/miseajour-update/miseajour-update-byk" target="_blank">Banff Bear Report</a> by following that link.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmvZbAH-fZTyEN_-kgMPoJl5COHpEXAWXZBk33X8F4bPIojkwGQkwZ2z85UGXAfANVZK0QIarXww9bjqxWku21aUA9qxjNUef8FjBUreVlOz8wv5Oqhlir0YqZQxYoNYObfTio7gOGEg/s1600/P5112122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmvZbAH-fZTyEN_-kgMPoJl5COHpEXAWXZBk33X8F4bPIojkwGQkwZ2z85UGXAfANVZK0QIarXww9bjqxWku21aUA9qxjNUef8FjBUreVlOz8wv5Oqhlir0YqZQxYoNYObfTio7gOGEg/s640/P5112122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Almost at the our turnout point</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpLl17KwO9XWZhviemYnAXI4O_EqMtH55_4frr2iI0SrR5kU8XvQt47C7ALRz8Vcx8L7u6y5t7wJZohGGExErgDy3cZzskisKqesArl_heIKiPtEljf0NN4QzujgTFZiqwwlKdHhI5C0/s1600/P5112124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpLl17KwO9XWZhviemYnAXI4O_EqMtH55_4frr2iI0SrR5kU8XvQt47C7ALRz8Vcx8L7u6y5t7wJZohGGExErgDy3cZzskisKqesArl_heIKiPtEljf0NN4QzujgTFZiqwwlKdHhI5C0/s640/P5112124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Minnewanka Backcountry Warden Cabin</span></td></tr>
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In closing I just want to thank the five guys who accompanied me on this ride. My brother-in-law put this whole thing together as part of a Diaper Party he was throwing for me. Although this trail and the length we covered may have been a bit ambitious, it was great having you all along to enjoy the day with. All that work just made the post-ride beers all the more delicious! Thanks gents!!</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-60580702917897127402018-10-21T16:31:00.000-06:002018-11-18T16:31:49.481-07:00Tryst Lake<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><u>Trip Date: October 2018</u></span></b><br />
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Here in the <a href="https://www.visitcalgary.com/">Calgary</a> area we got an early taste of winter with heavy snowfall in late September and the beginning of October. Calgary wasn't the only place to receive this early blast of winter weather though. The Canadian Rockies also experienced winter conditions and lots of autumn snow. Despite this fact we decided we still wanted to try a hike to see the golden Larch Trees, which has become somewhat of an annual fall tradition for us. Please see my previous posts, <a href="https://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2015/09/chester-lake.html">Chester Lake</a>, <a href="https://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2016/10/pocaterra-cirque.html">Pocaterra Cirque</a>, and <a href="https://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2016/09/taylor-lake.html">Taylor Lake</a> for a glimpse at some of our more recent Larch adventures. You can also read my story <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/those-golden-larches/"><i>Those Golden Larches</i></a>, that was posted on the <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/">Calgary Guardian</a> website for more information.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Hiking along the old logging road with Commonwealth Peak on the horizon</span></td></tr>
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Good friends of ours decided to join us, which meant three little ones in tow, so we opted for an easier trail this year. The Tryst Lake Trail is 6km roundtrip with approximately 350m gained in elevation. The trailhead is located along the <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/spray-valley-pp/information-facilities/trails/mount-shark/">Mount Shark Road</a> in <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/spray-valley-pp/">Spray Valley Provincial Park</a>. Drive about 900m past <a href="https://www.mountengadine.com/">Mount Engadine Lodge</a> and cross the bridge before turning left into the unmarked parking lot.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Slowly making our way up to the lake with the peaks of the Spray Valley in the background</span></td></tr>
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Despite it being peak Larch-viewing season the parking lot only had a handful of other cars when we arrived mid-morning. Perhaps the reports of this being an often-overlooked trail were true and therefore we'd avoid the large crowds that occur at other Larch hot-spots such as <a href="https://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/search?q=larch+valley">Larch Valley</a> in <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff">Banff National Park</a> or <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/trail-reports/peter-lougheed/ptarmigan-cirque-interpretive/">Ptarmigan Cirque</a> in <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/">Kananaskis</a>. Keep in mind this is an unofficial trail, so there are no signs either at the trailhead or along the trail itself, so you need to be prepared.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMHDCmtnBCTuqX95FuvLWMQF6eLwN2WxSX2G7iOhLsWhLYX4YI5mwZKv-gKwOmOKQwFFdFKMAMAuErS1e4NO5AEGRBlzkiVRePp2SpHegmAsq6_SbpmvnLERHluBsacqdULwp_fv6UKg/s1600/IMG_1039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMHDCmtnBCTuqX95FuvLWMQF6eLwN2WxSX2G7iOhLsWhLYX4YI5mwZKv-gKwOmOKQwFFdFKMAMAuErS1e4NO5AEGRBlzkiVRePp2SpHegmAsq6_SbpmvnLERHluBsacqdULwp_fv6UKg/s640/IMG_1039.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Chris and Rome on the trail</span></td></tr>
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The trail begins at the south end of the parking lot and for the first 1.6km follows a wide, flat decommissioned logging road. The trekking is easy and the kids were happy to be walking beside us instead of stuck in the child-carriers for the entire day. You will need to keep a keen eye on your right-hand side for a small rock cairn and some blue flagging tape tied to an overturned tree. These mark the location for the turnoff that leads up to the lake. They're easy to miss, especially when engaged in lively conversation and enjoying a leisurely wilderness stroll.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyBKTAFt6QgpU5l5Zl4TmLXNJP0MfRzp1DAKWBkLD2dpMr-KhLP4Wn3qw63oxDqo5SsnUdifNR5GQoPw8gPl5L3xcXn7Zwq6abDQDesC365ck5GdLGFtkEewhujcYtwFc6yfjAJovk-I/s1600/IMG_1042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyBKTAFt6QgpU5l5Zl4TmLXNJP0MfRzp1DAKWBkLD2dpMr-KhLP4Wn3qw63oxDqo5SsnUdifNR5GQoPw8gPl5L3xcXn7Zwq6abDQDesC365ck5GdLGFtkEewhujcYtwFc6yfjAJovk-I/s640/IMG_1042.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Starting to get to the right elevation where the Larches grow</span></td></tr>
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From the rock cairn the trail begins ascending up the lake. The rooty, rocky trail follows a trickling creek and provides views of Tent Ridge to our right. Over the next 1.4km we gain all of the 350 metres mentioned near the start of this post and none of the kids were walking by this point. Despite the chilly weather all of the adults were sweating while the kids relaxed comfortably in their carriers. Keeping them warm was more important now than before as they weren't trudging uphill, so they'd get colder much faster. There were solitary Larches scattered throughout the ascent, just hinting at the beauty to come.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Fist peeking through the grove of Larches</span></td></tr>
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As the trail leveled off we found ourselves only a few short steps from a clearing overlooking the picturesque lake and surrounded by so many golden Larches. The hard work was worth it with the small lake, which is quite shallow at this time of year, sitting below the commanding peak known as The Fist. We broke out some snacks and other than two other people we had the entire place to ourselves.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Tryst Lake sitting below The Fist and surrounded by Larch Trees</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Chris and Coop enjoying a snack at the lake</span></td></tr>
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The wind picked up quickly and Cooper was pretty cold, so we didn't stick around very long. I ended up wrapping him in my down jacket for the return hike to the truck. He must have been warm and comfy because he fell asleep on the way back down. Near the bottom we unexpectedly ran into Karen Ung and her amazing family. We're both <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/about-us/working-together/abparksambassador/">Alberta Parks Ambassadors</a> and have been following each other online for years now. It was great to finally meet her in person and hopefully we can link up sometime in the future for an adventure together. Please check out her website, <a href="http://www.playoutsideguide.com/"><i>Play Outside Guide</i></a>, for all the best outdoor adventure tips, tricks, guides, and more.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Our crew sitting lakeside</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cooper all bundled up in dad's jacket for the trip back down</span></td></tr>
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Despite the chilly weather I have no regrets about the day's experience. Sunshine and warms temps are always preferred, especially when hiking with little ones, but it did feel great to get out into the mountains. With the early snow this might have been our last hike of the season, but with snow comes winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowboarding, both of which make me very happy.</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-57226262063723115812018-09-17T20:15:00.000-06:002018-10-23T20:16:27.943-06:00Etherington Creek Provincial Recreation Area<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: September 2018</span></u></b><br />
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In early September, despite the unseasonably chilly weather, we packed up the camper and headed southwest to the Highwood Region of <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/">Kananaskis Country</a> for our last camping trip of the season. Good friends of ours joined us for the outing and neither family had stayed at <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/etherington-creek-pra/">Etherington Creek Campground</a> before, so we were all looking forward to seeing someplace new. Due to a couple of unforeseen mishaps while trying to leave the city, we didn't roll in until well after sunset, which provided a new challenge for us; setting up the tent trailer in the dark. We manged to get things setup relatively quickly considering the darkness and had a roaring fire to help take a bit of the chill off. Our friends pulled in shortly after us and were also setup in no time.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZGlEmgYrOSB373z4DwSC27jaj83BeUCVqtkkLWb5R8_tGuIvI0vhdBvZrOg2dxuJc4jbIhoAyayiq9aGBtNmkNbu9QnddCZZ2vdfmFqBEUOAh4FfR3Ryxf8UVbj0PawQ8NxgvwKDwa4/s1600/IMG_0848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZGlEmgYrOSB373z4DwSC27jaj83BeUCVqtkkLWb5R8_tGuIvI0vhdBvZrOg2dxuJc4jbIhoAyayiq9aGBtNmkNbu9QnddCZZ2vdfmFqBEUOAh4FfR3Ryxf8UVbj0PawQ8NxgvwKDwa4/s640/IMG_0848.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Etherington Creek Provincial Recreation Area. Someone added a little something of their own to this sign!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFfphyJ85-zFMyaNl1r0UOrD64-gOYXZoL1tgtERk1akOuEb2fTEJ7HoRhXdgoMn4q4cUo36-FaBlu7Qhuw1QGNtBIfrkQNQ5n87zfQslOp7kGOxTbqBNbflVAKMrm12aVe8g-NXpON0/s1600/IMG_0738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFfphyJ85-zFMyaNl1r0UOrD64-gOYXZoL1tgtERk1akOuEb2fTEJ7HoRhXdgoMn4q4cUo36-FaBlu7Qhuw1QGNtBIfrkQNQ5n87zfQslOp7kGOxTbqBNbflVAKMrm12aVe8g-NXpON0/s640/IMG_0738.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This campground has spacious campsites and some, like the photo above, are close enough to share with friends</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GnAgqkmad6L-4p-eEd1k-DUMwfw-1aSB_UhDpDrzxyO8VO2US_tjstFGnSXyIP-DYRO5VbhgPCjStxwUKfVq9NAeU7vsmVmybtB9of-ayEORuMkdNnxMaGptBT5nPPm1MTz6Qr2Pydg/s1600/IMG_0734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GnAgqkmad6L-4p-eEd1k-DUMwfw-1aSB_UhDpDrzxyO8VO2US_tjstFGnSXyIP-DYRO5VbhgPCjStxwUKfVq9NAeU7vsmVmybtB9of-ayEORuMkdNnxMaGptBT5nPPm1MTz6Qr2Pydg/s640/IMG_0734.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Our campsite for the weekend</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a long week of work, sleep came quickly that first night. The next morning was quite chilly and I suspected that the weather played a role in how empty the campground was. We didn't exactly have the entire place to ourselves, but it sure felt that way. This PRA is also a staging area for snowmobilers in the winter time and for hunters in the autumn. I noticed two different pair of hunters hiking into the bush, shotguns in hand, searching for birds while I was out for my morning stroll with Cooper.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaqHg7dT1xnH-xl0zGsZsvROV4rQMZAtAHwX9-gADI3yf0nizer3IaVwHFar5RwWyQ2anCjlYE3cDWzGcwfGWZZCDi2rYvEFifWe-Jr6ZxMDMKOjMUVoih3YcScDC0OiT9vg8d2iiTWY/s1600/IMG_0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaqHg7dT1xnH-xl0zGsZsvROV4rQMZAtAHwX9-gADI3yf0nizer3IaVwHFar5RwWyQ2anCjlYE3cDWzGcwfGWZZCDi2rYvEFifWe-Jr6ZxMDMKOjMUVoih3YcScDC0OiT9vg8d2iiTWY/s640/IMG_0740.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I was greeted by a moody sky Saturday morning</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApw2yXvCLq840fECJrWrx6RnaCbOQaJ8QxrrceijlK_tgX_27Ti362kuCnFfJmUlYdBQDHKjOHDN3MtKO8jVRLabS8JjP3WE5TWExeZyY9wy5Zwm8E5yiql0yHG6wGYrO6B_ZWgYwqlY/s1600/IMG_0744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApw2yXvCLq840fECJrWrx6RnaCbOQaJ8QxrrceijlK_tgX_27Ti362kuCnFfJmUlYdBQDHKjOHDN3MtKO8jVRLabS8JjP3WE5TWExeZyY9wy5Zwm8E5yiql0yHG6wGYrO6B_ZWgYwqlY/s640/IMG_0744.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The fall colours had already started making an appearance</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a hearty breakfast and a leisurely morning hanging around the campsite we decided to get out and go for a short hike with the kids. We settled on Cat Creek Trail in <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/cat-creek-pra/">Cat Creek Provincial Recreation Area</a>, which was a short 15-minute drive north from the campground. Cat Creek Trail is an easy 2.6km return trail with a gorgeous little waterfall squeezing through a canyon at the end. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-xuDfJkV3QsC23Nmz5Efj2G6QcYeGjqmdsmqYC6OCymcEt52byRRWbmXRPnbKJ68kUYGE1WBvMy8Bqgsa6Q_ggvq41-4zLfSC_OivWfPXBMa3J4SK3h-BILSCnj4NygNCpilXsqIPnE/s1600/IMG_0747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-xuDfJkV3QsC23Nmz5Efj2G6QcYeGjqmdsmqYC6OCymcEt52byRRWbmXRPnbKJ68kUYGE1WBvMy8Bqgsa6Q_ggvq41-4zLfSC_OivWfPXBMa3J4SK3h-BILSCnj4NygNCpilXsqIPnE/s640/IMG_0747.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cat Creek Trailhead. You can tell the woodpeckers have been busy on this sign.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYVGzrNfgwLdklSEO9z87pkfLKlL_NVqTluuc0oRO19S5xjDo9D5VeBRwsrdd5Vp6JFsS-1onM0J_KTFTZuP1cHHA4tKnGQWYeQuabyh7660xiKG0vAWQ1cXOVJbG1qZP9AWZrNfI87w/s1600/IMG_0750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYVGzrNfgwLdklSEO9z87pkfLKlL_NVqTluuc0oRO19S5xjDo9D5VeBRwsrdd5Vp6JFsS-1onM0J_KTFTZuP1cHHA4tKnGQWYeQuabyh7660xiKG0vAWQ1cXOVJbG1qZP9AWZrNfI87w/s640/IMG_0750.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Chris and Coop enjoying a fantastic view</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5gg-nBGRmLxZKTM1HLKt2_1uaKZi_4wj0X98L_Ot7rL1a21ukP_P4vNiM0wI0Ulsl-8gnbCDzAXVGJUrbHqpSHvVVQavyYnF8ZPoNLevL_viOxGek7U3zz8GS5i0gOg5u5I-dj5LJn8/s1600/IMG_0752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5gg-nBGRmLxZKTM1HLKt2_1uaKZi_4wj0X98L_Ot7rL1a21ukP_P4vNiM0wI0Ulsl-8gnbCDzAXVGJUrbHqpSHvVVQavyYnF8ZPoNLevL_viOxGek7U3zz8GS5i0gOg5u5I-dj5LJn8/s640/IMG_0752.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">With views like this it's easy to see why this trail is so popular</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The weather changed for the better as we continued along the trail. The clouds cleared out making way for the warm sunshine. We all had to get rid of our warm outer layers as it was way too hot. The entire area is rife with history. The trail passes the long-abandoned site of the Ford Mine and crosses the Lineham Company Road, which predates Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail) and used to run between Longview and Kananaskis Country. All that remains of the Ford Mine is the footing of the bridge that used to link Ford Camp with its coal mine.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5mvaDQg7Qj4pWqs0ANnVLeaBcEiuFFkQyrjC_HfGPbuC6PlHHnkWoSxe_KDCkmseqpgivmq3jByXqUWtVaD_S4yS_druwkeLevWst5noC-62TQ1Hcv8_yYp5FTT1Iyo3oI7OPzejcd0/s1600/IMG_0805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5mvaDQg7Qj4pWqs0ANnVLeaBcEiuFFkQyrjC_HfGPbuC6PlHHnkWoSxe_KDCkmseqpgivmq3jByXqUWtVaD_S4yS_druwkeLevWst5noC-62TQ1Hcv8_yYp5FTT1Iyo3oI7OPzejcd0/s640/IMG_0805.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cat Creek Falls</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHwUA52N-E__CdnWgCkP-BMoZsQ1QWNDffM3wRODveqaAniHOyelQkZzqa7LO_jTc-8ot7tgrRwKV2msLi4hVpersqO6BkxZt1aS11366kfznmO911szYGFfXEfXPeKQhmyaqOIaPzes/s1600/IMG_0791+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1033" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHwUA52N-E__CdnWgCkP-BMoZsQ1QWNDffM3wRODveqaAniHOyelQkZzqa7LO_jTc-8ot7tgrRwKV2msLi4hVpersqO6BkxZt1aS11366kfznmO911szYGFfXEfXPeKQhmyaqOIaPzes/s640/IMG_0791+-+Copy.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cooper and I playing along Cat Creek</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKg6p7hlQS-HleXMBzdeF2yrfpiXOWCWi4jTMul-k7oEpvtOw_3TpqRwxRM6JZlPgLXJAoaYwKtIiBnG9J1jQri8-tVWH7u2i3xUkfUGReSILvWaWomvV4B4tbHN2CUSACFe9nOKYgr6Y/s1600/IMG_0811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKg6p7hlQS-HleXMBzdeF2yrfpiXOWCWi4jTMul-k7oEpvtOw_3TpqRwxRM6JZlPgLXJAoaYwKtIiBnG9J1jQri8-tVWH7u2i3xUkfUGReSILvWaWomvV4B4tbHN2CUSACFe9nOKYgr6Y/s640/IMG_0811.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Hiking back to the parking lot</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We couldn't believe our luck with the weather, so we spent some time exploring the day-use area, which provided some great views of the Highwood River and the peaks of the Continental Divide.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjCSTuaz7QmiHwMW_-UqQ1ED5IIdotu084TH_MczgohfIOQdBW47lTepD4hnXk0aTpDk4f-kLb6Z2kKqUxwz3UYTIp66zbn-He449NU4X0dgXUkiXjJ5Gs_IcuVHW2RgjyoBZyj5-4UM/s1600/IMG_0821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjCSTuaz7QmiHwMW_-UqQ1ED5IIdotu084TH_MczgohfIOQdBW47lTepD4hnXk0aTpDk4f-kLb6Z2kKqUxwz3UYTIp66zbn-He449NU4X0dgXUkiXjJ5Gs_IcuVHW2RgjyoBZyj5-4UM/s640/IMG_0821.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Highwood River as viewed from the day-use area</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWINvOWT772QwDOD81-w7zr8UDirRwnE46dB4XC8fK_B7lkwuOEyoCnqV3cOVPNhT9U8OnuWq3XP_EMEr9ipVOK8fjC2SXkwkzySmtbjSBWc6KsXTzXjHEVVbtlopvcg9f-G390P87K7o/s1600/IMG_0823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWINvOWT772QwDOD81-w7zr8UDirRwnE46dB4XC8fK_B7lkwuOEyoCnqV3cOVPNhT9U8OnuWq3XP_EMEr9ipVOK8fjC2SXkwkzySmtbjSBWc6KsXTzXjHEVVbtlopvcg9f-G390P87K7o/s640/IMG_0823.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A tree scarred from bear claw marks</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a delicious meal and some more campground relaxation we all headed out for a post-dinner stroll. Despite all their exercise already, the kids were ready for even more! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33uIXnbBDu2cmCL6hgMg63gRKg6yTuDj27LCIJtSqrAwVS0nT3HkRFvqi_HOXIPl6ba6sYWZc7mRDD5A-oq1ZVUUDztEsnbDGJZR69PBnktuILg8DcAen5dtrFmW-pW5Unvtq_cNaDZQ/s1600/IMG_0834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33uIXnbBDu2cmCL6hgMg63gRKg6yTuDj27LCIJtSqrAwVS0nT3HkRFvqi_HOXIPl6ba6sYWZc7mRDD5A-oq1ZVUUDztEsnbDGJZR69PBnktuILg8DcAen5dtrFmW-pW5Unvtq_cNaDZQ/s640/IMG_0834.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Etherington Creek as it flows through the campground</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdD9Jt6C1Oc-s_oBVOaTRxe0AtVWLBm1Vvy74Q2jbeEw4qZTR93vXLN3H8aTJ5HgN07DXu_AysB85cepjv-VExYKqzDzx0YJnfcrKOuV4Pa3zSmMtXJiuL-eZzbbvQGK20xPegsQy_ek/s1600/IMG_0837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdD9Jt6C1Oc-s_oBVOaTRxe0AtVWLBm1Vvy74Q2jbeEw4qZTR93vXLN3H8aTJ5HgN07DXu_AysB85cepjv-VExYKqzDzx0YJnfcrKOuV4Pa3zSmMtXJiuL-eZzbbvQGK20xPegsQy_ek/s640/IMG_0837.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Evening stroll with the family</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C1U-ZfKbnl_ZHcYDzsJjvpFQJqYDleNpBt6rsaiTTSjDK1IL63hXfUyyPGrJeb7cVUR8K-g09H7npKjapL6RfNoF-4dHqLfvHVmB7tSh6QIh7GpaoeQM57h_kYB7tOgIaKOcG_Kj-5Y/s1600/IMG_0841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C1U-ZfKbnl_ZHcYDzsJjvpFQJqYDleNpBt6rsaiTTSjDK1IL63hXfUyyPGrJeb7cVUR8K-g09H7npKjapL6RfNoF-4dHqLfvHVmB7tSh6QIh7GpaoeQM57h_kYB7tOgIaKOcG_Kj-5Y/s640/IMG_0841.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">We were greeted to a stunning sunset Saturday evening. Unfortunately this didn't last very long, but we enjoyed it none the less.</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sunday morning was again quite chilly, but that didn't stop Cooper, Rome, and I from getting out and having a long walk before breakfast. We walked throughout the campground and then explored Etherington Creek downstream from the PRA. It's a picturesque spot with small waterfalls and deep pools that would be extremely refreshing to swim in on a hot summer's day.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEFXV-3n2EyVYcF3tArZcJwUNHZvVVeJTnZHaBBqU44VWbpTBZNIK-IKS-Ek4SUDcPcealUcwbEc5MMpkO__tBUjOxnQ51F8XiO4yKwUhkxriG8oA1y-fOHsVlY946bMWAAIFo2qGd6A/s1600/IMG_0853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEFXV-3n2EyVYcF3tArZcJwUNHZvVVeJTnZHaBBqU44VWbpTBZNIK-IKS-Ek4SUDcPcealUcwbEc5MMpkO__tBUjOxnQ51F8XiO4yKwUhkxriG8oA1y-fOHsVlY946bMWAAIFo2qGd6A/s640/IMG_0853.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Etherington Creek</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w4fPW7aGUkkJ6dR17ZSgWPvVKR6wcsmuOte7-wtwOueaUPGncPWCry6q3mYgNmt8rOYZz3pycv-ghWOErsSksor5VZrYC0nvwcQnoHveq0an3KSTZsNZxLEQbjoFslNjRMnY9ZwggUM/s1600/IMG_0860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w4fPW7aGUkkJ6dR17ZSgWPvVKR6wcsmuOte7-wtwOueaUPGncPWCry6q3mYgNmt8rOYZz3pycv-ghWOErsSksor5VZrYC0nvwcQnoHveq0an3KSTZsNZxLEQbjoFslNjRMnY9ZwggUM/s640/IMG_0860.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Crystal clear, clean, and cold!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOInVtnSm5NbSD635Mab4dounyfzRePKBZgp7w1TePTQOTAXxhmc8O0LWuFfpTT8yUehtz8HSQIiIqpCPaX9_BucSsp7mS1nBfOE70SF0aFqWvZRnawOVbagYomp-gML4X909yRGvf58/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOInVtnSm5NbSD635Mab4dounyfzRePKBZgp7w1TePTQOTAXxhmc8O0LWuFfpTT8yUehtz8HSQIiIqpCPaX9_BucSsp7mS1nBfOE70SF0aFqWvZRnawOVbagYomp-gML4X909yRGvf58/s640/IMG_0865.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I guess this is the 'Beer Bridge' that was mentioned in the first photo of this post!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosdQKZ5o8y8heZ8iQrWoKy7Pq3TOQqLlGfnpIaICwiAn19VFYrtNk_Ys0y2nRFzv9uHbMzpSfK05qk6M0X69iaB5Mdp2nrwC_awSdBoLiOFxx5XjKG8gkk44bno1evZhyphenhyphen9cC-bdC0LMU/s1600/IMG_0867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosdQKZ5o8y8heZ8iQrWoKy7Pq3TOQqLlGfnpIaICwiAn19VFYrtNk_Ys0y2nRFzv9uHbMzpSfK05qk6M0X69iaB5Mdp2nrwC_awSdBoLiOFxx5XjKG8gkk44bno1evZhyphenhyphen9cC-bdC0LMU/s640/IMG_0867.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Poor guy couldn't stay awake for our entire walk</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gzysdZRSSI7897kknlTV_6wSGIQOVLtZqMMkYANS33RxeThSZ-xiPetp-WhcoNjQB56z5423CClRp4NOLfbuxZvhf9yHXGT5xwHasgvUuWjtYytCR8QEU4heQmeOMTL2Hdl7aBOeDtU/s1600/IMG_0871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gzysdZRSSI7897kknlTV_6wSGIQOVLtZqMMkYANS33RxeThSZ-xiPetp-WhcoNjQB56z5423CClRp4NOLfbuxZvhf9yHXGT5xwHasgvUuWjtYytCR8QEU4heQmeOMTL2Hdl7aBOeDtU/s640/IMG_0871.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Back in the campsite, ready to play!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff-wpLX9YvmrxsnzVqX3IbIgmz82YmfVcTUnokAMk5rdmF1qutAZ_x1-Mi3qw5MBrpRgTUn_l6tCWLgBhZsLGOqnB0F_wsEz4V65d4rdMpEVn8eAdNKaK8-gOmChUtDwF-RAXoojETjY/s1600/IMG_0874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff-wpLX9YvmrxsnzVqX3IbIgmz82YmfVcTUnokAMk5rdmF1qutAZ_x1-Mi3qw5MBrpRgTUn_l6tCWLgBhZsLGOqnB0F_wsEz4V65d4rdMpEVn8eAdNKaK8-gOmChUtDwF-RAXoojETjY/s640/IMG_0874.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The kids found this impressively large spider on a piece of firewood</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX89NNfF3s6Dg4P_C8hhhrviVHjDBCOUD8ZxrIiUYEkbXwC93isrCvVpK7s_Pt7vfXiHjBii_BYpDIqpAMJyYZJh2ojscFThQEzzKIgwxGzwL-zf05Jmt4_Imsj-kLkOR-M89dkqRntU/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX89NNfF3s6Dg4P_C8hhhrviVHjDBCOUD8ZxrIiUYEkbXwC93isrCvVpK7s_Pt7vfXiHjBii_BYpDIqpAMJyYZJh2ojscFThQEzzKIgwxGzwL-zf05Jmt4_Imsj-kLkOR-M89dkqRntU/s640/IMG_0879.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">On the drive back home Sunday afternoon I just had to stop and get a closer look at this abandoned caboose that rests in a field along Highway 541</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jrn90QP540-T8BPqhjQAfKZtHFod8-dhqf772EWADFlK2pdi-DAGT4MJYP6x_90Vl93GGi9Q0MaKq_3wNUAqZN46oWv49hB1qt5thCY_XRXMdmkLURcwz08AKQ2T-kC2tQIih_1F_1s/s1600/IMG_0885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jrn90QP540-T8BPqhjQAfKZtHFod8-dhqf772EWADFlK2pdi-DAGT4MJYP6x_90Vl93GGi9Q0MaKq_3wNUAqZN46oWv49hB1qt5thCY_XRXMdmkLURcwz08AKQ2T-kC2tQIih_1F_1s/s640/IMG_0885.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Unfortunately I haven't been able to uncover any details or information about this little piece of history</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We really had an awesome final weekend of camping and lucked out overall with the weather. We talked at length on this trip about all the camping adventures we hope to go on starting next spring. Stay tuned for all of our fall/winter escapes happening soon!<br />
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-48485430699442785462018-07-30T14:23:00.000-06:002018-08-01T14:24:03.029-06:00Burstall Pass<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: July 2018</span></u></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christine and I decided to have a kid-free hiking adventure on a late Friday in July. We chose <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/trail-reports/peter-lougheed/burstall-pass/">Burstall Pass</a> in <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/peter-lougheed-pp/">Peter Lougheed Provincial Park</a> as our destination for the day and we weren't disappointed in the least. The trail to the pass is 7.4km one-way with an elevation gain of 470m. The first 2.7km follow an old logging road and this section of trail is open to bikes, so we opted for a multi-sport day that included both biking and hiking.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gzq2WrSyk9PT59jq7mFhnX-iU60PW0QNIujbcRlnu_CzeX5q_rVYt3tSU8ws_upjlnhqXM8Gqt6g2zPiAre1n1ncE0A54TlAVOmF7EpDON2zK2aZP6R62ueEfPhS5W3NRQ410geRvT4/s1600/IMG_9938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gzq2WrSyk9PT59jq7mFhnX-iU60PW0QNIujbcRlnu_CzeX5q_rVYt3tSU8ws_upjlnhqXM8Gqt6g2zPiAre1n1ncE0A54TlAVOmF7EpDON2zK2aZP6R62ueEfPhS5W3NRQ410geRvT4/s640/IMG_9938.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mud Lake</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The trailhead for this hike is the <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/peter-lougheed-pp/information-facilities/day-use/burstall-pass/">Burstall Pass Day-Use Area</a> along the Smith Dorrien/Spray Trail, directly across from the <a href="https://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2015/09/chester-lake.html">Chester Lake Trailhead</a>, which happened to be closed due to bear activity. Christine quickly commented, "so the bears don't cross the road or what?" After leaving the parking lot the trail immediately passes Mud Lake, before entering the forest. Although not visible from the trail, we also passed <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/trail-reports/peter-lougheed/hogarth-lakes-loop-snowshoe/">Hogarth Lakes</a>, a popular snowshoeing loop.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nlcCaEfPrNdTA-u50gli2pIYaRlhCCsuBYRXV38gocX1RJ6ylv3hrxn6PWmRY1LxQl3Ly1bpdc8GJpPIJBzmSRNToF7XhItzNJKQ_rwmxjSE-9sA0VJ0RvqorrEj8d9fo12ahwuG22k/s1600/IMG_7212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nlcCaEfPrNdTA-u50gli2pIYaRlhCCsuBYRXV38gocX1RJ6ylv3hrxn6PWmRY1LxQl3Ly1bpdc8GJpPIJBzmSRNToF7XhItzNJKQ_rwmxjSE-9sA0VJ0RvqorrEj8d9fo12ahwuG22k/s640/IMG_7212.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Biking along the old logging road</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif89hQcdr5NGEfazQdupdU7TofPvJlQVkTIcEwDBWCjcvDKlF4FkekRxbdE0T7rhE5IOotGiKXhwsVqjHRR9JyoqgzTL64C-RB3hRtLRrycEHVy7emEU57seU-M34rjJG1T_t0ZCi8uEs/s1600/IMG_7225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif89hQcdr5NGEfazQdupdU7TofPvJlQVkTIcEwDBWCjcvDKlF4FkekRxbdE0T7rhE5IOotGiKXhwsVqjHRR9JyoqgzTL64C-RB3hRtLRrycEHVy7emEU57seU-M34rjJG1T_t0ZCi8uEs/s640/IMG_7225.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Even in the trees the views are still pretty good</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
As previously mentioned the first section follows an old logging road for 2.7km before reaching a concrete bike rack and sign indicating bicycles are not permitted past that point. We locked our bikes to the rack and hit the trail on foot. After passing the shallow Burstall Lakes we hit Willow Flats, which is the outflow from the Robertson Glacier. This section can be a bit confusing as the trail disappears into the vegetation as you cross several shallow creeks. There are signs indicating the correct route, but they can be tricky to spot as they aren't very close together. Basic route-finding skills are necessary here, but don't let it deter you from tackling this trail.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mh57BnRrjHynXU__DKop2zSL6vJTP3s9TBD5qgKl2tmEAD41ubXmK29wuU7srCN1iPAnHgEb6oEU_Jv74yJANp1oRKXNgQBeHnSiKPm23291-d2d70sUPYjRsZKOGkJdokt3x78ZHrc/s1600/IMG_9834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mh57BnRrjHynXU__DKop2zSL6vJTP3s9TBD5qgKl2tmEAD41ubXmK29wuU7srCN1iPAnHgEb6oEU_Jv74yJANp1oRKXNgQBeHnSiKPm23291-d2d70sUPYjRsZKOGkJdokt3x78ZHrc/s640/IMG_9834.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Shortly after leaving the bikes you're rewarded with this view of Commonwealth Peak</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ_5Cv4PV_zZQ5pddjv8ATHNJDjzVBIUiB5DkpuhbgLJ9nK2pV4erEdFBXfMf-g3VL4KQ3cLKISqjkBL6xO9ccjX-kOh8sYptEwL5yAQpNb6Hkp8ytM64f5OnZSEZNOfMQYo-Jk2bwgc/s1600/IMG_9841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ_5Cv4PV_zZQ5pddjv8ATHNJDjzVBIUiB5DkpuhbgLJ9nK2pV4erEdFBXfMf-g3VL4KQ3cLKISqjkBL6xO9ccjX-kOh8sYptEwL5yAQpNb6Hkp8ytM64f5OnZSEZNOfMQYo-Jk2bwgc/s640/IMG_9841.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Entering Willow Flats. Make sure you're wearing waterproof shoes as this is the only bridge available and your feet might get wet depending on the water levels.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mUkQw9UdseHA34UCkqg4KcsS2oHYdvuRRRks_cceIkAhjRR1FzsvZCVK1U4sF3l2M_L088PxiF6dH5Pnp-ay_Ml4bRLuwrDcuPiTyVbPZezAmyrVa6Wu7QcYyCYswV6ad-ltluHfJls/s1600/IMG_9847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mUkQw9UdseHA34UCkqg4KcsS2oHYdvuRRRks_cceIkAhjRR1FzsvZCVK1U4sF3l2M_L088PxiF6dH5Pnp-ay_Ml4bRLuwrDcuPiTyVbPZezAmyrVa6Wu7QcYyCYswV6ad-ltluHfJls/s640/IMG_9847.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Whistling Rock Ridge as viewed from Willow Flats</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi738lvHk9vAchBcxBuB3NhD5SrcQIA1xT-hsy754YH7VTiM12QNaJzumeGgKBewbM7-NMpcOy2dGF3U9_p7sERkmLDUPlZYlZ7QSaHz_eEvXrInil3k_v_m5_LHa6RGOUCO89LKwRZ_cI/s1600/IMG_9852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi738lvHk9vAchBcxBuB3NhD5SrcQIA1xT-hsy754YH7VTiM12QNaJzumeGgKBewbM7-NMpcOy2dGF3U9_p7sERkmLDUPlZYlZ7QSaHz_eEvXrInil3k_v_m5_LHa6RGOUCO89LKwRZ_cI/s640/IMG_9852.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Selfie with Commonwealth Peak</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMnAWH9Pa1vQnGdNJ-l0ySm7Q92uV_Iri0-0v0RuFyOpSOhldLdRWWNZFp6BRbzFHY8gPynGCq8u-3fDjFZ0rTkA4fUwIkWRZtHBXpjfEgjYEDmkTDk-SDguMEaQUHoHx1VRRMbUSVK8/s1600/IMG_7248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMnAWH9Pa1vQnGdNJ-l0ySm7Q92uV_Iri0-0v0RuFyOpSOhldLdRWWNZFp6BRbzFHY8gPynGCq8u-3fDjFZ0rTkA4fUwIkWRZtHBXpjfEgjYEDmkTDk-SDguMEaQUHoHx1VRRMbUSVK8/s640/IMG_7248.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Robertson Glacier</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQPvelrP8gTfUQkaE_CFP7jsRlowygpazox6jsjiWwiDEw3funD4mF_EN9ALXMjqFSK8Qospgb-ChYlcZAuyGJpfbjpIOyCvGWn3DUZCYO7CW74x7_GC6W79L-WN-5JlKuRrbBa-Tjj0/s1600/IMG_7239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQPvelrP8gTfUQkaE_CFP7jsRlowygpazox6jsjiWwiDEw3funD4mF_EN9ALXMjqFSK8Qospgb-ChYlcZAuyGJpfbjpIOyCvGWn3DUZCYO7CW74x7_GC6W79L-WN-5JlKuRrbBa-Tjj0/s640/IMG_7239.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Navigating Willow Flats with Snow Peak in the background</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once across Willow Flats the trail climbs steeply to an open meadow with magnificent views of Mount Birdwood, Snow Peak, and Whistling Rock Ridge. The meadow is relatively flat and is a nice reprieve from the ascent we just completed, but just as you catch your breath the trail, once again, resumes its climb towards Burstall Pass.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdca9pdiVzAYD7KGvlXJBiwIS52g8yIxbI9ZHoN4cci01H4uCPMDtbJlkM3cvxgKeuvucDZLrv6M8drcKaaWSocicDYg3CW8qFNwq0Le9rg4vgZFFDOs7u1SwHZ_vMwAtfjTzU_iB_XM/s1600/IMG_9860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdca9pdiVzAYD7KGvlXJBiwIS52g8yIxbI9ZHoN4cci01H4uCPMDtbJlkM3cvxgKeuvucDZLrv6M8drcKaaWSocicDYg3CW8qFNwq0Le9rg4vgZFFDOs7u1SwHZ_vMwAtfjTzU_iB_XM/s640/IMG_9860.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Entering the first meadow with Snow Peak above us</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTnOsP9bNw3lp8_O7Rz-ubtECj0G5M9OBCILqTa1EMmpgZAyZY71mYNVKWuOew6KQvpTxd6zPxgvxv0uQb5rLIWO5Hg8IOod8fM-ML8mbQv759ShMhj4UTLH0gJAEbf4jb2h52qnrJ6Q/s1600/IMG_9865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTnOsP9bNw3lp8_O7Rz-ubtECj0G5M9OBCILqTa1EMmpgZAyZY71mYNVKWuOew6KQvpTxd6zPxgvxv0uQb5rLIWO5Hg8IOod8fM-ML8mbQv759ShMhj4UTLH0gJAEbf4jb2h52qnrJ6Q/s640/IMG_9865.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Christine posing with a very prominent Mount Birdwood</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV3wa2qwY8OZSrWmhhyTpKVaJJmezlCFjJr4sMfrYIeMBuvqraxyemKIGz6E1ikAP7RrsVeJECV7EeTtvHsqfzhKqeAkK__vhYTw3JjTJ7wQnques32hkQdaktLYhhXfoYrAM9lSi-cs/s1600/IMG_9871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV3wa2qwY8OZSrWmhhyTpKVaJJmezlCFjJr4sMfrYIeMBuvqraxyemKIGz6E1ikAP7RrsVeJECV7EeTtvHsqfzhKqeAkK__vhYTw3JjTJ7wQnques32hkQdaktLYhhXfoYrAM9lSi-cs/s640/IMG_9871.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic shot of Mount Birdwood (left), Commonwealth Peak (centre), and the other side of Whistling Rock Ridge (right)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5nVILv6WpRmHwIyUi6zXaf2Muh6w0QRI_-PlEroQsoVEtTxZHnkSW-r79LTFeD6BCMGga0VxU1gdGxHPLR2qPszO4pzIqPEy7rSKgWMZlNUHKBvpnsO7bPt_kaKGd555BQjVVncHcIc/s1600/IMG_9877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5nVILv6WpRmHwIyUi6zXaf2Muh6w0QRI_-PlEroQsoVEtTxZHnkSW-r79LTFeD6BCMGga0VxU1gdGxHPLR2qPszO4pzIqPEy7rSKgWMZlNUHKBvpnsO7bPt_kaKGd555BQjVVncHcIc/s640/IMG_9877.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">We were surprised at the number of wildflowers still in bloom</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDYpo1CCfFMAmhUzXeYK_T6msNoCTmsaRSJTol-KlhA3yfX8Q_ImI9y8mJX3UTIFB9HWpDUmXACcfXAdkndad_AloaCMzwj4VKvM3ONnw3MegIgCGp_FJQ_u4wMBzyId4PDotkFCSeGU/s1600/IMG_9882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDYpo1CCfFMAmhUzXeYK_T6msNoCTmsaRSJTol-KlhA3yfX8Q_ImI9y8mJX3UTIFB9HWpDUmXACcfXAdkndad_AloaCMzwj4VKvM3ONnw3MegIgCGp_FJQ_u4wMBzyId4PDotkFCSeGU/s640/IMG_9882.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mount Sir Douglas (far right) and Whistling Rock Ridge, which must be named for the abundance of marmots that we heard whistling throughout our hike. Those whistles really echo off the rock walls.</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
As you crest that final push to the pass you'll notice a small yellow sign welcoming you to <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff">Banff National Park</a>. You might think this is odd, but Burstall Pass actually butts up against the eastern border of the famous national park. The trail continues on into the park before reaching Leman Lake (4.9km), Palliser Pass (10.9km), and eventually the junction with Bryant Creek (18.0km). As Burstall Pass was our goal for the day we opted to stop for lunch while enjoying the spectacular view that spread out in front of us.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjconXS6w_mywYBqpoWvFqqlYQGSKCWXxwMzLTwfHsoJ8tHljqJi5qYNryEocNHCFC4IhP4e4XGMl5XO9_RLs1qGwKzwYcY82Q8cWpj3yXGVHsxgwJx-KanKdca1ZsR0c1xasDMWBjop3U/s1600/IMG_9885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjconXS6w_mywYBqpoWvFqqlYQGSKCWXxwMzLTwfHsoJ8tHljqJi5qYNryEocNHCFC4IhP4e4XGMl5XO9_RLs1qGwKzwYcY82Q8cWpj3yXGVHsxgwJx-KanKdca1ZsR0c1xasDMWBjop3U/s640/IMG_9885.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The final push to Burstall Pass</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq76JPlxk5g2Lrur60Z-GDEpaIcOqg5G3MnCDi8WnDN2yWwvGXeT7MF54usIiQBN5ydW67aCWoThwYUpLsswEWMcoTg1tUGRVDfD_bZCL6E0z7Mb303kmMoqRi7WDhsGm5SdTBS-9Y2uw/s1600/IMG_9919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq76JPlxk5g2Lrur60Z-GDEpaIcOqg5G3MnCDi8WnDN2yWwvGXeT7MF54usIiQBN5ydW67aCWoThwYUpLsswEWMcoTg1tUGRVDfD_bZCL6E0z7Mb303kmMoqRi7WDhsGm5SdTBS-9Y2uw/s640/IMG_9919.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Banff National Park</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2zMOTb_6SX8bQ3MXSSbcTiYdsO04XoZuRESVRl3x-LcuXknV-BT1qxpgOp52fBV5zK8rrze0b3F7g6lQbA1VVcsIsAn0mDp0gxmIUD6RTbjzst3ieghbK3jhUMUIuAWu50_oDEOXJ_I/s1600/IMG_9894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2zMOTb_6SX8bQ3MXSSbcTiYdsO04XoZuRESVRl3x-LcuXknV-BT1qxpgOp52fBV5zK8rrze0b3F7g6lQbA1VVcsIsAn0mDp0gxmIUD6RTbjzst3ieghbK3jhUMUIuAWu50_oDEOXJ_I/s640/IMG_9894.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My girls enjoying the view and their respective lunches</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jiSVrMJps7LML2Nq4zhNJexNSLMkRkmT_zVFeI5PqdevWt_dpU56j2PoC5H2mr82AN7Fj3HptINe44-f2YowssdZqDc7tT2lALdIAJD0yjIykY9Jn1doXLPCS7Ywvn2CpRn8xbA6XGE/s1600/IMG_9887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jiSVrMJps7LML2Nq4zhNJexNSLMkRkmT_zVFeI5PqdevWt_dpU56j2PoC5H2mr82AN7Fj3HptINe44-f2YowssdZqDc7tT2lALdIAJD0yjIykY9Jn1doXLPCS7Ywvn2CpRn8xbA6XGE/s640/IMG_9887.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Looking west into Banff National Park. I believe the mountains have the following names, from left to right Leval, Vavsour, Warre, and Currie and way in the background (far right) with a bit of snow on the summit is the Matterhorn of the Rockies, Mount Assiniboine.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkTrwg84zslz2sOxZNVTLeU1CZmW0uRohh6WtsUbJEZABlD67H1HtZnM3RfLOBPtXY9LuG4CFT3YnaM3I0zEqYbkClzg4KTwQKMQCAn-I5fRaLeQ2eCJUcedIHFtN08fK8bDAVzF8_4g/s1600/IMG_9911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkTrwg84zslz2sOxZNVTLeU1CZmW0uRohh6WtsUbJEZABlD67H1HtZnM3RfLOBPtXY9LuG4CFT3YnaM3I0zEqYbkClzg4KTwQKMQCAn-I5fRaLeQ2eCJUcedIHFtN08fK8bDAVzF8_4g/s640/IMG_9911.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A quick selfie from Burstall Pass</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We didn't stick around too long as there was rain in the forecast. The wind was starting to pick up and with it came much darker clouds. After snapping a few photos we packed up and began our descent. We were really hoping to beat the weather or at least get as low as possible before the skies opened up.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqa9hB1O_MhGkIkxuatsK83o2oa8TgTRYuFJsR9e8ct5LcelLIg0qpflIYV3usStdXnrCGFbfEgQo4NQ5jlHdwWulk2A0MfL_uXLH4k7LMrEse1xAaFqcMt2tbcfc8rNSjXNbISYmYNU/s1600/IMG_9918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqa9hB1O_MhGkIkxuatsK83o2oa8TgTRYuFJsR9e8ct5LcelLIg0qpflIYV3usStdXnrCGFbfEgQo4NQ5jlHdwWulk2A0MfL_uXLH4k7LMrEse1xAaFqcMt2tbcfc8rNSjXNbISYmYNU/s640/IMG_9918.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Back in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park after enjoying our lunch in Banff</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv7IvsfMBW4eFBYbpPz_4V6dyaF4GKSNAALh_zy4BluklO3L780VLkto-V97n-aqsYTmL0-Qmy4rt5_ew_OlWkX0dMA4YcbfKcZzFiZL2B3-Bc_iP3rkhKtAaA4tIqemeLwpdGlz0dMo/s1600/IMG_9921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv7IvsfMBW4eFBYbpPz_4V6dyaF4GKSNAALh_zy4BluklO3L780VLkto-V97n-aqsYTmL0-Qmy4rt5_ew_OlWkX0dMA4YcbfKcZzFiZL2B3-Bc_iP3rkhKtAaA4tIqemeLwpdGlz0dMo/s640/IMG_9921.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">One last look at Mount Birdwood as the wet weather makes its way towards us</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoEwqtJgSvG8LPIrDtrZY6muTM0DRafd2Ou4HciQpAiYnGNlFybyWh5_YuaiYgxqHo7CtwUlPXVhk48uPxHcj7gov7gMkke8WKCJJ1rqGhhXp5gryt2JXOcgybLPDNPrBAHlgEgZ3J7s/s1600/IMG_9925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoEwqtJgSvG8LPIrDtrZY6muTM0DRafd2Ou4HciQpAiYnGNlFybyWh5_YuaiYgxqHo7CtwUlPXVhk48uPxHcj7gov7gMkke8WKCJJ1rqGhhXp5gryt2JXOcgybLPDNPrBAHlgEgZ3J7s/s640/IMG_9925.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Starting our descent</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCz5ZVpKfPZ88srEwNtEGmzPlFp15hUIb1JdJ-LagoRu9GTFcAuitEykmBIecWGMLSPwdSPgIbS3emAKxqxcbXNd8KS-27PQ01ecx8BTH8hjVdmfhwf85SVZ3qtdEAoAP-sbCO-fPSV4/s1600/IMG_9929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCz5ZVpKfPZ88srEwNtEGmzPlFp15hUIb1JdJ-LagoRu9GTFcAuitEykmBIecWGMLSPwdSPgIbS3emAKxqxcbXNd8KS-27PQ01ecx8BTH8hjVdmfhwf85SVZ3qtdEAoAP-sbCO-fPSV4/s640/IMG_9929.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Christine and Rome making their way back down</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm happy to report that it rained just enough for us to say it rained, but we did experience some intense thunder. Much like the marmot's whistles I am assuming the booming thunder echoes off the mountains making it seem much louder and more extreme than it really is. We were safely back in the truck and pulling out of the parking lot when the rain really started to fall.<br />
