Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area

Trip Date: July 2018

Our third camping trip of the summer took us down to the Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area near the Crowsnest Pass area of southern Alberta. The park is only 15 minutes from the town of Pincher Creek. We reserved three sites in the Cottonwood Campground, 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.

Welcome to Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area

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.

Oldman River Brewing in Lundbreck

Christine and I left Friday morning and headed south. We stopped in Lundbreck for lunch at Oldman River Brewing. 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!

A flight of five beers

Their patio accommodates the entire family!

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.

Cottonwood Campground

Our home for the weekend

There aren't too many campgrounds where you look up and see wind turbines sticking up above the hills

The banks of the Oldman River

Looking northeast from the campground

A gorgeous prairie sunset

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. 

Panoramic view from the top of the hill overlooking Cottonwood Campground

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.

Long-Tailed Weasel

Just lounging in a tree

Shortly after seeing the weasel this Mule Deer trotted through the campground

After our brief hike and wildlife viewing we headed out to Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area as none of us had ever seen the waterfalls in person. It was less than a 25 minute drive from our campground to the Lundbreck Falls Campground, which is where we parked. Hindsight being 20/20 we should have drove past the campground and parked at Lundbreck Falls Day Use Area as there was more parking available, but we thoroughly enjoyed the short walk anyway.

The clean and clear Crowsnest River

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.

Our first view of the falls

Lundbreck Falls

View from above the falls

Looking at the falls from water level

The wildflowers were still blooming while we were there

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! 

This is how kids are supposed to look while camping! And no those are not bruises...that's dirt!

Our last stop before dinner was at Boulder Run Day-Use Area 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.

Boulder Run Day Use Area

A refreshing dip in the Oldman River

Wildflowers blooming along the shoreline

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.

Oldman River Dam

Spillway Viewpoint

Panoramic shot of the Oldman Reservoir on an unusually calm morning

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...

Britches On A Branch

Please note this story first appeared on the Calgary Guardian website under the same name, but this version has additional photographs.

Looking up at the swanky tree at Sunshine Village. Photo Credit: Sunshine Village

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.

This tree at Sunshine is below the Angel Chair. Photo Credit: Sunshine Village

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 Aspen Mountain Resort 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.

Looking down on the Underwear Tree at Lake Louise. Photo Credit: Jasper Johnson

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.

As you can see this tree has had several contributions over the years. Photo Credit: Sunshine Village

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, Vail. 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 Grand Marnier used the tree as part of their marketing strategy. The tagline for the advertisement stated, "You just recognized a pair of panties in the Sundown Bowl tree...the conversation is waiting."

If you're looking to contribute, the tree at Lake Louise is below the Paradise Chair. Photo Credit: Jasper Johnson

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. Lake Louise has one. So does Castle Mountain. Marmot Basin's is located beneath the Knob Chair, which cannot be a coincidence. Sunshine 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.

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

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.

A close-up of the colourful contributions to one of Sunshine's trees. Photo Credit: Sunshine Village

Ryan's Stag at Chinook Lake

Trip Date: June 2015

Ryan and Ashley are getting married at the end of June, which means the boys get to host another bachelor party!  Keeping up with tradition (please see previous posts about Ben's, Dan's, and my bachelor parties) we decided that a camping trip was in order.  Ryan was hoping for a campground with a lake so we could re-live a past mini-meekend experience that took place in Revelstoke, British Columbia.  Ben did some research online and found, what appeared to be, the perfect spot; Chinook Lake in the Crowsnest Pass region of the province.  Turns out the campground and lake were better than any of us could have hoped for!

Chinook Lake Campground Map

Chinook Lake Campground is part of the Chinook Provincial Recreation Area and features 99 campsites on three separate loops.  Dan and I headed out Friday afternoon and got to the campground just in time, as there were only two sites left on the lake loop, which is where we wanted to be as it's walking distance to the lake.  The rest of the crew weren't far behind us, but they had to stop and fix a flat tire on Ben's tent trailer.