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After completing this trek for the first time it's easy to see why it's considered a classic hike in Kananaskis. We both thoroughly enjoyed the varied terrain and incredible scenery. Christine even mentioned that it's easily in her top three hikes of all time now. We both said it would be a great option in autumn as the larches are turning from green to their famous golden colour, so we might see you there in the fall!</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-70978544147175675812018-07-25T19:50:00.000-06:002018-07-31T19:51:17.401-06:00Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: July 2018</span></u></b><br />
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Our third camping trip of the summer took us down to the <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/oldman-dam-pra/information-facilities/">Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area</a> near the <a href="https://gocrowsnest.ca/">Crowsnest Pass</a> area of southern Alberta. The park is only 15 minutes from the town of <a href="http://www.pinchercreek.ca/">Pincher Creek</a>. We reserved three sites in the <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/oldman-dam-pra/information-facilities/camping/cottonwood/">Cottonwood Campground</a>, just one of four campgrounds located within the park. Cottonwood is tucked away in a valley below the Oldman River Reservoir, but still along the banks of the Oldman River. There are numerous Cottonwood Trees that provide shade and some relief from the constant wind that plagues this part of the province.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area</span></td></tr>
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None of us had ever camped here before, so we were looking forward to seeing a new park and a new part of the province. Sometimes it's easy to get stuck going back to familiar places, so trying new things once in awhile can be fun.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Oldman River Brewing in Lundbreck</span></td></tr>
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Christine and I left Friday morning and headed south. We stopped in Lundbreck for lunch at <a href="https://www.oldmanriverbrewing.com/">Oldman River Brewing</a>. This small micro-brewery was absolutely perfect. They had a kid and dog friendly patio, good food, delicious beers, and their customer service was above and beyond. They took small-town hospitality to a whole new level. In fact we liked them so much that we stopped there again on Saturday afternoon with all of our friends because we couldn't quit raving about them. So if you're ever down in southern Alberta make sure you stop in and enjoy a flight; you won't be disappointed!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A flight of five beers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Their patio accommodates the entire family!</span></td></tr>
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We pulled into the campground mid-afternoon and set-up our campsite. We were the first ones to arrive, but the rest of the crew slowly trickled in as the day wore on. Waiting on everyone else gave us some time to explore the campground and take Rome for a walk.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cottonwood Campground</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Our home for the weekend</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">There aren't too many campgrounds where you look up and see wind turbines sticking up above the hills</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The banks of the Oldman River</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Looking northeast from the campground</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A gorgeous prairie sunset</span></td></tr>
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Saturday was a day for adventure. Ryan and I scrambled up the hillside next to the campground just to see what the view was like. Needless to say we weren't disappointed. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Panoramic view from the top of the hill overlooking Cottonwood Campground</span></td></tr>
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When we returned to the campground we were treated to a rare wildlife encounter. A Long-Tailed Weasel had been chasing a ground squirrel and when its prey eluded him, he climbed a nearby tree and perched on a low-hanging branch. This weasel sat on the branch for a long time without moving much and seemingly without a care in the world. We snapped several photos of the elusive critter before leaving him to his own devices.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Long-Tailed Weasel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCOObSkowHDncRSud3hQiNlR5XrbbPXVftTO1v8AoQL8qQ6XcyScua8N8UoD8uQrLMDzxdCuTRF5BN1Ca3aNGzVP879zeQ_uyPXrh1Eq824-_UGKCKP6P9EGRdAAamD29L1VH7u8akoQ/s1600/IMG_7085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCOObSkowHDncRSud3hQiNlR5XrbbPXVftTO1v8AoQL8qQ6XcyScua8N8UoD8uQrLMDzxdCuTRF5BN1Ca3aNGzVP879zeQ_uyPXrh1Eq824-_UGKCKP6P9EGRdAAamD29L1VH7u8akoQ/s640/IMG_7085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Just lounging in a tree</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2qAKGnFY4n0Gn3F7tlUTzR0jVwNdYwa6i2DjB6YRDWqMSFOq9attiK1yUs5imcsdN2ThG4oMzWgcLgnJWeOmt_PalAf0VRFS1ggShuVIILW10kbiCcGPiAKGDXEsv9ohiATOM8IhKsI/s1600/IMG_7133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2qAKGnFY4n0Gn3F7tlUTzR0jVwNdYwa6i2DjB6YRDWqMSFOq9attiK1yUs5imcsdN2ThG4oMzWgcLgnJWeOmt_PalAf0VRFS1ggShuVIILW10kbiCcGPiAKGDXEsv9ohiATOM8IhKsI/s640/IMG_7133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Shortly after seeing the weasel this Mule Deer trotted through the campground</span></td></tr>
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After our brief hike and wildlife viewing we headed out to <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/lundbreck-falls-pra/">Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area</a> as none of us had ever seen the waterfalls in person. It was less than a 25 minute drive from our campground to the <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/lundbreck-falls-pra/information-facilities/camping/lundbreck-falls/">Lundbreck Falls Campground</a>, which is where we parked. Hindsight being 20/20 we should have drove past the campground and parked at <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/lundbreck-falls-pra/information-facilities/day-use/lundbreck-falls/">Lundbreck Falls Day Use Area</a> as there was more parking available, but we thoroughly enjoyed the short walk anyway.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp9TTtUXFDId530Yrjfl6OekXl5LO-eJZLUWzGfwHJy1s7HTgxjCIhA8iYWnI4ceeTz_VftHjD74WuiLaZFlWn0bvNHYZtyhaUM0ya9XQ39xcLp1UmJVGVD2LdhTz1TRZJRbCbUA8MHw/s1600/IMG_9690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp9TTtUXFDId530Yrjfl6OekXl5LO-eJZLUWzGfwHJy1s7HTgxjCIhA8iYWnI4ceeTz_VftHjD74WuiLaZFlWn0bvNHYZtyhaUM0ya9XQ39xcLp1UmJVGVD2LdhTz1TRZJRbCbUA8MHw/s640/IMG_9690.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The clean and clear Crowsnest River</span></td></tr>
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Lundbreck Falls is located on the Crowsnest River near the hamlet of Lundbreck. The falls tumble approximately 12 metres over the edge of a cliff and are quite popular due to their picturesque nature and ease of access. As mentioned we parked in the Lundbreck Falls Campground, which meant a leisurely stroll along a trail next to the Crowsnest River to reach the falls.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxMZhy-3q5wlX_wT6iYep2yhaISB3HLfXsjhW3it0rP1cQPM9p5d45YJ0M-y9_qqNoRDqdhBNXfNfexCCFj9cdtGJZqBcB4EU2efQUGhbuFt1IfZgNxurh-A3mzK84wTARfkhixGL74s/s1600/IMG_9694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxMZhy-3q5wlX_wT6iYep2yhaISB3HLfXsjhW3it0rP1cQPM9p5d45YJ0M-y9_qqNoRDqdhBNXfNfexCCFj9cdtGJZqBcB4EU2efQUGhbuFt1IfZgNxurh-A3mzK84wTARfkhixGL74s/s640/IMG_9694.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Our first view of the falls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mp7ofguaxTJnCCHLvXOVojNILCnJBIZ1I5DFl19K_1JNZ-cVWJxTrs7yH4to2W6CZ2wKvJ_O1TL2kzW8diPmcGVPxIGfE7tRBYNvDbZKbbh9tvpYQVp0WJz4TQwXbW7llKCAumoWHmo/s1600/IMG_9720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8mp7ofguaxTJnCCHLvXOVojNILCnJBIZ1I5DFl19K_1JNZ-cVWJxTrs7yH4to2W6CZ2wKvJ_O1TL2kzW8diPmcGVPxIGfE7tRBYNvDbZKbbh9tvpYQVp0WJz4TQwXbW7llKCAumoWHmo/s640/IMG_9720.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Lundbreck Falls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sslktvY28hSx8Qs19_gvsU5CUADEmcigM4et9zJU-bfUTy4eCcCRaF-i8myVQb1i-dGjnWV27lU5tOCqWFIUVG1Vuyow4HajoXh_Q6n5aUFg-z0OYImU-Y4yvTKWHmxLhEC9OUChVmM/s1600/IMG_9724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sslktvY28hSx8Qs19_gvsU5CUADEmcigM4et9zJU-bfUTy4eCcCRaF-i8myVQb1i-dGjnWV27lU5tOCqWFIUVG1Vuyow4HajoXh_Q6n5aUFg-z0OYImU-Y4yvTKWHmxLhEC9OUChVmM/s640/IMG_9724.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">View from above the falls</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF29Mx7SBTIiz22eiSY3r0LfL494NRq3KX3eW3COLlemBngxVN7xznG2Vyz0pm1aeGv18f_n0nRShM1JG3w-kfmjjK5yFdxczh4PWtITTvzEEqVSaJdtsfn0Ag_qEIJvc1XeWPCQVhWI/s1600/IMG_9733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF29Mx7SBTIiz22eiSY3r0LfL494NRq3KX3eW3COLlemBngxVN7xznG2Vyz0pm1aeGv18f_n0nRShM1JG3w-kfmjjK5yFdxczh4PWtITTvzEEqVSaJdtsfn0Ag_qEIJvc1XeWPCQVhWI/s640/IMG_9733.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Looking at the falls from water level</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXYYMZnV-a8Oq_En6E5y5oqocM9DxnzPfyv44al_b6SIsu1CUOvFjnwOOtt0jfGkhu1u9xCPiX5NUAf2KsUcgzP_4nIqPXbvsxt06seHI8B9T8-FBjQ1E-gt2uTRJf5ZI_u5IR2Qq-Tc/s1600/IMG_9737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXYYMZnV-a8Oq_En6E5y5oqocM9DxnzPfyv44al_b6SIsu1CUOvFjnwOOtt0jfGkhu1u9xCPiX5NUAf2KsUcgzP_4nIqPXbvsxt06seHI8B9T8-FBjQ1E-gt2uTRJf5ZI_u5IR2Qq-Tc/s640/IMG_9737.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The wildflowers were still blooming while we were there</span></td></tr>
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After our wonderful experience at the falls we stopped at Oldman River Brewing for a quick pint where Cooper continued to add more dirt to his already messy self! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaFNfx-6gqM5p8yi5KnbwndAGqKJwlSDLmc9h6QiYd3MrXuvUyV3gJ851uD1SXcgIfvsRC-EuARn1b-64RN9veoyQM0N5sRIfeseysgMYHnAMZvbupO3WsKusXHnl1IWOnq7-XM5VIc4/s1600/IMG_9745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaFNfx-6gqM5p8yi5KnbwndAGqKJwlSDLmc9h6QiYd3MrXuvUyV3gJ851uD1SXcgIfvsRC-EuARn1b-64RN9veoyQM0N5sRIfeseysgMYHnAMZvbupO3WsKusXHnl1IWOnq7-XM5VIc4/s640/IMG_9745.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is how kids are supposed to look while camping! And no those are not bruises...that's dirt!</span></td></tr>
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Our last stop before dinner was at <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/oldman-dam-pra/information-facilities/day-use/boulder-run/">Boulder Run Day-Use Area</a> for a quick cool-down. It was a hot and dusty day, so we were feeling pretty grimy. The best way to remedy those problems is a brisk dip in the Oldman River. Boulder Run provided the perfect location for this as there's a slow-moving section of river, which is ideal for swimming, plus there's change rooms onsite.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPi6HAX4pDOVG4d_uW_zaFJJwqvUflx96QEJBi_L_2GSXghQxTDAXBfCb6OkRSOePfiQsbO6nUPd84-I4zP-YSqJ8HlA_Xl_svuslzb3m3m6DAMnVm_W8mcnkgQESXTK_lt1ZU6mnoFY/s1600/IMG_9758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPi6HAX4pDOVG4d_uW_zaFJJwqvUflx96QEJBi_L_2GSXghQxTDAXBfCb6OkRSOePfiQsbO6nUPd84-I4zP-YSqJ8HlA_Xl_svuslzb3m3m6DAMnVm_W8mcnkgQESXTK_lt1ZU6mnoFY/s640/IMG_9758.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Boulder Run Day Use Area</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9OcLU3mnMf1MqT_v-mMuKRjTq6rrf905U0wjBKN_7JfQ1RLY3lR5Ow-HYL_vXo3yFE-ODbnYWAjj8_Hqzq7zfJvgXAy0m4vyyP6oUKaqpFg7aQFt8GVlvGHuEfm2YWmAQnX9yx2Ya5g/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9OcLU3mnMf1MqT_v-mMuKRjTq6rrf905U0wjBKN_7JfQ1RLY3lR5Ow-HYL_vXo3yFE-ODbnYWAjj8_Hqzq7zfJvgXAy0m4vyyP6oUKaqpFg7aQFt8GVlvGHuEfm2YWmAQnX9yx2Ya5g/s640/IMG_1678.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A refreshing dip in the Oldman River</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD33fRzMco2YImsDXKkrIWiVNFaJxQgemusJqexPst6sp3sii_uG_5l3cqLIAUxR6iGdgvajG_ueRdgrpPYXvFaQBmDfXLGYudAFLs3wk_YNJ5_vbIr4PECkQDsxB425Z6NiB5zrkiOcc/s1600/IMG_9761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD33fRzMco2YImsDXKkrIWiVNFaJxQgemusJqexPst6sp3sii_uG_5l3cqLIAUxR6iGdgvajG_ueRdgrpPYXvFaQBmDfXLGYudAFLs3wk_YNJ5_vbIr4PECkQDsxB425Z6NiB5zrkiOcc/s640/IMG_9761.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildflowers blooming along the shoreline</span></td></tr>
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The whole recreation area is named for the Oldman Dam that was completed in 1991. The reservoir that was created when the dam was built is a popular spot for water-based recreation and the prevalent breeze make this a wind-sport hotspot.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6SMnXzh0TP12fKlIMAHLZmygHoBAb1wyMKiHuqAo70H3O5BTB4zPdyDKfUOq-KhO2DiqHVxpCv6DeCnste_KlGToCJ-obxcE3CCRQWY6FPBV8fuNrxEf0I9knPtxia6hgWSZIPoK_kc/s1600/IMG_9755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6SMnXzh0TP12fKlIMAHLZmygHoBAb1wyMKiHuqAo70H3O5BTB4zPdyDKfUOq-KhO2DiqHVxpCv6DeCnste_KlGToCJ-obxcE3CCRQWY6FPBV8fuNrxEf0I9knPtxia6hgWSZIPoK_kc/s640/IMG_9755.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Oldman River Dam</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0auHwisVDpoNrU_J-a3mDS5I6mCi6k-KzkV-Bg4AIXo29o8tdDiusWR6q5ArpeHWIcvVP_XKnxXsonU5ksrZG4sTCJbfTO0pV6QkTgglBIwRifq3OwqjZEdaBLPStQW4IvxXJNS7M5M/s1600/IMG_9754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0auHwisVDpoNrU_J-a3mDS5I6mCi6k-KzkV-Bg4AIXo29o8tdDiusWR6q5ArpeHWIcvVP_XKnxXsonU5ksrZG4sTCJbfTO0pV6QkTgglBIwRifq3OwqjZEdaBLPStQW4IvxXJNS7M5M/s640/IMG_9754.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Spillway Viewpoint</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIDolzVTyI3dqTNcJilKE4SfZHICkeZTvv_88eoGPwPQtmoKpQdCh24LTB8YvK9yFxFiYi7UNoS9u3RvnQQL3CK4sk8orB5aADrbtaTqsXxy_JY9yuCXrOeYbRacry0f8Ji64TL-pVGg/s1600/IMG_9783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIDolzVTyI3dqTNcJilKE4SfZHICkeZTvv_88eoGPwPQtmoKpQdCh24LTB8YvK9yFxFiYi7UNoS9u3RvnQQL3CK4sk8orB5aADrbtaTqsXxy_JY9yuCXrOeYbRacry0f8Ji64TL-pVGg/s640/IMG_9783.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Panoramic shot of the Oldman Reservoir on an unusually calm morning</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had a fantastic weekend filled with new adventures and lots of laughs. We were all pleasantly surprised with the recreational opportunities available in this park and also close-by. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to branch-out from their usual camping spots and try something new. I think it's safe to say that we'll be back at some point. Until then...</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-81760851382086267692018-07-13T21:28:00.000-06:002018-07-30T21:30:34.452-06:00Elk Island National Park<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: July 2018</span></u></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I was asked to give an Outdoor Education presentation to a group of pre-service teachers and master's students at the <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/education">University of Alberta</a>, which I graciously accepted. I headed up to <a href="https://exploreedmonton.com/">Edmonton</a> a day early to finalize my presentation, but mostly to do some hiking in <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland">Elk Island National Park</a>, which has been on my bucket list for quite some time. I'd always wanted to see the bison that call the park home and explore the landscape that is unique to central Alberta.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0dm1RYm-54W3MythyXpzxJ2x_XwCODEjff86ptZYogdwFqer3blQD3vtpxQAm8bBiw-LmLcWZlYStCBQiOOZGlbhk7sqp_OfE421YPIxOJ_-w0cCA-2sV26w-kWdKjL3ni8wYgDV-C4/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0dm1RYm-54W3MythyXpzxJ2x_XwCODEjff86ptZYogdwFqer3blQD3vtpxQAm8bBiw-LmLcWZlYStCBQiOOZGlbhk7sqp_OfE421YPIxOJ_-w0cCA-2sV26w-kWdKjL3ni8wYgDV-C4/s640/IMG_9474.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Elk Island National Park</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately the weather wasn't very cooperative on the day of my visit, but some rain and wind weren't going to stop me from enjoying a day outside. I arrived at the park early in the afternoon and headed for the Bison Loop Road, which is supposed to be a hot spot for viewing the park's resident bison. Bison are North America's largest terrestrial mammals and two separate species, </span><a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/experiences/d/activ10#a_Wood%20Bison" style="text-align: justify;">Wood Bison</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> and Plains Bison, call the park home. Elk Island is Canada's only fully fenced national park and the two species of bison are kept in separate areas to ensure they don't interbreed. The Wood Bison are larger than the </span><a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/experiences/d/activ10#b_Plains%20Bison" style="text-align: justify;">Plains Bison</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> and they can be found south of Highway 16. I spent all of my time on the north side of the highway, so my only chance of seeing bison would be the smaller Plains variety. Even though the park, which is 194 square-kilometres, is completely fenced, the bison are free to roam within its confines. Although there weren't any bison along the road I did stop at the famous red chairs that are present at all national parks and national historic sites across the country.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>"Did you know that there are more bison at Elk Island National Park today than the whole of North America in 1890?"</b></i></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7Xr3wiHFmPBEt6AkAr-N6oR1_gjmYxcQSTLjrHE2AQm6FVYhgofLEaRF8NqFr7cZlmcxV8JsFgeigG9EiYllpLNKx_F3TsRj8bkTSLz_Jtzqzf_TcBRqBiRpXbbuO416Tn9dkxCYnGA/s1600/IMG_9475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7Xr3wiHFmPBEt6AkAr-N6oR1_gjmYxcQSTLjrHE2AQm6FVYhgofLEaRF8NqFr7cZlmcxV8JsFgeigG9EiYllpLNKx_F3TsRj8bkTSLz_Jtzqzf_TcBRqBiRpXbbuO416Tn9dkxCYnGA/s640/IMG_9475.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">You can read more about the Parks Canada Red Chair program by clicking <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/share-the-chair/">here</a></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After coming up short on the Bison Loop Road I continued north to the <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/experiences/a/a5">Amisk Wuche Trailhead</a>. Amisk Wuche is a 2.5km moderate trail that winds through aspen, birch, and spruce stands. There are a series of floating boardwalks that assist in crossing small kettle lakes and beaver ponds. The trail also provides some elevated views of the surrounding forest and grassland habitat. Due to the weather I only saw two other people the entire time, but I did share the trail with hoards of mosquitoes! According to my visitor's guide I received upon arrival this is a moderate trail, featuring moderate to steep terrain and is 2.5km in length. The informative sign at the trailhead reads, </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">"'Amisk Wuch' is Cree for 'Beaver Hills'. Elk Island National Park is situated within these hills, 30-60 metres above the surrounding plains. For thousands of years these forested hills attracted Aboriginal people from the northern plains. Imagine the appeal as you follow ponds that harbour Ruddy Ducks and Mallards. The slosh of Moose feeding along the edge reminds us that the Beaver Hills have always sustained wildlife. Explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of the home of the amisk (beaver) in Elk Island National Park."</span></i></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3qcs9R587oLcrjRyYOh2ZN7GU38PdrdX_icaEuWLjm08_j0QJoijfWtJ7kh2fo_cOkHOI0mZgUr0rkpn9u4OrPkcmS2JHUpVipDAzV3GdCPVg1mWm1RdOhSZXPLsppGHxJVcFd8S8HM/s1600/IMG_9479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3qcs9R587oLcrjRyYOh2ZN7GU38PdrdX_icaEuWLjm08_j0QJoijfWtJ7kh2fo_cOkHOI0mZgUr0rkpn9u4OrPkcmS2JHUpVipDAzV3GdCPVg1mWm1RdOhSZXPLsppGHxJVcFd8S8HM/s640/IMG_9479.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Hiking along the Amisk Wuche Trail</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRNaZhSh0yPk0jZNUuQSO2CBOzLMG3NG1deXdVO3f83gdv_TaLkKZRnK1N4AsBzbZHvaLkC0VuQpP9uuuheqnmRfdacsOQYpy3RoOZBRlI-Y9-kklpFdbREHrz72uVOHjrFzu3W1WqeA/s1600/IMG_9482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRNaZhSh0yPk0jZNUuQSO2CBOzLMG3NG1deXdVO3f83gdv_TaLkKZRnK1N4AsBzbZHvaLkC0VuQpP9uuuheqnmRfdacsOQYpy3RoOZBRlI-Y9-kklpFdbREHrz72uVOHjrFzu3W1WqeA/s640/IMG_9482.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Just one of the floating boardwalks you'll cross during this hike</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI68K2eviLf8x09Rp_g48Ph0ZPwsMrnlOz-XBC4VchkiHL2dWfX1ubcEnNRT-5LpLbWaf5bsuKvGlmwNO9Lju-aV-9_stmvHu4VhyTFzDZiOKrcfRD_k3JNiGZJbNWMBmqDP2hR1CYXg/s1600/IMG_9485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI68K2eviLf8x09Rp_g48Ph0ZPwsMrnlOz-XBC4VchkiHL2dWfX1ubcEnNRT-5LpLbWaf5bsuKvGlmwNO9Lju-aV-9_stmvHu4VhyTFzDZiOKrcfRD_k3JNiGZJbNWMBmqDP2hR1CYXg/s640/IMG_9485.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">You will also see several beaver lodges in the various wetlands</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DHk5oaFf9nhzGoCM254gE7SD74f7afnCcRJOHEO0qH40fKb38ifW0EFEu6SoSeEVtXiZFybYk9ATMq-AjAEDJ7e6SQo8hxTq5733QVU7y_-JAbMmKm2WI8QdgVA4F_efMdF1Q596yB8/s1600/IMG_9486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DHk5oaFf9nhzGoCM254gE7SD74f7afnCcRJOHEO0qH40fKb38ifW0EFEu6SoSeEVtXiZFybYk9ATMq-AjAEDJ7e6SQo8hxTq5733QVU7y_-JAbMmKm2WI8QdgVA4F_efMdF1Q596yB8/s640/IMG_9486.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The trail is lush with vegetation</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrERGOPk0AGuIwEjfG61hgNPQ3R0JCPuIOjzzOpoWS_Q7lmONEmzj_obZ81EXja6WlGVqsuQAZu1Zhn7BlK8hT0_AZhMA05ovWxP2vwES7PivjCzL80Cz-m6P6OQULeyC0pHwTZzUT5PY/s1600/IMG_9497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrERGOPk0AGuIwEjfG61hgNPQ3R0JCPuIOjzzOpoWS_Q7lmONEmzj_obZ81EXja6WlGVqsuQAZu1Zhn7BlK8hT0_AZhMA05ovWxP2vwES7PivjCzL80Cz-m6P6OQULeyC0pHwTZzUT5PY/s640/IMG_9497.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Look closely and you'll see a Wood Frog well-camouflaged with its surroundings. I was amazed at how many of these amphibians I saw. There were easily dozens of them throughout the hike.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23ahB6zbZRoRsxfJQN2mouC-2M7wciZ42gV-yP2B8TOQtuPNgnBsjo-xJGRJdiOMBCHigfmwbeAERTNTWtK7nhlHof46DFDBtOy4KW34wxJxJ5Hhy9K90NxieEI9JXs69LzMMd18o6k0/s1600/IMG_9498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23ahB6zbZRoRsxfJQN2mouC-2M7wciZ42gV-yP2B8TOQtuPNgnBsjo-xJGRJdiOMBCHigfmwbeAERTNTWtK7nhlHof46DFDBtOy4KW34wxJxJ5Hhy9K90NxieEI9JXs69LzMMd18o6k0/s640/IMG_9498.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Overlooking the wetlands from the trail</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After completing the Amisk Wuche Trail I made my way down to the Astotin Lake Area, which could be considered the hub of Elk Island. The area includes a visitor centre, beaches, a golf course, campground, boat launch, and more. It's also home to several trailheads, including the one for my next hike; <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/experiences/a/a6">Lakeview Trail</a>. This trail features panoramic views overlooking Astotin Lake and traverses through both Aspen and Black Spruce forest. The trail is considered easy with limited steep sections and a distance of 3.5km.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgFbS1Vp5M2joDXvoe_0HKlqYraMP8_OH2FN-viSfO0iiZDMS4a4CO5Xo9cO8GfQTaXejoaMU5phkuoVn0kMUrtbVYJ63K0IHgTDCTcE0V8YLe0jwsxYN6YvGpQb3v8IAO3mszU6pH4w/s1600/IMG_9503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgFbS1Vp5M2joDXvoe_0HKlqYraMP8_OH2FN-viSfO0iiZDMS4a4CO5Xo9cO8GfQTaXejoaMU5phkuoVn0kMUrtbVYJ63K0IHgTDCTcE0V8YLe0jwsxYN6YvGpQb3v8IAO3mszU6pH4w/s640/IMG_9503.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Another set of the Red Chairs overlooking Astotin Lake. What a view!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIErfooLuq7vPHc01T4uZQ7r1KWCVvCyzpEXb0g6RHtUV3bArYeJSmyrHNSz91vRGXkTquc9k3hAbETsaIGFX8G3G_zWIHFPhfwxUpweujwQq2gGqvjaxH7OoSFQrSVD7-i85NGmfoIXs/s1600/IMG_6931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIErfooLuq7vPHc01T4uZQ7r1KWCVvCyzpEXb0g6RHtUV3bArYeJSmyrHNSz91vRGXkTquc9k3hAbETsaIGFX8G3G_zWIHFPhfwxUpweujwQq2gGqvjaxH7OoSFQrSVD7-i85NGmfoIXs/s640/IMG_6931.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The classic view of Astotin Lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8HAKSK1CB4_4xAsIPlW5tm0mmj_86JtpJXZiuFJy293bj7Lf-yJRrTMXDPEINFmX1oRLKXNzpXlvHDy33utO7GWGzp-aN5jlNlkXY_Agx5VOcBk18rM7eh-QZZ0Tkj63sOXOAZcHDlY/s1600/IMG_9507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8HAKSK1CB4_4xAsIPlW5tm0mmj_86JtpJXZiuFJy293bj7Lf-yJRrTMXDPEINFmX1oRLKXNzpXlvHDy33utO7GWGzp-aN5jlNlkXY_Agx5VOcBk18rM7eh-QZZ0Tkj63sOXOAZcHDlY/s640/IMG_9507.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Entering the Lakeview Trail</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6tAfrXadBVIxMyfOizNyYUnmaB0oYGgNwFstqg_bqhl2xwqxtR3d8D0dmpDqOg07eaFuTRHB8DI3o54_hTnUpkwA6isfaOhqKJFAur3JDWiO8U4kK-6FNze0eMuLcE9vhNlISgK_AnY/s1600/IMG_9512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6tAfrXadBVIxMyfOizNyYUnmaB0oYGgNwFstqg_bqhl2xwqxtR3d8D0dmpDqOg07eaFuTRHB8DI3o54_hTnUpkwA6isfaOhqKJFAur3JDWiO8U4kK-6FNze0eMuLcE9vhNlISgK_AnY/s640/IMG_9512.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A typical section of trail</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUf4hagnH9qowb8hF3-WYZPmmcytHSkR1_4_f9sPhG3J_ocNPQ6m6Qx0M3XBgxbbs17EFNNr_B6j8DAuaUfvCQF6jC3bmEq5iv3Q-Y_akvb2XykqCVVNIeyb-RIRTB7v9N5sdN7A6yls/s1600/IMG_9518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUf4hagnH9qowb8hF3-WYZPmmcytHSkR1_4_f9sPhG3J_ocNPQ6m6Qx0M3XBgxbbs17EFNNr_B6j8DAuaUfvCQF6jC3bmEq5iv3Q-Y_akvb2XykqCVVNIeyb-RIRTB7v9N5sdN7A6yls/s640/IMG_9518.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The trail offers great views of Astotin Lake and wetlands like the one above</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I was hiking the Lakeview Trail I came around a corner and was hit with the unmistakable smell of bovine. Bison smell an awful lot like cattle, so I instantly became very aware of my surroundings as I didn't want to spook any of the wildlife. I didn't end up seeing any bison, but the tall grass beside the trail was trampled down, possibly the site of a bed, and there were tracks along the muddy trail, which I am assuming are bison. Take a look at the photos below and see for yourself. What do you think?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVquhSZZz0XKmefcr6LWx73sN3B7TvPU22z95NdUhnKh7P4TOI_P4fA8YOcIwKfM7c95KPZZnN0cQPERLhbBPJavhaQJ4AoVdz9JLEXhjTa64D6a4mtLOG6UpsIaUhaBC6iGtEdTVIcwI/s1600/IMG_9521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVquhSZZz0XKmefcr6LWx73sN3B7TvPU22z95NdUhnKh7P4TOI_P4fA8YOcIwKfM7c95KPZZnN0cQPERLhbBPJavhaQJ4AoVdz9JLEXhjTa64D6a4mtLOG6UpsIaUhaBC6iGtEdTVIcwI/s640/IMG_9521.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Could this be where a bison bedded down?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzesaYR3rG4APAZNdAOD6h1ITeEFFj-mb74ZnMq_4LvcpGNx0-8-4iNeBaRC81ptNBQj2SxXp4nlD4mbN9O15ALo5eAhjG6qV0Uu9Ca7X3EBZPzSUHJAHhqSSGubDN7mx4oe-HfndnXQ/s1600/IMG_9517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzesaYR3rG4APAZNdAOD6h1ITeEFFj-mb74ZnMq_4LvcpGNx0-8-4iNeBaRC81ptNBQj2SxXp4nlD4mbN9O15ALo5eAhjG6qV0Uu9Ca7X3EBZPzSUHJAHhqSSGubDN7mx4oe-HfndnXQ/s640/IMG_9517.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I apologize for not putting something on the ground for scale, but I do believe these are bison tracks</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBeo3s4GIhiSKedqAAiIsKEETkOIQ9AO61AJieYAV0yxiYz7pc_QRNI2itoc1zTRRFbFvZxzOtXvtP1V7kSyVL6iWWznoFnEgW6sZYj7Ojdin_SJ55XyUAAI2_Aou_iZ5yYcJ6ndsmow/s1600/IMG_9523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBeo3s4GIhiSKedqAAiIsKEETkOIQ9AO61AJieYAV0yxiYz7pc_QRNI2itoc1zTRRFbFvZxzOtXvtP1V7kSyVL6iWWznoFnEgW6sZYj7Ojdin_SJ55XyUAAI2_Aou_iZ5yYcJ6ndsmow/s640/IMG_9523.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">One final view of Astotin Lake before making my way back to the parking lot</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It would have been very easy, albeit unprofessional of me, to spend the rest of the day exploring the park and doing some more hiking, but I had other responsibilities that needed my attention in Edmonton, so I bid farewell to Elk Island. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I feel like my brief visit was a great introduction to the park, but I barely scratched the surface of its full potential. I hope to return someday soon and do more exploring. I would love to hike one of the longer trails in the park, such as <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/experiences/a/a9">Tawayik Lake Trail</a> or <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland/activ/experiences/a/a11">Wood Bison Trail</a>, to get the full experience of what this park truly has to offer. As I was leaving I was disappointed I didn't see any of the park's famous wildlife, but Elk Island still had one last surprise for me. I spotted three large bulls grazing just inside the fence. It wasn't exactly what I was hoping for in terms of photos, but still really cool seeing them in their traditional territory like this. I could have watched them a lot longer than I was able to.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUfwcRtr77r4TtGl40mK7vUwjpf_KaTIg5p1kM9jTepW0fjo_Q1CC7aPRZySO59dqDMCdn1CURHJUm0U2atwM1rG40IFxQmmVZHh3wx0oojJqDmqThfCcB8NRNXc9zSwUPxqElBIBm8U/s1600/IMG_6970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUfwcRtr77r4TtGl40mK7vUwjpf_KaTIg5p1kM9jTepW0fjo_Q1CC7aPRZySO59dqDMCdn1CURHJUm0U2atwM1rG40IFxQmmVZHh3wx0oojJqDmqThfCcB8NRNXc9zSwUPxqElBIBm8U/s640/IMG_6970.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A Plains Bison bull grazing at Elk Island National Park</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_D_OXqDxfPW4P8OWp_dyRp0Y2mUtVtYkovjGV14I-dIT_z06azHmO7ayz7CyYh3E1a9RYMjJcnvH049uuD_iaYph7TrvW-ah4Ok1i8LTLYoB6l5T0tR3m56YkLR0rjmTWzM9P5BfY7os/s1600/IMG_7053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_D_OXqDxfPW4P8OWp_dyRp0Y2mUtVtYkovjGV14I-dIT_z06azHmO7ayz7CyYh3E1a9RYMjJcnvH049uuD_iaYph7TrvW-ah4Ok1i8LTLYoB6l5T0tR3m56YkLR0rjmTWzM9P5BfY7os/s640/IMG_7053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Close-up of this bull chewing grasses</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZOX2wdTz1PZyFmeWzsUyedB4TiGtaZ6V5RSRogqa4QNiDLNJI_Fcy8zkMOPcSHWRWNoB5bRp8HSAmrpeOch0Iw3cp1uqq5qs7eyiITV4_fYu87ia4eagG7jUdny7Krp3z4lpGIINmNs/s1600/IMG_7076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZOX2wdTz1PZyFmeWzsUyedB4TiGtaZ6V5RSRogqa4QNiDLNJI_Fcy8zkMOPcSHWRWNoB5bRp8HSAmrpeOch0Iw3cp1uqq5qs7eyiITV4_fYu87ia4eagG7jUdny7Krp3z4lpGIINmNs/s640/IMG_7076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">They are certainly majestic animals</span></td></tr>
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Until next time Elk Island...</div>
<br />Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-54561695307291063662018-07-08T21:03:00.000-06:002019-06-10T14:55:29.945-06:00Fort Walsh National Historic Site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: July 2018</span></u></b><br />
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If you haven't realized it by now I tend to enjoy exploring old frontier forts that are scattered across western Canada. I've had the pleasure of visiting <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2016/07/fort-whoop-up.html">Fort Whoop-Up</a> in Lethbridge, <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2017/08/fort-normandeau.html">Fort Normandeau</a> near Red Deer, and <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2017/05/fort-calgary.html">Fort Calgary</a> in its namesake city. I also had the privileged of visiting a <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2015/08/writing-on-stone-provincial-park.html">North West Mounted Police Post</a> in <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/writing-on-stone-pp/">Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park</a> and <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2014/01/last-mountain-house.html">Last Mountain House</a> near Regina. Fort Walsh has been on my bucket list for awhile now, but up until our recent trip to the <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2018/07/cypress-hills-firerock.html">Cypress Hills</a> I hadn't been able to visit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS5ieEMKaS5tvVDm25kiQnzC2NaTUY8DodUKec_Z5h85lIHcGSIvAIani8zkuOUl04oc1yxJqXafjLkegq90qgw0igHVmT-zEoPFaaqo4UIk60wLbHs8THQJkqRiAj_Yd_wf4YH2xV_A/s1600/IMG_6881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS5ieEMKaS5tvVDm25kiQnzC2NaTUY8DodUKec_Z5h85lIHcGSIvAIani8zkuOUl04oc1yxJqXafjLkegq90qgw0igHVmT-zEoPFaaqo4UIk60wLbHs8THQJkqRiAj_Yd_wf4YH2xV_A/s640/IMG_6881.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I felt like an old timey rum runner entering the province via this back road</span></td></tr>
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After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast Cooper and I hit the road, which turned out to be a bit of an adventure on its own. The drive is roughly 50km from Elkwater to Fort Walsh, but the Battle Creek Road gets progressively worse the further east you go. It took me about an hour to travel that distance, but I wasn't even remotely upset as those backwoods roads are definitely more fun than any highway. </div>
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One of the landmarks along the drive is this memorial for Constable Marmaduke Grayburn. Although this is not the exact spot of his murder there was a NWMP outpost located here that was named Grayburn Detachment in his honour. The memorial plaque reads,</div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">"Constable Marmaduke Grayburn NWMP, was shot and killed by unknown persons in the Cypress Hills Nov. 17, 1879. He was the first mounted policeman killed by violence since the force was organized in 1873. Star Child a Blood Indian was accused of the murder but was acquitted in 1881."</span></i></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">RIP Constable Grayburn</span></td></tr>
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Another historic site along the road is this abandoned log cabin. Through the power of social media and some sleuthing online I was able to uncover some details about its history. According to the <a href="http://www.canadiannaturephotographer.com/cypresshills.html">Canadian Nature Photographer</a> and the <a href="https://www.reesorranch.com/">Historic Reesor Ranch</a> it's called the Symons Noble Cabin because it was lived in by Robert Symons in 1939 and then he sold it to Albert and Sylvia Noble just three years later and they built the addition. According to local historian Fay Beirebach the Coleman Family actually lived in the cabin prior to Symons moving in, but no-one is quite sure who built it. Symons was a writer, painter, game warden, and rancher living in the area. He often carried a pencil and scrap of paper to sketch the landscape. He published several books about the Cypress Hills area. The Nobles lived here for ten years while raising a family and working a nearby sawmill.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Symons Noble Cabin</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The entire Cypress Hills area is rich with history. Archaeological evidence confirms human habitation as far back as 8,500 years, which were entirely pre-contact First Nation groups. In the mid-1600's early European traders and explorers began to arrive in the region, bringing whiskey, firearms, and diseases, all of which wreaked havoc on the local First Nation people. The introduction of guns made hunting bison much easier and before long bison were being slaughtered for their pelts to trade for whiskey, instead of for food, shelter, and tools. Although whiskey trading had been outlawed in the United States (please see my post about <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2016/07/fort-whoop-up.html">Fort Whoop-Up</a> for additional information) this practice was still prevalent in the highly lawless Canadian west. In the mid-to-late 1800's at least four major Metis camps with about 300 families had been erected in the Cypress Hills area. Like the plains First Nation, the Metis were nomadic people following the bison herds, but they also incorporated some European language and traditions into their distinct culture. In 1859 the Palliser Expedition passed through the region on their westward journey to document western Canada. Of the area Captain John Palliser wrote, "these hills are the perfect oasis in the desert we have travelled."</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2mm4vRTzPELGcCtJTozruCJU79J4mT_gisIbleyXbe38bEepI5n12vIR4LfDtid3fAhRgg_F-iBokc5rGh6piNAwmYuqzaXvtnDQl7-ftE6J1dpxNPEpgfEGI5_SOB3w_yvF0sSEXmw/s1600/IMG_6724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2mm4vRTzPELGcCtJTozruCJU79J4mT_gisIbleyXbe38bEepI5n12vIR4LfDtid3fAhRgg_F-iBokc5rGh6piNAwmYuqzaXvtnDQl7-ftE6J1dpxNPEpgfEGI5_SOB3w_yvF0sSEXmw/s640/IMG_6724.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This sculpture is one of the first things you see after exiting the Visitor's Centre and Museum. The plaque reads, "In 1873 the Government of Sir John A. MacDonald created the North West Mounted Police to assert Canadian sovereignty and enforce Canadian Law in the newly acquired North-West Territories. Within a decade this had been done and the orderly settlement of the Canadian prairies begun. In the process the force achieved an international reputation for even-handed justice and devotion to duty."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The famous Parks Canada red chairs have a gorgeous view of the Cypress Hills and Fort Walsh below. Read more about the Red Chairs right <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/share-the-chair/">here</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cooper seemed to like the chairs!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA7UEMCv5SMqHkydDrgvJs2ufC5Hr45BMgBRkY5JM23EDndy_QJ1t05cs46PaVieMAA0v8LzRzo7ixpOyp9nfljw3GgD0l6MnHVpl3mNJWJUdSCIoBZ49FQzLT_hnZjaZFlYYbetbTas/s1600/IMG_6844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA7UEMCv5SMqHkydDrgvJs2ufC5Hr45BMgBRkY5JM23EDndy_QJ1t05cs46PaVieMAA0v8LzRzo7ixpOyp9nfljw3GgD0l6MnHVpl3mNJWJUdSCIoBZ49FQzLT_hnZjaZFlYYbetbTas/s640/IMG_6844.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Looking down at Fort Walsh from the surrounding hillside</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This was the civilian cemetery from the town of Fort Walsh. A few of the graves have been identified and several are associated with the McKay family who operated a small trading post and farm near the fort.</span></td></tr>
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In 1889 the Hudson's Bay Company transferred Rupert's Land to the Canadian Government, but it would still be a number of years before law and order could be brought to the western territory. In the early 1870's the entire region was a tinderbox. Ungoverned trading posts and whiskey forts, dispirited First Nation groups, and wolf hunters all contributed to this volatile scene. On June 1, 1873 everything came to a head when a trader discovered his horse had been stolen. He immediately, but falsely, accused a group of Nakoda that were camped nearby. After recruiting several wolf hunters from Montana who had been drinking heavily, they attacked the camp. By the end of the day some twenty Nakoda men, women, and children were dead and the <a href="https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cypress-hills-massacre-feature/">Cypress Hills Massacre</a> was born. As a direct result of this tragedy the newly formed North West Mounted Police (now the <a href="http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en">Royal Canadian Mounted Police</a>) headed west to bring order to Canada's newest territory once and for all.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Peeking through he entrance to Fort Walsh</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhfwcAP9sHrsEOpQZIswcVS5HHq1bDKX9Rfv92Le_mnWQdkwFPoE8qpM9Pei5h3tHTkFBt1eLhsDP3P7q8b1mj0GKdybWxCbZqtz3fjO_TEBl3e3EurrGmQYgxk55nFGyYnlyVvfPDj8/s1600/IMG_9397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="1600" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhfwcAP9sHrsEOpQZIswcVS5HHq1bDKX9Rfv92Le_mnWQdkwFPoE8qpM9Pei5h3tHTkFBt1eLhsDP3P7q8b1mj0GKdybWxCbZqtz3fjO_TEBl3e3EurrGmQYgxk55nFGyYnlyVvfPDj8/s640/IMG_9397.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A panoramic shot from inside the walls of the fort</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN1CmWJJQr485ZfjbjnA7TqH1MEmXRf8u8aYIutFpGKyX4p4eBnU1Du-NiIQ63Cq0ld94sH2cqgbX3qkW-SJA4KHREImjeqO6lDAsWFPIsFQxEjySLp4p_6nmgtd9ODFd2qWpSvO_63o/s1600/IMG_6783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN1CmWJJQr485ZfjbjnA7TqH1MEmXRf8u8aYIutFpGKyX4p4eBnU1Du-NiIQ63Cq0ld94sH2cqgbX3qkW-SJA4KHREImjeqO6lDAsWFPIsFQxEjySLp4p_6nmgtd9ODFd2qWpSvO_63o/s640/IMG_6783.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">An inside look at the Armourer's Workshop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQgqjtKIFhTf5UcdQr0rsg38kgUXXHgTItEOhU5g09iGqLJYxz7i3n8beoUIjI4D8sGMMj2-RePQepW3MmRJjSbY2IDdWqMeu5NAWCgYvyfc1lkxhRvvvomFfmx81azpbcfOhQgO__fc/s1600/IMG_6795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQgqjtKIFhTf5UcdQr0rsg38kgUXXHgTItEOhU5g09iGqLJYxz7i3n8beoUIjI4D8sGMMj2-RePQepW3MmRJjSbY2IDdWqMeu5NAWCgYvyfc1lkxhRvvvomFfmx81azpbcfOhQgO__fc/s640/IMG_6795.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The workshop was also home to the big gun!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7q38CI7jpUazWe_ywhOJwKSWP8CAEejK2KzxRAR7iyvjvj6_4yaEB8EmCnYt5TKSgD3SZnSmJhk2ty4LyetwM4zyKnasp_HJxvJO8OQUeaRcL6kxRQVRbpFyfJJp7Y90az3PlIYGLuRE/s1600/IMG_6787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7q38CI7jpUazWe_ywhOJwKSWP8CAEejK2KzxRAR7iyvjvj6_4yaEB8EmCnYt5TKSgD3SZnSmJhk2ty4LyetwM4zyKnasp_HJxvJO8OQUeaRcL6kxRQVRbpFyfJJp7Y90az3PlIYGLuRE/s640/IMG_6787.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Looking inside the Non-Commissioned Officer's Barracks</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0TCBWKzIGNPrmzaEiXXgH00AX0cHZFiUjQt4HNvT2bwfzeX_2Plj2Zyh3hVlwk8wZt-1RLMU4oWmHHxjuE5BwXrnm7Bm9Cq956EkbviWvmf3f11b0yczjGywvJN_4lwGfsB2zmn5yeE/s1600/IMG_9390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0TCBWKzIGNPrmzaEiXXgH00AX0cHZFiUjQt4HNvT2bwfzeX_2Plj2Zyh3hVlwk8wZt-1RLMU4oWmHHxjuE5BwXrnm7Bm9Cq956EkbviWvmf3f11b0yczjGywvJN_4lwGfsB2zmn5yeE/s640/IMG_9390.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cooper was a lucky little guy to get to wear a NWMP hat</span></td></tr>
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The NWMP force, with some 275 men, set out from <a href="https://www.travelmanitoba.com/listings/fort-dufferin/6686/">Fort Dufferin</a> in Manitoba in July 1874. They first established <a href="http://nwmpmuseum.com/">Fort Macleod</a> by the end of the year and then Fort Walsh in 1875. Fort Walsh quickly became the largest and most heavily armed fort in the NWMP's possession. In a mere seven years the NWMP abolished the whiskey trade and brought law and order to western Canada.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfH04oivOqjP7NhscKZZLtWSg3eAiMQ12kGUpr2PAjZ1Pe9FTNQz1IVFNQ_GgdCc8rHfDfXAlxr8g2F35e-MSXGPCvdEIgcKSH4KCs_SR5Dm8hW2p5OYxOfkkDCEtS0xtDhDMXsPV0f8E/s1600/IMG_9400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfH04oivOqjP7NhscKZZLtWSg3eAiMQ12kGUpr2PAjZ1Pe9FTNQz1IVFNQ_GgdCc8rHfDfXAlxr8g2F35e-MSXGPCvdEIgcKSH4KCs_SR5Dm8hW2p5OYxOfkkDCEtS0xtDhDMXsPV0f8E/s640/IMG_9400.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Outside the fort's walls was a First Nations Camp</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_VVqLioRShqnifBgC949mjmj6l-wEPnbHyRy_w1KXaVmYS7sSyST5UYLxTDp1s9pxs_hhTf5UVcvxaq23IB2Bt-DvHxMvZYZYYrh-LcC6oEvPdWvjCjJRQUEQAErlK3xnxl1MzGOea0/s1600/IMG_6820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_VVqLioRShqnifBgC949mjmj6l-wEPnbHyRy_w1KXaVmYS7sSyST5UYLxTDp1s9pxs_hhTf5UVcvxaq23IB2Bt-DvHxMvZYZYYrh-LcC6oEvPdWvjCjJRQUEQAErlK3xnxl1MzGOea0/s640/IMG_6820.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">These are Metis Trade Cabins and they represent trading posts from the 1870's. These cabins are near the location where Metis settler, Edward McCay, established his post in the spring of 1872.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsZkBCiTmIo6JyLaDjANGvt6gy_aQIhwbOT-0blOsMe1ThXWEMNchnD12bMVNT946NFRZGPy5JrIYTHzoZuRWXz9rMTGwIS1A-9t4Vqz21e3rehhDCiQAEZTHSey9gcpdsi3_T7hNV9U/s1600/IMG_6827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsZkBCiTmIo6JyLaDjANGvt6gy_aQIhwbOT-0blOsMe1ThXWEMNchnD12bMVNT946NFRZGPy5JrIYTHzoZuRWXz9rMTGwIS1A-9t4Vqz21e3rehhDCiQAEZTHSey9gcpdsi3_T7hNV9U/s640/IMG_6827.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The items inside the cabins are typical goods a trader may have had available during the early 1870's</span></td></tr>
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The man who established Fort Walsh, Major James Morrow Walsh, was a true leader who commanded respect for the NWMP. An informative sign inside the fort's museum reads, </div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">"Major James Morrow Walsh was a courageous leader. His superiors respected him, his men admired him, and the newspapers loved him. As Walsh rose in rank, his superiors were not always pleased with his sometimes impulsive decisions and unconventional methods. However, Walsh used his influence and reputation to enforce Canadian law and keep peace in the west.</span></i> </div>
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<i><i><span style="color: #38761d;">In 1877, Walsh's scout recognized stolen horses in the possession of White Dog, a Nakoda man visiting Tatanka Iyotanka's Lakota camp. Walsh instructed one of his sergeants to place White Dog under arrest. The Mounties seized the horses but chose to release White Dog when he argued the horses were found, not stolen. The situation escalated again when White Dog threatened Walsh. However, when challenged by Walsh, White Dog backed down. To those looking on it proved that the Canadian law and the NWMP should be respected and obeyed."</span></i></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d41fYydM_qDfrpBT07wnu-8qCVA_OCSJa9i6SlDXJ_N34yCIq55OU_ywCvvq-4Uq5Ycc5UHjniiCTJIF-eP13K4G8YlEi9Ww1ANNFxtpTPia-sNbp6gWmDOraQGJRYvJinuDa50CpM0/s1600/IMG_9394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d41fYydM_qDfrpBT07wnu-8qCVA_OCSJa9i6SlDXJ_N34yCIq55OU_ywCvvq-4Uq5Ycc5UHjniiCTJIF-eP13K4G8YlEi9Ww1ANNFxtpTPia-sNbp6gWmDOraQGJRYvJinuDa50CpM0/s640/IMG_9394.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cooper also got to try on a NWMP red coat and hold this replica gun</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">By 1880 the NWMP had over five hundred men scattered at forts hundreds of kilometres apart. They were responsible for an incredibly large piece of land. Fort Walsh's immediate jurisdiction included some 52,000 square-kilometres of present-day southwest Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta. Fort Walsh was the NWMP headquarters from 1878 to 1882 and was strategically placed close to the US border.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX63zzQJ-8LpdCGTeoxaxaV70gtqBupDPSOKvHdbatIeCMq5geksREZsEOz6MwrtN2ZutkJ9D-ZHbxbpcDR2V4d2RQxubNBNxXYF2vBm5duuqfz0w6i00XCAvvvl7XTZEdi0szI1_3__Y/s1600/IMG_9420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX63zzQJ-8LpdCGTeoxaxaV70gtqBupDPSOKvHdbatIeCMq5geksREZsEOz6MwrtN2ZutkJ9D-ZHbxbpcDR2V4d2RQxubNBNxXYF2vBm5duuqfz0w6i00XCAvvvl7XTZEdi0szI1_3__Y/s640/IMG_9420.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Inside the NWMP cemetery. Originally this was just for officers, but later civilians were allowed to be buried here as well. These seven graves that are chained off are of the earliest NWMP officers who passed away at Fort Walsh as a result of violence, accident, or illness.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Fort Walsh closed in 1883 after its importance decreased at the end of the Lakota Crisis. Fewer men were needed with a more secure border in place and Regina, which sat on the new transcontinental railroad line, became the capital of the North-West Territories and the new NWMP headquarters. Ranching became the main economic activity in the Cypress Hills region and two men, David Wood and Wellington Anderson, developed a ranch where Fort Walsh had been.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This stone marker is located within the NWMP cemetery and indicates the fort as a National Historic Site of Canada</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">The plaque on the above monument reads,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">"In 1875 a detachment of North-West Mounted Police under Superintendent J. M. Walsh built a post here which served from 1878 to 1882 as the headquarters of the force. The men stationed here played a key role in implementing Canada's Indian policy and in supervising the Sioux who had fled to Canada with Sitting Bull after the battle of the Little Big Horn. Following the return of the Sioux to the United States and the settlement of the Canadian Indians on reserves, the fort's importance declined and in 1883 it was abandoned. From 1943 to 1968 the Royal Canadian Mounted Police used the site as a remount station."</span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">I had a great time exploring Fort Walsh and learning how this piece of Canadian history connects with other forts and outposts I have visited in the past. The staff were fantastic and they're all dressed in period costume, which adds a sense of realism and authenticity in picturing what life was like back in the 1870's. If you're ever in the area make sure you stop and discover this important piece of our heritage.</span></div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-14082114396080384732018-07-07T21:17:00.000-06:002018-07-25T21:06:00.599-06:00Cypress Hills: Firerock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><u>Trip Date: July 2018</u></b></span><br />
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In early July we headed east for the <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/cypress-hills-pp/">Cypress Hills</a>, which is quickly becoming one of my favourite places to camp. In what is quickly becoming an annual tradition, friends of ours from <a href="https://tourismregina.com/">Regina</a> joined us for an extended weekend of camping and exploring. As you might remember I was sent to Cypress Hills last summer while on assignment with <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2017/08/mountain-biking-cypress-hills.html">ZenSeekers</a> to report about the growing mountain biking scene that was happening there. In <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2016/07/cypress-hills.html">July 2016</a> the same group of friends all met us in the park for a similar weekend of fun. Our first trip there was actually back in 2010 though, but it was in the <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2013/08/cypress-hills-centre-block.html">Centre Block</a> on the Saskatchewan side of the park.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvJWtbzpXIEqsRJ4pTwndY-Dg4zWiTl3CizTZbQiQbb7WMYG7mgZ68rW2Ine8TIBXOaUtftV4LvUrcA18HScHPvcx8AeSnsqALkXMaVfS7Mk6rg58H9yrb_-xhDbjy5gU35UgCkRCYAo/s1600/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvJWtbzpXIEqsRJ4pTwndY-Dg4zWiTl3CizTZbQiQbb7WMYG7mgZ68rW2Ine8TIBXOaUtftV4LvUrcA18HScHPvcx8AeSnsqALkXMaVfS7Mk6rg58H9yrb_-xhDbjy5gU35UgCkRCYAo/s640/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park</span></td></tr>
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Since I'm off for the summer, Cooper and I headed out Thursday morning to setup camp and start our weekend early. Christine was working, but planned to join us Friday afternoon. After an uneventful drive we rolled into the <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/cypress-hills-pp/information-facilities/camping/firerock/">Firerock Campground</a> and began setting up camp. I really like the Firerock Campground because the sites are well-treed and private. It's also located at the western end of the park, meaning it's quiet and relaxing. Much like our camping trip at <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2018/06/little-elbow-equestrian.html">Little Elbow Equestrian</a> last month the sites were primitive, so we'd be running off battery power and some new solar panels I just purchased. Thankfully there was absolutely no rain in the forecast, however we did get hit with a massive heatwave...basically from one extreme to the next!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j-ziEmOiPt7YrASvtMX_alqhDc_MW0ld7aF4xyKddBnm61-CWwW6nIFoTgm31p4c_905oWY23pSQ-A8ZX9iCz_WFO3-McTDaFDg8rPXrP89vLOI1VCqZdp2X7b4umLBBeFu-RcO0EIU/s1600/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j-ziEmOiPt7YrASvtMX_alqhDc_MW0ld7aF4xyKddBnm61-CWwW6nIFoTgm31p4c_905oWY23pSQ-A8ZX9iCz_WFO3-McTDaFDg8rPXrP89vLOI1VCqZdp2X7b4umLBBeFu-RcO0EIU/s640/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The blooming Canola fields certainly add a splash of colour to the drive. Those are the Cypress Hills rising above the field in the background.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4B3Z22UepAsXk1GKOW2sFk0T4iRnVNmhyphenhyphendVobPevpbV5MhINgbks2lcr6nMXWflsHosBq3Y2ThgLHbajQ95J4qJH2fJPNZ01vStj9To1cqPF7v-PzQf4Yhh1wrltLE_eNrmm5DZCgYU/s1600/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%252817%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4B3Z22UepAsXk1GKOW2sFk0T4iRnVNmhyphenhyphendVobPevpbV5MhINgbks2lcr6nMXWflsHosBq3Y2ThgLHbajQ95J4qJH2fJPNZ01vStj9To1cqPF7v-PzQf4Yhh1wrltLE_eNrmm5DZCgYU/s640/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%252817%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">We also had the fortune of seeing and photographing this male Pronghorn just outside the park gates. They don't usually stick around long enough for me to snap a photo.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ji9Y9O8oFH2gH7KrIW3eFd_qXH3OZelGwoLICZD0KID_kfGjUA1hXUltzokUC1IqF-s36jFbm5iwh224Ktr55-m94sRiZuoVFAy5lQ_ViB0EOq5czOD7cgcV8mD96eh3NiTAPo7JIys/s1600/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ji9Y9O8oFH2gH7KrIW3eFd_qXH3OZelGwoLICZD0KID_kfGjUA1hXUltzokUC1IqF-s36jFbm5iwh224Ktr55-m94sRiZuoVFAy5lQ_ViB0EOq5czOD7cgcV8mD96eh3NiTAPo7JIys/s640/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25287%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This was our campsite in the Firerock Campground</span></td></tr>
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Maybe it was all the excitement of another camping trip or it was just still too hot inside the camper, but Cooper did not want to go to bed Thursday night. In what is quickly becoming my go-to move, I put him in the truck hoping a drive through the hills would have him snoring in no time. The drive along Murray Hill Road is absolutely gorgeous and offers terrific opportunities to spot some of the park's abundant wildlife.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomm-FhQsnruW5UgAzQ5Z5tJNkrD5rDt6LTLtmvPCR12iM4uApBBu377Dv_fFvx6AFfN5L-bwg_tbFL4uZivR93AiyYV4ns7e5r4JRMZsieqzE28FuZQ_gXJPhrMAHrMS5jnxPZ0seZOc/s1600/IMG_9349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomm-FhQsnruW5UgAzQ5Z5tJNkrD5rDt6LTLtmvPCR12iM4uApBBu377Dv_fFvx6AFfN5L-bwg_tbFL4uZivR93AiyYV4ns7e5r4JRMZsieqzE28FuZQ_gXJPhrMAHrMS5jnxPZ0seZOc/s640/IMG_9349.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This dude isn't tired at all!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM5iHcSzHM93GtXjNudDgY3KkDo6OI3fcTTCWgssSzDGJuw_nz6P5oWvxgfu0twxIiNe_EC-Lue15cY9yvgOJR12KG-fXDx94HONT93zyS2cMPBnbFWfZT54iIfCcT2iRL1XMWm4KIqA/s1600/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM5iHcSzHM93GtXjNudDgY3KkDo6OI3fcTTCWgssSzDGJuw_nz6P5oWvxgfu0twxIiNe_EC-Lue15cY9yvgOJR12KG-fXDx94HONT93zyS2cMPBnbFWfZT54iIfCcT2iRL1XMWm4KIqA/s640/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25288%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is Head of the Mountain viewpoint, which is also the highest point in the Cypress Hills</span></td></tr>
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The informative sign nearby reads,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">"At 1,466 metres you are standing on the highest point in the Cypress Hills, and the highest point of land in Canada between the Rockies and Labrador. And what a view! On a clear day, you can see the Sweetgrass Hills in Montana over 100 kilometres away.</span> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">The connection between the Sweetgrass Hills and these hills spans much more than the view. It began about 50 million years ago, before either existed. Firey hot magma raised the Earth's surface, hardened underground as igneous rock, and later became exposed through erosion to form the Sweetgrass Hills. As the land rose, rivers carried cobbles and gravel, and deposited them here. Over millions of years, as rivers and glaciers carved this plateau, those cobbles and gravel became the caprock of the Cypress Hills.</span> </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Sweetgrass and Cypress: in spite of their distance, their relationship is rock solid."</i> </span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAtaBu-2HkvPlCqVyPYPvPZjTSfdEG-lJLU4abCAY_ai3KVKratClRefiliRfUI0GOR-bYbThvTBTCxD3lSyIqiUInl6OJDX6MjhN8BU-1fJIwScrV1TsQwdCLE_b1QIthEuLjypnvTU/s1600/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAtaBu-2HkvPlCqVyPYPvPZjTSfdEG-lJLU4abCAY_ai3KVKratClRefiliRfUI0GOR-bYbThvTBTCxD3lSyIqiUInl6OJDX6MjhN8BU-1fJIwScrV1TsQwdCLE_b1QIthEuLjypnvTU/s640/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%252819%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Just one of the nearly two dozen deer we spotted on our evening drive</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1dX8HF-N4S2173gfWXBuh3QryCBtrqRTe46MrOrYcIM07gZKkQCrwlpT69MDuchfIejrFWAjr0bHe9OZ-Z8SMmwxoVVohps2kcBHiseoy3dfH9T02Hs0cHQlweIlAdE5_UF35I2ZyLc/s1600/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1dX8HF-N4S2173gfWXBuh3QryCBtrqRTe46MrOrYcIM07gZKkQCrwlpT69MDuchfIejrFWAjr0bHe9OZ-Z8SMmwxoVVohps2kcBHiseoy3dfH9T02Hs0cHQlweIlAdE5_UF35I2ZyLc/s640/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A squadron of Pelicans searching for food on Reesor Lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhOSwoQ6gO4RzN_ZJsWi3G-fkCZ2zZJTm8LGJ6dZwE7JWYGy51WKfd3Cj5yCLEltHNsuoFcCb8RWNAUwci5NrykKqygX3Iznul0v4nzPb-XNEWLS14-otstP5BbbVMHFyDypN6GT68Dw/s1600/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhOSwoQ6gO4RzN_ZJsWi3G-fkCZ2zZJTm8LGJ6dZwE7JWYGy51WKfd3Cj5yCLEltHNsuoFcCb8RWNAUwci5NrykKqygX3Iznul0v4nzPb-XNEWLS14-otstP5BbbVMHFyDypN6GT68Dw/s640/Cypress+Hills+IPP+%25289%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sunset in the Cypress Hills</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a good night's sleep (finally) and eating a hearty breakfast the two of us set course for <a href="http://www.cypresshills.com/fort-walsh/fort-walsh-home">Fort Walsh National Historic Site</a>, which is located just 50km away on the Saskatchewan side of the park. The fort itself is pretty cool and therefore deserves its own post, which you can read about by following <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2018/07/fort-walsh-national-historic-site.html">this link</a>.</div>
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Even with the temperature in the campground pushing +35 degrees Celsius, it didn't stop us from hitting a few of the amazing trails for some mountain biking. As previously mentioned I was sent on assignment to report on all the amazing trails being developed in the Elkwater area by the <a href="http://www.670collective.ca/">670 Collective</a>, the local mountain biking club out of <a href="http://www.tourismmedicinehat.com/">Medicine Hat</a>. I had previously ridden many of the trails, but we opted to explore <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/trails/plateau-trail/">Plateau</a> and <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/trails/mystery-trail-4235/">Mystery Trails</a> before descending <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/trails/cobble-miner-trail/">Cobble Miner</a>. The buddy I was with hadn't done much riding in the past, but he was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the trails and the super fun descent.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87COXIkPeq7jAv7FpaZy-3PqGDqV1KmV0tCVT5E_wA6bImyF_fSaiaXjU5WUPr2N5JhvHiAHm4oGrEJUALD-6-8rAIf_d-x-kFPjibUln6bPIfgmblbVvv4SGkiHmsVcLfwBdadgfepM/s1600/P7071856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1350" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87COXIkPeq7jAv7FpaZy-3PqGDqV1KmV0tCVT5E_wA6bImyF_fSaiaXjU5WUPr2N5JhvHiAHm4oGrEJUALD-6-8rAIf_d-x-kFPjibUln6bPIfgmblbVvv4SGkiHmsVcLfwBdadgfepM/s640/P7071856.JPG" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cruising along Plateau Trail</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jWdeH4LI7JjyfnY2JZqShd6vEbaksDn-XXLpeZaCq4KA07WZGwycnk95z1pt9QSkaBpzEZnDQcSTzEqHLfoAnZqDrbb7rZ2ai_HR5jdP_mHtyXmChws9HBpMiUNuK86XlwxIZNbb-yc/s1600/P7071865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jWdeH4LI7JjyfnY2JZqShd6vEbaksDn-XXLpeZaCq4KA07WZGwycnk95z1pt9QSkaBpzEZnDQcSTzEqHLfoAnZqDrbb7rZ2ai_HR5jdP_mHtyXmChws9HBpMiUNuK86XlwxIZNbb-yc/s640/P7071865.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Having some fun along Mystery Trail</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj4qxLvs-d_TNvPJVQ0Lk-J-vg9APAsWmGPbjIMGZu7nC1R4MgvtQ52VldQhIEb7W3uWHY42EdjA39cqzESRXyjxXBf6JymBYnH-IV0e3ETCaAqyl9_X-ZqhTpLdanQ0BZ2H96P2k9t0/s1600/P7071880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj4qxLvs-d_TNvPJVQ0Lk-J-vg9APAsWmGPbjIMGZu7nC1R4MgvtQ52VldQhIEb7W3uWHY42EdjA39cqzESRXyjxXBf6JymBYnH-IV0e3ETCaAqyl9_X-ZqhTpLdanQ0BZ2H96P2k9t0/s640/P7071880.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">We found ourselves in the deep stuff here!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
While we enjoyed some two-wheeled fun the rest of the crew hit the beach to cool off. Cooper's love of the water continued even though the lake was far from bathtub temperature. As you can see the kids were instant friends!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1kDSrNm9hQhsRiErDyr5F720BRCwii_14p79vyr6-9g-1EKh-SepFBHBcxf3oLdyvL4V_GB-tNaNOryoBBRHtiT5HehXQmGmnQYBQivFXZyRQ09DNEt7936p0dW8ZzlZJoUtQ2UVlC4/s1600/IMG_9429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1kDSrNm9hQhsRiErDyr5F720BRCwii_14p79vyr6-9g-1EKh-SepFBHBcxf3oLdyvL4V_GB-tNaNOryoBBRHtiT5HehXQmGmnQYBQivFXZyRQ09DNEt7936p0dW8ZzlZJoUtQ2UVlC4/s640/IMG_9429.JPG" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cooper playing in Elkwater Lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CaHXmiMYOyGNejHQ57jjfqy-hmlu9tICkH_CUGmWyvB76bu3Xd5emDyLsLMCob6xZktFeXXIIeEPuxlYCS_FhINSFiFKuzTi4TL85ILq9zSa4noxuiEPBhxMK4D8gs3Z0iwjVsrPMX0/s1600/IMG_9432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CaHXmiMYOyGNejHQ57jjfqy-hmlu9tICkH_CUGmWyvB76bu3Xd5emDyLsLMCob6xZktFeXXIIeEPuxlYCS_FhINSFiFKuzTi4TL85ILq9zSa4noxuiEPBhxMK4D8gs3Z0iwjVsrPMX0/s640/IMG_9432.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">So maybe the boat isn't in the water anymore, but it's still fun!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before hitting the highway Sunday afternoon I had time to sneak in one last bike ride. I powered up <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/trails/tower-trail-22208/">Tower Trail</a> before descending the new <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/trails/mazama-drop/">Mazama Drop</a>, which is named after Mount Mazama, a volcano in Oregon that erupted around 5,700BC and some of the ash made it all the way to Alberta. The trail is very well-built and incredibly fun to ride!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeaHPiRUStINZHyDKaLlCmdXXnijSVf5kjDLqeymixJQHM_xaV_kZOrtbwFBv20yROpQQITRd4KXrdzajz2oLl8h_KXjbVzj_ghCIw4sxyAENewEZAMW7h8lbaArhWKecUTvVdCdf-0o/s1600/P7081883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeaHPiRUStINZHyDKaLlCmdXXnijSVf5kjDLqeymixJQHM_xaV_kZOrtbwFBv20yROpQQITRd4KXrdzajz2oLl8h_KXjbVzj_ghCIw4sxyAENewEZAMW7h8lbaArhWKecUTvVdCdf-0o/s640/P7081883.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Descending Mazama Drop</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlANZvYJxaD5oF-dJxN3Y2mogrViGwBocdlYRyvD83GE4o7YDHDbI-7vZNqnKlAykjz3m6dI_b0ObGgVrrkYQw7p3Snx29qmaLVFPZlA2BSlm-eHSyV9xbHTHQw18G3VadMWGVT8K0YcM/s1600/P7081888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlANZvYJxaD5oF-dJxN3Y2mogrViGwBocdlYRyvD83GE4o7YDHDbI-7vZNqnKlAykjz3m6dI_b0ObGgVrrkYQw7p3Snx29qmaLVFPZlA2BSlm-eHSyV9xbHTHQw18G3VadMWGVT8K0YcM/s640/P7081888.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Just one of the viewpoints along the trail</span></td></tr>
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Every time I visit the <a href="http://www.cypresshills.com/">Cypress Hills</a> area I find something new and exciting to learn or try. There is no shortage of recreational options available and I feel like I'm still just scratching the surface. Here's hoping to another trip next summer for more adventures.</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-64550009629339064292018-06-30T11:48:00.000-06:002018-07-24T11:49:09.646-06:00Little Elbow Equestrian<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: June 2018</span></u></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area</span></td></tr>
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Cooper's first official camping trip was last summer at <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2017/07/bow-valley-provincial-park.html">Bow Valley Provincial Park</a> when he was just two months old. It was challenging camping with a newborn, but we were happy we did it, although we definitely wanted to make some changes in order to make life easier for all of us. We upgraded from a tent to a tent trailer this past spring and took it out for the first time in mid-June. There was definitely a learning curve as I've only ever owned tents, so figuring out how the mini-fridge, furnace, hot water heater and all their components operated was tricky to say the least. It was certainly nice having Christine's parents along to help educate us about all the systems we needed to learn about.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Our new Fleetwood Evolution E3</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This was our campsite for the weekend</span></td></tr>
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Although we've hiked in <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/little-elbow-pra/information-facilities/">Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area</a> (see <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.com/2013/08/nihahi-creek.html">Nihahi Creek</a>), we'd never camped there before. The only reservable sites available were in the <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/little-elbow-pra/information-facilities/camping/little-elbow-equestrian/">Little Elbow Equestrian Campground</a>, so we reserved two sites and planned on a having a great weekend. The neat thing about the campsites in this campground is they're considered double sites, meaning you can reserve half the site or the full site. Technically we reserved two sites, but they're side-by-side so it was like having one large site for both families, which was really convenient for the weekend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9sWblH8PKDOuGXKjDsA8wE5cP4NAWVNZx_dMbJ3PIpJu2MVmdPv0NhLs1BQSyivqiYAic4KyCbi9yCwVdx2IDNHiw5ui-gGytu1gRSNaCh-XFUDQgnNwUqq7lDEbSYDqNil_cJdR5cE/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9sWblH8PKDOuGXKjDsA8wE5cP4NAWVNZx_dMbJ3PIpJu2MVmdPv0NhLs1BQSyivqiYAic4KyCbi9yCwVdx2IDNHiw5ui-gGytu1gRSNaCh-XFUDQgnNwUqq7lDEbSYDqNil_cJdR5cE/s640/IMG_1354.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cooper couldn't wait to explore the campsite</span></td></tr>
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Unfortunately the weather had other ideas about our nice weekend in the mountains. It rained from Friday afternoon when we arrived until Sunday morning. To make matters worse the temperature dropped below zero overnight, so it was quite chilly as well. Thankfully, Cooper didn't seem to mind the wet rainy weather. In fact he was more upset at the fact we kept trying to bring him inside to warm-up. In the end we just let him play outside in the puddles and he couldn't have been happier. I think we've got a little camper on our hands!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXX0ATAkJoTomvh307r6n7QGokhCYVACgzfuM7eTIm5wxTdgCdKuWLK8egrHhbHPzHhgQWyjvNmwZHRY5R7uoF8NfdAIh9dZ-gJLEBs1h1lUCEbrNnhGlc7036HR-Zt4XAmjEnUIST9Q/s1600/IMG_8998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXX0ATAkJoTomvh307r6n7QGokhCYVACgzfuM7eTIm5wxTdgCdKuWLK8egrHhbHPzHhgQWyjvNmwZHRY5R7uoF8NfdAIh9dZ-gJLEBs1h1lUCEbrNnhGlc7036HR-Zt4XAmjEnUIST9Q/s640/IMG_8998.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">As they say, there's no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSM6XWwrk4MN3r4684Xv3V9UHLOoiBCta5giN9pbNBLkCfg3PM1oOElWNitCzA4Eoo4vF7h2DoyNj4JRHpFnbivpYradvZJvmMFICYeyVkl4R78r11P2w9l6JCc5ls7cje_JdQEH8E0A/s1600/IMG_9013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSM6XWwrk4MN3r4684Xv3V9UHLOoiBCta5giN9pbNBLkCfg3PM1oOElWNitCzA4Eoo4vF7h2DoyNj4JRHpFnbivpYradvZJvmMFICYeyVkl4R78r11P2w9l6JCc5ls7cje_JdQEH8E0A/s640/IMG_9013.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Playing in the rain with dad</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5pa2GD2jR9yZC4cVpYhbDfWDasOfLjiuEKEG2g0KsE0b8kuj1pXivJkqbBmDX1tgk_hWaBzWhIG0pkVAHpdZG8h219KBrmPVWimqHSymvZ62s4Mk87LP7hxfZVn7W3PywYd7HRPgmQA/s1600/IMG_9030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5pa2GD2jR9yZC4cVpYhbDfWDasOfLjiuEKEG2g0KsE0b8kuj1pXivJkqbBmDX1tgk_hWaBzWhIG0pkVAHpdZG8h219KBrmPVWimqHSymvZ62s4Mk87LP7hxfZVn7W3PywYd7HRPgmQA/s640/IMG_9030.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Splashing in the puddles</span></td></tr>
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On Saturday afternoon the weather broke just long enough for us to do a little exploring. Most of the day-use areas and trailheads in the park were closed for construction projects until the end of the month, so we didn't go too far afield. The weather was always threatening to turn on us again, so we didn't want to be very far from shelter anyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3N9XDaPc9Sd4k_Nf3gAfplLcCbCpoOdEFhCDu5GDlx0p_BYDB75Of5W4yMbNUo3i6frsFwx08Cw3-u53PSkKikE6gx-c968GNO0Sc99-2THtovNzILDkv2cyiIE898A7nuoUNKVRfzJU/s1600/IMG_6543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3N9XDaPc9Sd4k_Nf3gAfplLcCbCpoOdEFhCDu5GDlx0p_BYDB75Of5W4yMbNUo3i6frsFwx08Cw3-u53PSkKikE6gx-c968GNO0Sc99-2THtovNzILDkv2cyiIE898A7nuoUNKVRfzJU/s640/IMG_6543.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A couple of young White-Tail bucks starting to re-grow their antlers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Beautiful mountain views during a break in the weather</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxo3k5M9FoW29AzFojRJpdsRIgJf7cxUfnIwJwqkJiltsJKKmmLmJNpnhnkqYJvl1PWnoj1VzFChOn6ZvsBhUgcO0BaNuJXKFlCF50ZfIPeBbdFGCfq8Y9g2kj1lxkM8hHEt5r4klJWA/s1600/IMG_6572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxo3k5M9FoW29AzFojRJpdsRIgJf7cxUfnIwJwqkJiltsJKKmmLmJNpnhnkqYJvl1PWnoj1VzFChOn6ZvsBhUgcO0BaNuJXKFlCF50ZfIPeBbdFGCfq8Y9g2kj1lxkM8hHEt5r4klJWA/s640/IMG_6572.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Christine also spotted this pair of Mountain Bluebirds (female above, male below)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnupfaVl-NE9gonJwAeS4wY1vGC37l9MJ5klObt-0Sx_CtdwJ7oP7i3LbwJ-ZJwLoo9PDfGS1dum1TAyvxmnfoqrtQ8TjbqigxorCroPCuw67eT7orBl0yxztozRruBHuWVK5CfhMUnl8/s1600/IMG_6591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnupfaVl-NE9gonJwAeS4wY1vGC37l9MJ5klObt-0Sx_CtdwJ7oP7i3LbwJ-ZJwLoo9PDfGS1dum1TAyvxmnfoqrtQ8TjbqigxorCroPCuw67eT7orBl0yxztozRruBHuWVK5CfhMUnl8/s640/IMG_6591.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">These two were our first Mountain Bluebirds of the season</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPphUuHu4O0uvWEVF4qKCuCfuOLs5xHL2lgseDMbDI2RVq2ifT7tjh1NaDgThk4t8wYZuGrZmq-yCv8gbmGITDFWhW5rUnLvea2qtFGKmeXciM50XL7au4X5GzA8WWHtufJbGzyRpCQqI/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPphUuHu4O0uvWEVF4qKCuCfuOLs5xHL2lgseDMbDI2RVq2ifT7tjh1NaDgThk4t8wYZuGrZmq-yCv8gbmGITDFWhW5rUnLvea2qtFGKmeXciM50XL7au4X5GzA8WWHtufJbGzyRpCQqI/s640/IMG_1401.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">After a short break the rain came back in full force</span></td></tr>
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Saturday night was cold, so we ran the furnace in the trailer to keep Cooper warm. Unfortunately we were in a primitive site and our battery died around 4am. Cooper was up shortly afterwards crying because he was cold, so I took him for an early morning drive to warm him up and hopefully get him back to sleep. We drove along Powderface Trail, which is essentially a backcountry grid road that runs north-south between Highways 66 and 68. Even though I wasn't thrilled to be up that early, watching the sun come up and illuminate the Rocky's eastern slope was pretty amazing. We also had a neat wildlife encounter along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffZw2tQ7huXA4ZFADHV2SzPjaq_Ydpq8Ni5RF2fwTk6vhsH77L4pKHOuUeTg3Rfijt2FLits4-DTAcl0FaVGlJadsGQZ46iN7IeIqEL1E7YwRgP8mdoWCd6nVmNrYHLkkJV7LVxPghz4/s1600/IMG_9048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffZw2tQ7huXA4ZFADHV2SzPjaq_Ydpq8Ni5RF2fwTk6vhsH77L4pKHOuUeTg3Rfijt2FLits4-DTAcl0FaVGlJadsGQZ46iN7IeIqEL1E7YwRgP8mdoWCd6nVmNrYHLkkJV7LVxPghz4/s640/IMG_9048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sunrise in the Canadian Rockies</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0kyUMx8WUZmXFqX0o3HqPA1PVN8v8KG2Jwonmdhv8Bsj-tDXkv1pQkAQ27l7j6CpddzgDO5GYag7HuGCHwtPGgIBcp-OuyNVlbhO1CFF1qR1hSzVpIx9-DJUOVIzr-McBF0nWKT4Szc/s1600/IMG_9063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0kyUMx8WUZmXFqX0o3HqPA1PVN8v8KG2Jwonmdhv8Bsj-tDXkv1pQkAQ27l7j6CpddzgDO5GYag7HuGCHwtPGgIBcp-OuyNVlbhO1CFF1qR1hSzVpIx9-DJUOVIzr-McBF0nWKT4Szc/s640/IMG_9063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Early morning reflections</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrt-u4U6RuX7p3CFxKTtxHMQSCcV9h7cTrTMAAPCLMeQT5_JPnk11ijT2_EkJxg_nIhDYZv8nvsKxQeczNBJCgXkBRa8eutfDAOa5qqE0VNP72R6y1iR_U4MsKSqJ-xYDhM8qJKUmXTs/s1600/IMG_9051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrt-u4U6RuX7p3CFxKTtxHMQSCcV9h7cTrTMAAPCLMeQT5_JPnk11ijT2_EkJxg_nIhDYZv8nvsKxQeczNBJCgXkBRa8eutfDAOa5qqE0VNP72R6y1iR_U4MsKSqJ-xYDhM8qJKUmXTs/s640/IMG_9051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Who doesn't love seeing this early morning alpenglow</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lqvzlF95pSdQnZgu_WA_PIDvFPN7J6M6rrQTUuBdRNvZCoNMuJ8GnKwJB6r1I54zM7O2WWqaYUHPFf94ZxEjJ_OHBnGGP-aM-V1BeKyqFOuaC5F2qEfAgRCpR-3K45XrTBG2iLTAQzw/s1600/IMG_9056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lqvzlF95pSdQnZgu_WA_PIDvFPN7J6M6rrQTUuBdRNvZCoNMuJ8GnKwJB6r1I54zM7O2WWqaYUHPFf94ZxEjJ_OHBnGGP-aM-V1BeKyqFOuaC5F2qEfAgRCpR-3K45XrTBG2iLTAQzw/s640/IMG_9056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is a monument in memoriam from World War II</span></td></tr>
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The plaque on the above monument reads,<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>"On August 14, 1941 an Avro Anson training aircraft from No. 3 Service Flying School Calgary crashed on Mount McDougall, about 10km west of this site. The lives of Flying Officer I. M. Sutherland-Brown and Leading Aircraftsman F. W. Greenfield were lost. Leading Aircraftsman A. M. R. McGruther was injured but survived the accident.</i></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Many lives were lost during the period of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan 1939 to 1945 as aircrew were being trained in Canada for overseas service. To their fond memory this plaque is dedicated."</i></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68gx_U9swJ2yVlYSAJWqCm79S4LIKAXxJw-OFW2jlHjihA4dZjQYSHMAJVPmJipZQ0JQVhAFwCs1q2QYQN5kLLQT7gQoi54AhqGxWwxdGrxRWlP6D0iodIx94axFvMgov_DIT5l87mIw/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68gx_U9swJ2yVlYSAJWqCm79S4LIKAXxJw-OFW2jlHjihA4dZjQYSHMAJVPmJipZQ0JQVhAFwCs1q2QYQN5kLLQT7gQoi54AhqGxWwxdGrxRWlP6D0iodIx94axFvMgov_DIT5l87mIw/s640/IMG_6615.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Shortly after stopping to read the above plaque this coyote crossed the road in front of us. He quickly relieved himself before continuing on his way.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-3Z0d3LmOvc0x_5IBMyuA0tNzqZmm5r0KP2wuMn011gvN0MpsXk41pD3r2-8W_AFA6_2XYZhtS24KyquylnOuzX1srx5RhIaRO7VG56pfn0m161dXDqsvTFVqQVeQ7j-P5-FtRCZLtg/s1600/IMG_6637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-3Z0d3LmOvc0x_5IBMyuA0tNzqZmm5r0KP2wuMn011gvN0MpsXk41pD3r2-8W_AFA6_2XYZhtS24KyquylnOuzX1srx5RhIaRO7VG56pfn0m161dXDqsvTFVqQVeQ7j-P5-FtRCZLtg/s640/IMG_6637.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">He stopped on the road for one last glace in my direction and then he was gone</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQDwPckDMXnToQv9RwF3jLu8FrLKu8rgD6W_Etae35b8R7D5wsy7fj-fzQgd6-hsAntuLSw6zarqwMweuRBykzc8LwdG1M-m9ZyGJzdbkFk07H1gvOQ1SzKUYj9qH3wCvc4wwiygKO1U/s1600/IMG_9072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQDwPckDMXnToQv9RwF3jLu8FrLKu8rgD6W_Etae35b8R7D5wsy7fj-fzQgd6-hsAntuLSw6zarqwMweuRBykzc8LwdG1M-m9ZyGJzdbkFk07H1gvOQ1SzKUYj9qH3wCvc4wwiygKO1U/s640/IMG_9072.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">On the way back to the campsite we stopped at the Harold Chapman Bridge that spans the Elbow River</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzQ-BMFRep2CvliByBwdZf0atLOpeYW7QYMv_VW4aB3UTWklT30c6cvQecfJ3ZgqSs_ryzg0euO1Pk7Ol7MPp8WzOsLZF3bydx-1bXInsmS7S3pkpd66Bx8ICfyUVWfL2P5VDJWKwdWE/s1600/IMG_9074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzQ-BMFRep2CvliByBwdZf0atLOpeYW7QYMv_VW4aB3UTWklT30c6cvQecfJ3ZgqSs_ryzg0euO1Pk7Ol7MPp8WzOsLZF3bydx-1bXInsmS7S3pkpd66Bx8ICfyUVWfL2P5VDJWKwdWE/s640/IMG_9074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The view from the bridge deck is pretty stunning and it was nice to see blue sky and sunshine after all the stormy weather</span></td></tr>