The well-treed campsites of Chinook Lake Campground

Chinook Lake

The first night was pretty low-key.  We cooked a lot of meat for dinner and drank several beers.  We even got into a bottle of scotch that Matt brought with him!  Needless to say we had a lot of fun sitting around the campfire; talking, laughing, and making plans for the following day.

I couldn't resist taking my stand-up paddleboard onto the glassy lake the next morning

Paddling on Chinook Lake

The following afternoon we broke out the camp games and had the Stag Olympics.  We played horseshoes, ladder golf, and washer toss, before competing in off-road bocce ball.  Yours truly managed to stay undefeated throughout the Olympics, but had an extremely close call in the bocce event.  Ryan, or Ryanna as he was called throughout the day, had to participate while wearing a sexy dress and a blonde wig; giving him a distinct advantage over his opponents!!

After the Stag Olympics we hit the lake with a variety of inflatable rafts.  The water was chilly, but not nearly as cold as the glacier fed lakes closer to home.  The lake was busy with other recreational users and several fisherman, all of whom enjoyed seeing Ryanna in a skimpy bikini top and a bridal cowboy hat complete with full-length veil.

There's a 2km trail that wraps around the perimeter of Chinook Lake.  After dinner the six of us decided to do a little exploring and ended up hiking the length of the aforementioned trail.  The hike provided some great views of the surrounding peaks and gave us a new perspective of the lake itself.

Hiking on the lakeshore trail

Crowsnest Mountain standing above Chinook Lake

Ben, Rolando, Ryan, and Dan

We spent the rest of that evening drinking beer, rum, and scotch around a roaring campfire.  I don't have to tell you that we all had to shake more than a few cobwebs from the brain the next morning!  The hangover didn't stop me from taking my SUP out for another paddle on Sunday morning.  The lake was perfectly calm once again and I wanted to sneak in one last tour of the lake before packing up the campsites.  After the final paddle I was treated to the best breakfast sandwich I have ever eaten, courtesy of Ben.  He has now set the far incredibly high for himself for our next camping trip!

The view from on top of the SUP

A large dead tree stands just off-shore with Mt. Tecumseh in the background

There was a beaver lodge at the far end of the lake

In my opinion the bachelor party was a huge success and hopefully Ryan would agree with that statement.  With the stag safely in the rear view we are now looking forward to the wedding, which is happening in Penticton, B.C. later this month.  I've never been down to the Okanagan region before, but I know the whole weekend is going to be an incredible experience!  Until next time...

We all managed to survive another stag party/meekend in the woods!

Crowsnest Pass

Trip Date: September 2013

Christine, Rome, and I used holiday Monday from the Labour Day long weekend to get out of town for the day.  Our destination was the Crowsnest Pass area in southern Alberta.  This part of the province has an incredibly rich history.  Up until now I'd never really stopped to explore it, I'd only just driven through, but I always wanted spend a little time there.  I knew we wouldn't be able to visit all the sites in one day, but at least this would give us a sample and leave more to be discovered at another time.  

The Crowsnest Pass is a high mountain pass across the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains situated on the border of Alberta and British Columbia.  It consists of several small communities including Bellevue, Hillcrest, Frank, Blairmore, Coleman, and Sentinel.  The Crownest Pass area is about 235km southwest of Calgary along Highway 3.  

Our first stop of the day was at Frank Slide, the site of Canada's deadliest rockslide.  On April 29, 1903 at 4:10AM, 30 million cubic metres of limestone crashed from the summit of Turtle Mountain and buried part of the sleeping town of Frank.  The rock mass that fell was 150m deep, 425m high, and one kilometre wide.  The bustling town was home to approximately 600 people in 1903. At least 90 people were killed in the slide, that lasted a mere 90 seconds.  Most of these individuals are still buried under the debris, which averages 14m deep, but in some areas it is more than 30m deep.  The primary cause of the slide was the mountain's unstable geological structure.  Other contributing factors include underground coal mining, water action in summit cracks, and unusual weather conditions.  

A panoramic shot of the Frank Slide area.  Turtle Mountain is on the right.  Sorry for the photo quality, but I had to stitch three separate pictures together to capture the entire area and this was how it turned out.