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Although far from our most exciting camping trip we did learn a lot this weekend. We put our new trailer through the ringer and are happy to report it handles the elements very well. Even more importantly though was how well our little guy handled the chilly wet weather. He just loved being outside and exploring, which bodes well for him in the coming months. We are already looking forward to our next camping adventure in July.<br />
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-26150383311817744752017-12-31T15:08:00.000-07:002017-12-31T15:08:25.916-07:00Britches On A Branch<br />
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Please note this story first appeared on the <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/britches/">Calgary Guardian</a> website under the same name, but this version has additional photographs.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ky_FF3m_PNo8p9NdEBML9R4KSRx6pxuSx8U8Wye9CzENbyEdRf20BQiaAZzUJDqxtU69Cxwcpi1GjQDUO5V6jVtX7FEV0vjjoNqxk5f3DIlEFifJ2-XczF58vHm912M8BiDNp7yQiHM/s1600/Sunshine+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ky_FF3m_PNo8p9NdEBML9R4KSRx6pxuSx8U8Wye9CzENbyEdRf20BQiaAZzUJDqxtU69Cxwcpi1GjQDUO5V6jVtX7FEV0vjjoNqxk5f3DIlEFifJ2-XczF58vHm912M8BiDNp7yQiHM/s640/Sunshine+03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Looking up at the swanky tree at Sunshine Village. Photo Credit: Sunshine Village</span></td></tr>
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Sometime around the middle of the twentieth century a new species of tree was found blooming in the vicinity of a mountain resort. This tree was unlike any other plant species previously discovered. It would blossom and grow during the darkness and cold of the harsh winter months and its leaves were oddly shaped and simply out of place next to Mother Nature's other creations. Although nobody knows for certain how such a tree began to take root it survived, some say thrived, and slowly began reproducing in the mountainous regions of the North American continent. If you haven't already figured it out I am referring to the infamous Underwear Tree, also affectionately known as the Bra Tree or the Panty tree, that grow within easy throwing distance of a chairlift.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKD6kR_wTpk_IIOWou5tXeBRaweDJPGRAYbfWzY_2HoA1wEky2WObFWnGmMXAB66ywzJ7ol1dd284NLKih0w0NazGrXmJfNuc85hspCMcLhr6eJMmG1lGjj6mYVHNRHkLIZ-_vzZ_rHoo/s1600/Sunshine+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="594" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKD6kR_wTpk_IIOWou5tXeBRaweDJPGRAYbfWzY_2HoA1wEky2WObFWnGmMXAB66ywzJ7ol1dd284NLKih0w0NazGrXmJfNuc85hspCMcLhr6eJMmG1lGjj6mYVHNRHkLIZ-_vzZ_rHoo/s640/Sunshine+01.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This tree at Sunshine is below the Angel Chair. Photo Credit: Sunshine Village</span></td></tr>
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The lineage of the first Underwear Tree has, unfortunately, been lost to time, but there are two common beliefs as to the whereabouts of the original specimen. During the late 1950's and early 1960's America entered what is commonly referred to as the Sexual Revolution where people first began challenging the accepted beliefs towards sexuality. The urge to find oneself and buck society's sexual norms likely played a role in sprouting the nation's first Panty Tree. Beneath the Bell Mountain chairlift at <a href="https://www.aspensnowmass.com/our-mountains/aspen-mountain">Aspen Mountain Resort</a> the satiny buds of that early tree began to emerge. The women's undergarments, likely tossed by ski patrol's male members, were hung like trophies from the previous night's conquests. Depending on who you talk to it's also been said that the underwear needed to be stolen without the other person knowing before they could be contributed to the prized tree.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQeKulNuHP_mY0qCeu38YU13VQJgZX10WtzjWmcbT6fnJAe-71vTSkthjDFVJgFLEMx-JZM-i2Wnnh5YNDAgyD1rnggOoKRZ-RNgHmOLPlysfGnvVFzVpj8-6x6hCo3FBvEvjT_DbXGU/s1600/Louise+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQeKulNuHP_mY0qCeu38YU13VQJgZX10WtzjWmcbT6fnJAe-71vTSkthjDFVJgFLEMx-JZM-i2Wnnh5YNDAgyD1rnggOoKRZ-RNgHmOLPlysfGnvVFzVpj8-6x6hCo3FBvEvjT_DbXGU/s640/Louise+01.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Looking down on the Underwear Tree at Lake Louise. Photo Credit: Jasper Johnson</span></td></tr>
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The other commonly referenced origin story also places the tree at Aspen except its birth wasn't until the mid-1980's. According to a veteran patroller someone tossed a brazier into the tree bearing the name of a controversial figure within the skiing community. The humorous stunt was so well received that during its heyday more than fifty bras and other unmentionables could be counted hanging from the crowded branches. The tree transformed into a symbol of rebellion. Officials threatened to remove the tree and ban those who were participating in the knicker-lobbing escapades, which only lead to an increase in action.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArBAE863cX5NH3kN1ahsMYeWu9mX411NeSe3DFPbb-RjBpaKR5RROwWS3A123NIrtFgzkKvuruUUWuR_xGrc7CkSIkfw3H_K0XU1cR0dJ2NUFiJtftubCbpB2zvU2cJp47cm-PQRuZAk/s1600/Sunshine+04.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArBAE863cX5NH3kN1ahsMYeWu9mX411NeSe3DFPbb-RjBpaKR5RROwWS3A123NIrtFgzkKvuruUUWuR_xGrc7CkSIkfw3H_K0XU1cR0dJ2NUFiJtftubCbpB2zvU2cJp47cm-PQRuZAk/s640/Sunshine+04.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">As you can see this tree has had several contributions over the years. Photo Credit: Sunshine Village</span></td></tr>
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Aspen's time in the skivvy spotlight was cut short due to the installation of their gondola and the discontinued use of the Bell Chair in the early 1990's, but the story doesn't end there. The Underwear Tree re-spawned at another popular Colorado ski resort, <a href="https://www.vail.com/">Vail</a>. According to legend the initial pair of panties were procured during a particularly steamy gondola ride. After complaints from concerned families over its appropriateness Vail's original tree was chopped down, but it was reborn in one of the resort's back bowls and has flourished there ever since. If Aspen gets the distinction of being the first to have a Bra Tree than Vail is credited as the one to make it famous. The tree reached its pinnacle of popularity in 2004 when the after-dinner cocktail giant <a href="http://en.grand-marnier.com/">Grand Marnier</a> used the tree as part of their marketing strategy. The tagline for the advertisement stated, "<em>You just recognized a pair of panties in the Sundown Bowl tree...the conversation is waiting.</em>"</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPGEQtJN8OtqbZqbDcOBYyHmvjkL7BnFkaaCAn8kGpNoiY4ib3RGmkP8xH7MTWwhNIgCxxGVLnJL6vofEZYbxNooWEJhuPypLX_Bun0b8PeOBCg7CH4aaTS24AqZndmLIUcEv3NgG3cw/s1600/Louise+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPGEQtJN8OtqbZqbDcOBYyHmvjkL7BnFkaaCAn8kGpNoiY4ib3RGmkP8xH7MTWwhNIgCxxGVLnJL6vofEZYbxNooWEJhuPypLX_Bun0b8PeOBCg7CH4aaTS24AqZndmLIUcEv3NgG3cw/s640/Louise+02.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">If you're looking to contribute, the tree at Lake Louise is below the Paradise Chair. Photo Credit: Jasper Johnson</span></td></tr>
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Word travels fast, but tales of erotic triumphs are even faster. Combine all that folklore with Vail's critical acclaim and it's easy to see why countless winter resorts now boast a tree of their very own. The tradition has even spread north of the border and many resorts here in Alberta aren't immune to the Underwear Tree's silky blossoms. <a href="https://www.skilouise.com/">Lake Louise</a> has one. So does <a href="http://www.skicastle.ca/">Castle Mountain</a>. <a href="https://www.skimarmot.com/">Marmot Basin's</a> is located beneath the Knob Chair, which cannot be a coincidence. <a href="https://www.skibanff.com/">Sunshine</a> actually has multiple trees scattered throughout its boundaries. But the rest of Canada is not immune to the deluge of the provocative plant either. There have also been sightings at mountain resorts in British Columbia and as far away as Ontario.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwAJsih0E5r7Fhx4j8PunBWvf90fDrt1tccHR6OBGF6GRgwNpkdfgE7N56C-O1rve8IhYicjnoRVJjAg0-Sh1CufFDGcFFToYX4Y_9kazZL9WUqqfrYMnPE94FTuhM2CNXzdLXviJEgk/s1600/Sunshine+05.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwAJsih0E5r7Fhx4j8PunBWvf90fDrt1tccHR6OBGF6GRgwNpkdfgE7N56C-O1rve8IhYicjnoRVJjAg0-Sh1CufFDGcFFToYX4Y_9kazZL9WUqqfrYMnPE94FTuhM2CNXzdLXviJEgk/s640/Sunshine+05.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">You can see it's not just women's underwear, but also Mardi Gras beads and even a pair of sneakers! Photo Credit: Sunshine Village</span></td></tr>
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I have no doubt the true spirit of that first tree still lives on to some degree, but I believe the reasons for disrobing today are far greater reaching than the original intent. Maybe it's just some spur of the moment fun or that skiing commando is the right amount of risque in your life or perhaps the occasion is a little more on the racy side, whatever your reason the tree will be waiting. These days you're just as likely to see men's boxers, briefs, and gitch suspended alongside those bright lacy panties and animal-print bras we've come to expect. The statement is obviously far less political and nowadays the one contributing the negligee is just as likely to be female in what was once a male dominated venture. Despite its lewd beginnings and contentious nature the Underwear Tree's lineage runs deep and is in no danger of being uprooted any time soon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfxSQKz9iCTy921z6aQTM0cEUVCd3ZRGvPptBMmgbMdHZj8ZRsg0ngRF-KuOBUSSlCKgosBW30NmkyUQx1zuXQ1PH9DMx7UO6Wea3SdhYMgHWyGCbadPa3eSw3TkIExq8pXFuHEdwafw/s1600/Sunshine+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfxSQKz9iCTy921z6aQTM0cEUVCd3ZRGvPptBMmgbMdHZj8ZRsg0ngRF-KuOBUSSlCKgosBW30NmkyUQx1zuXQ1PH9DMx7UO6Wea3SdhYMgHWyGCbadPa3eSw3TkIExq8pXFuHEdwafw/s640/Sunshine+02.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A close-up of the colourful contributions to one of Sunshine's trees. Photo Credit: Sunshine Village</span></td></tr>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-47467504811053389022017-11-30T14:50:00.000-07:002017-12-31T14:52:06.527-07:00Sixth Annual Christmas Tree Hunt<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: November 2017</span></u></b><br />
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This year marked Cooper's first Christmas and thus his first Christmas Tree Hunt. Christine and I were both really looking forward to having him along on this adventure and for many more years to come! For our sixth annual Christmas Tree Hunt we decided to try a new location. Instead of waiting until the calendar flipped to December we opted to go out the last weekend in November as those dates worked best for everyone. Due to the earlier than normal departure we were able to access some terrain that is typically closed at the beginning of December each year. Powder Face Trail, which is located in the <a href="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/formain15858/$FILE/calgary-elbow-tm66-conditions-2017aug.pdf">Elbow River Cutting Area</a>, is closed annually from December 1st to May 15th, so we'd never searched for trees along that road before. The gamble paid off handsomely as everyone managed to find gorgeous trees this year. In fact I think this year's trees were easily the best looking than all the previous years combined! There were even some rumblings of hunting in late November next year as well to ensure similar trees could be obtained.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cooper's first Christmas Tree Hunt</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE-qx_P1Z0lYtOTYixCtvtdDt3XZHMI_vfhvGblmRgcZBxqxFoS8gz1cZp5tNY_5B5YR6Rz2OV4X8GsavC0q04HYkGVWFMDEUZsdqwTwV-WklLEUa91sQRMXOPYRegQ3j6nq9AqmaZl4/s1600/PB251643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFE-qx_P1Z0lYtOTYixCtvtdDt3XZHMI_vfhvGblmRgcZBxqxFoS8gz1cZp5tNY_5B5YR6Rz2OV4X8GsavC0q04HYkGVWFMDEUZsdqwTwV-WklLEUa91sQRMXOPYRegQ3j6nq9AqmaZl4/s640/PB251643.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This year's tree was a real beauty!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCM686ehA0wk8unVcJ5ECuqVxBwJvXvMarI3uElEqwQXHyNXQwWgNMOapkwGklJYIvbePtQNmzRTPn1pKHEzaUOZDnwaXHxxVXRW9MgIUxUXuxJoVDeulkHa7HoSPBrP6njbpfyfjbQY/s1600/PB251640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1525" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCM686ehA0wk8unVcJ5ECuqVxBwJvXvMarI3uElEqwQXHyNXQwWgNMOapkwGklJYIvbePtQNmzRTPn1pKHEzaUOZDnwaXHxxVXRW9MgIUxUXuxJoVDeulkHa7HoSPBrP6njbpfyfjbQY/s640/PB251640.JPG" width="608" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This little family photo actually made our Christmas Card this year</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wW4i419w-pvEt15pN6-as_UEi12MlhAlm6KihSJAIQ7MEVatsPqUbuZphVVPSfKgvX8sJDHKS9ZkU4PAaYKdS2oeIkJlylwI1igBrv2wxACqYL9EK1Fd1v0gMDPbQxEQaHA2YTL9_do/s1600/G0911850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wW4i419w-pvEt15pN6-as_UEi12MlhAlm6KihSJAIQ7MEVatsPqUbuZphVVPSfKgvX8sJDHKS9ZkU4PAaYKdS2oeIkJlylwI1igBrv2wxACqYL9EK1Fd1v0gMDPbQxEQaHA2YTL9_do/s640/G0911850.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Playing around with my <a href="https://gopro.com/">GoPro</a> to get this action shot of me harvesting the tree</span></td></tr>
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As with <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/12/fifth-annual-christmas-tree-hunt.html">previous years</a> the weather was fantastic and there was even some snow on the ground, which made the outing all the more festive. The day wouldn't be complete without the customary bonfire after the trees were harvested. This year we opted to try <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/dawson-pra/">Dawson Provincial Recreation Area</a> and it suited our needs just fine. The day-use sites were well-equipped with picnic tables and fire pits and the out-houses were unlocked and clean. It was the perfect way to cap-off our annual tradition and we were all looking forward to the after-party, being hosted by Ben and Jess this year.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmqZN2TjPLElwjW3Ve0J7-4baT-qtOdPWzRVtrr_GFYBbJzWrDn3Vb3CazKcbfmqC7s6_nPcGSbLB0akoKc9qJ39-N9qotTbUH4fIeh9hlu2XXkAWv4sVt7O-kxdhoQlzWSK0XD3aoAQ/s1600/PB251651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmqZN2TjPLElwjW3Ve0J7-4baT-qtOdPWzRVtrr_GFYBbJzWrDn3Vb3CazKcbfmqC7s6_nPcGSbLB0akoKc9qJ39-N9qotTbUH4fIeh9hlu2XXkAWv4sVt7O-kxdhoQlzWSK0XD3aoAQ/s640/PB251651.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Time for a bonfire</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQz30DZjoDOaZVQljiRm0NnRmdH5d8H2VrD2aGC1zmPmGDPF3u4-MB66jKRPzkh8uBMpuy0WpmXMx-biRAgl0NLKY6o_kiBTLiBBlQw0x3xc5W8gRxPShyphenhyphenFFAXDQsY67P_P9v8SpkCm8/s1600/PB251656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQz30DZjoDOaZVQljiRm0NnRmdH5d8H2VrD2aGC1zmPmGDPF3u4-MB66jKRPzkh8uBMpuy0WpmXMx-biRAgl0NLKY6o_kiBTLiBBlQw0x3xc5W8gRxPShyphenhyphenFFAXDQsY67P_P9v8SpkCm8/s640/PB251656.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Me and my little man!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwUCzXTTSlzBDPIYj8TzAmMolfKZ2mnxZ2bKSWMnol7rp29dq8bHTFKGLE2r27gpSbtib9K31xV2jUG9dkxgMsgNMUG4MzFfam-3iOG4I0Komr9pjf4YDTxe3nWbm5pKnCp8RIUPQyWg/s1600/PB251661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="990" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwUCzXTTSlzBDPIYj8TzAmMolfKZ2mnxZ2bKSWMnol7rp29dq8bHTFKGLE2r27gpSbtib9K31xV2jUG9dkxgMsgNMUG4MzFfam-3iOG4I0Komr9pjf4YDTxe3nWbm5pKnCp8RIUPQyWg/s640/PB251661.JPG" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">All that fresh air tuckered him out</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Good-looking crew for this year's adventure</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWzkJGZ5vG7TMc2QxBp_4dsoACjU4k19a7nBnZXaIe42-ss7v6YWdnRsydBvXhxVsCPu_6dPF0ARuH_p5GTK-HlREAgNw1oArnmbTv0XqqQebd6OkSsBKbZKAH7czQjql_K5E7f52YOc/s1600/IMG_0001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWzkJGZ5vG7TMc2QxBp_4dsoACjU4k19a7nBnZXaIe42-ss7v6YWdnRsydBvXhxVsCPu_6dPF0ARuH_p5GTK-HlREAgNw1oArnmbTv0XqqQebd6OkSsBKbZKAH7czQjql_K5E7f52YOc/s640/IMG_0001.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Helping dad set-up the tree</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E76890JCatVMZ_AKaQN5AXHjlm0Ni4Z6cawHqQVi055lctmJY7jo9GGCwg7FsoyuIoiU1kBYqAAlnKMLPhTHXPEckIv69hkbRX4W70v6zh4Dg7L1LNHINj-FF3Et3fuRDbCR2lAJxGg/s1600/IMG_7379.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="966" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E76890JCatVMZ_AKaQN5AXHjlm0Ni4Z6cawHqQVi055lctmJY7jo9GGCwg7FsoyuIoiU1kBYqAAlnKMLPhTHXPEckIv69hkbRX4W70v6zh4Dg7L1LNHINj-FF3Et3fuRDbCR2lAJxGg/s640/IMG_7379.jpeg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The 2017 edition of our tree after being decorated</span></td></tr>
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If you're looking to start a new tradition of harvesting your own Christmas Tree please refer to my previous post, <i><a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/the-search-for-the-perfect-tree/">Searching For The Perfect Tree</a></i>, for all the details on how to obtain a permit. I'm already looking forward to next year's adventure!</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-2904723447801764902017-11-05T10:12:00.000-07:002017-11-05T10:46:22.984-07:00Nakiska Ski Area<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: November 2017</span></u></b><br />
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On Wednesday, November 1st <a href="https://skinakiska.com/">Nakiska Ski Area</a> announced they'd be opening for the season on Saturday, November 4th, making them the first resort in Canada to do so. But then <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/03/mount-norquay.html">Mount Norquay</a> dropped a bomb on Nakiska's plans and declared they'd be opening a day earlier to claim the title of earliest opening this year. In the end who really cares because ski and snowboard season is once again upon us and that's all that matters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvg6J-VrvohF1GafN1Hukg5cGRgdy-sSjlZaXefgzbI8NRt0OQrKO1inDlCt4VWyU8crEk46poAIHuidBkjtv4IA0T4I5Xr6CLE3tU89Mjwa9oekiRBJ8grmKF7arJ0uHYcD2YfBmtibo/s1600/IMG_2834.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvg6J-VrvohF1GafN1Hukg5cGRgdy-sSjlZaXefgzbI8NRt0OQrKO1inDlCt4VWyU8crEk46poAIHuidBkjtv4IA0T4I5Xr6CLE3tU89Mjwa9oekiRBJ8grmKF7arJ0uHYcD2YfBmtibo/s640/IMG_2834.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">On the road to Nakiska</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k92ogMRNdH6KKeMenUypmL7D7jQsPa7J7TQHocZ7IJ1_e9HmIPsAHFA3iRdzysSjBqUwYlqc53D0RfPDIh8-Fy2r7HJtvHj7WFznurRzlbG4rEa_5yOaYwEe6m-KmdteLXS9Fk6JG9A/s1600/IMG_7176.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2k92ogMRNdH6KKeMenUypmL7D7jQsPa7J7TQHocZ7IJ1_e9HmIPsAHFA3iRdzysSjBqUwYlqc53D0RfPDIh8-Fy2r7HJtvHj7WFznurRzlbG4rEa_5yOaYwEe6m-KmdteLXS9Fk6JG9A/s640/IMG_7176.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Nakiska Ski Area</span></td></tr>
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Located less than 100km from downtown, nestled in picturesque <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/kananaskis-country/">Kananaskis Country</a>, Nakiska is the closest resort to <a href="http://www.visitcalgary.com/">Calgary</a> not named <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2014/04/canada-olympic-park.html">Canada Olympic Park</a>. Like COP however, Nakiska played host to the alpine events for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games and today offers 1,021 skiable acres. The resort boasts something for everyone with 13% of the runs considered beginner, 59% intermediate, and the remaining 28% advanced. The resort also features the <a href="https://skinakiska.com/discover-nakiska/najibska-rail-park/">Na.Jib.Ska Rail Park</a>, a skier/boarder cross course, and the Monster Glades.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">These signs were posted all around the base area</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnrP9GXJY3L6-i1ccLKtzAFuVkbWEKdEPtk06vodje45QoY9PGiv_DAVEUbBd0d7YEPPgaUSuPFWk7Eheyr5YrGeX0yXQuc56UIKj9UV4-vmgVRXCuCMfQR2BGq4XtAO44UJVudMSRxs/s1600/IMG_7119.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnrP9GXJY3L6-i1ccLKtzAFuVkbWEKdEPtk06vodje45QoY9PGiv_DAVEUbBd0d7YEPPgaUSuPFWk7Eheyr5YrGeX0yXQuc56UIKj9UV4-vmgVRXCuCMfQR2BGq4XtAO44UJVudMSRxs/s640/IMG_7119.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Uploading and downloading via the Olympic Chair</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNp_h8T4DRY-S4iG8L7U4kvyO6ZFLGDsYrdWVlwt-0gX88Ng81W5ZMRVXIX26SqT5tpmmf_wpCCpjfV9fbLZdF0BVkFGqz2UJvkiZRCkpmMF6gYS-GVfu2_KJZDB35soz6ADSAUDGLDxs/s1600/IMG_7125.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNp_h8T4DRY-S4iG8L7U4kvyO6ZFLGDsYrdWVlwt-0gX88Ng81W5ZMRVXIX26SqT5tpmmf_wpCCpjfV9fbLZdF0BVkFGqz2UJvkiZRCkpmMF6gYS-GVfu2_KJZDB35soz6ADSAUDGLDxs/s640/IMG_7125.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Excited to hit the slopes!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Normally I'd wait a few weeks for the conditions to improve before hitting the slopes, but the team at <a href="http://www.snowseekers.ca/">SnowSeekers</a> surprised Christine and I with lift tickets. One of my cardinal rules is never turn down free snowboarding (you'd have to be crazy to do that), so we secured a babysitter and made plans to head out for the day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeBhyphenhyphensYLV9AfIdhJHMHN6L9rfqHMiTaoMp04pWlbKM7UO4OOQGGP3zUQPAjlv8PzQlVmzTgXoDzGCpgTtbK8GOF3DPQTpY6fqXlSh9ahxzamumBrYbq2ftGa5lnfBEYgBOdvXx6diW1g/s1600/IMG_7132.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeBhyphenhyphensYLV9AfIdhJHMHN6L9rfqHMiTaoMp04pWlbKM7UO4OOQGGP3zUQPAjlv8PzQlVmzTgXoDzGCpgTtbK8GOF3DPQTpY6fqXlSh9ahxzamumBrYbq2ftGa5lnfBEYgBOdvXx6diW1g/s640/IMG_7132.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The snow-making machines were in full effect, hence the hazy conditions at the Mid Lodge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5DGKCDDzvk5HbuhMu78b5hLXbpv1tQBCG6HgNyc26L0GZhyphenhyphenYPNj7tZWRQ5ukon4Umsam4Uzl9jy_SgapNCL1Iwue2jdLE50hg0ip13IMgQVNsMoRkAXJ0ueNcBkuvQ-TDwWTrFiGceU/s1600/IMG_7136.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5DGKCDDzvk5HbuhMu78b5hLXbpv1tQBCG6HgNyc26L0GZhyphenhyphenYPNj7tZWRQ5ukon4Umsam4Uzl9jy_SgapNCL1Iwue2jdLE50hg0ip13IMgQVNsMoRkAXJ0ueNcBkuvQ-TDwWTrFiGceU/s640/IMG_7136.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The visibility drastically improved as we ascended the Gold Chair</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8unQpqbZd9mr_G9AGs4hb_byCEIyMH6aaeoIqO6fQaPQBTeq5zRLA4DzvyGzhbj6l_7lWJ3JGQ57XTIN9qMmH9S1sIarExFNz_l2BDZDUnr_mfJbC4zms_66uvoMatGX2wetmI3mO7AM/s1600/IMG_7143.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8unQpqbZd9mr_G9AGs4hb_byCEIyMH6aaeoIqO6fQaPQBTeq5zRLA4DzvyGzhbj6l_7lWJ3JGQ57XTIN9qMmH9S1sIarExFNz_l2BDZDUnr_mfJbC4zms_66uvoMatGX2wetmI3mO7AM/s640/IMG_7143.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Pretty good view from the top of the Gold Chair</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We didn't make first chair because it's tough getting anywhere when you have a 5-month-old at home, but we made decent time on the drive. As we were about to enter the lift-line Christine discovered she had a busted binding buckle that needed to be repaired before we had any hope of riding. With some helpful assistance from the repair shop we were on the chair with very little time wasted.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWSVtBa5v33lLsI4oGrdufrNe5zh7VZshT5dfJlRvW9hN-q01Hiu003GMr1RxtfUbhJmPnoCS_CGB0yIPBsTSsEY-c3VSilKsZLmMdEILBUJ7fAKArD9J3XL5TuvpCA1Wz8-K3PDy0DQ/s1600/IMG_7144.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWSVtBa5v33lLsI4oGrdufrNe5zh7VZshT5dfJlRvW9hN-q01Hiu003GMr1RxtfUbhJmPnoCS_CGB0yIPBsTSsEY-c3VSilKsZLmMdEILBUJ7fAKArD9J3XL5TuvpCA1Wz8-K3PDy0DQ/s640/IMG_7144.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Overlooking the mountains in Kananaskis Country</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo8X0yhR-l95YRS5ebAr87JCZIxGzehuAVzgF5F8RiP-PM9qHYJYJq9ZH73opogMJnoGsUO-Zv4e3tJnXNkDf-GUN5UnT9YkqFXQOSDhn8Mo53Rup3sWrktZkR4IPaseeIXCsxmv2-Ig/s1600/IMG_7152.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo8X0yhR-l95YRS5ebAr87JCZIxGzehuAVzgF5F8RiP-PM9qHYJYJq9ZH73opogMJnoGsUO-Zv4e3tJnXNkDf-GUN5UnT9YkqFXQOSDhn8Mo53Rup3sWrktZkR4IPaseeIXCsxmv2-Ig/s640/IMG_7152.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I can promise you there's a big grin hidden underneath all the layers of warm clothing!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp-rEDNp4C0f6GA27bXFxwKoIW1VWDcp9mK4X_FWerTEGeeQgGG1ZQh8dJ3MYR9W5BLkJjW9yo8t3jMR3nWptSO1HljRJOtSYO96EV30NlHTcjBCF692Mx_2MxUVezbEzYZsg8E9WxvI/s1600/IMG_7157.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp-rEDNp4C0f6GA27bXFxwKoIW1VWDcp9mK4X_FWerTEGeeQgGG1ZQh8dJ3MYR9W5BLkJjW9yo8t3jMR3nWptSO1HljRJOtSYO96EV30NlHTcjBCF692Mx_2MxUVezbEzYZsg8E9WxvI/s640/IMG_7157.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The trees were coated in snow and reminded me of the Snow Ghosts at <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/08/whitefish-mountain-resort.html">Whitefish Mountain Resort</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The only accessible terrain was off the Gold Chair, so everyone needed to upload and download via the Olympic Chair. Even though Nakiska received 65cm over the past seven days many of the runs still weren't open. From the Gold Chair there were approximately 10 open runs including the Monster Glades, which gave us some varied terrain to explore. It was a chilly -20 degrees at the summit, but the sun was shining and there wasn't a breath of wind so it didn't feel too bad, although Christine described her day as "frigid"!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFvrFMyntwCswbC74S2NpaPZhx2e77PP1EeSmJTiLEYlAPdtZDXEAlxytGpIm2zwe3rgNy9reQYInMvn7m4vMLPhh1D3RgUa-7PvHDfbqvMWETrHi7J1FJt8UiB8sr7-GAXlfarie3YI/s1600/IMG_7163.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFvrFMyntwCswbC74S2NpaPZhx2e77PP1EeSmJTiLEYlAPdtZDXEAlxytGpIm2zwe3rgNy9reQYInMvn7m4vMLPhh1D3RgUa-7PvHDfbqvMWETrHi7J1FJt8UiB8sr7-GAXlfarie3YI/s640/IMG_7163.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Christine riding through the Monster Glades</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEo0iLvQ8TVloaRVGgxRG4gcx0EqL-nmwRu1jX5jXjGsoBaR4l7iXTdNZSc3gep1Zfsm0zU7NjSsIKeXYIhqOV6LdWTNhFBm4Gnk07o8P-eC-2yI1CAKqo_rV2j-w_AH3JaynrXe5-ck/s1600/IMG_7165.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEo0iLvQ8TVloaRVGgxRG4gcx0EqL-nmwRu1jX5jXjGsoBaR4l7iXTdNZSc3gep1Zfsm0zU7NjSsIKeXYIhqOV6LdWTNhFBm4Gnk07o8P-eC-2yI1CAKqo_rV2j-w_AH3JaynrXe5-ck/s640/IMG_7165.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Good snow in the glades</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Oet1xkE7RSEwO6Tm7xsn1P42DGxBxSH4S5RbFNF9gkPB5OJ5nSDN4o1ndoTkUH89mcwA4aGK0_NDnWfZqk_cwzAwDhJ207ckqPHAeRQuYqNIO_vyCEg-O2qBXd9ee-xbpD1fVrsGgTE/s1600/G0881691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Oet1xkE7RSEwO6Tm7xsn1P42DGxBxSH4S5RbFNF9gkPB5OJ5nSDN4o1ndoTkUH89mcwA4aGK0_NDnWfZqk_cwzAwDhJ207ckqPHAeRQuYqNIO_vyCEg-O2qBXd9ee-xbpD1fVrsGgTE/s640/G0881691.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://gopro.com/">GoPro</a> selfie on the day's final run</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYj9z-xaaqikyNeid8uvWf85OBXB9vW2sjIwygc3rw6eKdeY2Tg6wE1WBen4myHcTs6adXZ7Qv-NSHmAVAqE04C2Yofam7zoGe4R3yU3liU0wG0ESLnCk_lyAVX8zHmRSPkuSgVX1_9L4/s1600/G0881699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYj9z-xaaqikyNeid8uvWf85OBXB9vW2sjIwygc3rw6eKdeY2Tg6wE1WBen4myHcTs6adXZ7Qv-NSHmAVAqE04C2Yofam7zoGe4R3yU3liU0wG0ESLnCk_lyAVX8zHmRSPkuSgVX1_9L4/s640/G0881699.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Christine and I closing out a superb opening day!</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me the entire day was completely unexpected. I was caught off-guard when Nakiska announced they'd be opening this early, the lift tickets were a big, yet welcome, surprise, and the quality of the snow was better than we could have hoped for this early in November. I am so glad we went and now I'm even more excited for the rest of the season to get underway.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIn1B-N2pXv7dcet1qGuu0w4nSPOAiM9lAjGPm_58Cs7-2m8scvyn8SqE4IiyYUqOj_CKZbH3MbZmhuHwCNn7fI2pkyyq2FALFx9oTYQVEVyVUwVYiEAfgNWStYho4qbqeNfqLB_OyTg/s1600/IMG_7169.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIn1B-N2pXv7dcet1qGuu0w4nSPOAiM9lAjGPm_58Cs7-2m8scvyn8SqE4IiyYUqOj_CKZbH3MbZmhuHwCNn7fI2pkyyq2FALFx9oTYQVEVyVUwVYiEAfgNWStYho4qbqeNfqLB_OyTg/s640/IMG_7169.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The sun sitting low in the sky as we made our way back to the base</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t76GEXOlA0o" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;">A brief video showcasing Opening Day 2017 at Nakiska</span></div>
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For additional photos and information from opening day please refer to <a href="http://www.snowseekers.ca/story/nakiska-opening-day-2017-photos">this post</a> from SnowSeekers.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!</span></b></div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-73003493463789142472017-10-16T16:47:00.003-06:002017-10-16T17:49:13.346-06:00Sulphur Mountain Gondola<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: October 2017</span></u></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The final destination on my <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/attraction-combo-packages/">Brewster's Ultimate Explorer Pass</a> was the <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/banff-gondola/">Banff Gondola</a>. The following is a recap of that adventure. You can also read about the <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/07/minnewanka-lake-cruise.html">Minnewanka Lake Cruise</a> and the <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/08/glacier-adventure-glacier-skywalk.html">Glacier Adventure and Glacier Skywalk</a>, which I visited during the summer and are also part of the Explorer Pass. You will also find this story on the <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/banff-gondola/">Calgary Guardian</a> website and lastly this marks the second time I visited the gondola, the first time can be enjoyed <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/04/banff-gondola.html">right here</a>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_sqm1TNe4wYrO6E4fZ3NKGuVYdbOvbKRR0ebg0ydIBA_XgtKT7t9J2_eFy9MnIUCeCseO7uoY1LoqAT8eUWk_jMZ5gY054HXaPeID5SfR7uufHuGPkCaN5SMRACmvliyZacVrpMiODQ/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_sqm1TNe4wYrO6E4fZ3NKGuVYdbOvbKRR0ebg0ydIBA_XgtKT7t9J2_eFy9MnIUCeCseO7uoY1LoqAT8eUWk_jMZ5gY054HXaPeID5SfR7uufHuGPkCaN5SMRACmvliyZacVrpMiODQ/s640/IMG_5694.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A neat take on a horse-drawn wagon as seen at the base of the Banff Gondola!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh8za4pZfZGhsaC5F55arHOJxkmz0kQrKYXOgQFNXurJtBjWF3ihceIWRnfgnJhrUpUDzE9LxJdUHPf0qH1Y0kpJWTuqvDsVxRHwXaLW7loikS8PmUylGMVQtE7V77XjpbRtFZwG2oM4/s1600/IMG_5690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh8za4pZfZGhsaC5F55arHOJxkmz0kQrKYXOgQFNXurJtBjWF3ihceIWRnfgnJhrUpUDzE9LxJdUHPf0qH1Y0kpJWTuqvDsVxRHwXaLW7loikS8PmUylGMVQtE7V77XjpbRtFZwG2oM4/s640/IMG_5690.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Banff Gondola</span></td></tr>
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Norman Bethune Sanson has likely summited Sulphur Mountain more times than anyone else. The former curator of the <a href="http://pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ab/banff/">Banff Park Museum</a> first climbed the peak in 1896 to record weather observations from an elevated position. He subsequently trekked to the summit more than one thousand times over the next thirty years to record weather data for his job as the federal government's official weather observer. If not for the sulphur-rich thermal springs (which are the basis for <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/birthplace-canadas-national-parks/">the entire national parks system in Canada</a>) located near its base the whole mountain would likely be named in his honour. Instead the northern end of Sulphur Mountain carries the name Sanson Peak in recognition of the man who spent more time than most perched high above the town of Banff. Today you can walk in Sanson's footsteps and follow the Sulphur Mountain Trail (six-kilometres one-way and 750m gained in elevation) that switchbacks its way to the summit or you can opt to ride the Banff Gondola, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the park.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9eziZP7gIQuuNl6EkOH4GoENQiXUcn8yVgVK52meCV32Q_Hl9JT2kMKMHLmL6wr1MvgsaJKLeHhPKNWBJXuULZvBd_5cywoRzoprTeYw3pWnKJomSkqRZpBdRDz1lRsZhSPUOPkO_7Y/s1600/IMG_5585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9eziZP7gIQuuNl6EkOH4GoENQiXUcn8yVgVK52meCV32Q_Hl9JT2kMKMHLmL6wr1MvgsaJKLeHhPKNWBJXuULZvBd_5cywoRzoprTeYw3pWnKJomSkqRZpBdRDz1lRsZhSPUOPkO_7Y/s640/IMG_5585.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A solitary <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/those-golden-larches/">Larch Tree</a> overlooking the town of Banff far below</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cxbKbwJANzvZY83Q4WSntEKX8vRnMUCP_1DHmhxBX_V3gmhX8pQxq2oo-ncN7Rcm7PmWjRDkpMaUZHIwlKMtWRMSpcDFJn49gda6YqrCiNuGB3s-HiZD31n8H9h74ZGwL7CRx0oGOuY/s1600/IMG_5529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cxbKbwJANzvZY83Q4WSntEKX8vRnMUCP_1DHmhxBX_V3gmhX8pQxq2oo-ncN7Rcm7PmWjRDkpMaUZHIwlKMtWRMSpcDFJn49gda6YqrCiNuGB3s-HiZD31n8H9h74ZGwL7CRx0oGOuY/s640/IMG_5529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">From the summit ridge you can see far more than just the Banff town site</span></td></tr>
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In just eight minutes you can travel from parking lot to mountain top inside a fully-enclosed gondola cabin. The original gondola was opened to the public in 1959, making it the first bi-cable gondola in North America and the first gondola of any kind in Canada. Over the ensuing years the gondola and summit complex have gone through various reconstruction and rejuvenation projects in order to keep up with demand, offer world-class visitor experiences, and to maintain minimal impact on fragile alpine environments and wildlife. After easily accessing the summit you'll be awarded with breathtaking views of six different mountain ranges and experience an entirely new perspective on the town of <a href="https://www.banfflakelouise.com/">Banff</a>. The summit facility also features restaurants, interactive exhibits in the <em>Above Banff Interpretive Centre</em>, a multi-sensory theatre, and a 360-degree rooftop observation deck, so there's more than enough to keep everyone entertained.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiDw_nKPXVMY_fuGTNKV7i_xoyVIV1_Z5yQFx3Zme4jsmGKO1qaxE3YzXQECNda5Dy8R6EnFIVuTXsKP_5dKginuyZkieNRXJoUwN7XHmPHUiA8cjK1t9S8MhmkOE5ZrG89b39HBocrc/s1600/IMG_5640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiDw_nKPXVMY_fuGTNKV7i_xoyVIV1_Z5yQFx3Zme4jsmGKO1qaxE3YzXQECNda5Dy8R6EnFIVuTXsKP_5dKginuyZkieNRXJoUwN7XHmPHUiA8cjK1t9S8MhmkOE5ZrG89b39HBocrc/s640/IMG_5640.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">To celebrate Canada's 150th birthday these signs were erected across the country, including the Sulphur Mountain Summit Complex!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqASqEoo4TDi5mcWl_EPwZ6ctcJwZn8AOSu9UkWpNI2-fxd46eLYjr4shWnkJ-nfrmlvE7NfQaV0BPaYGMn2RaulMR5rdohGGnSe6MF2dfu4CtH82tNC06ta_YRXFn4hAW5srRdQDMlF0/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqASqEoo4TDi5mcWl_EPwZ6ctcJwZn8AOSu9UkWpNI2-fxd46eLYjr4shWnkJ-nfrmlvE7NfQaV0BPaYGMn2RaulMR5rdohGGnSe6MF2dfu4CtH82tNC06ta_YRXFn4hAW5srRdQDMlF0/s640/IMG_5665.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">You can also find two sets of <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/share-the-chair/">Parks Canada Red Chairs</a> on top of Sulphur Mountain</span></td></tr>
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From the summit complex there are a couple of trails waiting for you to explore. The most popular is the one-kilometre Mountaintop Boardwalk, which is a self-guided interpretive trail that leads to the Sulphur Mountain Weather Observatory. The historic stone structure was built back in 1903 and was in operation until the mid-1930s. The observatory is still perched atop Sanson Peak allowing visitors to peek through the windows and catch a glimpse of a time gone by. The more ambitious will likely tackle the South East Ridge Trail that runs south past the complex and eventually leads to Sulphur Mountain's true summit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYe_JwGIkkaI4MZlbaj6YnKsZ7bqbgTXBvbnUoB-ixqZl_J7Dd2V-GxfuklI5Qi5CT3alvOL9ZvwOPFL1YGHLzAvS0wMsqyq-zTdubB3MyaxQj4_CHDdJikDdOhHV7P4CYobdP3hxKBo/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYe_JwGIkkaI4MZlbaj6YnKsZ7bqbgTXBvbnUoB-ixqZl_J7Dd2V-GxfuklI5Qi5CT3alvOL9ZvwOPFL1YGHLzAvS0wMsqyq-zTdubB3MyaxQj4_CHDdJikDdOhHV7P4CYobdP3hxKBo/s640/IMG_5565.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The historic stone weather observatory atop Sanson Peak</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0lFVqt_bkQAKAlTuQ3OrfV22NRYM3HL-YvMpzeRzHNLbZcugQTNMudpI8Rl_ID9YFAma1AqZfdP1e6oVPk7iITF0LzNjKV3qxCSPJftKeszpbrhrKXncZaSInIAv-6yn_PT1MmX9Dhs/s1600/IMG_5571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0lFVqt_bkQAKAlTuQ3OrfV22NRYM3HL-YvMpzeRzHNLbZcugQTNMudpI8Rl_ID9YFAma1AqZfdP1e6oVPk7iITF0LzNjKV3qxCSPJftKeszpbrhrKXncZaSInIAv-6yn_PT1MmX9Dhs/s640/IMG_5571.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The observatory has been standing in the same place for over 100 years</span></td></tr>
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In the mid-1950s Sanson Peak was chosen as the site for a Cosmic Ray Station that was built in conjunction with the International Geophysical Year (1957-1958). The Cosmic Ray Station, one of nine that were constructed across Canada, was built by the National Research Council and was completed in 1956. Due to its high elevation Sulphur Mountain was considered the most important station in Canada. In 1960 the University of Alberta at Calgary took over the station and it closed for good in 1978. The station was completely dismantled in 1981 and a plaque now marks the site's location. Today the spot where the cosmic ray station once stood is now a <a href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/leg/docs/v-g/pm-mp/lhn-nhs/cosmic_e.asp">National Historic Site of Canada</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VsWfVJUek16WdOqxktHe54TXDoPKwvpcku_9spZpyYOqw1LY7PI_6DrfzX0R6574mzvToaRPE0fj9-83j0tBGxjm3UT4mx9LUjimYzUmyagpBQ0MCIPjRT7lk8IKIo9kbCsplTa8K9g/s1600/IMG_5559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VsWfVJUek16WdOqxktHe54TXDoPKwvpcku_9spZpyYOqw1LY7PI_6DrfzX0R6574mzvToaRPE0fj9-83j0tBGxjm3UT4mx9LUjimYzUmyagpBQ0MCIPjRT7lk8IKIo9kbCsplTa8K9g/s640/IMG_5559.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Summit Complex as viewed from the weather observatory</span></td></tr>
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Sulphur Mountain is a prominent feature on the landscape and has been a stunning backdrop for countless photographs taken from downtown Banff. Experience this mountain in a new way aboard the Banff Gondola and heighten your senses as you gaze in wonder at the scenery as it unfolds around you.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMsWkUfiuQSWxLeXJEeKIcPjZp-nKpRPE2PhIvKkQWJ0xb_bYCh60lSx-RHJ0adwWioReS77OQM7RWml40QuqIPjFs2wKbRk-fPcqlcejkJ786zSbl27naZMY0Cg7ch0qIGXGFPLsvpc/s1600/IMG_5605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMsWkUfiuQSWxLeXJEeKIcPjZp-nKpRPE2PhIvKkQWJ0xb_bYCh60lSx-RHJ0adwWioReS77OQM7RWml40QuqIPjFs2wKbRk-fPcqlcejkJ786zSbl27naZMY0Cg7ch0qIGXGFPLsvpc/s640/IMG_5605.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sanson Peak with the weather observatory as viewed from the Summit Complex observation deck</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTkw6FwYT9dBfTkkBHAulmmu6ql2Ixv_rXkqHQVs0QYshMZt0Ud_WK3bKRXLXd79RFdX6_UjDQPVRa1w-Am66ng9z7lNUGo4CdDcoUMlqkWLRiVJkRjn2hSOKYv9urXo-nVLJDhtEPnI/s1600/IMG_5671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTkw6FwYT9dBfTkkBHAulmmu6ql2Ixv_rXkqHQVs0QYshMZt0Ud_WK3bKRXLXd79RFdX6_UjDQPVRa1w-Am66ng9z7lNUGo4CdDcoUMlqkWLRiVJkRjn2hSOKYv9urXo-nVLJDhtEPnI/s640/IMG_5671.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This awesome Canadian flag can be found inside the Summit Complex and a portion of the informative sign reads, "<i>The Canadian Maple Leaf emblem here rests upon the weathered wood from the early backbone that connected this vast country: the Canadian Pacific Railway.</i>"</span></td></tr>
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To learn more about the Banff Gondola or any of the other Rockies Attractions please visit the <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/">Brewster Travel Canada</a> website or you can purchase the <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/attraction-combo-packages/">Ultimate Explorer Pass</a> that provides admission to four of Brewster's top attractions. You can also connect with Brewster on social media (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrewsterTravelCanada">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/brewstercanada">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brewstercanada/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/brewstercanada">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/explorerockies/">Pinterest</a>, and <a href="https://vimeo.com/brewstercanada">Vimeo</a>) and don't forget to share all your gondola photos using the hashtag #BanffGondola.</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-83561941562222053142017-09-29T21:47:00.000-06:002018-02-20T20:23:49.792-07:00Publications 2<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
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As a follow-up post from <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/02/publications.html">this one</a> I thought I would share a few of the places my work has been published since February 2016. It's been exciting to have my work featured in different places and on different mediums and I look forward to what happens in the coming months and years if this writing thing continues!<br />
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In March 2016 one of my trail camera photos won the grand prize of the annual <a href="http://www.afga.org/">Alberta Fish & Game Association's</a> annual Trail Camera Photo Contest. The winning photograph and the accompanying plaque are displayed below. This was a fun contest, so I'll definitely be entering each year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrAHbT21c62-qb3kKp8PvXy_1whV3OOX5ne1evuNBwFysfPgZzOKaiRWagvGWk31fEKacJIB6BUw41Qk2t5SC5NANcgtdFzO-xxY1XhAtEEbwwoZoyLUiy3PitPbmwEXTAvRk7fuvbX4/s1600/002+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="960" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrAHbT21c62-qb3kKp8PvXy_1whV3OOX5ne1evuNBwFysfPgZzOKaiRWagvGWk31fEKacJIB6BUw41Qk2t5SC5NANcgtdFzO-xxY1XhAtEEbwwoZoyLUiy3PitPbmwEXTAvRk7fuvbX4/s640/002+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My winning photograph featured this coyote mom and her three pups</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUD-iHA0NV1BhscGoIuSvRNYVCT3mCZeOxl2FAwwM6SJM2MqzXsRMjqe3CtS1VVi2Gt8VGZC4vVqXh6BOQfUvOTecV3xCCkx7m_qF_AzOx2NIuQywEg0GOT7JluyrytRpAnQw09aZ5LxQ/s1600/Fish+%2526+Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="962" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUD-iHA0NV1BhscGoIuSvRNYVCT3mCZeOxl2FAwwM6SJM2MqzXsRMjqe3CtS1VVi2Gt8VGZC4vVqXh6BOQfUvOTecV3xCCkx7m_qF_AzOx2NIuQywEg0GOT7JluyrytRpAnQw09aZ5LxQ/s640/Fish+%2526+Game.jpg" width="384" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I was awarded this plaque for my winning photo</span></td></tr>
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In April 2016 I had my story <i>Critter Cams: Connect Students to Alberta's Wildlife Through Technology </i>published in the pages of <a href="http://naturealberta.ca/publications/"><i>Nature Alberta</i> magazine</a>, which is published quarterly by <a href="http://naturealberta.ca/">Nature Alberta</a>. My article discussed the trail camera program I started at <a href="http://envirosschool.blogspot.ca/">Enviros Base Camp</a> and the success we had with it. The article ran in the Winter 2016 (Volume 45, Number 4) issue of the magazine.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3QG4uXJePOXQxKSCebMZYYzf1DU4PsZUSHyLsxdAK3r_Q1DocTrx9cxYJ5ga4ccX6PTlLIpnyU6LApACb2lwW9sfbsoIYhQxNDp4dVooW4VTNLBw9rZZ-1kQ3VcOpj-d0mceeJBhDJ4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.41.21+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3QG4uXJePOXQxKSCebMZYYzf1DU4PsZUSHyLsxdAK3r_Q1DocTrx9cxYJ5ga4ccX6PTlLIpnyU6LApACb2lwW9sfbsoIYhQxNDp4dVooW4VTNLBw9rZZ-1kQ3VcOpj-d0mceeJBhDJ4/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.41.21+AM.png" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The cover of <i>Nature Alberta</i> magazine</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WSY2YXdi4zeKvulOoMoqWLOLY0efvR6LP2ZS3l3WVhqL0v6RjwrHDQ8AkNTjcHnTrRr5sT5cd1b7YcCeKcaUtnRKQy_fYHS-76Lk8i3KF4953fA3p8Q9X7plTYWiTMp10YqQOQtOg6I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.41.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WSY2YXdi4zeKvulOoMoqWLOLY0efvR6LP2ZS3l3WVhqL0v6RjwrHDQ8AkNTjcHnTrRr5sT5cd1b7YcCeKcaUtnRKQy_fYHS-76Lk8i3KF4953fA3p8Q9X7plTYWiTMp10YqQOQtOg6I/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.41.52+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6L97YyipdmRbEFBudvAueu-Ivo3_PRjScE5nvyDGxTfmcrCax89CetQUVn0m9S9jhH521DOYvKTJ62cirymQSvEbmeJ0IOk3RHWoFPv2knju0YvplCQzPcGdiiRnEgFPU0VOvDtIJxGk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.42.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6L97YyipdmRbEFBudvAueu-Ivo3_PRjScE5nvyDGxTfmcrCax89CetQUVn0m9S9jhH521DOYvKTJ62cirymQSvEbmeJ0IOk3RHWoFPv2knju0YvplCQzPcGdiiRnEgFPU0VOvDtIJxGk/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.42.08+AM.png" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is what my story looked like inside the magazine</span></td></tr>
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A couple of months later, in June of 2016, I was featured as <a href="http://hikebyfaith.com/2016/06/20/hiker-of-the-week-tyler-dixon-aka-tcdixon3/"><i>Hiker of the Week</i></a> in a campaign that's run by <a href="http://hikebyfaith.com/">Hike By Faith</a>. It was nice to be honoured in this way by a loyal Twitter follower.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GSlLCYkYQo7hnM1gOqxcYbYqHGsZOKzE1mDwtkrJfDUT5FgSfxOFUxwXjeMmJd7skHvMy-m0mKLuzyLGDxh7JqOI4J7bs9CsyCWxhbz2jS7Jd9RnOi1lSaOMymfrIHsSpyROX5ZxVR4/s1600/hiker-of-the-week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GSlLCYkYQo7hnM1gOqxcYbYqHGsZOKzE1mDwtkrJfDUT5FgSfxOFUxwXjeMmJd7skHvMy-m0mKLuzyLGDxh7JqOI4J7bs9CsyCWxhbz2jS7Jd9RnOi1lSaOMymfrIHsSpyROX5ZxVR4/s640/hiker-of-the-week.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My <i>Hiker of the Week</i> feature on Hike By Faith's website</span></td></tr>
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In July 2016 I had another story published that was very similar to the one in <i>Nature Alberta</i> magazine. This time my article <i>Critter Cams: Connecting Students to Alberta's Wildlife Through Technology</i> was in the pages of <i>Of Land & Living Skies: A Community Journal on Place, Land, and Learning</i>, which is a collaborative journal between <a href="http://saskoutdoors.org/">SaskOutdoors</a>, the <a href="http://www.seri.usask.ca/">Sustainability Education Research Institute</a> (SERI) with the <a href="http://www.usask.ca/">University of Saskatchewan</a>, and the <a href="https://www.uregina.ca/education/">Faculty of Education</a> at the <a href="https://www.uregina.ca/">University of Regina</a>. My story appears in the <i>Water</i> issue (Issue 6, Summer 2106), which can also be found <a href="http://saskoutdoors.org/pages/of-land-living-skies-journal">online</a> along with all their previous publications.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4UmYcS5zeBlQBPZN6JZYaqkm0_nOFInHuKKgOCSA083au2bmqmIJcGMCOBrJFFmAzi0D9YPMP-V8pXeOISclVSTqjnF6XTrvZ4N8FfKtzbZBaa1vgym7FV_DkmjAqQLp8Hobibeg0Ms/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.52.11+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1239" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4UmYcS5zeBlQBPZN6JZYaqkm0_nOFInHuKKgOCSA083au2bmqmIJcGMCOBrJFFmAzi0D9YPMP-V8pXeOISclVSTqjnF6XTrvZ4N8FfKtzbZBaa1vgym7FV_DkmjAqQLp8Hobibeg0Ms/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.52.11+AM.png" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The cover of the <i>Water</i> issue of <i>Of Land & Living Skies</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ec-_f57z11cmxTTMc51XaTrIM9vWCmR05fLHGuTYWSTOmaOwXMl7Z-CdavE5yF72ULGGyWasXqmmY7UdRKh74mbBEptaf5Cr8XX-B3dP2qY4U-nMC2qcHwGk6Tc3xA61LQruSdQibns/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.52.40+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ec-_f57z11cmxTTMc51XaTrIM9vWCmR05fLHGuTYWSTOmaOwXMl7Z-CdavE5yF72ULGGyWasXqmmY7UdRKh74mbBEptaf5Cr8XX-B3dP2qY4U-nMC2qcHwGk6Tc3xA61LQruSdQibns/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.52.40+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The layout of my story from inside the magazine</span></td></tr>
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In the fall of 2016 I was featured as a <i>Health Champion</i> by <a href="https://everactive.org/">Ever Active Schools</a> on their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/everactiveab/">Instagram</a> feed. In a series of three posts they showed photographs of me outdoors and captioned them with blurbs from the brief interview we did. You can view the three posts by visiting the links below the follow screen captures.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kc6rJZllQ9wRxbr6PXrT2kiAMpX1_BjHYLgdg67-VjQxXKRHLzntQHgIzugtaszeo4CcGm_VCbUHQsFTkpsuKI8jdkqDyzT3Nx_RyhluK5MuYriP8oairstHgXovJp2WOAg7slKvhUo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.33.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kc6rJZllQ9wRxbr6PXrT2kiAMpX1_BjHYLgdg67-VjQxXKRHLzntQHgIzugtaszeo4CcGm_VCbUHQsFTkpsuKI8jdkqDyzT3Nx_RyhluK5MuYriP8oairstHgXovJp2WOAg7slKvhUo/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.33.24+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Health Champions Feature No. 1 - View full post <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKQoiKtDb2a/?taken-by=everactiveab">here</a></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjvgB1cvC4BOSOMvGNvnJf0nEOGf5g27Tmw6wXJ4zIVtzhqfUHKT8vWYXr4Ab87pfP3WpumLQrxm5o9fUWfHQIV0QyA2ZfiefRkDanPUz5zcD-CPB-mfsqDO4dZGErvmxEk2_01GYkBw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.37.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjvgB1cvC4BOSOMvGNvnJf0nEOGf5g27Tmw6wXJ4zIVtzhqfUHKT8vWYXr4Ab87pfP3WpumLQrxm5o9fUWfHQIV0QyA2ZfiefRkDanPUz5zcD-CPB-mfsqDO4dZGErvmxEk2_01GYkBw/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.37.56+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Health Champions Feature No. 2 - View full post <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLtX8UgjCPC/?taken-by=everactiveab">here</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWhNUxIv2t3JlXYQrJ8gNn2_hvCvXdlU4WiToEDa9LP0aytMIc7-P1J_TSotChDBQU3fhpskLVlDmaJAPF1yqD8oNAHQnOfq1kgJNO1xiRukJGRSqw95rLWpUF3Y5Ko5WslQv_Rp1e4E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.38.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWhNUxIv2t3JlXYQrJ8gNn2_hvCvXdlU4WiToEDa9LP0aytMIc7-P1J_TSotChDBQU3fhpskLVlDmaJAPF1yqD8oNAHQnOfq1kgJNO1xiRukJGRSqw95rLWpUF3Y5Ko5WslQv_Rp1e4E/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.38.57+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Health Champions Feature No. 3 - View full post <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BNru3QejbxM/?taken-by=everactiveab">here</a></span></td></tr>
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In November 2016 I was contacted by a gentleman (Andrei Vargas) from Brazil inquiring if he could use one of my photos for his stand-up paddleboard catalog. This sounded like an interesting venture, so I agreed provided he sent me a copy of the catalog. Later that month I received the catalog and was surprised to see my photograph on the cover of <i>Inside Wave</i>. This marks the first time any of my work has earned a place on the cover of a publication.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeikIjg_-KYAy-3s6d9dBEag4NjLFGfmhYI-aAbsxH7c-_rN-a_Ik7a1FWrTNHXmoEk6h69l6FcrankTQzXOkzg5-JLzr97e06JCuVZQWqL2i6Zg1BgeJJH56ly7Ul9fKoOeO9mSkBkU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.55.14+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="1568" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeikIjg_-KYAy-3s6d9dBEag4NjLFGfmhYI-aAbsxH7c-_rN-a_Ik7a1FWrTNHXmoEk6h69l6FcrankTQzXOkzg5-JLzr97e06JCuVZQWqL2i6Zg1BgeJJH56ly7Ul9fKoOeO9mSkBkU/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.55.14+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The front cover of <i>Inside Wave</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs_uGMyye9TKffKrQ2WDOjB9T-2YOYAct8WDB1J5AYge_2i4Nq9ncYucpS0k9ugvNDlyk3tFRh-6fduj9Radhsm9egeipUY1XUr_BI91YHjGV26l6mHLxKvNZO116mtiVQQPGhad0zVU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.55.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs_uGMyye9TKffKrQ2WDOjB9T-2YOYAct8WDB1J5AYge_2i4Nq9ncYucpS0k9ugvNDlyk3tFRh-6fduj9Radhsm9egeipUY1XUr_BI91YHjGV26l6mHLxKvNZO116mtiVQQPGhad0zVU/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.55.34+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Inside the catalog</span></td></tr>
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In May of 2017 I was contacted by <i><a href="https://www.spiritswest.ca/">Spirits West Merchants</a></i>, a full-time liquor store and part-time antique dealer from Bragg Creek, Alberta. They wanted to use one of my trail camera photos in an advertisement that was to be featured in the May/June 2017 issue of <i><a href="http://citypalate.ca/">City Palate</a></i>. Of course I agreed and I think the ad turned out great! You can view the full digital issue right <a href="https://issuu.com/citypalate/docs/cp_mj17">here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGgkMSxVqQGPaAQsBS0PzUDKMVFYfeEUnoSmCjVfrqUVKwk2qvhWC8PyZTHpH6REhSv9bcOq_4vTI9j6R9LqrNChoDA7ySYAdOqn7f42eF8ov9DWo0-Ygoid9jjU5exW4aURqkjRQrgs/s1600/2017-05+-+City+Palate+Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="795" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGgkMSxVqQGPaAQsBS0PzUDKMVFYfeEUnoSmCjVfrqUVKwk2qvhWC8PyZTHpH6REhSv9bcOq_4vTI9j6R9LqrNChoDA7ySYAdOqn7f42eF8ov9DWo0-Ygoid9jjU5exW4aURqkjRQrgs/s640/2017-05+-+City+Palate+Cover.png" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The front cover of <i>City Palate</i> magazine</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmijufRTbqRpPDD-BQGv_LZ61BOSt0t0_iQlRWqCIi1zOLzuStjf6hRevO5judwy0ULcfqsZvwntVInh5LeqByVfS6P-8FABjJuhQ0sfqfs5QRrji9Q-_YiX1QGJYmGO-m60cA3w2mFuY/s1600/2017-05+-+City+Palate+Spread+Closeup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="690" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmijufRTbqRpPDD-BQGv_LZ61BOSt0t0_iQlRWqCIi1zOLzuStjf6hRevO5judwy0ULcfqsZvwntVInh5LeqByVfS6P-8FABjJuhQ0sfqfs5QRrji9Q-_YiX1QGJYmGO-m60cA3w2mFuY/s640/2017-05+-+City+Palate+Spread+Closeup.png" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The <i>Spirits West</i> ad featuring my trail camera photograph</span></td></tr>
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Later in May I was featured for the fourth time in <i><a href="http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/canada/">More of Our Canada</a></i> magazine. This time my story <i>Rock Stars</i>, about my amazing trek to the <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/08/burgess-shale.html">Burgess Shale</a>, was given a four-page spread complete with photographs. The story appeared in the May 2017 issue and was also published online under the heading, <i><a href="http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/canada/travels-exploring-burgess-shale/view-all/">Our Travels: Finding Fossils in the Burgess Shale</a></i>.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJJYgvCNYy0mZjUvxelYk6CNrDw0Y3MJv2C4WYdXqSPh3zSD2F7WZKdv0mhXc3aF5hiDdqWLH_lyWMUoP07_L1sRvfi4Grw__c0U_kXFUBXczGloj3ONXE0p037aY2jIZFRm6Bb9hjD8/s1600/2017-05+-+More+of+Our+Canada+-+Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJJYgvCNYy0mZjUvxelYk6CNrDw0Y3MJv2C4WYdXqSPh3zSD2F7WZKdv0mhXc3aF5hiDdqWLH_lyWMUoP07_L1sRvfi4Grw__c0U_kXFUBXczGloj3ONXE0p037aY2jIZFRm6Bb9hjD8/s640/2017-05+-+More+of+Our+Canada+-+Cover.png" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The front cover of <i>More of Our Canada</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLSKKf0jMunudOf-Di63-F7MHM-CdW37E-BpztrVBbmvNA4TwTbfVgJRKrD3M2QG63W77gwtRHzfDz8Cb8VuYTA1XxSCcqP27DqdhgC4Vf7U8OAKE2ZtikxPLD6Fkdg62IT6Du9rhYiE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.59.29+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLSKKf0jMunudOf-Di63-F7MHM-CdW37E-BpztrVBbmvNA4TwTbfVgJRKrD3M2QG63W77gwtRHzfDz8Cb8VuYTA1XxSCcqP27DqdhgC4Vf7U8OAKE2ZtikxPLD6Fkdg62IT6Du9rhYiE/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.59.29+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDjUk7itAGSfIrCLrBqFy01KjnOqWPYdiNzoTh6l30fN0A4WapDb1DY_7YD9BULKihzrMBWMv3wkTTdHT3joltoNTdP6qCU8IRnQs4TOVtlqae_DXYJzENuxi9TysQPDRnVO8WsoO6Eo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.59.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDjUk7itAGSfIrCLrBqFy01KjnOqWPYdiNzoTh6l30fN0A4WapDb1DY_7YD9BULKihzrMBWMv3wkTTdHT3joltoNTdP6qCU8IRnQs4TOVtlqae_DXYJzENuxi9TysQPDRnVO8WsoO6Eo/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+9.59.41+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is how my story appeared in the pages of <i>More of Our Canada</i></span></td></tr>
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Another story about my hiking adventure to the <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/yohos-stone-bugs/">Burgess Shale</a> was published in <i>Hiker's Voice</i>, the official newsletter of the <a href="http://abhiking.ca/">Alberta Hiking Association</a>. My story titled <i>Yoho's Stone Bugs</i> appeared in the Summer 2017 issue of the newsletter and can be viewed online right <a href="http://abhiking.ca/news/?v=d&id=308">here</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The front cover of <i>Hiker's Voice</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLryqH9pGLZOemhcoB1c1vloB1tClbDJJg7fXr78HHBvMTdvuKlJA_aHHQro8b3goGANaV6EtEuzNKPblLL7TJ9twDwUP97_DNCBQEBzdfiJpItvXsdvh0GuBvFNj2evHWqssEJWtbHv4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+10.04.10+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLryqH9pGLZOemhcoB1c1vloB1tClbDJJg7fXr78HHBvMTdvuKlJA_aHHQro8b3goGANaV6EtEuzNKPblLL7TJ9twDwUP97_DNCBQEBzdfiJpItvXsdvh0GuBvFNj2evHWqssEJWtbHv4/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+10.04.10+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My story about the Burgess Shale looked great in the newsletter</span></td></tr>
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In July 2017 I was featured as part of the <i><a href="http://www.mamanonthetrail.com/2017/07/30/humans-outdoors-tyler/">Humans of the Outdoors</a></i> series that was created by <a href="http://www.mamanonthetrail.com/">Maman on the Trail</a>. Humans of the Outdoors was designed to be a collective narrative created by and for those of us who have a passion to be outside. It was an honour to be included in this series alongside so many others who love being outdoors.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGz4mf2jjibhDUu7ZqWa2aKlzGuVPSPO4NJ9ampbSDPq9gVCtZjU3XbSCKIiV6not1jLObxky68joO9H8fWpcEjXGNoHx1UL6lox3xJ0t0Rxg3ZeG6YJW3zwR25NRKe5QvIyn5o_Wruc/s1600/Humans-of-the-Outdoors-Tyler.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGz4mf2jjibhDUu7ZqWa2aKlzGuVPSPO4NJ9ampbSDPq9gVCtZjU3XbSCKIiV6not1jLObxky68joO9H8fWpcEjXGNoHx1UL6lox3xJ0t0Rxg3ZeG6YJW3zwR25NRKe5QvIyn5o_Wruc/s640/Humans-of-the-Outdoors-Tyler.png" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My feature from <i>Humans of the Outdoors</i></span></td></tr>
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This past summer (August 2017) I had my first ever contracted writing gig for <a href="http://www.seekers-media.com/">Seekers Media</a>. I was sent to <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/08/mountain-biking-cypress-hills.html">Cypress Hills</a> to report on the ever-growing mountain biking scene that's present there and the upcoming Battle Creek Showdown, which is a popular mountain bike race in the park. My story <i><a href="http://www.zenseekers.com/story/mud-sweat-and-gears-cypress-hills">Mud, Sweat & Gears</a></i> was featured on the <a href="http://www.zenseekers.com/">ZenSeekers</a> website and promoted heavily across all social media platforms. I really hope I can do some more work with them in the future because getting paid to do something you love is pretty awesome!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A screen capture from my article</span></td></tr>
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In addition to all of the above I have also been contributing stories/posts to <a href="https://thisiscuriocity.com/calgary/">Curiocity Calgary's</a> website. The website is in the style of <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/?utm_term=.sekBYDQP7#.gtM1gXzZD">Buzzfeed</a> (if you're familiar with them) so they do lots of posts that are in the form of lists such as "Top 10 Spots For..." or "The Best Places To...". As usual my stories all have an outdoor focus and I hope to contribute more to them in the coming months. To view all of my past work please visit my <a href="https://thisiscuriocity.com/calgary/author/tyler/">author page</a>.</div>
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As you can see it has been a busy year so far, but an exciting one as well. I am really looking forward to what the remaining months of 2017 will bring and what lies ahead in 2018. Stay tuned!</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-20881031465874167002017-08-30T21:34:00.000-06:002017-09-11T21:35:13.826-06:00Glacier Adventure & Glacier Skywalk<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: August 2017</span></u></b><br />
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To continue my reporting on <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/attraction-combo-packages/">Brewster's Ultimate Explorer Pass</a> I present my recap of the <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/columbia-icefield-glacier-adventure/">Glacier Adventure</a> and <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/glacier-skywalk/">Glacier Skywalk</a> tours. My first story was about the <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/07/minnewanka-lake-cruise.html">Minnewanka Lake Cruise</a> and like that article this one can also be found on the <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/ancient-ice/">Calgary Guardian</a> website.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQipONK9EKeW1xnQ19GI3tQD7FbQp3805bKqoSs5vlUazaEIDtPTRPIDfwrYiApSX3pW5iXe3qtOo6Jvr3yg7YUSfml1yt32UYT2nanGvabZmLUinpz-Yqn2zx6po6m1M4RmVM8_CvvDo/s1600/IMG_4554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQipONK9EKeW1xnQ19GI3tQD7FbQp3805bKqoSs5vlUazaEIDtPTRPIDfwrYiApSX3pW5iXe3qtOo6Jvr3yg7YUSfml1yt32UYT2nanGvabZmLUinpz-Yqn2zx6po6m1M4RmVM8_CvvDo/s640/IMG_4554.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome To The Icefield Centre in Jasper National Park</span></td></tr>
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<em><span style="color: green;"><strong>“The view that lay before us in the evening light was one that does not often fall to the lot of modern mountaineers. A new world was spread at our feet: to the westward stretched a vast ice-field probably never before seen by the human eye, and surrounded by entirely unknown, unnamed and unclimbed peaks.”</strong></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: green;"><strong>~J. Norman Collie - F</strong></span></em><em><span style="color: green;"><strong>irst European (with Herman Wooley) to discover the Columbia Icefield in 1898</strong></span></em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Icefield Discovery Centre with Nigel Peak in the background</span></td></tr>
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Set foot on ancient glacial ice in the Canadian Rockies and check glacier exploration off your bucket list. The <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/itineraires-itineraries/explore-interets/glacier-athabasca">Columbia Icefield</a> is nestled at the heart of the <a href="https://icefieldsparkway.com/">Icefields Parkway</a> and straddles the border between <a href="http://pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/index">Banff</a> and <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper">Jasper National Parks</a>. It is the largest icefield south of the Arctic Circle, encompassing some 325-square-kilometres. One of its main tongues, the Athabasca Glacier, is estimated to be 13,000 years old and holds the distinction of being the most visited glacier in all of North America due to its proximity to the highway. Glaciers are inherently dangerous places. Specialized training, technical mountaineering skills, and proper gear are all essential for safely traversing their icy surfaces. Thankfully with the help of <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/columbia-icefield-glacier-adventure/">Brewster Travel Canada</a> you can now explore the Athabasca Glacier without the need for lengthy training sessions or expensive gear.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuLcs4r_NVmAmybVu1J_ZCUaGImFR9n47aH45Lh8SySV1rvPk8ZyErPNsd9HktzHdP4orOeumoFYUN02ZBeZ7gIkUx0eMFhx2Y4mx0p_ha9DqyjHdUNvLRuqObfeWSMYLA-rzSJj_nzs/s1600/IMG_4264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuLcs4r_NVmAmybVu1J_ZCUaGImFR9n47aH45Lh8SySV1rvPk8ZyErPNsd9HktzHdP4orOeumoFYUN02ZBeZ7gIkUx0eMFhx2Y4mx0p_ha9DqyjHdUNvLRuqObfeWSMYLA-rzSJj_nzs/s640/IMG_4264.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Athabasca Glacier as viewed from the Icefield Discovery Centre</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A panoramic shot from the Icefield Centre</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLT39eXe7EKji9URh2C_LN8wsc9R2pbqu4skhXDApTGISyXohpFsWTrktubTOXt5ow-b0TDQv5W-IKqo9lrrY_ulKpjMrikxGAxgowBr6KqSx1MlMiN5xXvwpGj36Uju-i25wVtz7Pdw/s1600/IMG_4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLT39eXe7EKji9URh2C_LN8wsc9R2pbqu4skhXDApTGISyXohpFsWTrktubTOXt5ow-b0TDQv5W-IKqo9lrrY_ulKpjMrikxGAxgowBr6KqSx1MlMiN5xXvwpGj36Uju-i25wVtz7Pdw/s640/IMG_4322.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is the Ice Explorer that transported us to and from the glacier</span></td></tr>
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Glaciers are the prolonged accumulation of snow that, over a number of years, is compressed into solid ice. In the case of the Columbia Icefield its depth ranges from 100 to 365 metres, making it exceptionally thick. Glaciers are unique in that they're constantly moving, but at a very slow rate. Think of the Columbia Icefield as a large frozen lake and its glaciers (it feeds eight major ones) are like large slow-moving rivers of ice. The rocky debris that you see surrounding glaciers are called moraines. Terminal moraines are located at the foot of the glacier and indicate its maximum advancement while lateral moraines accumulate along its edges.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Exploring the Athabasca Glacier within the designated area</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggycz1Eq8DIXlQexDUyKF-0Mnt9_e_X125L-503utUUBnqqDpiZrrbNNfKRSrVirHgHI2naKwsmAi3near6MhFbxS7cQQnXG8x2Nn2ZmysE4XtzUFfxbzJiwVZjXSHVQTPcNxbFhYLQ5g/s1600/IMG_4427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggycz1Eq8DIXlQexDUyKF-0Mnt9_e_X125L-503utUUBnqqDpiZrrbNNfKRSrVirHgHI2naKwsmAi3near6MhFbxS7cQQnXG8x2Nn2ZmysE4XtzUFfxbzJiwVZjXSHVQTPcNxbFhYLQ5g/s640/IMG_4427.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Up close and personal with the glacier's ancient ice</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGcXpQ4G_N6sb-ceYxCwUKZpIwmpIhH8YRN2XGbxNJYzeXmWu0yfQpto2XZ2Uq5GPqha20yhzN0dVpd6tQy_Fk-ISeMMnV1d-nhAIRt4igJdm9bzbsKfXcWejvolugVUyC_fNytkraJg/s1600/IMG_6246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGcXpQ4G_N6sb-ceYxCwUKZpIwmpIhH8YRN2XGbxNJYzeXmWu0yfQpto2XZ2Uq5GPqha20yhzN0dVpd6tQy_Fk-ISeMMnV1d-nhAIRt4igJdm9bzbsKfXcWejvolugVUyC_fNytkraJg/s640/IMG_6246.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Glacier Selfie!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLVxLU6JPdaXUpp5WQagC8Izl-5JfnGSmNg10Sldo_C5luw90dknvf6-uuKdvfhNW7vbW37Y6N6FPDY2mgBd9fLPPlVYaMUJ45LL500HaozuKZsVwmi6N2_JZ4_jFB271A7nQSKQhKiQ/s1600/IMG_6241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLVxLU6JPdaXUpp5WQagC8Izl-5JfnGSmNg10Sldo_C5luw90dknvf6-uuKdvfhNW7vbW37Y6N6FPDY2mgBd9fLPPlVYaMUJ45LL500HaozuKZsVwmi6N2_JZ4_jFB271A7nQSKQhKiQ/s640/IMG_6241.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Athabasca Glacier panoramic shot</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuJ86k8sdIZuGTr-y75uj28DX6pKc7Bw5HN19iCNZjUFf05Vo_NKel3ZAJweBniJJ7Xi1dU0CgJ5SBvm2XfSv2tYTNQ1k6wr-PP_lq8VOt9X_qzDaZHoxB8kaOHPTgVZxYYjyLcBRNug/s1600/IMG_4415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuJ86k8sdIZuGTr-y75uj28DX6pKc7Bw5HN19iCNZjUFf05Vo_NKel3ZAJweBniJJ7Xi1dU0CgJ5SBvm2XfSv2tYTNQ1k6wr-PP_lq8VOt9X_qzDaZHoxB8kaOHPTgVZxYYjyLcBRNug/s640/IMG_4415.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">I filled my water bottle with glacier melt-water</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mZVir1KEHdg0OvlRmjTcCHrjz3FPlOkG-IH-1NmC1WSSetu5qGpH0wOyQvCuLsnz9SdxB_hmV22_YWqc8cMSarqiG0z7RpqeSSO-dyYemWj29kp3X-OQNSkzZaBm-6YzPAlW1K7ly-E/s1600/IMG_4387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mZVir1KEHdg0OvlRmjTcCHrjz3FPlOkG-IH-1NmC1WSSetu5qGpH0wOyQvCuLsnz9SdxB_hmV22_YWqc8cMSarqiG0z7RpqeSSO-dyYemWj29kp3X-OQNSkzZaBm-6YzPAlW1K7ly-E/s640/IMG_4387.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">High up on the glacier with the Icefield Centre way in the background</span></td></tr>
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To access the glacier reserve your seat on one of Brewster's massive Ice Explorers. These highly-specialized vehicles are designed for all-terrain travel, making them the perfect option for transporting visitors onto the surface of the glacier. Each Ice Explorer costs $1.3-million-dollars and there are only 23 in operation around the globe; 22 of which are used at the Columbia Icefield (the 23rd is at a research station in Antarctica). With a top speed of 18 kilometres-per-hour your pace will be glacial at best, but that gives you plenty of time to absorb the rugged mountain landscape that surrounds you. Upon your arrival you'll be given approximately 30 minutes to explore the glacier within the designated area. Please don't venture beyond the barriers as hidden dangers, such as crevasses, are present and falling into one could prove deadly. The surface of the glacier can be upwards of 15 degrees-Celcius cooler than the <a href="http://www.brewster.ca/welcome/glacier-adventure/">Icefield Discovery Centre</a> so be prepared for chilly temperatures and inclement weather even during the warmest months. Don't forget an empty water bottle so you can fill it with glacial melt-water; it doesn't get much fresher than that! Bringing the entire experience together were the guides. They proved to be a wealth of information and were eager to share facts and stats about glaciers and the powerful impact they have on the surrounding environment.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgCzgE-ZaJyDEYAZjc9F3I5Oc4IHhVR5LIJaIGuFCNl_2xrn0Nsjw5huj0H48D-DP026iVBlVLOllQJ_qhnbmin2wieA8p1gq-1CK6Y24NiFjrzUux-B7B-yKl09HGMAkh0wItrpavBU/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgCzgE-ZaJyDEYAZjc9F3I5Oc4IHhVR5LIJaIGuFCNl_2xrn0Nsjw5huj0H48D-DP026iVBlVLOllQJ_qhnbmin2wieA8p1gq-1CK6Y24NiFjrzUux-B7B-yKl09HGMAkh0wItrpavBU/s640/IMG_4472.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Glacier Skywalk</span> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzeqeOx9pwNOrohpi0xn-65xkVH_1an1VXbP5A1Fo7m9a6ASvgRnbs1kRWNNvv6u6PHwlQz7FBA1nuST1pufWtgd8aITBeAZT2rh7YA44lKG6xGANYiTbU_uYgqhuD9XT1Hnpb-hTIBY/s1600/IMG_4492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzeqeOx9pwNOrohpi0xn-65xkVH_1an1VXbP5A1Fo7m9a6ASvgRnbs1kRWNNvv6u6PHwlQz7FBA1nuST1pufWtgd8aITBeAZT2rh7YA44lKG6xGANYiTbU_uYgqhuD9XT1Hnpb-hTIBY/s640/IMG_4492.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Discovery Trail runs along the top of the cliff with the Sunwapta Valley below</span></td></tr>
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After departing the glacier you will leave terra firma and walk where eagles soar along the <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/glacier-skywalk/">Glacier Skywalk</a>. Brewster's newest attraction (it was built in spring 2014) is a glass-bottomed observation deck overlooking the magnificent Sunwapta Valley. The Skywalk is perched on the edge of a 280-metre cliff so your first steps into the abyss may be timid, but that feeling will soon pass as the breathtaking scenery unfolds before you. If the Skywalk is the grand finale, the lead-up is just as impressive. A one-kilometre self-guided interpretive walk along the Discovery Trail where you will observe fossils, wildlife, waterfalls, and more sets the tone for the entire experience. Here you are not limited by the hands of the clock, so take your time and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world that is all around you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc_IRx57B5mEkWTzAYOl1w2bLV8NcaE_T9_okX6TDS9xK229144WJSxQNzNXmCIc1hho_bvicLchygQosGhq6bNhAw1jOv4FHk2JCCw1Z6EQphDQzUgsMvIDCdWCjd5bz1XmZNOp73WM/s1600/IMG_6281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc_IRx57B5mEkWTzAYOl1w2bLV8NcaE_T9_okX6TDS9xK229144WJSxQNzNXmCIc1hho_bvicLchygQosGhq6bNhAw1jOv4FHk2JCCw1Z6EQphDQzUgsMvIDCdWCjd5bz1XmZNOp73WM/s640/IMG_6281.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A panoramic shot of the Glacier Skywalk</span></td></tr>
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Due to climate change the Athabasca Glacier is receding at an alarming pace, having lost half its volume over the past 125 years. Don't wait too long to visit as I fear its days as a tourist attraction are numbered. By venturing onto the Glacier Skywalk you'll have joined just a handful of people on the planet to have experienced this attraction. Since it was built only three years ago the number of people to peer through the glass floor is still quite minimal. If you're looking for a new adventure or just want to deepen your connection with the Rocky Mountains look no further than the Columbia Icefield and its captivating attractions. Keep in mind you can pair the Glacier Adventure with the Glacier Skywalk for a day filled with unforgettable experiences and memories to last a lifetime.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8UgEGEjBm6oaZnZBPYk2Ont0m477X9oL8wRJovV0wNyz003ZvvKDoF1iltM7_EuWjCtIb-og6l9DcW2CjxtCUU_XLcg-sREitHAQY-_ElFhiDDM0nc0BOsEWPcHA8IQmYknUYyjdkIw/s1600/IMG_4474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8UgEGEjBm6oaZnZBPYk2Ont0m477X9oL8wRJovV0wNyz003ZvvKDoF1iltM7_EuWjCtIb-og6l9DcW2CjxtCUU_XLcg-sREitHAQY-_ElFhiDDM0nc0BOsEWPcHA8IQmYknUYyjdkIw/s640/IMG_4474.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wrapping-up a fantastic day in Jasper National Park</span></td></tr>
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To learn more about the Glacier Adventure or any of the other Rockies Attractions please visit the <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/">Brewster Travel Canada</a> website or you can purchase the <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/attraction-combo-packages/">Ultimate Explorer Pass</a> that provides admission to four of Brewster's top attractions. You can also connect with Brewster on social media (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrewsterTravelCanada">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/brewstercanada">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brewstercanada/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/brewstercanada">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/explorerockies/">Pinterest</a>, and <a href="https://vimeo.com/brewstercanada">Vimeo</a>) and don't forget to share all your Glacier Adventure photos using the hashtag #GlacierAdventure and/or #GlacierSkywalk.</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-48201392205840686892017-08-17T16:22:00.003-06:002017-08-17T16:48:07.333-06:00Mountain Biking: Cypress Hills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: August 2017</span></u></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rising from a sea of endless prairie the
forest-covered <a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/cypress-hills/">Cypress Hills</a> in the southeast corner of the province contain
the best-kept mountain biking secret in Alberta’s cycling community. Mountain
biking and the prairies go about as well together as lamb and tuna fish, but thankfully
the highest point between the Rocky Mountains and Canada’s east coast is
changing all that.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbEvTYEEQYOjoMLdkcvk5L5CLCZGd7JYHHRwXCAHFgAg1jbJJjN58KOcfEqhQmtxFb3THSm6iKOp34aSp1y_HDZUWB6j7kjAmhE8VRPECiCyMkpl4Mlwmj3PjEwd7S-5FSG95_rPg3-Y/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbEvTYEEQYOjoMLdkcvk5L5CLCZGd7JYHHRwXCAHFgAg1jbJJjN58KOcfEqhQmtxFb3THSm6iKOp34aSp1y_HDZUWB6j7kjAmhE8VRPECiCyMkpl4Mlwmj3PjEwd7S-5FSG95_rPg3-Y/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDp77329V6uks54Eb3nyGLhifNX4NfeCXfzW_OawhyfoFNF1yVoLpFZLyfij2A2Dfij5JBV1DQ-Gx23Uzm6uIOKKRpxfs0Vq70gtCyYqlx12DoLrL93Zi5bItIh9g8OhpcLZZI_c9CGk/s1600/P8071217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDp77329V6uks54Eb3nyGLhifNX4NfeCXfzW_OawhyfoFNF1yVoLpFZLyfij2A2Dfij5JBV1DQ-Gx23Uzm6uIOKKRpxfs0Vq70gtCyYqlx12DoLrL93Zi5bItIh9g8OhpcLZZI_c9CGk/s640/P8071217.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Prepping for an amazing ride</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEhgR77xi4KBOW0NHnJgesa0odj3-YYhGpiWwARGzUHAjUu_b-wOkQLtzSNba6TPD6XNMZ1YKS1Uk-lPu5p1UN2ZQbfueZ4b7YctxvGN9M96F51g7Tto8XltVTr1S9dpmqdwdyxBHkFY/s1600/P8071242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEhgR77xi4KBOW0NHnJgesa0odj3-YYhGpiWwARGzUHAjUu_b-wOkQLtzSNba6TPD6XNMZ1YKS1Uk-lPu5p1UN2ZQbfueZ4b7YctxvGN9M96F51g7Tto8XltVTr1S9dpmqdwdyxBHkFY/s640/P8071242.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Starting off</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV4xhIg-xgA-7zPesnDWBjGOEoRqbRD4KmvaFtV7OGnO9DhLHTBnTyA58Keu9UasKyQZvZwh7Pftv6Moi2_KeSdFXbhL224v3r1g0iKWMlUzRgDkkjvp8kyfYsPc0vMcObM9tDKRe2qg/s1600/P8071248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV4xhIg-xgA-7zPesnDWBjGOEoRqbRD4KmvaFtV7OGnO9DhLHTBnTyA58Keu9UasKyQZvZwh7Pftv6Moi2_KeSdFXbhL224v3r1g0iKWMlUzRgDkkjvp8kyfYsPc0vMcObM9tDKRe2qg/s640/P8071248.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">View from the saddle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQqhxSDDW3IE6zZ1Bzy88VqkFdEErNB4Qr648oBkrASLGo9Yh99vcRgAkpPsPVcdXwMFAuD6nvNZAm8sflUrW048rsqaEHVlXTj1jyJF3TzceljInaye-gOtRxISiGma457QAabY_1Ao/s1600/P8071249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQqhxSDDW3IE6zZ1Bzy88VqkFdEErNB4Qr648oBkrASLGo9Yh99vcRgAkpPsPVcdXwMFAuD6nvNZAm8sflUrW048rsqaEHVlXTj1jyJF3TzceljInaye-gOtRxISiGma457QAabY_1Ao/s640/P8071249.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Climbing, Climbing, Climbing!</span></td></tr>
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The <a href="http://670collective.ca/index.html">670 Collective</a>, a local
tight-knit mountain bike club so named for the elevation of downtown Medicine Hat, have
been building trails in the hills above Elkwater since 2012 when the club was
formed. I camped in <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/07/cypress-hills.html">Cypress Hills last summer</a> and explored several of the
trails, but left wanting more. Luckily I found myself there again in early August on assignment for
<a href="http://www.seekers-media.com/">Seekers Media</a>. My task was to ride the trails and report my findings, which I’m
happy to say are all positive. For this visit I linked up with Kurtis Peters, the
president of 670 Collective, who agreed to show me around and be my official tour
guide for the afternoon. Over the next 2.5 hours Kurtis guided me through the
varied terrain that encompasses the region while we rode some amazing
single-track. My must rides include the Mystery Trails, Cobble Miner, and Last
Grizzly, so named for the last remaining Great Plains Grizzly that was shot and
killed nearby back in 1890. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25JvBXSiw2Ly2px2HAnJlzYZT7YTBpbi6BjuI156HyXmhDj4WbJg30uJqKlHapkGuhFkYOTN7LKPAUut-oqAc5SIKFiZWruxKvheol-PSYOW8FIDa9ZlTblJDb0BhzC9FQIAdEhQ0itk/s1600/P8071258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25JvBXSiw2Ly2px2HAnJlzYZT7YTBpbi6BjuI156HyXmhDj4WbJg30uJqKlHapkGuhFkYOTN7LKPAUut-oqAc5SIKFiZWruxKvheol-PSYOW8FIDa9ZlTblJDb0BhzC9FQIAdEhQ0itk/s640/P8071258.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">View through the trees</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96AMrL83pUiXvSbbIIWoUOwzyB3eM13Ptptp7LvECQPiR9MaNcl3aIO07v4b47gXc_pIKcvOt751a4BRoaXnVkgasvVVP55GhQKK9MpqmZwBclW9DDI7hzYRi2OjqDs6TXU4Ppq-PVZY/s1600/P8071272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96AMrL83pUiXvSbbIIWoUOwzyB3eM13Ptptp7LvECQPiR9MaNcl3aIO07v4b47gXc_pIKcvOt751a4BRoaXnVkgasvVVP55GhQKK9MpqmZwBclW9DDI7hzYRi2OjqDs6TXU4Ppq-PVZY/s640/P8071272.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The boys out on the trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1RdkgSgnXemUAzLkX3cwvtR6e8gIvMZOfPy-8VLLzhHwggFksAKZB2TzxvLfMxIeETQI4REKryqvyxM-xjitEnC0Wta1iuTTPmh0g6zyxIoWbvzcw1vXZsZmrkhNN2FS8LRaB08osCY/s1600/P8071286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1RdkgSgnXemUAzLkX3cwvtR6e8gIvMZOfPy-8VLLzhHwggFksAKZB2TzxvLfMxIeETQI4REKryqvyxM-xjitEnC0Wta1iuTTPmh0g6zyxIoWbvzcw1vXZsZmrkhNN2FS8LRaB08osCY/s640/P8071286.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Cruising down Last Grizzly</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHduuV3VzRoV1OMOl5vmF6qB_yGFJwmXvY2IzjTkTJ0qdp6Zm6TGLP741R7xL0U0PimSwM9SzDmDnUJbvi3NTeTVJe_Y5PCOIyNOcM0V1kwI27OlkT0wdqhk-7PtLYVyODiN5O2I6SrCI/s1600/P8071290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHduuV3VzRoV1OMOl5vmF6qB_yGFJwmXvY2IzjTkTJ0qdp6Zm6TGLP741R7xL0U0PimSwM9SzDmDnUJbvi3NTeTVJe_Y5PCOIyNOcM0V1kwI27OlkT0wdqhk-7PtLYVyODiN5O2I6SrCI/s640/P8071290.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">There's even a couple log jumps to keep you entertained!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMASyhiHuTYSA1hhGtrQs8NwbknVUB8DSc0Cjo1-Sc3LTCSFoByNIQrJKEJsA755p0N-dYhVIkdOlbH1cGD2lV09EAeZCQ_wNOwqkzPWtkWKXoK57K_IB9WWlFVjFkaAvLsEB9feTS8g/s1600/GOPR5266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMASyhiHuTYSA1hhGtrQs8NwbknVUB8DSc0Cjo1-Sc3LTCSFoByNIQrJKEJsA755p0N-dYhVIkdOlbH1cGD2lV09EAeZCQ_wNOwqkzPWtkWKXoK57K_IB9WWlFVjFkaAvLsEB9feTS8g/s640/GOPR5266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The view from my Rock Shox!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After the ride, we found
ourselves at the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/campcookhouseandgeneralstore/about/?ref=page_internal" style="font-size: 12pt;">Camp Cookhouse</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, a phenomenal restaurant that serves local
cuisine all made from scratch. Do yourself a favour and order the Camp Burger
next time you’re there. And what mountain biking adventure would be complete
without a few bevy’s? My favourties came from the two local breweries in
Medicine Hat; Burnside Blood Orange Ale from </span><a href="http://medicinehatbrewingcompany.ca/" style="font-size: 12pt;">Medicine Hat Brewing Company</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and
Chinook Wind Session Ale from </span><a href="https://www.hellsbasement.com/" style="font-size: 12pt;">Hell’s Basement Brewery</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgriZ4KbczAX0H3slOcNHII2eyaVV_V0eO1T0BniFDLFHbCe6-aIhSUlX-mRzpW-TMb9JrPEtWHK819sx0mRrmRpQq9DaoO2hSLqqAUVXPsi75EeQ2uNjmgcvEUlgcqDi8X7hjOksIB5o/s1600/P8071208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgriZ4KbczAX0H3slOcNHII2eyaVV_V0eO1T0BniFDLFHbCe6-aIhSUlX-mRzpW-TMb9JrPEtWHK819sx0mRrmRpQq9DaoO2hSLqqAUVXPsi75EeQ2uNjmgcvEUlgcqDi8X7hjOksIB5o/s640/P8071208.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">One of the Firerock Cabins; my home for the night</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbtmdj8dNv55utdp86MJLanSaQ2emwaxsQtJXcPY_s7RpgxkDuLm_urDiGAT7aZKMS9-zi5-NHnahJ0MAKYplMZ18OAx3nzMy0j-8s0WGVv7pBNoTZcsMDFT6E-isUvL6FbYuG1aIcN8/s1600/P8071222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbtmdj8dNv55utdp86MJLanSaQ2emwaxsQtJXcPY_s7RpgxkDuLm_urDiGAT7aZKMS9-zi5-NHnahJ0MAKYplMZ18OAx3nzMy0j-8s0WGVv7pBNoTZcsMDFT6E-isUvL6FbYuG1aIcN8/s640/P8071222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The cabins offer great views of Elkwater Lake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbZ-1zARG4TDecP6h509b3jS5LO8PHwb1Lz8HEahAQkx2nswwedxNZgiwP8sAFs3SPU6p4f6LfEJtWImvtBOSNYPOYWZr0BYloCTw3EOJdU2TWYYV-1I6JBzNItfD6LfnpxWNO6y3PPk/s1600/IMG_6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbZ-1zARG4TDecP6h509b3jS5LO8PHwb1Lz8HEahAQkx2nswwedxNZgiwP8sAFs3SPU6p4f6LfEJtWImvtBOSNYPOYWZr0BYloCTw3EOJdU2TWYYV-1I6JBzNItfD6LfnpxWNO6y3PPk/s640/IMG_6168.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Panoramic shot of Reesor Lake</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">After dinner I enjoyed a scenic
drive to Reesor Lake before calling it a day at one of Alberta Parks’ newest
additions; the </span><a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/cypress-hills/information-facilities/special-facilities/firerock-cabins/" style="font-size: 12pt;">Firerock Cabins</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. In June of this year Alberta Parks added five
lake-side cabins to the </span><a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/cypress-hills/information-facilities/camping/firerock/" style="font-size: 12pt;">Firerock Campground</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. These stand-alone units can be
rented by the night and offer guests an alternative to the more traditional
style of camping. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to try
something a little different and they’re perfect for families.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8pnSr2PBHnSQvrhQzVnIxKLV6YrTsoe5vQ5BCu3xyxdn-w-Gj8vUCMts1aAVMaw4DWF2Z48feSaXkGGODmy8YypoI4wEd-li5kDSGmM-gDfJCZkhhllmBmJ3rK6f-OG7XXJajXWkEes/s1600/IMG_4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8pnSr2PBHnSQvrhQzVnIxKLV6YrTsoe5vQ5BCu3xyxdn-w-Gj8vUCMts1aAVMaw4DWF2Z48feSaXkGGODmy8YypoI4wEd-li5kDSGmM-gDfJCZkhhllmBmJ3rK6f-OG7XXJajXWkEes/s640/IMG_4087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A mother Mule Deer and her twin fawns scamping up the hillside across the lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB3bYEB69sH0qdVz70Wav6NLZoHuGn_uqo7xsHiVGwzyD8uzHei_nTkm4py6nB0ZPysGUXxSBLPiUr3gyyywEqYQGDb8YmpBWopeti2_AIgMsUqquoVAm7JPb4jRIbD9zf4d0bWa5DhQ/s1600/IMG_4097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB3bYEB69sH0qdVz70Wav6NLZoHuGn_uqo7xsHiVGwzyD8uzHei_nTkm4py6nB0ZPysGUXxSBLPiUr3gyyywEqYQGDb8YmpBWopeti2_AIgMsUqquoVAm7JPb4jRIbD9zf4d0bWa5DhQ/s640/IMG_4097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A Red-Tailed Hawk perched on top of a tree</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAlp9XtlOpRn2q0XHsCXcSCEBdOcuxbMW7BNKQEdLnASa1p_agGkbxYr1b7S6k1MHphNKfgKkl8RL3enoE3UWU69Ny8meu2dJvntHL_ScAyXtDoA2QWsFJzdUD7-TPE31w9-0OJEWXSk/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAlp9XtlOpRn2q0XHsCXcSCEBdOcuxbMW7BNKQEdLnASa1p_agGkbxYr1b7S6k1MHphNKfgKkl8RL3enoE3UWU69Ny8meu2dJvntHL_ScAyXtDoA2QWsFJzdUD7-TPE31w9-0OJEWXSk/s640/IMG_4158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This White-Tailed Buck is still covered in velvet</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80q-b99PdD41PMPGYhXXV1Qq7FjeGQl3MIciudzI5DZ2l1rZGuJfUrxSs0uvITrsQFB-o36OY6voJ93C231Y8RERM9PFjXxKGu2HCUHFu2CiBeN8PrjPV39y_-GR4wRyUtemk7bycFZY/s1600/IMG_4174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80q-b99PdD41PMPGYhXXV1Qq7FjeGQl3MIciudzI5DZ2l1rZGuJfUrxSs0uvITrsQFB-o36OY6voJ93C231Y8RERM9PFjXxKGu2HCUHFu2CiBeN8PrjPV39y_-GR4wRyUtemk7bycFZY/s640/IMG_4174.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The tall grass provides excellent camouflage for this mother and her fawn</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anyway, to check out the full
story about my latest trip to </span><a href="http://www.cypresshills.com/" style="font-size: 12pt;">Cypress Hills</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> please visit the <a href="http://www.zenseekers.com/story/mud-sweat-and-gears-cypress-hills">ZenSeekers</a> website. You can also start planning your next biking adventure with </span><a href="http://www.tourismmedicinehat.com/content-detail.asp?ID=247&CatID=1" style="font-size: 12pt;">Tourism Medicine Hat</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> or connect with the 670 Collective on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/670collective?lang=en" style="font-size: 12pt;">Twitter</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/670CollectiveMTB/" style="font-size: 12pt;">Facebook</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, and
</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/670mtnbike/" style="font-size: 12pt;">Instagram</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Also don't forget to </span><a href="https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=15214&lan=1&cartlevel=1" style="font-size: 12pt;">register</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> for the </span><a href="http://670collective.ca/assets/bcs-poster.pdf" style="font-size: 12pt;">Battle Creek Showdown</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, taking place later this month.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSTBEysDiRmDAUthjipRDB-1ZvB2mXk3Za2A7au9oOmV8j9Dq_w_lgQ6e3IsnXtqcM5OmKUvsPGIOJ9iq4Ze-9kloe7f-D-xUmtHhoXO-BjYhu9RmkLCKlwvmcOKRU_0D1ui_FiBvqpE/s1600/P8071331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSTBEysDiRmDAUthjipRDB-1ZvB2mXk3Za2A7au9oOmV8j9Dq_w_lgQ6e3IsnXtqcM5OmKUvsPGIOJ9iq4Ze-9kloe7f-D-xUmtHhoXO-BjYhu9RmkLCKlwvmcOKRU_0D1ui_FiBvqpE/s640/P8071331.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sunset at Reesor Lake</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIeEzmAPcs3ubQV-gunICdsY_D9kqkIQcMInv6pLPAg2TBq9UeFpFZDvSPwOBrvQ_RctKRBMPoMEuxWv69dfP7p0TgkAzPxqkRv7NcTX00PH8izuYNQyN1FqOFkfyz123fMbeOcyXwHM/s1600/IMG_6165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIeEzmAPcs3ubQV-gunICdsY_D9kqkIQcMInv6pLPAg2TBq9UeFpFZDvSPwOBrvQ_RctKRBMPoMEuxWv69dfP7p0TgkAzPxqkRv7NcTX00PH8izuYNQyN1FqOFkfyz123fMbeOcyXwHM/s640/IMG_6165.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The sun setting on an incredible day in Cypress Hills</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Don’t let mountain biking’s
best-kept secret pass you by, starting arranging your next big two-wheeled adventure today!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;">Here's a little promo video I created about my mountain biking adventure in Cypress Hills</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-12329498554699481842017-08-07T15:30:00.000-06:002017-08-18T15:30:49.764-06:00Fort Normandeau<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: August 2017</span></u></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Red Deer River is a prominent natural feature on the landscape of central Alberta. It was used for centuries by First Nation People who came to hunt the bountiful wildlife that were found along its banks. Plains Cree referred to the river as 'Waskasoo Seepee' or 'Elk River' due to the large herds that would gather there. Early European fur traders mistook the Elk as Scottish Red Deer and misinterpreted the name as 'Red Deer River'. Even though it was incorrect the name stuck to the growing community and that name still lives on today.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoIAc2uOFaxDAgFAN6I9-SFcgvkx5-787c4ePrfTlBv2TJdiDW6bWXpn38X5kwVg0oPMu_HAwogg7NIAx2urN-tSK3om1MLGvj8_5-9rmOF8FT403GAepDBsGO7NGeFySO4bL1etC7t0/s1600/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoIAc2uOFaxDAgFAN6I9-SFcgvkx5-787c4ePrfTlBv2TJdiDW6bWXpn38X5kwVg0oPMu_HAwogg7NIAx2urN-tSK3om1MLGvj8_5-9rmOF8FT403GAepDBsGO7NGeFySO4bL1etC7t0/s640/IMG_3882.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Fort Normandeau</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zRmju2Z-AFCodlPfRe5gvuHqhrURK_IOK-R05HoRK00Lw-muJ5PSJNdbE0BhSHMu8I7nslaoZLST6sww908GbVPOukMcvxrigLTcgJqfH2i1XDMme0PHESTZ-tLBM9MoUmiqDuGPSGE/s1600/IMG_3894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zRmju2Z-AFCodlPfRe5gvuHqhrURK_IOK-R05HoRK00Lw-muJ5PSJNdbE0BhSHMu8I7nslaoZLST6sww908GbVPOukMcvxrigLTcgJqfH2i1XDMme0PHESTZ-tLBM9MoUmiqDuGPSGE/s640/IMG_3894.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The front gates of Fort Normandeau</span></td></tr>
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The easiest place to cross the Red Deer River was a natural shallow section a short distance west of modern-day <a href="http://visitreddeer.com/">Red Deer</a>. Pre-contact First Nation groups used this shallow section of river for generations in order to move about the land hunting wild game. As the earliest Europeans began exploring the western frontier the same crossing point continued to be well-used. In 1882 the first permanent settlement was created and became known as Red Deer Crossing or simply The Crossing. The Calgary-Edmonton Trail passed through The Crossing and was a popular spot to stop during the long journey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2FJ9WcWCpiYUQigdyUrOUfqiv1Bou7gvwhgJEzRCLfkgWzJSfK6fbcfkrYqr2hmwEcy1nl6YeVek8WCF1yR4-uff5GsTbLTTB8AVfePnyk0QWf8mIAuswknGlat-1A2Rc0_DZbemx1A/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2FJ9WcWCpiYUQigdyUrOUfqiv1Bou7gvwhgJEzRCLfkgWzJSfK6fbcfkrYqr2hmwEcy1nl6YeVek8WCF1yR4-uff5GsTbLTTB8AVfePnyk0QWf8mIAuswknGlat-1A2Rc0_DZbemx1A/s640/IMG_3907.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The grounds of Fort Normandeau</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeEyo8jKw9-sfZpRDgrOa6gQJfwKm2sNpXL_o4CHjbeBfMBtUFKbyUy67-JcyX8OJ0U4mk7johw2mXyFf26qPN-dihaR6SGbr8NdBb1jolfcE6CtOfuRf3E5uwy5yE1yH64ylNAEzZwQ/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeEyo8jKw9-sfZpRDgrOa6gQJfwKm2sNpXL_o4CHjbeBfMBtUFKbyUy67-JcyX8OJ0U4mk7johw2mXyFf26qPN-dihaR6SGbr8NdBb1jolfcE6CtOfuRf3E5uwy5yE1yH64ylNAEzZwQ/s640/IMG_3916.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Fort Normandeau Interpretive Centre</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopQE2XdgNiGr8SEw22k5j3zq75MiSmOoOn-CbNA5gWkT5LTXpbbpFBTATmn4ENt4-UZqTsXO9FOVjGKB6ENAJ1v5JITn8i49nun42HCl0l9fK1s8prGOaUJtj2UFZVEvnQjflKjm0PVw/s1600/IMG_3830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopQE2XdgNiGr8SEw22k5j3zq75MiSmOoOn-CbNA5gWkT5LTXpbbpFBTATmn4ENt4-UZqTsXO9FOVjGKB6ENAJ1v5JITn8i49nun42HCl0l9fK1s8prGOaUJtj2UFZVEvnQjflKjm0PVw/s640/IMG_3830.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This sculpture is titled "Ghosts of the Prairies" and was created by Douglas Taylor in 2015. The informative plaque nearby reads: "The abstracted Plains Bison symbolizes why humans have come to this ford on the Red Deer River for eons. The bison's annual migrations brought First Nations peoples, followed by Metis and then the first European settlers to this site. The layered and textured steel slabs that form the front end of the animal transform into entwined textured steel rods representing leafy branches. The artist's intent is to recognize the bison for the integral role it played on the prairies and surrounding parkland that regrettably has all but disappeared in the wind today.</span></td></tr>
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In 1884 a stopping house (also known as a hotel) was built at The Crossing by Robert McClellan. During the <a href="http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/north-west-rebellion/">North-West Rebellion</a>, in 1885, the hotel was commandeered by troops under the command of Lieutenant J.E. Bedard Normandeau in order to build a military stronghold. The original log building was renovated and reinforced to create <a href="http://www.waskasoopark.ca/Historic-Fort-Normandeau.html">Fort Normandeau</a>. Lieutenant Normandeau and his men were tasked with protecting the surrounding community and the Calgary-Edmonton Trail in the event of an attack. Tensions were high as several bloody battles spilled over from the District of Saskatchewan into what is present-day Alberta.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssig0wiqRxQkxCfst8BTqYFz-rPATdc8HkUxoHp4WJGayd_CbZDombl_NabrH0_RHiUxAER0gbNdSGRoFFYi7uR1lWLXgfqEL-42pDRnMqfnxLTy7gh1VimuSbhaOITwQ7__zNVTelTQ/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssig0wiqRxQkxCfst8BTqYFz-rPATdc8HkUxoHp4WJGayd_CbZDombl_NabrH0_RHiUxAER0gbNdSGRoFFYi7uR1lWLXgfqEL-42pDRnMqfnxLTy7gh1VimuSbhaOITwQ7__zNVTelTQ/s640/IMG_3868.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Outside the reconstructed fort</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtpCyvtAjuW0_7vPt_M_rwjSAo2arqc3r5LdoRy4UWH0tPwJEgSXDJdExbM3eeL6h_-2BHqz-3pxi1igIXlkikGUjzoNrIfh4SsSkiTW0xjAIMUZHf6v5Z86ztAZsx9UnLrgjwTD32jE/s1600/IMG_3768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtpCyvtAjuW0_7vPt_M_rwjSAo2arqc3r5LdoRy4UWH0tPwJEgSXDJdExbM3eeL6h_-2BHqz-3pxi1igIXlkikGUjzoNrIfh4SsSkiTW0xjAIMUZHf6v5Z86ztAZsx9UnLrgjwTD32jE/s640/IMG_3768.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A tower and a cannon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7KOI09c9RbUa3fFyI7MJy2ypKCaBAMcW30KIKpPInaA3tExZVfoqEaGv0WmRH9h-2KIn90vY2Zd_goLreIovP-WZ16hirPeJ0F7y-NHpTlFXeIMSIA0ltsxkPG4j4kl478Uf_TLqFAc/s1600/IMG_3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7KOI09c9RbUa3fFyI7MJy2ypKCaBAMcW30KIKpPInaA3tExZVfoqEaGv0WmRH9h-2KIn90vY2Zd_goLreIovP-WZ16hirPeJ0F7y-NHpTlFXeIMSIA0ltsxkPG4j4kl478Uf_TLqFAc/s640/IMG_3778.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The main building inside the fort</span></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"The detachment of the 65th Rifles took Robert McClellan's 'hotel', built in 1884, and fortified it. They cut loopholes in the walls, built a palisade of 10-foot logs set in a 2-foot trench, erected a protective wall of planks and clay outside the walls of the stopping house and lined the palisade with planks and clay."</span></b></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"> -Raymond Gaetz, The Story of Fort Normandeau</span></b></i></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOZaFey_E0DYOdzVsDs_t2YTyf6h04IUEIamG0tURZVLwGasuV08n1U1Y6K5qs-LwLOzOesAsj-LhLCrTvz7wbAUDFtLj69dcb_LFk94sBjIGBHsY83cX_pOHw7LQ3hmS2hMDtT2fvyI/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOZaFey_E0DYOdzVsDs_t2YTyf6h04IUEIamG0tURZVLwGasuV08n1U1Y6K5qs-LwLOzOesAsj-LhLCrTvz7wbAUDFtLj69dcb_LFk94sBjIGBHsY83cX_pOHw7LQ3hmS2hMDtT2fvyI/s640/IMG_3772.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Behind the main building is a garden and chickens</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkuhzTt5v4IA4p2cO5zuYlXmVCZTc_ZNkSGx5AHbm6VtRDyBHZktBFWSVuRsHyQzSm3ctqa3xyqWlyL_m3Py10dF6b2ifIqwPkOBURrmJe_9N1i0BLIkj3Y1sw-lGEIW5HHr9_fA6jmI/s1600/IMG_3800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkuhzTt5v4IA4p2cO5zuYlXmVCZTc_ZNkSGx5AHbm6VtRDyBHZktBFWSVuRsHyQzSm3ctqa3xyqWlyL_m3Py10dF6b2ifIqwPkOBURrmJe_9N1i0BLIkj3Y1sw-lGEIW5HHr9_fA6jmI/s640/IMG_3800.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This stone cairn marks the site of the first trading post between Calgary and Edmonton and the old Red Deer River Crossing. Erected by the Old Timers Association in memory of the pioneers of the Red Deer District - 1951</span></td></tr>
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Tensions at The Crossing were high. Rumors of looting and raids by unruly First Nation groups spread like wildfire and many settlers fled to Calgary to avoid the conflict. Relationships between First Nation, Metis, and white settlers were strained and due to the language barrier many were confused as to why their neighbours were suddenly afraid of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFB-4soCvpKv_tk1C5lG8EwOJUb-lwNuOSq4FnZsPzf0aKGtp9pCsb5DOk_NN7nFJtaEbdcb4mNQ5Bsjo_NAfY-Of-yQHcG9ZHuJPb-r1qVHdMtwMekVv3v4T4wn1LdAQzjntyIPF5G4/s1600/IMG_3783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFB-4soCvpKv_tk1C5lG8EwOJUb-lwNuOSq4FnZsPzf0aKGtp9pCsb5DOk_NN7nFJtaEbdcb4mNQ5Bsjo_NAfY-Of-yQHcG9ZHuJPb-r1qVHdMtwMekVv3v4T4wn1LdAQzjntyIPF5G4/s640/IMG_3783.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Inside the main building of Fort Normandeau</span></td></tr>
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After the rebellion ended Fort Normandeau was used as a North West Mounted Police (NWMP) headquarters from 1886 to 1893 before eventually moving to Red Deer permanently. When the NWMP vacated, the fort was left abandoned and the main building was moved and used on a farm until 1937. In 1974 the Central Alberta Pioneers and the Old Timers Association moved the fort close to its original location where it was reconstructed and opened for visitors.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj049LdgLRKN5pEZXSJkJtZYrqZ2MPS64DMgVDSZNskcJGOsmqjBiieyDaI2INpKRlW7G8bRGvZvEbHQ28z71GGa8zGZD9_CxlmPr02EK56p_-qjwFD09zaiiBGfbiDdeLBtA09UADLDfs/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj049LdgLRKN5pEZXSJkJtZYrqZ2MPS64DMgVDSZNskcJGOsmqjBiieyDaI2INpKRlW7G8bRGvZvEbHQ28z71GGa8zGZD9_CxlmPr02EK56p_-qjwFD09zaiiBGfbiDdeLBtA09UADLDfs/s640/IMG_3816.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Across the river from Fort Normandeau was the site of the Red Deer Indian Industrial School built by the Dominion government in 1893. The school was operated by the Methodist Church until it closed in 1919. Although the school is long gone this exhibit on the grounds of Fort Normandeau pays tribute to those who were enrolled in the residential school system and brings to light the atrocities they faced.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYVfgmuWHPKnwScqpZ5kEZe66uKUgXmg12YmC8uhGxlxSrmTlW0l1jpQ1Pd1FCN57Ebt_p3cyG6g52Bj9gDRzkeV7Wt2leldKnfOHwi0WpH7Zh2xpt0HawPrEtvIE1bcXjNFzouSK7X0/s1600/IMG_3818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYVfgmuWHPKnwScqpZ5kEZe66uKUgXmg12YmC8uhGxlxSrmTlW0l1jpQ1Pd1FCN57Ebt_p3cyG6g52Bj9gDRzkeV7Wt2leldKnfOHwi0WpH7Zh2xpt0HawPrEtvIE1bcXjNFzouSK7X0/s640/IMG_3818.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Red Deer River</span></td></tr>
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Fort Normandeau's story may lack the drama of historic battles between First Nation groups and settlers, but the fear of attack was very real. It's hard to say, but maybe the presence of a fortified structure complete with armed troops was enough to discourage local uprisings.</div>
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To learn more about other Alberta historic forts please refer to these posts about <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/07/fort-whoop-up.html"><i>Fort Whoop-Up</i></a> and <i><a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/05/fort-calgary.html">Fort Calgary</a></i>.</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-51038531809535213352017-07-28T23:04:00.000-06:002017-08-16T23:06:21.178-06:00Minnewanka Lake Cruise<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: July 2017</span></u></b><br />
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During a recent camping trip to <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/07/bow-valley-provincial-park.html">Bow Valley Provincial Park</a> Christine and I took part in the Minnewanka Lake Cruise. The following is a recap of that adventure, which can also be found on the <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/mighty-minnewanka/">Calgary Guardian</a> website.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Lake Minnewanka</span></td></tr>
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Although not as famous as its westerly cousins, <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/06/paddling-lake-louise.html">Louise</a> and <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/06/paddling-moraine-lake.html">Moraine</a>, Lake Minnewanka might be the most captivating lake in all of <a href="http://pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff">Banff National Park</a>. Maybe it’s because it lays in the valley that acted as the original gateway to the prairies or maybe its proximity to the <a href="https://www.banfflakelouise.com/">Banff</a> town site is the reason for its infamy, but whatever the reason Minnewanka has long been an enchanting destination for visitors from all walks of life.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The <i>Alberta Explorer</i> would be our trusty boat for the afternoon cruise</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Leaving the dock</span></td></tr>
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There are records of human occupation along Minnewanka’s shoreline as far back as 10,000 years. First Nation People actively used the lake and surrounding area for centuries before the first Europeans arrived. The Stoney referred to the lake as ‘Minn-waki’ or ‘Lake of the Spirits’, which was in reference to the belief that everything contained its own spirit. As early European explorers reached the untamed west they mistook the name and assumed a more sinister meaning behind the moniker.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The view from the rear deck</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sheep's Point is poorly named as there aren't many sheep, but there can be eagles!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Our boat was lucky to see this Bald Eagle perched in a dead tree overlooking its favourite fishing grounds</span></td></tr>
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As the wild west slowly became more subdued Lake Minnewanka underwent drastic changes. The lake was damned on three separate occasions making it the largest lake in the entire park. There were also several name changes before settling on the Anglicized version of the Stoney’s original name. Modern tourism began to take shape in the early 1900’s and a resort community known as <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/les10-top10/minnewanka">Minnewanka Landing</a> was established by 1912. Rising water levels were a natural consequence of damming the lake making <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/plonge-diving">scuba divers</a> the only visitors to Minnewanka Landing today. Rumour has it that an original porcelain toilet can still be found in the lake’s murky depths and is a popular photo opp for local divers.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Canadian Rockies have a way of making everything else seem small!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A smokey day out on the water</span></td></tr>
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One hundred years ago there were boat tours on the lake. These excursions, lasting upwards of six hours, would take visitors on site-seeing adventures around the lake’s rugged shoreline and offer glimpses of Banff’s raw natural beauty. The tradition of boat tours still continues today with <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/banff-lake-cruise/">Brewster Travel Canada’s Minnewanka Lake Cruises</a>. These one-hour jaunts still offer visitors the chance to get a new perspective on one of Banff’s most storied water bodies. The tours are guided by an interpreter who offers deep insight into the lake’s illustrious past and will share more than a few captivating stories about the lake’s early years.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Christine enjoying the afternoon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Canadian Rockies are raw and rugged</span></td></tr>
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Recently I had the opportunity to partake in one of the cruises and was quite happy with the wealth of knowledge the guide possessed. As someone who is familiar with the lake I was surprised to hear a few stories and facts that were previously unknown to me. Not only does being aboard the boat offer exclusive photo opportunities of some of Banff’s most striking landscapes, but there are also chances to spot elusive wildlife along the shoreline. Our tour was fortunate to see a Bald Eagle perched high in a decaying tree overlooking its preferred fishing grounds. Even with the ever-present smokey haze courtesy of the Verdant Creek Wildfire burning along the border of Banff and <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay">Kootenay National Parks</a> the scenery was remarkable. If you’re hoping for a new way to experience Lake Minnewanka the Lake Cruise might be just the adventure you’re looking for, but remember to reserve early to ensure your seat.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mount Girouard shrouded in smoke</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeE_lIZe5QgeZzPmKOBK0MOmzS0DjwEpve4zWv9ymIWcx-WfTIHgxRg1enm37XOPwNWWyJYEmuP_0VUvfoFB6Kvo0g3EmbhsTyWrmNh5v7wCVNjtnRqQWQ3wu2Xx7M3s8l_itMQQFfrE/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeE_lIZe5QgeZzPmKOBK0MOmzS0DjwEpve4zWv9ymIWcx-WfTIHgxRg1enm37XOPwNWWyJYEmuP_0VUvfoFB6Kvo0g3EmbhsTyWrmNh5v7wCVNjtnRqQWQ3wu2Xx7M3s8l_itMQQFfrE/s640/IMG_3680.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Even with all the smoke in the air the boat cruise was a nice way to spend an afternoon</span></td></tr>
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To learn more about the Minnewanka Lake Cruise or any of the other Rockies Attractions please visit the <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/">Brewster Travel Canada</a> website or you can purchase the <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/attraction-combo-packages/">Ultimate Explorer Pass</a> that provides admission to four of Brewster’s top attractions. You can also connect with Brewster on social media (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrewsterTravelCanada">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/brewstercanada">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brewstercanada/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/brewstercanada">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/explorerockies/">Pinterest</a>, and <a href="https://vimeo.com/brewstercanada">Vimeo</a>) and don’t forget to share all your Lake Cruise photos using the hashtag #BanffLakeCruise. To discover more of Minnewanka’s supernatural history please read, <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/the-spirit-of-minnewanka/"><i>The Spirit of Minnewanka</i></a>. Also <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/10/stewart-canyon.html">Stewart Canyon</a> is a fantastic short hike along the Minnewanka shoreline if you want to stretch your legs after the boat cruise.</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-10127202524476634732017-07-27T23:04:00.000-06:002017-08-16T23:07:02.248-06:00Bow Valley Provincial Park<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: July 2017</span></u></b><br />
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In mid July we made plans for a camping trip. This would be Cooper's first time camping and we were really looking forward to it. We settled on <a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/bow-valley-pp/">Bow Valley Provincial Park</a> for its proximity to the city (less than 100km west of <a href="http://www.visitcalgary.com/">Calgary</a>) in case we had to go home early. We reserved a site in the <a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis/bow-valley-pp/information-facilities/camping/bow-valley/">Bow Valley Campground</a>, which would mark the second time we'd stayed there. The <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/07/bow-valley-campground.html">first time</a> was over 10 years ago and I'd forgotten just how nice the campground is. Its riverside location and mix of big mature trees with quiet private sites make it an ideal spot. It honestly feels like you're a lot deeper in the mountains instead of just on the outskirts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Bow Valley Provincial Park is the gateway to the mountains</span></td></tr>
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We would be sharing Christine's parent's trailer as tenting wasn't a practical option with a two-month old. The Verdant Creek Wildfire was also burning out of control on the <a href="http://pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/index">Banff</a> and <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay">Kootenay National Park's</a> border so there was a complete fire ban across the entire Bow Valley and raining ash was a constant issue throughout our trip. It did make for some awful beautiful sunsets though!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Family camping trip...the first of many!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildfire smoke as viewed from our campsite</span></td></tr>
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Unfortunately a Grizzly Bear was struck on the highway and scampered off into the forest. This resulted in all of the trails in the park being closed while Conservation Officers monitored the bear's health. No word yet on the condition of the bear. Due to these unfortunate circumstances we explored the trails in the campground and along the river instead, which offer some fantastic views of the nearby peaks.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Bow River Trails runs parallel to the river</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Bow River with Mount Yamnuska in the background</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3mXJ_A3NNOwed-PxHHRDwcaj8HM0_KSk6d3z1ueMuPKLyQHNn1uGAg6FyYZTw4HIW0ftHKk52v-_pMhHGG8dzJJ4nopD3omwZeAZjo7MqmNuetUp9NbKPSlYn-XawtGotV9VixKyj2Y/s1600/P8011185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3mXJ_A3NNOwed-PxHHRDwcaj8HM0_KSk6d3z1ueMuPKLyQHNn1uGAg6FyYZTw4HIW0ftHKk52v-_pMhHGG8dzJJ4nopD3omwZeAZjo7MqmNuetUp9NbKPSlYn-XawtGotV9VixKyj2Y/s640/P8011185.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wildflowers blooming along the river's edge</span></td></tr>
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With Grandparents along Christine and I were able to get out for a couple of paddleboard sessions on nearby lakes. Our first paddle of the season was on Lac des Arcs. I'd always wanted to paddle over to the small island so we finally made that happen. It'll likely be the first and last time we paddle on that lake as we were both covered in small leeches afterwards!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This small island was our destination</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Christine and Rome with <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/08/heart-mountain.html">Heart Mountain</a> in the background</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hoXek3UzEgFWR9ubofXkmqPCJBK02yv1Fxqxm-OmpLJlhaGE3bfs-5vHw6wbIzWlsMmuGCmMhWPBdIdEuyg75E7U01oMxec7j7S70kd4XUDGaIHUvdTnb4gdORBzBh4UYghf_ax0F10/s1600/P7301098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hoXek3UzEgFWR9ubofXkmqPCJBK02yv1Fxqxm-OmpLJlhaGE3bfs-5vHw6wbIzWlsMmuGCmMhWPBdIdEuyg75E7U01oMxec7j7S70kd4XUDGaIHUvdTnb4gdORBzBh4UYghf_ax0F10/s640/P7301098.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Island Selfie</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Island Sunset</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">My <a href="https://gopro.com/">GoPro</a> paddlecam was back in action!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A smokey sunset over Lac des Arcs</span></td></tr>
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As luck would have it Christine and I were able to sneak away for another afternoon paddle, but this time we went to Two Jack Lake along the Minnewanka Road in Banff National Park. We'd heard good reviews about paddling there and the scenery is incredible, even with all the smoke in the air. If you're looking for a great place to paddle with water that is warmer than other mountain lakes you'll definitely want to keep Two Jack in mind.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Paddling Two Jack Lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ER-c-585YWXZ-oyRwN2ciDYXrBLe8FMRoS5IzYHW0ijqujeoW1UxGDcUlN3gNIYI7HmEB0ZImVQi1Kf3ZYhn7NCBEoUBJLyDUPRKtbVIJ8dZyaa8WoaT9gQmk76HNaf516eiWHOjL5I/s1600/G0650738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ER-c-585YWXZ-oyRwN2ciDYXrBLe8FMRoS5IzYHW0ijqujeoW1UxGDcUlN3gNIYI7HmEB0ZImVQi1Kf3ZYhn7NCBEoUBJLyDUPRKtbVIJ8dZyaa8WoaT9gQmk76HNaf516eiWHOjL5I/s640/G0650738.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Smile for the paddlecam!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6GbRkvV-EvtYUdpk5JAckWWp-wPdj_TY5rZNBLqN9Y8wGSKlgUIlpSGTnRAwQTExvBybs4BwtXEq2aIcVcGs6Dkv7FnwaITKE7zjGxuprQGueUBjJookgzGNZZ_rZoOm83_BdV88Gg0/s1600/GOPR5219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6GbRkvV-EvtYUdpk5JAckWWp-wPdj_TY5rZNBLqN9Y8wGSKlgUIlpSGTnRAwQTExvBybs4BwtXEq2aIcVcGs6Dkv7FnwaITKE7zjGxuprQGueUBjJookgzGNZZ_rZoOm83_BdV88Gg0/s640/GOPR5219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Enjoying the mountain scenery</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Sharing this end of the lake with a Loon</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2hEERf3qWKMl6Avlb1vKDIQfn3TYP5MsY0TlgIok-GsSWWvPpo0xrai-N1JrrMAvRkSLS3igim4TCvsVZtwo39gqV_5en9OVjjDC508Z9VfxsVw1gqSjn9jTaJOim0WjQpWe-wiegrg/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2hEERf3qWKMl6Avlb1vKDIQfn3TYP5MsY0TlgIok-GsSWWvPpo0xrai-N1JrrMAvRkSLS3igim4TCvsVZtwo39gqV_5en9OVjjDC508Z9VfxsVw1gqSjn9jTaJOim0WjQpWe-wiegrg/s640/IMG_3706.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A few of the locals stopped by to say hi as we were leaving</span></td></tr>
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To cap off the trip Christine and I took part in a <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/attractions-sightseeing/banff-lake-cruise/">Minnewanka Lake Cruise</a> that's offered by <a href="https://www.brewster.ca/">Brewster Travel Canada</a>. The one-hour tour guides visitors down the length of the lake and provides insight into the legendary lake's colourful history. It also offers guests the chance to get a new perspective on an old favourite, while also giving them an opportunity to spot elusive wildlife along the shoreline. To read the full recap of our boat cruise experience please visit my <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2017/07/minnewanka-lake-cruise.html">Minnewanka Lake Cruise</a> post or read <i><a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/mighty-minnewanka/">The Mighty Minnewanka</a></i>.</div>
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I really enjoyed this camping trip and we will be returning to Bow Valley Provincial Park in the future. It's a wonderful spot for families and you can't beat the location. Until next time...</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-70783769749657620392017-07-26T19:54:00.004-06:002017-07-26T19:54:46.844-06:00Lake Louise Summer Gondola<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: July 2017</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The day started out very familiar. The scenic drive west from <a href="http://www.visitcalgary.com/">Calgary</a>. The bustling parking lot. The aroma of bacon wafting from the lodge. The hum of spinning chairlifts. But that's where the similarities ended. The powdery white snow had melted giving way to leafy green foliage and colourful wildflowers. Shorts and t-shirts supplanted parkas, toques, and boots. And skis and snowboards were replaced by cameras and binoculars. Yes <a href="http://www.skilouise.com/">Lake Louise Mountain Resort</a> has long been a staple for my <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/07/lake-louise-ski-resort.html">winter adventures</a>, yet standing there at the base of Mount Whitehorn on a warm summer morning everything felt brand new.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Bear's Den Smokehouse and the Grizzly Chair as viewed from Whiskey Jack Lodge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Christine and Cooper getting ready for the gondola ride</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">You're probably quite familiar with the Lake's legendary winter rep, but have you experienced all that the warmest months have to offer? Although I feel like a veteran of the winter scene I am truly a novice when it comes to summer. I've done several hikes in the vicinity of </span><a href="https://www.banfflakelouise.com/" style="text-align: justify;">Lake Louise</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> and have </span><a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/06/paddling-lake-louise.html" style="text-align: justify;">paddled</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> on its famous turquoise water, but had yet to visit the resort during the summer. Thankfully that all changed with a recent trip to the mountains.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Chairlift selfie!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHHaWvbyuaHnPA58szX3HODqa5aDrGFasTOB0-EoqOT9JCiKapDyF-89DTTfEv__VzazrB8GTB-F7eq72cp4K2nq40urmO4AD-d_i1BDmAq2ZTekK1Wc3tGFxwzWK3P-nhOk3PYNxPYY/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHHaWvbyuaHnPA58szX3HODqa5aDrGFasTOB0-EoqOT9JCiKapDyF-89DTTfEv__VzazrB8GTB-F7eq72cp4K2nq40urmO4AD-d_i1BDmAq2ZTekK1Wc3tGFxwzWK3P-nhOk3PYNxPYY/s640/IMG_3456.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Lake Louise as viewed from the Observation Deck</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Ski and snowboard resorts are constantly trying to create new ways to stay relevant outside of their primary season. Think Norquay's </span><a href="https://summer.banffnorquay.com/adventures/via-ferrata/" style="text-align: justify;">Via Ferrata</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, </span><a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/meadows-in-the-sun/" style="text-align: justify;">alpine hiking</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> at Sunshine Meadows, Revelstoke's </span><a href="http://www.revelstokemountainresort.com/lessons-activities/mountain-coaster" style="text-align: justify;">Pipe Mountain Coaster</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, the </span><a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/lair-of-the-grizzly-bear/" style="text-align: justify;">Grizzly Bear Refuge</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> at Kicking Horse, or Fernie's </span><a href="http://skifernie.com/purchase/mountain-biking/" style="text-align: justify;">Bike Park</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. Lake Louise is no different, although they might be more restricted than others due to their location within a national park. Lucky for them they're able to offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the entire park using their existing infrastructure.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Looking down from the top of the gondola</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The wildflowers were in full bloom when we were there</span></td></tr>
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The bulk of the resort faces south, meaning it absorbs more sunlight than north-facing slopes. This abundance of solar radiation is bad for the snowpack, but extends the growing season, which is already very short in alpine environments. The resort's treeless runs are perfect for early season shrubs and wildflowers. The snow-free slopes ultimately attract mega-fauna like bears and deer (among others) for an easy meal and the wide-open spaces allow for superb viewing of some of the park's elusive residents. Combine those facts with an elevated position, such as a chairlift, and you have a recipe for spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. Since guests are enclosed in a gondola or are high above the ground on a chairlift, the safety of both human and animal are ensured.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A panoramic shot of Lake Louise and surrounding peaks</span></td></tr>
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After arriving I started my day with a leisurely breakfast buffet in the <a href="https://www.skilouise.com/activities-and-events/summer-dining.php">Whiskey Jack Lodge</a>. Freshly prepared bacon and eggs combined with a piping hot cup of coffee are sure to provide the fuel needed for the day's adventures. After breakfast I made my way down to the Grizzly Chair, known as the Glacier Express the other half of the year. Winter vets will notice the lift has been modified to incorporate both gondola cabins and quad-chairs. This gives guests the option of either an open or closed experience while traveling up the mountainside. You'll also note the lift is spinning slower than in the winter. In fact it takes twice as long (about 15 minutes) to complete the journey, allowing for ample time to search for wildlife.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A Black and Grizzly Bear on display in the Wildlife Centre</span></td></tr>
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The lift drops guests mid-mountain where there's plenty to keep you busy. I opted for the short walk down to the Viewing Platform and was rewarded with uninterrupted views of Lake Louise and its surrounding snow-capped peaks. From there I headed over to <a href="https://www.skilouise.com/activities-and-events/summer-dining.php">Whitehorn Bistro</a> where you can dine on alpine-inspired items or just enjoy the sweeping mountain panorama from 2,042 metres (6,700 feet). Below the bistro is the <a href="https://www.skilouise.com/activities-and-events/wildlife-interpretive-centre.php">Wildlife Interpretive Centre</a> where you'll discover why life in the Canadian Rockies is equally unique and spectacular. The centre also hosts interactive programs for all ages and <a href="https://www.skilouise.com/activities-and-events/guided-hikes.php">guided walks/hikes</a> are available with professional interpreters. For those with more energetic ambitions there are <a href="https://www.skilouise.com/activities-and-events/hiking-trails.php">hiking trails</a> available above the gondola. The trails range in length and difficulty and anyone entering the area needs to be prepared for changing alpine conditions and the possibility of encountering wildlife. Just because you're hiking at a resort doesn't mean assistance is readily available; it is still an untamed mountain environment. Just remember the area below the chairlift is an active wildlife corridor and is closed to the public.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwIrbnO1hDUA7J6ohyphenhypheny0enhNU1shRzDgzawa_4wY4xpb-sgg_G8GcnSPo3Sd0BMylZH6vPHoV4vh3dxgHQKDKUaf1eJNObVJw7XX3nDgoZNmjc4bVUQG1P9csI_XHP6FbphKG_F8uJt0/s1600/P7231013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwIrbnO1hDUA7J6ohyphenhypheny0enhNU1shRzDgzawa_4wY4xpb-sgg_G8GcnSPo3Sd0BMylZH6vPHoV4vh3dxgHQKDKUaf1eJNObVJw7XX3nDgoZNmjc4bVUQG1P9csI_XHP6FbphKG_F8uJt0/s640/P7231013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This Cougar still looks menacing even as a taxidermy specimen!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLnv2N8yBH8joVNWD_WC6p0vw5o9j0e6tTT0F7MRa0pOvN-M9YB7SHCeCvovmr0UY_SN5YVNW6eespk1DJBCHCreRGC3Ty4T1PVr1W8Ax8BpYWHE7QsTll03La5Us_HDOyuweELoX1oc/s1600/P7231029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1600" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLnv2N8yBH8joVNWD_WC6p0vw5o9j0e6tTT0F7MRa0pOvN-M9YB7SHCeCvovmr0UY_SN5YVNW6eespk1DJBCHCreRGC3Ty4T1PVr1W8Ax8BpYWHE7QsTll03La5Us_HDOyuweELoX1oc/s640/P7231029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The ride back down offers some pretty spectacular views!</span></td></tr>
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The ride back to the base gave me another opportunity to spot more wildlife and provided incredible views of Lake Louise, the famous <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/lake-louise/">Chateau</a>, towering Mount Temple, ancient glaciers, and more. From there I wrapped-up my day with the summer version of après-ski on the <a href="http://www.skilouise.com/activities-and-events/summer-dining.php">Bear's Den Smokehouse's</a> sprawling patio (that's the <a href="http://www.skilouise.com/activities-and-events/dining.php">Kokanee Kabin</a> for all you skiers and boarders) while soaking in the last vestiges of the fading sunshine. With the sun sitting low in the sky casting long shadows I began my journey back to Calgary fulfilled with the day's adventure and already looking forward to the next one.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlR8Zv9Y73qSroY9QYagZkBGAjK7-TSXLAtwPgLkPmfc7xzCybMFZ9eM4ZJC-yXYfxT3amplXEXJ5BjUm4iKem6QojNsE3VLnMEdccxrgi51NAAHlTxjEsxD_7l0335Culb8cAvFxoYs/s1600/P7231045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlR8Zv9Y73qSroY9QYagZkBGAjK7-TSXLAtwPgLkPmfc7xzCybMFZ9eM4ZJC-yXYfxT3amplXEXJ5BjUm4iKem6QojNsE3VLnMEdccxrgi51NAAHlTxjEsxD_7l0335Culb8cAvFxoYs/s640/P7231045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Christine and Cooper on the way back down</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM9soDjREoXuQiWB7qLRlv1w0jUBTYeIFFsmSevvcA-3_ITsQoFMpdjmlZO-OMR_8zSH1Mq7IaeNpyuHzJr4SAPdvyYCG_s34XRLi8C_hCszU6Lsa9Iwyf4tPVzLgqveATCv7ZWkUffA/s1600/P7231051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM9soDjREoXuQiWB7qLRlv1w0jUBTYeIFFsmSevvcA-3_ITsQoFMpdjmlZO-OMR_8zSH1Mq7IaeNpyuHzJr4SAPdvyYCG_s34XRLi8C_hCszU6Lsa9Iwyf4tPVzLgqveATCv7ZWkUffA/s640/P7231051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Lodge of the Ten Peaks</span></td></tr>
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On our drive back to Calgary we spotted a small herd of Rocky Mountain Sheep along the Bow Valley Parkway. Due to their large horns I had to stop for a few photos!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0WMVixlibqk1zmiVny3_Ys10hBBVGczWRphrsf6CTcFdelf39PuihAC_1u6KQ5ifQgG91Zuf5pWPahbd1kO_99fIOElpZvdWLqSoItjv82buQAA7flHJy_lT4zaizMuV_2Mb-tlj_14/s1600/IMG_3483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0WMVixlibqk1zmiVny3_Ys10hBBVGczWRphrsf6CTcFdelf39PuihAC_1u6KQ5ifQgG91Zuf5pWPahbd1kO_99fIOElpZvdWLqSoItjv82buQAA7flHJy_lT4zaizMuV_2Mb-tlj_14/s640/IMG_3483.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Rocky Mountain Sheep</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRsMwOniAEgFQG7D2E9WqY3VXhEw2F29dw_IGAhHETth10pqQo3BkJtQpTaC1kJbWyT06qQv-pcs8121Tff9YAbyid7cd_nIq-r39u6OCVVPGPelsF_CoQAArnMVER6abLU1WI2nJSyQ/s1600/IMG_3531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRsMwOniAEgFQG7D2E9WqY3VXhEw2F29dw_IGAhHETth10pqQo3BkJtQpTaC1kJbWyT06qQv-pcs8121Tff9YAbyid7cd_nIq-r39u6OCVVPGPelsF_CoQAArnMVER6abLU1WI2nJSyQ/s640/IMG_3531.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Almost a full curl!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">You can discover the history of Lake Louise by reading the story, </span><a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/lake-of-the-little-fishes/" style="text-align: justify;"><em>Lake of the Little Fishes</em></a><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span><br />
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-39500873628975021862017-07-20T08:45:00.000-06:002017-07-20T08:45:00.981-06:00One Wild Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
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In light of a <a href="http://www.wideopenspaces.com/man-films-tree-woods-entire-year-captures-breathtaking/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=sendible&utm_term=mm&utm_campaign=mm">video that recently surfaced</a> on Facebook featuring a single tree being recorded for an entire year, I thought I would bring back a similar video I created using the trail cameras at <a href="http://www.enviros.org/">Enviros Wilderness School's Base Camp</a>, a program I used to work at. Up until now the video has lived on the <i><a href="http://envirosschool.blogspot.ca/">Wild About Base Camp</a></i> blog that I created, but that site does not see much traffic, so I thought I would transfer it to my personal blog with the hope of sharing it with more people.</div>
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Back in 2013 my co-teacher and I placed a <a href="http://bushnell.com/">Bushnell</a> trail camera on a single tree and left it there for an entire year. We were surprised at the variety of wildlife we captured throughout that year and have shown the video to countless students that came through our program. You'll quickly notice that it's not only wildlife that are actively using our forests and the level of coexistence between animal and man is quite impressive in the Base Camp area. Truth be told, after all the success we had with that camera it is still on that same tree today!</div>
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I would just like to thank <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/index">Parks Canada</a> for the inspiration behind this video. In 2011 they published <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWmxOdLM2ic#action=share"><i>Banff National Park's Wild Year</i></a> and I liked it so much that I decided to put my own spin on things.</div>
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Enjoy!!</div>
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Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-34990452486869112282017-07-18T11:31:00.000-06:002017-07-18T11:31:42.042-06:00Wascana Trails<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: July 2017</span></u></b><br />
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During a recent trip to <a href="http://tourismregina.com/">Regina</a> my brother Kyle and I headed out to the <a href="http://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/site-info/all-listings-and-packages/105290/regina---wascana-valley-trails">Wascana Valley Natural Area</a>, known locally as Wascana Trails, to do some biking. The area boasts over 15km of multi-use trails that are suitable for all ability levels. With its close proximity to the city (it's less than a 30 minute drive) it is popular for all types of outdoor recreation such as hiking, trail running, and mountain biking in the summer or snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing in the winter. It also provides another option for wildlife viewing and photography than the <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2014/01/condie-nature-refuge.html">Condie Nature Refuge</a>, which is located close by.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJmiX2T8rued-q7o11xvGR-qXIJhwG6wx3VZwbU1zP6IKrJuul0EAtcgLStcgj98C6jkwtH-OW0NcPG1tkjgSlRmsq_a6j9PG-p-z5UhLOMl04lR-0IAfHrT5mwoptm5RxBMalW1GUsk/s1600/P7040894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJmiX2T8rued-q7o11xvGR-qXIJhwG6wx3VZwbU1zP6IKrJuul0EAtcgLStcgj98C6jkwtH-OW0NcPG1tkjgSlRmsq_a6j9PG-p-z5UhLOMl04lR-0IAfHrT5mwoptm5RxBMalW1GUsk/s640/P7040894.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Welcome to Wascana Valley Natural Area Recreation Site aka Wascana Trails</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObqEDZxMnt5MmbElUNbPePOUxTf8LhdEobiv8Bi8LryDCmWvxyYXTFb1KP0GhwuvQvSM5wUHatNQ-A_8qJrWopJB9z6UgUwvFmOqAC47sQ73swx1fmEj-dYyVl_ZPY-A4hMdcvtAzZTQ/s1600/wascana-trails-2015-course-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="743" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObqEDZxMnt5MmbElUNbPePOUxTf8LhdEobiv8Bi8LryDCmWvxyYXTFb1KP0GhwuvQvSM5wUHatNQ-A_8qJrWopJB9z6UgUwvFmOqAC47sQ73swx1fmEj-dYyVl_ZPY-A4hMdcvtAzZTQ/s640/wascana-trails-2015-course-1.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A map of the trail system at Wascana Trails</span></td></tr>
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The trails are in excellent shape and are meticulously maintained by local mountain biking clubs, such as <a href="https://www.offroadsyndicate.com/">Offroad Syndicate</a> and the <a href="http://www.saskcycling.ca/~ssmbc/">South Sask MTB Club</a>, as well as other enthusiasts. In 2011 the local clubs collaborated with <a href="http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/">Sask Environment</a> to create a map and signage for the trail system. This has gone a long way to improving navigation throughout the complex network of trails in the area.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCH12F7zDj7nDmlWje1UzHQfb983Dq9qq5QMWiTtYIegINLBQxYeGufTyf_afdKG5C6BM5N9bohtwt7oAJI0OBAcKgFX7TZ3BWfLfUoF3se0sKC391r_PpJTq-0sXKNnSwMaxiEO4TBI/s1600/P7040858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCH12F7zDj7nDmlWje1UzHQfb983Dq9qq5QMWiTtYIegINLBQxYeGufTyf_afdKG5C6BM5N9bohtwt7oAJI0OBAcKgFX7TZ3BWfLfUoF3se0sKC391r_PpJTq-0sXKNnSwMaxiEO4TBI/s640/P7040858.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Crossing Wascana Creek to access the rest of the trail system</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5Zm5_ULAZiJVKMC2742QbqeCBiHAGdcXcOYwZ7gdTrHZWOJWc-QU4DaJk4UghICuGzH_375Amc-EwDFvI_IqY_H8KpbzT4IKUzknvLUIC1bZB-hmVcUlbGKJjHLpBAOHK20ogVIX4Hk/s1600/P7040866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5Zm5_ULAZiJVKMC2742QbqeCBiHAGdcXcOYwZ7gdTrHZWOJWc-QU4DaJk4UghICuGzH_375Amc-EwDFvI_IqY_H8KpbzT4IKUzknvLUIC1bZB-hmVcUlbGKJjHLpBAOHK20ogVIX4Hk/s640/P7040866.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Kyle cruising down one of the trails</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BOGdWTms4unOY2MA1o9F4bd8fYvUU-LJZjQVBmniB-FyLiaUa2Hy0oH5oPgHVcPY4lq2qbsASCvAm5ySfhnxwkE-_p2C47AAZyvEBwEAWFHtwV4ZsTlsLz7HkD4rNM0zrE1gjaLrGzA/s1600/P7040871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BOGdWTms4unOY2MA1o9F4bd8fYvUU-LJZjQVBmniB-FyLiaUa2Hy0oH5oPgHVcPY4lq2qbsASCvAm5ySfhnxwkE-_p2C47AAZyvEBwEAWFHtwV4ZsTlsLz7HkD4rNM0zrE1gjaLrGzA/s640/P7040871.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Overlooking the valley from one of the high points</span></td></tr>
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The trail system is divided by Wascana Creek, a tributary of the Qu'Appelle River. The only way to access the trails on the eastern side of the creek is to cross the main bridge, which is visible from the parking lot above the valley on the west side of the site. It is also worth noting that the only washroom facilities are in the parking lot and there are no other amenities throughout the trail system, so come prepared.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPDs2gd3iBo0dj3DDUQeFm6ZXIL2kM_yecshUiCFQs3e6WbonfH7aw7nxffa-DdwnI3QAD954DoZLUZrm_P3w6Fgv0iOU7dC4qhyphenhyphenmJE7Napx-N_Bnzfz_c77JAp9VlLUHCQH9VYRDh9c/s1600/P7040876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPDs2gd3iBo0dj3DDUQeFm6ZXIL2kM_yecshUiCFQs3e6WbonfH7aw7nxffa-DdwnI3QAD954DoZLUZrm_P3w6Fgv0iOU7dC4qhyphenhyphenmJE7Napx-N_Bnzfz_c77JAp9VlLUHCQH9VYRDh9c/s640/P7040876.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mountain biking prairie style!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZAmwGBuLz_p9hvcMg6kfRA_Fql3gs1Jw6Ko725zJzWLFr-ljHKsMoOnOSVcqILsa8qoTS9iU7Yvj5YX_BWUiQ5uCI142jZ8yI-EMORsMUL0cLcbGdpplIu51S6zpDOywgS-p4nv_GqY/s1600/P7040879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZAmwGBuLz_p9hvcMg6kfRA_Fql3gs1Jw6Ko725zJzWLFr-ljHKsMoOnOSVcqILsa8qoTS9iU7Yvj5YX_BWUiQ5uCI142jZ8yI-EMORsMUL0cLcbGdpplIu51S6zpDOywgS-p4nv_GqY/s640/P7040879.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">If you look closely (to the right of my helmet) you can see the vehicles at the trailhead on the opposite side of the valley</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjpmklSkQeAtgUW4gYt_7KV0zQbqCGbNoMD_nN_lZvt5bEqVFfv_YigTBrwb9qC8mnh_cL9pF0zedk7pg2IUQDqHJvq-Wq-hn6p-gQwJMQwvJ-EO63AN25RIe5-_m0pxhJoXr1vFJ9qQ/s1600/P7040880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjpmklSkQeAtgUW4gYt_7KV0zQbqCGbNoMD_nN_lZvt5bEqVFfv_YigTBrwb9qC8mnh_cL9pF0zedk7pg2IUQDqHJvq-Wq-hn6p-gQwJMQwvJ-EO63AN25RIe5-_m0pxhJoXr1vFJ9qQ/s640/P7040880.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">View from the saddle</span></td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although it is very different than what I am used to riding in the Canadian Rockies the trails feature a variety of challenges such as gradual hills, sharp and winding descents, steep climbs, technical sections, and incredible views of the valley and surrounding prairie landscape. I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of terrain available and hope to return next time I'm in Regina!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k_IPw42wIpnP5en3GU2EhWwQ9VqHPCNL_CvoZf201ESpRjDgsQ4sdJk4WZPh26fOgOdhmdfLyAMV-xRR1uYcWrK4OhFG-nOl_kLN7PizpeA_qxNn2mjvHRb7syBqEGAmMLLTtQOkP8U/s1600/P7040884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k_IPw42wIpnP5en3GU2EhWwQ9VqHPCNL_CvoZf201ESpRjDgsQ4sdJk4WZPh26fOgOdhmdfLyAMV-xRR1uYcWrK4OhFG-nOl_kLN7PizpeA_qxNn2mjvHRb7syBqEGAmMLLTtQOkP8U/s640/P7040884.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Riding some of the trails in the valley bottom</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8-y4YaLUC2gprs_hAN1rhreEG7e2lCbeQkC4asL4YCsICyuz3SiQ32Kdg4soUVKbBjkOoeawZKT1L9b7DXA2AdvQV4GyKVjnxnzKFxVoAxnMG4ILPVgIwpCOL4fFXw-DM7Es5P8JyXE/s1600/P7040888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8-y4YaLUC2gprs_hAN1rhreEG7e2lCbeQkC4asL4YCsICyuz3SiQ32Kdg4soUVKbBjkOoeawZKT1L9b7DXA2AdvQV4GyKVjnxnzKFxVoAxnMG4ILPVgIwpCOL4fFXw-DM7Es5P8JyXE/s640/P7040888.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Slowly working our way back up to the trailhead</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtR9pv7H_fMKl0uhO3YPqfGev2_aBuapsltb-DLheo3gU83nwuseCkKjVdjgD_D7YOPZcrA8VNbDdM4H0VI8a9ta6vYic5NrJ9aIcniQvO84-eaXzeR2cidcXndAhGo60sOEvQ_t3W5o/s1600/P7040893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="1600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtR9pv7H_fMKl0uhO3YPqfGev2_aBuapsltb-DLheo3gU83nwuseCkKjVdjgD_D7YOPZcrA8VNbDdM4H0VI8a9ta6vYic5NrJ9aIcniQvO84-eaXzeR2cidcXndAhGo60sOEvQ_t3W5o/s640/P7040893.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Panoramic shot of the Wascana Trail System</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRv0JYx7hm-UBQdmUaX4zom0Y_5y_xsuQJIsMpF6gheVRSbwxpULzIcnIu5PCj9RK_McK0sBxYaFjz6raEzn-GtTg2DmSuAzu6rzNv0PzpryTATCISKzOw3ey9hQwZNEQ-TTuXqCUEAw/s1600/Brown-Headed+Cowbird+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRv0JYx7hm-UBQdmUaX4zom0Y_5y_xsuQJIsMpF6gheVRSbwxpULzIcnIu5PCj9RK_McK0sBxYaFjz6raEzn-GtTg2DmSuAzu6rzNv0PzpryTATCISKzOw3ey9hQwZNEQ-TTuXqCUEAw/s640/Brown-Headed+Cowbird+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This Brown-Headed Cowbird was perched on a sign as we were leaving</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-58751514820218641552017-06-29T11:04:00.000-06:002017-07-18T14:22:28.406-06:00First Nation Rock Art Part 2<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
This post is a continuation from my previous one titled <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/09/first-nation-rock-art.html"><i>First Nation Rock Art</i></a>. It's simply a follow-up post that includes some new rock art sites, as well as a couple of duplicates with new photos and/or updated information. I have processed many of the photos using <a href="http://dstretch.com/">DStretch</a> with the hope of revealing missing information or at least getting a clearer picture. Even though I have visited other rock art sites in places like <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/01/cuba.html">Cuba</a> and <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/01/phoenix.html">Arizona</a> I have decided to keep this post strictly Canadian with its content.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Braeside Site, Skaha Lake, <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2015/07/penticton-bc.html">Penticton</a>, British Columbia</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were in <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2015/07/penticton-bc.html">Penticton</a> for a wedding and a local resident told me about this site, known locally as Braeside. One morning I headed out along Skaha Lake's eastern shoreline in search of this large panel. It look a lot of searching, but I finally found it about 15 feet above the road and partially hidden behind some trees. The panel was much bigger than I originally expected. That same local, who tends to be a bit of a history buff, seems to think that the painting depicts a successful hunt or series of hunts. His theory is that the painting could have been in a constant state of change, with many different individuals contributing new artwork over the course of several years. It's not hard to imagine that stretch of Skaha Lake being prime hunting territory and after each successful hunt it being common practice to stop at Braeside and add to the painting. There could also be the element of magic where painting a picture of a successful hunt could help ensure a successful hunt would happen. Whatever its true meaning it is one of the best preserved and largest pictograph sites I have visited to date.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLy38B4AtE3iFkE3Ngp94VS7qPkqGJz-eflmMmdMbfB8WqvWOwA9LRZdn4fNmggU59pCNu6XDqP6y32xlAzPON29ExcWjzpUZCkIDxjAztjiET4cjj0U8_vlGc9E9u3K9S5q6R3LaFkY/s1600/IMG_7959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLy38B4AtE3iFkE3Ngp94VS7qPkqGJz-eflmMmdMbfB8WqvWOwA9LRZdn4fNmggU59pCNu6XDqP6y32xlAzPON29ExcWjzpUZCkIDxjAztjiET4cjj0U8_vlGc9E9u3K9S5q6R3LaFkY/s640/IMG_7959.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This pictograph of a human-like figure was to the left of the larger panels of artwork</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipS5CbAhVs3X8jZX0mhcpIG0arZvtfwLAM_3sG8QCnwNM5XF8VQiT4IUqa8nmYHI4NxeX9XpXXmgfrziQYwhrMy2j3OjG6owHFrw1Gvv3Uhp9eChYWCIV5bXWTjQuqjIzBJh28Yk_9gGc/s1600/IMG_7959_yrd.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipS5CbAhVs3X8jZX0mhcpIG0arZvtfwLAM_3sG8QCnwNM5XF8VQiT4IUqa8nmYHI4NxeX9XpXXmgfrziQYwhrMy2j3OjG6owHFrw1Gvv3Uhp9eChYWCIV5bXWTjQuqjIzBJh28Yk_9gGc/s640/IMG_7959_yrd.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The same photo as above after being processed using DStretch</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOD9pJEbzTKhe-hS6YwSOsQz3GrWqueNuJnW-5Xli59fMj6ws1rEIztJ8pIRaJB8p1AYfIUI0DEs6f3-dtE4wU2I5PxJgSW1gdOKyzZO5PHD82tvqG-3C4-Vhkbp19JnNGXg6dGlYLHI/s1600/IMG_7964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOD9pJEbzTKhe-hS6YwSOsQz3GrWqueNuJnW-5Xli59fMj6ws1rEIztJ8pIRaJB8p1AYfIUI0DEs6f3-dtE4wU2I5PxJgSW1gdOKyzZO5PHD82tvqG-3C4-Vhkbp19JnNGXg6dGlYLHI/s640/IMG_7964.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Even before processing you can clearly see both animal and human figures</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSL5wyopPBRZxD5UCp-7ovyWUzKZNYPFyI_rJaf_ykksyHcvxDJE8Vksx-B6_a4xP0h3WBxkqMfGMbSYLyV9YVmNs1iXmQIuv7cWLormESCGl5GSlh6g5RBohGYMftqtMEm8qeL0FpE0/s1600/IMG_7964_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSL5wyopPBRZxD5UCp-7ovyWUzKZNYPFyI_rJaf_ykksyHcvxDJE8Vksx-B6_a4xP0h3WBxkqMfGMbSYLyV9YVmNs1iXmQIuv7cWLormESCGl5GSlh6g5RBohGYMftqtMEm8qeL0FpE0/s640/IMG_7964_yre.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">After processing all of the figures become much clearer</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAziUFyqsuP8hw-zGssvKUvwi6kkfsLo4MG4vzwWNN7NWpyHxdmoqaekkFeZaGOtXXEtnW_JIjXepJ-7ghPSY63NdjKpPseSDEOtpsRUp4NooBgGa7tM6Th-FUTI-jxoLulSS4kv6z04/s1600/IMG_7967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAziUFyqsuP8hw-zGssvKUvwi6kkfsLo4MG4vzwWNN7NWpyHxdmoqaekkFeZaGOtXXEtnW_JIjXepJ-7ghPSY63NdjKpPseSDEOtpsRUp4NooBgGa7tM6Th-FUTI-jxoLulSS4kv6z04/s640/IMG_7967.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Dozens of figures cover this section of rock</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjpD5wLIS4OBJDPpbsCkzdNc2_3Q-hj5F6PPwD_3REdYZya703oPdJNW5MjBHJVjAVe0Uzc4oxOUoNPpCWGDypuLrZ51iNSHzVVUli0RFOiSWKp4G_0j_sJsANB6GuoCnpzgdzu0sJjM/s1600/IMG_7967_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjpD5wLIS4OBJDPpbsCkzdNc2_3Q-hj5F6PPwD_3REdYZya703oPdJNW5MjBHJVjAVe0Uzc4oxOUoNPpCWGDypuLrZ51iNSHzVVUli0RFOiSWKp4G_0j_sJsANB6GuoCnpzgdzu0sJjM/s640/IMG_7967_yre.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Even after processing you can see that many of these figures have been smudged</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8-yoG9VN0wOlGhtTi1mmI23YQQg0p6SuJlM99Q3cfgIkVQmw0I0gQb4EU7_PU6Dek1IkmGnPG3IAFdG8BIfPjBpEjmsQcgrbiYjhbD-SpWBGrAydJ5Z-hVy7DtNteqSr-3ScoJlKZ50/s1600/IMG_7985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8-yoG9VN0wOlGhtTi1mmI23YQQg0p6SuJlM99Q3cfgIkVQmw0I0gQb4EU7_PU6Dek1IkmGnPG3IAFdG8BIfPjBpEjmsQcgrbiYjhbD-SpWBGrAydJ5Z-hVy7DtNteqSr-3ScoJlKZ50/s640/IMG_7985.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">It is difficult to tell what this might have been</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDYArg0qFuZC2CCgSd_L4fbLjMDD0vRf9M3f98VMFgoEBtOoGOi6tzWIWU8LoJ2SKcPBOzFvT66qy71hVNh1qxYBPSjTBkDLgDNf52f6wnhOdrp5iMo_frTqCvH3wb6BnDJj6HF8BAe8/s1600/IMG_7985_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDYArg0qFuZC2CCgSd_L4fbLjMDD0vRf9M3f98VMFgoEBtOoGOi6tzWIWU8LoJ2SKcPBOzFvT66qy71hVNh1qxYBPSjTBkDLgDNf52f6wnhOdrp5iMo_frTqCvH3wb6BnDJj6HF8BAe8/s640/IMG_7985_yre.tif" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">But after processing it looks like it could be several hand prints on the rock face</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0-YoJ4l4nQ2p5XZ40_9o6dfoqFFJ-yLWS6P0d5SPvLajXK6kZnPmyVV1Ij2D9IC7oZfK4354r0s_JTUNHg4fEctA1n3TUw_8UYkDxQE3Nux22QNW2BDMpJXM3o_odVIJdUetXPxOKWk/s1600/IMG_7991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0-YoJ4l4nQ2p5XZ40_9o6dfoqFFJ-yLWS6P0d5SPvLajXK6kZnPmyVV1Ij2D9IC7oZfK4354r0s_JTUNHg4fEctA1n3TUw_8UYkDxQE3Nux22QNW2BDMpJXM3o_odVIJdUetXPxOKWk/s640/IMG_7991.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This view shows the majority of the artwork at the Braeside site. It gives you an idea of how many different paintings are there.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXsCpbv61WklsRcUZzLugLiXjtqAQ1g2Uvd25alL4nhccis09EA1iciWUSlMJ26-WDCrJstTs5SXnTby_hftXgFGbDT1WNQ3Zj5yw-hVF8OgKeeHnX0xTGqRKgtvgcJClaVlES_iPCiE/s1600/IMG_7991_yrd.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXsCpbv61WklsRcUZzLugLiXjtqAQ1g2Uvd25alL4nhccis09EA1iciWUSlMJ26-WDCrJstTs5SXnTby_hftXgFGbDT1WNQ3Zj5yw-hVF8OgKeeHnX0xTGqRKgtvgcJClaVlES_iPCiE/s640/IMG_7991_yrd.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The whole site after being processed using DStretch</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><u><a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/dinosaur/">Dinosaur Provincial Park</a>, Alberta</u></span></b><br />
The entrance of <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2015/07/dinosaur-provincial-park.html">Dinosaur Provincial Park</a> features a parking lot overlooking the majestic badlands below. There is also one of the park's self-guided interpretive trails, known as <a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/dinosaur/information-facilities/trails/prairie/">Prairie Trail</a>, which explores the open prairie ecosystem that covers the outer edge of the park's land base. Along this trail is an ancient glyphstone with etchings carved by First Nation People. The boulder was originally found west of the park, but was relocated to the park in 1958 by local residents who wanted the stone to be protected, yet still accessible to everyone. The lines and pits that adorn the rock's surface were sculpted with tools made of bone or stone. It is unclear what the petroglyphs exactly mean, but two common theories are landmarks or sacred offerings before and/or after a buffalo hunt. There have been at least 13 of these sacred stones found in Alberta.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtbebQ60HgIA-38fC779GAgiMcQsGmW6kPzVS93U5bikrjo5SaaAOz_RwWrqmFhRuG0t9YxdgzX9109gW1WUrZJluT15-EPEIUqmB4Sqm5ShjK5AFSHmGKrukaQCLhJGl55YapB-8MRk/s1600/IMG_9568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtbebQ60HgIA-38fC779GAgiMcQsGmW6kPzVS93U5bikrjo5SaaAOz_RwWrqmFhRuG0t9YxdgzX9109gW1WUrZJluT15-EPEIUqmB4Sqm5ShjK5AFSHmGKrukaQCLhJGl55YapB-8MRk/s640/IMG_9568.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The sacred glyphstone in Dinosaur Provincial Park</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zvRvWTsouGJyOd_lkzk0xZYC7a5tvsGkRk9RgrBE6i-dIuYDM2ir-CC9mFJoHwwbDEF8CSZBIk4slIaTO6fjYKC7QHxvi0P4eSnUljtgcklBLn2oMGXgRG0vhFqKJCZCOayw2VJkwA0/s1600/IMG_9570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zvRvWTsouGJyOd_lkzk0xZYC7a5tvsGkRk9RgrBE6i-dIuYDM2ir-CC9mFJoHwwbDEF8CSZBIk4slIaTO6fjYKC7QHxvi0P4eSnUljtgcklBLn2oMGXgRG0vhFqKJCZCOayw2VJkwA0/s640/IMG_9570.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A closer look at the etchings and pits on the stone's surface</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXxhsPS4122mgBuBhI86cFO1JiO65Cvvk8pE-rZ3B91xfYIKflVdPGu7dMVtr7J2p8F2cL0xx02NLFEl84no5d2sZ2M-A3oFsYBFrtdhM9DCtUSsdf8Q07FkDU4-VpWt85KdZ8MT8qYA/s1600/IMG_9574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXxhsPS4122mgBuBhI86cFO1JiO65Cvvk8pE-rZ3B91xfYIKflVdPGu7dMVtr7J2p8F2cL0xx02NLFEl84no5d2sZ2M-A3oFsYBFrtdhM9DCtUSsdf8Q07FkDU4-VpWt85KdZ8MT8qYA/s640/IMG_9574.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">When the stone was moved to this final resting place it was done in consultation with Elders from the <a href="http://siksikanation.com/wp/">Siksika Nation</a>. They held a special ceremony to bless the stone at its new location on the open prairie.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xcYkkeRUSbhcmYYH-eWC6iUv8eM1Gk47PjiO7G49xdkQXvG3uBVjBkljLPI01wLKb7EeJ-ZOGgM8xzh06XOWD_5-iwoYPS6MXJdy9VdRakmkOkZgKZkpMSZHCHNjsk0GSzu8yThN9Z0/s1600/IMG_9579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xcYkkeRUSbhcmYYH-eWC6iUv8eM1Gk47PjiO7G49xdkQXvG3uBVjBkljLPI01wLKb7EeJ-ZOGgM8xzh06XOWD_5-iwoYPS6MXJdy9VdRakmkOkZgKZkpMSZHCHNjsk0GSzu8yThN9Z0/s640/IMG_9579.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The glyphstone sits below these protective bars to ensure it is not disturbed</span></td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><u><a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/writing-on-stone/">Writing-On-Stone (<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Áísínai'pi</span></span>) Provincial Park</a>, Alberta</u></span></b><br />
I mentioned <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2015/08/writing-on-stone-provincial-park.html">Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park</a> in my original post about <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/09/first-nation-rock-art.html">First Nation Rock Art</a>, but at that time had only seen the famous Battle Scene. Luckily I was able to return to the park and take the guided tour, which offered access to some of the park's most famous sites. Writing-On-Stone, or <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Áísínai'pi</span> </span>as it's known in Blackfoot, is home to the largest collection of rock art on the Great Plains of North America. The park sits in the heart of the Blackfoot's traditional territory and holds great spiritual and cultural importance for their People. The tour guide informed us there are over 1,000 pieces of artwork that have been found inside the park and some are estimated to be over 5,000 years old. There is evidence that First Nation People camped in the area as long as 3,500 year ago, but it remains unclear when the first appearance of rock art truly was. Researchers believe that the Blackfoot created the majority of the artwork, but other groups such as the Cree, Gros Ventre, Assiniboine, Crow, Kutenai, and Shoshone are thought to have also contributed. Many of the petroglyphs that were created before the introduction of stone tools were incised or scratched onto the cliffs using antlers or bones. The pictographs were painted using red ochre, which is crushed iron ore mixed with animal fat or water. Sometimes even a piece of charcoal was used to create a painting. Unfortunately there is no technique that can accurately date rock art sites, instead researchers can approximate age based on objects depicted in the artwork or by analyzing changes in styles. Much of the rock art is still shrouded in mystery as the exact meaning for many pieces may never be known. Using a variety of methods, such as legends, archaeology, historical records, and the help of First Nation Elders, researchers can hypothesize some of the meanings behind the art. It is believed that much of the artwork was probably ceremonial, created during different rituals such as vision quests.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxTuSxBIiQDRaPB6sH5HzUCk9Mut9g6YQhinBGZqLuVdUblQTAasr8kkFjsTe2727JxAjx6AJd53gf7C4LAZwiKT9lYzCd1Ya95lEtKYwclttbtdr0T2ItqS3k92bDOqrlfQ35SjGUd0/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxTuSxBIiQDRaPB6sH5HzUCk9Mut9g6YQhinBGZqLuVdUblQTAasr8kkFjsTe2727JxAjx6AJd53gf7C4LAZwiKT9lYzCd1Ya95lEtKYwclttbtdr0T2ItqS3k92bDOqrlfQ35SjGUd0/s640/IMG_0056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The self-guided <a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/writing-on-stone/information-facilities/trails/hoodoo/">Hoodoo Trail</a> offers visitors the chance to see different rock art pieces without going on the guided tour.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pEBp1QYY_wrtGR-fFyNSFw0SBmhckb2fn4z1Yci4mBhfepQoR0DCSCLPNkGhJK8K86Y2R7nyOQ68AHG8LFmwQ17s8IEr9DDthB8I4s2kRH0D95kzgRyAu1w2yG6PeVrUaGVF-ORIfTw/s1600/IMG_0056_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pEBp1QYY_wrtGR-fFyNSFw0SBmhckb2fn4z1Yci4mBhfepQoR0DCSCLPNkGhJK8K86Y2R7nyOQ68AHG8LFmwQ17s8IEr9DDthB8I4s2kRH0D95kzgRyAu1w2yG6PeVrUaGVF-ORIfTw/s640/IMG_0056_yre.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is the same photo as above after being processed in DStretch. Apparently it depicts a hunting scene complete with horses, bison, humans, and the sun</span>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNf_oXjPdErKRmCbw-0R4pDIzSywmbc5zTANsBwQN_1z85p656nM_QfgWjdBtqo-yy_DVrC8Ou2wPiuIHXbwpweTHMZzNmIaDzcoiRMSrrghbS1ZCEqk_Xl7jkCjgck4dUBeM5ozSOP_8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNf_oXjPdErKRmCbw-0R4pDIzSywmbc5zTANsBwQN_1z85p656nM_QfgWjdBtqo-yy_DVrC8Ou2wPiuIHXbwpweTHMZzNmIaDzcoiRMSrrghbS1ZCEqk_Xl7jkCjgck4dUBeM5ozSOP_8/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This panel wasn't featured in the Self-Guiding Trail Brochure, but with keen eyes you can spot it from the trail. It features a pecked-out style of pictographs, which is different than other styles you'll see later.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPiJqsD8EsD0b3Ipu-OqF1fBb0Rt2mf4Bz79SkmpDYUFVGpUiKbLMeC13asaQrJN2noyXL0-6wUxzAbIpBV7NLByUdk2A3EPy__ZTYQG8BgJMXlXidfXKI0n_WqXOsiEBkBLmYq_rJ8s/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPiJqsD8EsD0b3Ipu-OqF1fBb0Rt2mf4Bz79SkmpDYUFVGpUiKbLMeC13asaQrJN2noyXL0-6wUxzAbIpBV7NLByUdk2A3EPy__ZTYQG8BgJMXlXidfXKI0n_WqXOsiEBkBLmYq_rJ8s/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This petroglyph represents a bear's paw; a sacred animal to many First Nation groups</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARkK05jEdVdKtiknCU4YsU9pBjT6VwxNTOvdX23FGdVxAVkJ8lS3zHexAgEggY65Eomiq5XKFhTtd1pbxYCsKiPrNciZcw2Y3tjOkWxtcosXb6Rr1hmxnVUhSX4-ZiIG9DHGQ6yScpCM/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="1024" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARkK05jEdVdKtiknCU4YsU9pBjT6VwxNTOvdX23FGdVxAVkJ8lS3zHexAgEggY65Eomiq5XKFhTtd1pbxYCsKiPrNciZcw2Y3tjOkWxtcosXb6Rr1hmxnVUhSX4-ZiIG9DHGQ6yScpCM/s640/003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is an artist's rendering of the Battle Scene, one of the largest panels in the entire park and likely the most famous.<br />Photo from a <a href="http://blog.buzzbishop.com/travel/alberta-2/badlands-alberta-2/hoodoo-trail-writing-on-stone/">Buzz Bishop</a> blog post.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS19-DBnX_1M2ZmgaIi5h2rvz821XIxJNHc19RJeukxvdW6aeLv7tTBzTdR-tZnlSFS-A0Pr4S1AmBTabtNE8As4RzukDm3mkN-UBG7yszO2buCFYG37ih-CS_kIj-3qVcezr5e8jSOy0/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS19-DBnX_1M2ZmgaIi5h2rvz821XIxJNHc19RJeukxvdW6aeLv7tTBzTdR-tZnlSFS-A0Pr4S1AmBTabtNE8As4RzukDm3mkN-UBG7yszO2buCFYG37ih-CS_kIj-3qVcezr5e8jSOy0/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is the rock face where the Battle Scene was carved. It is very difficult to see, but if you look closely you'll make out some of the figures. The scene is behind a steel fence to prevent destruction.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBzySnlEnC9qO5xTotygX8jsJVJxV1aqrsGn0Esut9bQzDrLawmhTp9s2QBdNuUTjxXC5Mx6WQQGXuMiwH8lzutr1KIwyEuKXSIMmMubDo9PSn46YmgfjxpIKnDfjdj3onkDOdjdVJQE/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBzySnlEnC9qO5xTotygX8jsJVJxV1aqrsGn0Esut9bQzDrLawmhTp9s2QBdNuUTjxXC5Mx6WQQGXuMiwH8lzutr1KIwyEuKXSIMmMubDo9PSn46YmgfjxpIKnDfjdj3onkDOdjdVJQE/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is Signature Rock and it can be found in Police Coulee. In 1889 a North West Mounted Police (NWMP) Post was established on the south side of the Milk River. This rock was where many of the Mounties who were stationed at the post carved their names. Although carving your name into the cliffs is now illegal these carvings are considered historical graffiti and are embraced by staff as part of the park's history.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYoS8jyIyrlX2EPCc6J1F7SU5mh9Xh5stcAXvhhYJP1SfK8jr35gXffeB8MrcM3jpk_0YSASgJaosO7XJD1lBgCuJakr1t4pbNQBSI7gPzLWtiY4OFGCp8KW0brrSfSOBlBE2Uf6yWQY/s1600/IMG_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYoS8jyIyrlX2EPCc6J1F7SU5mh9Xh5stcAXvhhYJP1SfK8jr35gXffeB8MrcM3jpk_0YSASgJaosO7XJD1lBgCuJakr1t4pbNQBSI7gPzLWtiY4OFGCp8KW0brrSfSOBlBE2Uf6yWQY/s640/IMG_0312.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The next series of photos were all taken during my Rock Art Tour. All of the rock art in these photos is off-limits to the public unless you are accompanied by a guide. It is well-worth the extra time and money if you're visiting the park.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9XvRxjexR4K8fZii65YuRXtIoRGb3uEtM8EYDERmDpMar7i00x7bTYiiYw0iX7gvnKje1qZvsT2RRmhlRYsFpMBcJotPgNxAVsn-uSx7cT-1mUTh_Tb6MzkzSSoU6W_-A3dYTI0rQt0/s1600/IMG_0312_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9XvRxjexR4K8fZii65YuRXtIoRGb3uEtM8EYDERmDpMar7i00x7bTYiiYw0iX7gvnKje1qZvsT2RRmhlRYsFpMBcJotPgNxAVsn-uSx7cT-1mUTh_Tb6MzkzSSoU6W_-A3dYTI0rQt0/s640/IMG_0312_yre.tif" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The above photo shows badly faded pictographs, but after being processed you can clearly see three shield-bearing warriors and one unidentified figure top left</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_J9ayLpXgv29ok6wcNlE8YvrCN8edDMEsQd8r99YcH7Oo7WpgujETEcuijj_vZ_rstzcEDe_PWyNZxnrldtMLG-Ru7pl7V59XWWfFhwaf-alaaI5Vu9j1AyIIbnLL6j61hCSsNE_SF0/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_J9ayLpXgv29ok6wcNlE8YvrCN8edDMEsQd8r99YcH7Oo7WpgujETEcuijj_vZ_rstzcEDe_PWyNZxnrldtMLG-Ru7pl7V59XWWfFhwaf-alaaI5Vu9j1AyIIbnLL6j61hCSsNE_SF0/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This panel is immediately next to the above pictographs and features several figures including both animals and humans</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheO6gymxJYy3uhGmLCfn8QlYufOeF6KKD_DhTTIVYy66QVMloMLFEsYIquSJyWip4BE-JlY6uyGprCJtY7rBMS4j8gmdYEqKEn2Wz9zDYJ4zq3liH-87ySsE1pqKbn0x6PFxPbX74K4-0/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheO6gymxJYy3uhGmLCfn8QlYufOeF6KKD_DhTTIVYy66QVMloMLFEsYIquSJyWip4BE-JlY6uyGprCJtY7rBMS4j8gmdYEqKEn2Wz9zDYJ4zq3liH-87ySsE1pqKbn0x6PFxPbX74K4-0/s640/007.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is a v-neck human holding a quiver of arrows</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcYUNdTethJtfc8irI5_U-mKy20ENLE3RnwM5Zrr8IZ147V00RKJ29HEqd80YOOjwigmfpb_xYsWhC3KHPGtOSzCFSiXVWneokbtuvgiRSiCJn2lKWoyBLNyj62Mn9aEQuUqQwu6MB34/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcYUNdTethJtfc8irI5_U-mKy20ENLE3RnwM5Zrr8IZ147V00RKJ29HEqd80YOOjwigmfpb_xYsWhC3KHPGtOSzCFSiXVWneokbtuvgiRSiCJn2lKWoyBLNyj62Mn9aEQuUqQwu6MB34/s640/008.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This is an arrow with two feathers attached to it</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUwcKExPnpi2edKZxHEdcnVBdPNf5GnhQt84Z6bJ83zkrnUY-rwpO5i4_K-OFfeh8ApSelrdulmctYXcDycbX1ZN7VSWYqce9ZuPEvp9JCgcOtyFZYIHXzazcvnXKpAmw5SUwlWRTxwE/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUwcKExPnpi2edKZxHEdcnVBdPNf5GnhQt84Z6bJ83zkrnUY-rwpO5i4_K-OFfeh8ApSelrdulmctYXcDycbX1ZN7VSWYqce9ZuPEvp9JCgcOtyFZYIHXzazcvnXKpAmw5SUwlWRTxwE/s640/009.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The figure in the centre of this circle is a representation of Napi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHRdTuA5Rr0i3IEPGKfOnujic6m4c91Iki9Vqns7yd-XX576RrQT3KVqCn2U3Mb9N6sHWVybbwAgiwOPnRn_Uag5-nc0Fy6QuOYmyw0L0XKPLE5FaJYTQc2XikLB7oRUjaD-Z55NWxf4/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHRdTuA5Rr0i3IEPGKfOnujic6m4c91Iki9Vqns7yd-XX576RrQT3KVqCn2U3Mb9N6sHWVybbwAgiwOPnRn_Uag5-nc0Fy6QuOYmyw0L0XKPLE5FaJYTQc2XikLB7oRUjaD-Z55NWxf4/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The small tick marks on the outside of the larger circle are an indication of counting, possibly tracking the passage of time</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ItiGUa8de2FFFI_Z5YakpruYLnjqhkj2j-pR4vzKbe5EnepBN2Csjaz1e1xD2m5Mi_DP3avffB77eUwSA32RImHAMYJZn7d_Ljztru757ZBWSOCZEMGLhj0mjNaufkkKajWGkcAWMoA/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ItiGUa8de2FFFI_Z5YakpruYLnjqhkj2j-pR4vzKbe5EnepBN2Csjaz1e1xD2m5Mi_DP3avffB77eUwSA32RImHAMYJZn7d_Ljztru757ZBWSOCZEMGLhj0mjNaufkkKajWGkcAWMoA/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A large petroglyph panel with many human-like figures including a Medicine Man (inside the circle to the right of centre)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JXBZpguiYD-Z_FYVWZ7tF46Sts1dfGRGS1kqooUW4ANl24FOFPoZmQYzpNLjtoNKUTAEJYsGEBeyrI1ugYPXdyZbxyGrh9i8oNt1PF4x8X6DqLTt8wizwd72MKsCunfsVN8kE6UsOrY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JXBZpguiYD-Z_FYVWZ7tF46Sts1dfGRGS1kqooUW4ANl24FOFPoZmQYzpNLjtoNKUTAEJYsGEBeyrI1ugYPXdyZbxyGrh9i8oNt1PF4x8X6DqLTt8wizwd72MKsCunfsVN8kE6UsOrY/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">For many years this panel was thought to be vandalism, but it is now recognized as the earliest depiction of automobiles within the valley</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Bqc5MhnTc5TkxQIwpB30rU3NfmCyAduP2bxyyvIbZr-_FsEXxWqpmwWlth6fQXCt1FOjPDXn-VZJV5675xK61sSnuv5VsB3Km6hFJIsc7XIZj7TqPhKQYHKhFiiXfaObEDB4NOU9q-I/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Bqc5MhnTc5TkxQIwpB30rU3NfmCyAduP2bxyyvIbZr-_FsEXxWqpmwWlth6fQXCt1FOjPDXn-VZJV5675xK61sSnuv5VsB3Km6hFJIsc7XIZj7TqPhKQYHKhFiiXfaObEDB4NOU9q-I/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The human-figure left of centre is depicted wearing his finest clothing. The lines coming off the body represent mink furs, which adorned clothing for special occasions.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrNHSl9JMXi02cQLn2H5Tu-CCUgij98giQXyGZld6YHfHp3pCbeS8E1VOF7u9iGXVfR4ffy9q84HGTjT5lEOMWd4pfJ8IUO96EOfe-cUaDQYRupPlBSeEp7aGr8iB8wbH-2TUZuH8ztM/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrNHSl9JMXi02cQLn2H5Tu-CCUgij98giQXyGZld6YHfHp3pCbeS8E1VOF7u9iGXVfR4ffy9q84HGTjT5lEOMWd4pfJ8IUO96EOfe-cUaDQYRupPlBSeEp7aGr8iB8wbH-2TUZuH8ztM/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">These are horses and the lines at left likely represent the number of horses obtained during a raid</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh72_q__ckmXExD2S_0efsiaNOxOTpJOEOlA3mCvfRtSSOVSU3j5-uSPqXCu4szeR-BIW3CfKmMC7vwHwqnxvc7rApN-5ywQbW0eoJiWQ-Qhgm3AxWqkyxH0T8Sz88l4PNuTlMZ2VvCA/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh72_q__ckmXExD2S_0efsiaNOxOTpJOEOlA3mCvfRtSSOVSU3j5-uSPqXCu4szeR-BIW3CfKmMC7vwHwqnxvc7rApN-5ywQbW0eoJiWQ-Qhgm3AxWqkyxH0T8Sz88l4PNuTlMZ2VvCA/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Another panel featuring shield-bearing warriors. The figure just left of centre that appears to be laying down with another small figure between his/her legs can be interpreted in two ways: (1) someone died and his/her spirit is leaving the body or (2) it's a mother giving birth to her child.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Copper Island, Shuswap Lake, British Columbia</span></u></b><br />
I discussed Copper Island in my previous <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/09/first-nation-rock-art.html">First Nation Rock Art</a> post, but I found remnants of additional paintings not far from the previous ones. After scouting the location from the water it became apparent that I could climb up to them after a short swim from the boat. Unfortunately like the rest of the artwork on the island these pictographs were also badly faded with little traces of their original intent. Even after viewing them closely it was nearly impossible to determine what they were. Like the rest of the artwork in the Shuswap region I am assuming these were painted by the Shuswap People, but otherwise I have very little information about this site.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSYg-TzE02_tv841Z3KMghyhvB8Lw5maqBBnrDH5SPw1hdZ3q2wi5vfgNzHPA9heEq180A6Zih3taEUWCpsi-f_IV7p8bytt3OliOOL0DTsNM3nReMHODnHCRxH_l_ADwQjhzZblTW7Y/s1600/DSC06298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSYg-TzE02_tv841Z3KMghyhvB8Lw5maqBBnrDH5SPw1hdZ3q2wi5vfgNzHPA9heEq180A6Zih3taEUWCpsi-f_IV7p8bytt3OliOOL0DTsNM3nReMHODnHCRxH_l_ADwQjhzZblTW7Y/s640/DSC06298.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Faint smudges on the cliffs of Copper Island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynMCsU6hkPY4I7Tbqm7JJ_6IU09UV8y4aw4d7A6aGOqaY-sTnbfNJR46k6u-RUmjCNnuaXtsoApgK5pljW7aNBl9PHdIDhLp9v6elyCaNGWLLLe0KfeqlEJGYHsBjyLSPur4w3erPHWs/s1600/DSC06298_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynMCsU6hkPY4I7Tbqm7JJ_6IU09UV8y4aw4d7A6aGOqaY-sTnbfNJR46k6u-RUmjCNnuaXtsoApgK5pljW7aNBl9PHdIDhLp9v6elyCaNGWLLLe0KfeqlEJGYHsBjyLSPur4w3erPHWs/s640/DSC06298_yre.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Even after processing it's still difficult to see what it is</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqvigjlerO02_7OdscGwWGq3AWFRUBw87nRmW29Suz4M4Qn4VS3vaTJN5KnZNEXu2deVXbPp66C7Kog_0Y2_xlfuLypqIMIq6gLAi2wER90pZ9Efdtgrt88GSvLezKQvbiGiqb0CEqrM/s1600/DSC06304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqvigjlerO02_7OdscGwWGq3AWFRUBw87nRmW29Suz4M4Qn4VS3vaTJN5KnZNEXu2deVXbPp66C7Kog_0Y2_xlfuLypqIMIq6gLAi2wER90pZ9Efdtgrt88GSvLezKQvbiGiqb0CEqrM/s640/DSC06304.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A series of red markings on the rock face</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WiGRd1dPCtDDm8ATrANqp1r7QhjkjLKC4R7gG5KRq2jLt5pB3w5Ze8K1ttdh-c3qRahEERrlDaobIVjTmsFFgyYuW_izZYQ-ClJcU3N3pkNFLoJMe7J0ST3eVqFrQYHMDsVnjzhWUTU/s1600/DSC06304_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WiGRd1dPCtDDm8ATrANqp1r7QhjkjLKC4R7gG5KRq2jLt5pB3w5Ze8K1ttdh-c3qRahEERrlDaobIVjTmsFFgyYuW_izZYQ-ClJcU3N3pkNFLoJMe7J0ST3eVqFrQYHMDsVnjzhWUTU/s640/DSC06304_yre.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Again they are still indecipherable after processing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TNfQqT6mgOATJl9KYs1dZL0mnyJNlg_jGfHHEbn-AOg4et3OOXT_oc1vvyJSCBZZDwNex6GkXt0oiQ297cA_a_ZVyNjbqqglkUEu0nxfndrzFUHUC2GXgbgZwHKW2b2dt6aIeDIqFKw/s1600/DSC06315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TNfQqT6mgOATJl9KYs1dZL0mnyJNlg_jGfHHEbn-AOg4et3OOXT_oc1vvyJSCBZZDwNex6GkXt0oiQ297cA_a_ZVyNjbqqglkUEu0nxfndrzFUHUC2GXgbgZwHKW2b2dt6aIeDIqFKw/s640/DSC06315.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This red smudge is almost invisible</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglEkQ6fEtQk309fzzWKi9aLNh9o_rdYrDlBrlmT-khGZ5K7oOcrAtF6emVqXmnIjp7CfNmg53HhZZL2TOQTwu3weit3cm3l0KaoQ099CoFfaxV2WT9fP2A30xOBFNCijz-fc6842pY7A/s1600/DSC06315_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglEkQ6fEtQk309fzzWKi9aLNh9o_rdYrDlBrlmT-khGZ5K7oOcrAtF6emVqXmnIjp7CfNmg53HhZZL2TOQTwu3weit3cm3l0KaoQ099CoFfaxV2WT9fP2A30xOBFNCijz-fc6842pY7A/s640/DSC06315_yre.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">After processing it looks like it could be an animal figure, maybe a turtle?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7JJtmh2L94jq2QCgWitIwanK75sZ3OtlvePr_9qxFCnitAucjiraqQlNg5FihbLwAaJPMmK5RYjmMx5OSvGnD9FAIzs809rXlKZzeqhSonhDfN5GqDfUfO5Lvu2F22meCqpqFjPBRsY/s1600/DSC06321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7JJtmh2L94jq2QCgWitIwanK75sZ3OtlvePr_9qxFCnitAucjiraqQlNg5FihbLwAaJPMmK5RYjmMx5OSvGnD9FAIzs809rXlKZzeqhSonhDfN5GqDfUfO5Lvu2F22meCqpqFjPBRsY/s640/DSC06321.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This was a large piece on a steep section of rock, but there isn't much left of it anymore</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScrY6KiHYpAKxHKdHkHd0lnhRt8ifP0bzMnxFYtL5J8QZhvz4ipOGNUD8gOsnbyEm4O7utzv5kMXs1XNb9C97F8cIcsP56em99K95aGZZ97OMNI2Z9g1A1aYTCB6ogrB3dFqwGsZiRkg/s1600/DSC06321_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScrY6KiHYpAKxHKdHkHd0lnhRt8ifP0bzMnxFYtL5J8QZhvz4ipOGNUD8gOsnbyEm4O7utzv5kMXs1XNb9C97F8cIcsP56em99K95aGZZ97OMNI2Z9g1A1aYTCB6ogrB3dFqwGsZiRkg/s640/DSC06321_yre.tif" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Here's the same photo after being processed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhygqpW3uOv7derQJGzWHtZu_hoXFAqlHTrKQg8z7l0ZdB0llLefiSwqbyvh9Pv432C2I5twN_qwqJWrLc0-exJRhItPpIF57E9u33p0gJhwbY07poSZZgNnU9cx_FnLZUdyf55V8iKF8/s1600/DSC06322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhygqpW3uOv7derQJGzWHtZu_hoXFAqlHTrKQg8z7l0ZdB0llLefiSwqbyvh9Pv432C2I5twN_qwqJWrLc0-exJRhItPpIF57E9u33p0gJhwbY07poSZZgNnU9cx_FnLZUdyf55V8iKF8/s640/DSC06322.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This pictograph was on the adjacent rock to the one above</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bP3VMhYzw1yaaBg7ya8zbL4YvThOESkCZfkS88PW9ZhhtIy_APDXq1u2BKaC54_IJSeJVH66IoQLXtYFRuaG3XQF7KLWHFom9sMDPeG0HbnIRHN_2niolxDXi5wsmbKaVMirE9jxKr4/s1600/DSC06322_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bP3VMhYzw1yaaBg7ya8zbL4YvThOESkCZfkS88PW9ZhhtIy_APDXq1u2BKaC54_IJSeJVH66IoQLXtYFRuaG3XQF7KLWHFom9sMDPeG0HbnIRHN_2niolxDXi5wsmbKaVMirE9jxKr4/s640/DSC06322_yre.tif" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">But much like its neighbour it has been lost to time</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ1Vdc0Y_1ZlZKGEShiyHmNdSZfuHN_osI81oOVNCebMRUfQALemicw_n0LP_zO9kV0PhRkUvz222TJjZjHY5s4rdm1_mPfwTNjbUcvgZv0A0dJOQ8hSu6BnyCRBgiQhwihRGb_k1dDA/s1600/DSC06325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ1Vdc0Y_1ZlZKGEShiyHmNdSZfuHN_osI81oOVNCebMRUfQALemicw_n0LP_zO9kV0PhRkUvz222TJjZjHY5s4rdm1_mPfwTNjbUcvgZv0A0dJOQ8hSu6BnyCRBgiQhwihRGb_k1dDA/s640/DSC06325.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">You can see faint red lines in the lower half of this photograph</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oWKOQKScb6lS1W6Utew1CW-zNNocwMaP-VGXJMWA-slq6e-TZoV0Lg5Q6mKtiM3Ir_Rnf5fgeLB-3yvr-aKRPkBi0tIhY7-HUymaF6eTJ1W1mhFspMhT24E49nDYxlNsFImFkDJi8-I/s1600/DSC06325_yre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oWKOQKScb6lS1W6Utew1CW-zNNocwMaP-VGXJMWA-slq6e-TZoV0Lg5Q6mKtiM3Ir_Rnf5fgeLB-3yvr-aKRPkBi0tIhY7-HUymaF6eTJ1W1mhFspMhT24E49nDYxlNsFImFkDJi8-I/s640/DSC06325_yre.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">After processing the lines become clearer, but not clear enough to tell what they originally were</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><u><a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/enter-rats-nest/">Rat's Nest Cave</a>, Alberta</u></span></b><br />
<a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2015/09/enter-rats-nest.html">Rat's Nest Cave</a> is one of the longest caves in Canada and is located below Grotto Mountain; the limestone monolith that sits just east of <a href="http://www.tourismcanmore.com/">Canmore</a>. The mountain is likely best known for the popular hiking trail through <a href="https://www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/trail-reports/bow-valley/grotto-creek-canyon/">Grotto Canyon</a> than for its subterranean caverns. Likely not coincidental at all, but <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/07/grotto-canyon.html">Grotto Canyon</a> is also home to several pictographs and it's believed that the paintings at both of these sites are also linked to the artwork at <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/08/grassi-lakes.html">Grassi Lakes</a>, both of which I discussed in my previous post titled <i><a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2013/09/first-nation-rock-art.html">First Nation Rock Art</a></i>. Rat's Nest Cave was first "discovered" in 1972, but there is ample evidence to suggest human presence as far back as 3,000 years. The exterior entrance was once adorned with pictographs, now indistinguishably faded. There is also a solitary figure depicted on the interior ceiling, a Medicine Man, much like the same figure at Grassi Lakes. The cave sits on private land and access is controlled by <a href="http://www.canmorecavetours.com/">Canmore Cave Tours</a> in conjunction with the landowner. So if you wish to see these pictographs you need to be accompanied by a guide or granted permission to access the area.<br />
<br />
To learn more about the pictographs in the Bow Valley please refer to my story titled, <i><a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/paintings-from-the-past/">Paintings From The Past</a></i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gZ7b91V89j0RMU2nXQz3ymsuG1b09uqFMLApQYJUiKBOYDJNZtdNMMWM7mjCAY1jFCsXiVm7majbu7B7ZsbAihEh-Msxc74dMctHNbe6grDC5NUbYDgBIWacTfeXSTv16RIdK6u6aYk/s1600/DSC06654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gZ7b91V89j0RMU2nXQz3ymsuG1b09uqFMLApQYJUiKBOYDJNZtdNMMWM7mjCAY1jFCsXiVm7majbu7B7ZsbAihEh-Msxc74dMctHNbe6grDC5NUbYDgBIWacTfeXSTv16RIdK6u6aYk/s640/DSC06654.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This section of rock is immediately above the cave's main entrance and was once covered with pictographs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6ThKncKa2qEhr2z4bnJkcIdKpJgmghs0pU39M4vxoYhGRMzB8k6Mn0RrPf9EJSfBWjwL-hZ3WRBt8_R6dXdX8gmENAyYU2ZaAC5SPS99PLvDsIEb1_bQkHHoiVhrEHVr2ahaUx2J1vU/s1600/DSC06654_lre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6ThKncKa2qEhr2z4bnJkcIdKpJgmghs0pU39M4vxoYhGRMzB8k6Mn0RrPf9EJSfBWjwL-hZ3WRBt8_R6dXdX8gmENAyYU2ZaAC5SPS99PLvDsIEb1_bQkHHoiVhrEHVr2ahaUx2J1vU/s640/DSC06654_lre.tif" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">After processing you can see the faint remains of some of the artwork including hand prints</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNz6BHn0fkD7NNvR0X9OWGgD3wlMF8i0N7mQy-k1em8Z-Y_hGeE0k2sWQInBk4DuLpq52SlBMhzGH-zoYj3RH1AooeKF07g12Hfk5DqG6OWPJaPmz_HvtTplOrAh_0aXTFnoJ1SVOI_PU/s1600/DSC06761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNz6BHn0fkD7NNvR0X9OWGgD3wlMF8i0N7mQy-k1em8Z-Y_hGeE0k2sWQInBk4DuLpq52SlBMhzGH-zoYj3RH1AooeKF07g12Hfk5DqG6OWPJaPmz_HvtTplOrAh_0aXTFnoJ1SVOI_PU/s640/DSC06761.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Inside the cave sits this solitary figure of a Medicine Man, even though he's pretty hard to see anymore</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXQ2wmwS8cCPxGKzN_BMEtS_fKtaeyuwnvaAqwiX5A4E5Mzm181sHinOp8YS34eSjluoWE2Va9QRDwHi5TgdsaBI-fHPvKtsS-GY9A04qwvf__8PQkNy3lgP4XrlhGBGlNt32jm4DKTM/s1600/DSC06761_lre.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXQ2wmwS8cCPxGKzN_BMEtS_fKtaeyuwnvaAqwiX5A4E5Mzm181sHinOp8YS34eSjluoWE2Va9QRDwHi5TgdsaBI-fHPvKtsS-GY9A04qwvf__8PQkNy3lgP4XrlhGBGlNt32jm4DKTM/s640/DSC06761_lre.tif" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Even after processing it's still difficult to make out, but if you use your imagination you can see him</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="color: #38761d;"><u><a href="http://galtmuseum.com/fort-whoop_up">Fort Whoop-Up</a>, Lethbridge, Alberta</u></b><br />
Sitting outside <a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/07/fort-whoop-up.html">Fort Whoop-Up</a> is a solitary stone that carries great spiritual significance. Although the stone does not contain any historical rock art it does have cultural importance. According to legend a First Nation hunter saw a figure descend a coulee and sit down at the foot of it. The hunter thought it was a Medicine Pipe Man so he crossed the river to investigate, but found only a granite stone. That night as he slept near the stone a person appeared in his dream and said, "My son, I am the rock you saw. I want you and your children to come to offer me peace offerings at all times." From that point on the people of the Blackfoot Confederacy called the stone Mi'k(l)atowa'si, which translates to 'that which is has become red/holy'. Others called it 'The Painted Rock' as the stone was coated with reddish-brown soil to emulate the red blanket of the holy Medicine Pipe Man.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoNUHbE4568eV7gMGHhmteFftaxHInGxoRhT-iYn5qWjRr81eNM7GdDwblBJBs8ui0L1LIU3JFUC0nejJWoTs2F6lDvnvOuOUzA0eY8cfehtxlMu3LzjL6J9IgWNSu_hLw_a-zC_m9TE/s1600/Painted+Rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoNUHbE4568eV7gMGHhmteFftaxHInGxoRhT-iYn5qWjRr81eNM7GdDwblBJBs8ui0L1LIU3JFUC0nejJWoTs2F6lDvnvOuOUzA0eY8cfehtxlMu3LzjL6J9IgWNSu_hLw_a-zC_m9TE/s640/Painted+Rock.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Medicine Stone as it appears today</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">You can read more about the pictograph and petroglyph sites I have visited by visiting my </span><a href="http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/canada/western_canada/index.php" style="background-color: white; color: #007710; text-decoration-line: none;">Western Canadian Rock Art</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> section on the </span><a href="http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/index.php" style="background-color: white; color: #007710; text-decoration-line: none;">Bradshaw Foundation's</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> webpage.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span></div>
Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650770350538785326.post-78491199607931874502017-05-25T09:48:00.000-06:002017-06-02T16:34:48.493-06:00Fort Calgary<b><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Trip Date: May 2017</span></u></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fortcalgary.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh_uq_bkUjnIMDoyIDXGJGcs4P4rRV3bRjXCgxzwhlizB9bnLlBW07oINjuXnCUUDffAXLOue1j23m6-ZYdtqUXBQkFzRPrUe9pc4pUZEdemkYR3evxXxn69jXcX2v2pDsrgzzvj7u6M/s1600/fort+cal+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #008000;" style="color: green;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was it like to stand in the middle of a wide open prairie and imagine a city?</span></span></strong></em></div>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: justify;">
<em><strong><span data-mce-style="color: #008000;" style="color: green;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ~Inscription on Mountie statue outside Fort Calgary.</span></span></strong></em></div>
</blockquote>
<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="color: #333333; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWTFahyphenhyphenypyqMFEja9j8vqqWAlSy2xksR-fS8yVTxgOGq7D1z7gow0UGEXaYAbs2PyG04Q82XHUzLMBN5riYjbvdtdYeqRbGTj3JjNfddkWXZyX45Q5RoMFWg-5J74IR6ijt9hMelg2rQ/s1600/BPA_09-27-16_P30026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWTFahyphenhyphenypyqMFEja9j8vqqWAlSy2xksR-fS8yVTxgOGq7D1z7gow0UGEXaYAbs2PyG04Q82XHUzLMBN5riYjbvdtdYeqRbGTj3JjNfddkWXZyX45Q5RoMFWg-5J74IR6ijt9hMelg2rQ/s640/BPA_09-27-16_P30026.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Aerial view of Fort Calgary. Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.calgaryaerials.ca/">Yellowhouse Aerial</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPEvoie11M4A5tRga6p7zRhF17rY9JaD6sesMmNq4u1zWvexX1Cyns9DB4Hd89qqf4bjX6wuROfXsOiaFGwH1lLnTtkozWnT1rTuW1lSJw2Pmh8a5DP5xBbc8nM1H2Oey5KoGILTcVM4/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPEvoie11M4A5tRga6p7zRhF17rY9JaD6sesMmNq4u1zWvexX1Cyns9DB4Hd89qqf4bjX6wuROfXsOiaFGwH1lLnTtkozWnT1rTuW1lSJw2Pmh8a5DP5xBbc8nM1H2Oey5KoGILTcVM4/s640/IMG_1830.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Fort Calgary Welcomes You!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers is a culturally
significant place that lies at the heart of traditional Blackfoot territory.
Known as Moh'Kinsstis to the Blackfoot people the confluence has special
meaning for the bands of the Blackfoot Confederacy. According to legend the
confluence is the place where Napi created people, tracing history to the the
roots of humanity itself. Considering First Nation people have inhabited
the Bow River watershed for more than 10,000 years there might be an air of truth
to that legend. The joining of the water has held its significance as a place
of gathering for thousands of years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWavwSsuyPAZ6S3_Xq7LpG4fxSMqqZehIstWBTwNpYEaEGgCOowAIhckYJKx6UOQjwtB2xBXf8R6fT0vb2FWLzHvaoNjgAqm6zrcF-9PfUAfqzQuCcnQb6hE1uTRB6gYvPw_N0Zem6YY/s1600/IMG_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWavwSsuyPAZ6S3_Xq7LpG4fxSMqqZehIstWBTwNpYEaEGgCOowAIhckYJKx6UOQjwtB2xBXf8R6fT0vb2FWLzHvaoNjgAqm6zrcF-9PfUAfqzQuCcnQb6hE1uTRB6gYvPw_N0Zem6YY/s640/IMG_1893.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Meet Buffy Bison. This statue greets visitors to Fort Calgary and also acts as a reminder of what the prairies were like prior to settlement.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItFrRIde9HsvG14HPR0dn3H2R8Ptk95Gfrxjna0J5fvY-OGFTHqKZ63IXEB6-_fFyf6ko1l2mFp1OV_DqYG7_JKpEAsnftpdtaO4AGKaYADdFAMosWMDskxzYDJM8ya8c2AegAroKsg4/s1600/Fort-Calgary-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="938" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItFrRIde9HsvG14HPR0dn3H2R8Ptk95Gfrxjna0J5fvY-OGFTHqKZ63IXEB6-_fFyf6ko1l2mFp1OV_DqYG7_JKpEAsnftpdtaO4AGKaYADdFAMosWMDskxzYDJM8ya8c2AegAroKsg4/s640/Fort-Calgary-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A classic photo of Fort Calgary. Photo Credit: <a href="http://ww2.glenbow.org/search/archivesPhotosSearch.aspx">Glenbow Archives</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1WbezDMwlnzS11QVti6HMwZa2x1u3hzqjd_czPGURNy07zRdzJMQP2JFYCThEdQl4leybD7TcUDkNNab7NuNBBp8ctYtJYcpXk949HHtARzl1XlyjCBFOlS6cyl29LcAbYlqPO-OGwU/s1600/Fort-Calgary-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="960" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1WbezDMwlnzS11QVti6HMwZa2x1u3hzqjd_czPGURNy07zRdzJMQP2JFYCThEdQl4leybD7TcUDkNNab7NuNBBp8ctYtJYcpXk949HHtARzl1XlyjCBFOlS6cyl29LcAbYlqPO-OGwU/s640/Fort-Calgary-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">An archived photo of the Calgary Barracks. Photo Credit: Glenbow Archives</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The confluence was also chosen as the site of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.fortcalgary.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Fort
Calgary</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">;
just one in a series of forts that were erected by the North West Mounted
Police (NWMP) in an attempt to bring law and order to the unruly west,
strengthen Canadian sovereignty, and to pave the way for treaties that were
needed for settlement. In 1874 a large party consisting of officers and
enlisted men completed their arduous journey from</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/fortdufferin.shtml" style="font-family: inherit;">Fort Dufferin</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, Manitoba to</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://getmeoutdoors.blogspot.ca/2016/07/fort-whoop-up.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Fort Whoop-Up</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a notoriously raucous place
with a reputation for whiskey trading. They found the fort mostly abandoned, so
they moved in and later established </span><a href="http://nwmpmuseum.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Fort
Macleod</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> further
to the west. In 1875 they broke ground on Fort Calgary, known at the time
as the Bow Fort, without the slightest idea they were laying the foundation
for a major modern-day city. The fort was built in as little as six weeks
under the command of Inspector Ephrem Brisebois, who attempted to rename it
after himself upon its completion. Due to the fact Brisebois had no authority
to rename the fort Commissioner James Macleod recommended the name 'Calgary'
after Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, the commissioner's ancestral
home. The name stuck and the emergence of Calgary was officially underway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OolGHSR0R2L96hTyYEsfoH9_uDLNGmxY2gMVLUwRsYGRegwwudKtc5AQ60pcI2BnRVdSIzPQVwCM5tJeLFq26ZrowHtE-EO-B4iSZZ3zdZvy9u-edIRVryLGlwHihca1XaY3n0yYJY4/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OolGHSR0R2L96hTyYEsfoH9_uDLNGmxY2gMVLUwRsYGRegwwudKtc5AQ60pcI2BnRVdSIzPQVwCM5tJeLFq26ZrowHtE-EO-B4iSZZ3zdZvy9u-edIRVryLGlwHihca1XaY3n0yYJY4/s640/IMG_1845.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">This statue of Commissioner James Macleod is prominently featured on the grounds of Fort Calgary</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4wJPY0ukJU80qG4XlZTdCwCHY8Cm4LlpCi6dOygjMp9FsfQ0ERBa6-As-LeBDyhbkRNM1I58I83nmih28OwbNGH1QVdCr6Rc8Z0K5znaKY7A5RCoQmw7cXWVC3wE0H6ssyrCsYrdZwI/s1600/IMG_1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4wJPY0ukJU80qG4XlZTdCwCHY8Cm4LlpCi6dOygjMp9FsfQ0ERBa6-As-LeBDyhbkRNM1I58I83nmih28OwbNGH1QVdCr6Rc8Z0K5znaKY7A5RCoQmw7cXWVC3wE0H6ssyrCsYrdZwI/s640/IMG_1880.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The reconstructed Calgary Barracks were designed to look as they did in 1888</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The late 1800's was a time of unrest and transformation.
European influence was wreaking havoc on the local First Nation population, the
bison were being hunted at an alarming rate, and the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.cpr.ca/en" style="font-family: inherit;">Canadian Pacific Railway</a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(CPR) was looming on the horizon. The</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Canadian
Government</a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">needed to extinguish First Nation title to the
land before settlement could occur and this was done through the use of
treaties. While using Fort Calgary as his home-base Macleod was a lead
negotiator for Treaty 7. He was a trusted adviser to the local First Nation
community and was even bestowed the name "Bull's Head" by Chief
Crowfoot. Treaty 7, the last of the Numbered Treaties between the federal
government and the Plains First Nations, was signed on September 22, 1877 at</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.blackfootcrossing.ca/" style="font-family: inherit;">Blackfoot
Crossing</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.
The Treaty encompasses virtually all of southern Alberta and is still in effect
today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkQnb0sBy31JG_CEaqYr3o714zy8GU-vIW3Y0W5hyphenhyphenvjVo4isPUrL5mkCj9KTUtV8sUE2cfWn-eMlxDSFqmc-7vU8UR9Llr8sy4yMRXuFPQjE31So4sl4C1TVdLZ4hgBMkAWpt7faXjxs/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkQnb0sBy31JG_CEaqYr3o714zy8GU-vIW3Y0W5hyphenhyphenvjVo4isPUrL5mkCj9KTUtV8sUE2cfWn-eMlxDSFqmc-7vU8UR9Llr8sy4yMRXuFPQjE31So4sl4C1TVdLZ4hgBMkAWpt7faXjxs/s640/IMG_2010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">There's a timeline of events outside the interpretive centre</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_rPRMsGCElhS1eAd1eEqlRXa5t58ui9Uoa0KHQ_8H_DB4GZqCPl2IJq-iaNtXVm0FSPwxqS3Ui5YSgJdwGK4ePVufvoc3WZX5ODgzUAkyAjKLpBdxx5IN00XIsQ3MZuHwrUuixxAOmI/s1600/IMG_1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_rPRMsGCElhS1eAd1eEqlRXa5t58ui9Uoa0KHQ_8H_DB4GZqCPl2IJq-iaNtXVm0FSPwxqS3Ui5YSgJdwGK4ePVufvoc3WZX5ODgzUAkyAjKLpBdxx5IN00XIsQ3MZuHwrUuixxAOmI/s640/IMG_1956.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A reconstruction of what the inside of the fort would have looked like</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The original fort only lasted until 1882 when it was torn down
and replaced with more substantial structures in preparation for the CPR's
arrival in 1883. As the whiskey trade dried up Fort Calgary finalized
its transition from simple whiskey fort to the Calgary Barracks and became
the focal point of a burgeoning community. In addition to being the centre of
police administration the barracks also contained a rudimentary hospital and
was used for a variety of social functions. The post was also the main hub for
settlers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs arriving in Canada's rapidly-growing
west.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbeFi4MHLnGYUI0ckuB84oincQtSwVnAV01m_-mJ9b3UHvYwdIGWfjasTcUGiRqh0rfnW7gyRdK32uVxY3KFbVroHl07FvAJ9KjECcN_eaetcyvqsxUsEV78Qr2_8AtDqasNpkOVkAMY/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbeFi4MHLnGYUI0ckuB84oincQtSwVnAV01m_-mJ9b3UHvYwdIGWfjasTcUGiRqh0rfnW7gyRdK32uVxY3KFbVroHl07FvAJ9KjECcN_eaetcyvqsxUsEV78Qr2_8AtDqasNpkOVkAMY/s640/IMG_2105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Fort Calgary was awarded National Historic Site status in 1925 with this stone marker</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In 1914 the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway purchased Fort
Calgary. Eventually they turned around and sold it to the Canadian National
Railway, effectively concealing Calgary's roots for the next 60 years beneath a
railway yard. Due to the concerted efforts of Alderman Jon Ayer the site
of Calgary's origin was thrust back into the public consciousness when</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.calgary.ca/SitePages/cocis/Scripts/DefaultNav.aspx" style="font-family: inherit;">The City of Calgary</a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">purchased the site in 1974 with the intent of preserving it for
its historical significance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzfSvLil9vOX6HM5tGQCCowwXzUw7H7Q3v7c88HdU-ZN4CCpwMa4dUj1HB2afTX5y-2uDmPGpX8bjBx_YLp9A4myo4t2-IcIXIQzSWVuZLpT1an7ACTn-vNlYDwGP2QZjxZfhqavnKmA/s1600/BPA_09-27-16_P40133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzfSvLil9vOX6HM5tGQCCowwXzUw7H7Q3v7c88HdU-ZN4CCpwMa4dUj1HB2afTX5y-2uDmPGpX8bjBx_YLp9A4myo4t2-IcIXIQzSWVuZLpT1an7ACTn-vNlYDwGP2QZjxZfhqavnKmA/s640/BPA_09-27-16_P40133.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The illuminated outline of the original Fort Calgary was created by Jill Anholt and is called <i>Markings</i>. Photo Credit: Yellowhouse Aerial</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today the confluence is still a place of great significance as
it's where the past meets the present. Although not much exists anymore from
Fort Calgary or the Calgary Barracks pieces of the fort's original foundation
were found during an archaeological investigation and are still in the ground
til this day. The interpretive centre and museum are located inside the
reconstructed 1888 barracks and feature multiple interactive exhibits from
Calgary's first 100 years. Nearby you can visit the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.deanehouse.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Deane
House</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, the
city's only remaining NWMP building and now a fine dining restaurant, and the
Hunt House, the oldest building in</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.visitcalgary.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Calgary</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> still in its original
location. The Hunt House was built in 1876 as part of the Hudson’s Bay Trading
Post. Outside the interpretive centre is an art exhibit called</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><em style="font-family: inherit;">Markings</em><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">that was created by</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.jillanholt.ca/" style="font-family: inherit;">Jill
Anholt</a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and outlines the fort's original footprint.
Strolling through the museum or exploring the 40-acre grounds allows visitors
to discover the people and events that helped shape Calgary's legacy. Fort
Calgary is not only a place where rivers and cultures meet, but is a living
testament to the ongoing relationship between people and the land.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEPlIiM25bTzGP_-HD6MgBZ9kor1QHBD-VyRpRX0Zh-m8X8cMYMoT0M8csLiOTtdElHFfv3W2LrdeOWt7uv_KTUk__GMViAA2jg615mJI8vRtN-i-gn1nFAen2moAexYG7nAeQSJm-zE/s1600/IMG_2698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEPlIiM25bTzGP_-HD6MgBZ9kor1QHBD-VyRpRX0Zh-m8X8cMYMoT0M8csLiOTtdElHFfv3W2LrdeOWt7uv_KTUk__GMViAA2jg615mJI8vRtN-i-gn1nFAen2moAexYG7nAeQSJm-zE/s640/IMG_2698.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The NWMP Veterans' Association placed this historic marker on the site of the original Fort Calgary back in 1917</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodj24H9Ly2MNLOb-caPJCvu1-kSVOntuWIsZoptOZZ7xrLfwnsbYOA8aZXUkoOBLbkHOoELTHp_cUk1WWWfYy0LtNHznn4_k4fJJbJrfm-V65ChnV2SgecR-8CjvdfkSnK5c5E5yrsDU/s1600/IMG_2706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodj24H9Ly2MNLOb-caPJCvu1-kSVOntuWIsZoptOZZ7xrLfwnsbYOA8aZXUkoOBLbkHOoELTHp_cUk1WWWfYy0LtNHznn4_k4fJJbJrfm-V65ChnV2SgecR-8CjvdfkSnK5c5E5yrsDU/s640/IMG_2706.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">These modern pillars reside at the intersection of 6th Street SE and 9th Avenue SE</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would like to take this opportunity to thank Katie Novak and
Erica Olstead, the past and present Education Coordinators at Fort Calgary, for
their willingness to help with this story. Without your knowledge and expertise
this story just wouldn't have been the same. For additional information about
Fort Calgary please visit their</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.fortcalgary.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">website</a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">or connect with them on</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fortcalgary" style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/fortcalgary" style="font-family: inherit;">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fortcalgary/" style="font-family: inherit;">Instagram</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Also of note the original</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/fort-calgary-treaty-seven-indigenous-1.4089473" style="font-family: inherit;">Treaty 7 document</a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">will be on display at Fort Calgary this summer. The 140-year-old
document is on loan from the National Archives and will be on display from
mid-June through October of this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please note this story also appears on the <a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/">Calgary Guardian</a> website under the title, <i><a href="http://calgaryguardian.com/fort-calgary/">From Police Outpost to Modern City</a></i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Tyler Dixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07105747026287720653noreply@blogger.com0