Turtle Mountain

The rocky debris

Our next stop was at a pictograph site just off the highway known as the McGillivray Shelter.  It's also been referred to as Michel/Natal site, which are the names of former coal-mining towns that were located close by.  This site has two separate human-like figures that are slowly fading away.  From what I've read these pictographs are typical of traditional Columbia Plateau Art and it is believed they represent dreams and the acquisition of spiritual power obtained during a Vision Quest.  

The McGillivray Shelter site

Chris doing a little off-trail exploration while looking for the pictographs

Found them!  This is the first of two.

A sketch of the above pictograph depicting a human-like figure

The second pictograph at this site

A sketch of the above pictograph depicts another human-like figure with unknown objects above

Our third stop of the day was a different pictograph location and one that holds great spiritual significance for First Nation people.  Crowsnest Cave, sometimes referred to as Basin Cave, is situated on the north shore of Crowsnest Lake.  The cave was known to the Blackfoot as, "where the Oldman comes out of the mountain", which is in reference to the Oldman River.  The cave, however, is not the source of the Oldman River, but its water does eventually flow into the Oldman via the Crowsnest River.  The entrance to the cave was once covered with pictographs, but sadly today they have been badly vandalized by common graffiti and are all but indecipherable.  

Christine spotted these Red Crossbills just as we were starting the hike.  A male (right) and a female (left).

There are a couple of ways to access the cave.  The safest would be via boat, kayak, or canoe, none of which we had, so we just walked instead.  We started from the eastern end of the lake in the small community of Sentinel and walked along the CPR rail line, a distance of about 5km round trip.  I say using the lake is safer because there's a couple of sections along the railway tracks that are pretty narrow and wouldn't be too fun in the event a train arrived.  We were very careful and made sure to keep an eye open for trains arriving from either direction.  Luckily we didn't run into any train traffic at all!  

Crowsnest Lake with Crowsnest Ridge in the background.  If you look closely you can see the Crowsnest Radio Tower on the left side of the ridge.

Beginning our trek along the railroad tracks

Looking across Crowsnest Lake towards Sentry Mountain

The mouth of Crowsnest Cave

Water flowing out of the cave.  Apparently the cave has been explored as far back into the mountain as 175m!

Looking out towards the lake

The basin inside the cave is crystal clear and eerily calm

The remains of a pictograph

This one looks like it could have been two figures

Old art competing with new graffiti

I don't know what this was supposed to be

The top figure looks like a person, but I'm unsure about the bottom one

You can read more about the pictograph sites I have visited by visiting my Western Canadian Rock Art section on the Bradshaw Foundation's webpage.

On our way back to the Jeep we passed the abandoned East Kootenay Power Plant and my inner child was begging to go explore it!  The power plant was in operation between the 1920's and the 1960's and finally closed permanently in 1969.  At its peak the power plant used 200 tonnes of coal daily as fuel and took 10,000 gallons of water daily from the lake to operate its steam turbines.  

Looking at the East Kootenay Power Plant from the railroad tracks

East Kootenay Power Plant

Vandals have basically smashed all of the windows in the old brick building

Inside on the main floor

Looking down from the main floor

Piles of bricks and garbage

Inside the bathroom, complete with showers

The upstairs floor

There was a great view from the upstairs windows

About to head back down

The door (bottom right) was wide open when we arrived

A photo from a 1937 edition of the Nelson, B.C. Daily News shows the Kootenay Power Plant, complete with smoke stack.  Although the power plant is still standing, the smoke stack has long been removed.

Our last stop of the day was supposed to be the site of the 1946 North York Creek Plane Crash.  I had read online that we could drive most of the way to the crash site with a 4x4 vehicle, but I wanted to make sure.  We stopped at the staging area and talked with a few quadders who happened to have just come from the plane.  They recommended against driving my Jeep up the quad trail as it was very muddy and there were a couple of extremely narrow switchbacks.  We could have hiked up to the site, but it's roughly 12km round trip and we were running out of time.  I guess we'll have to save this adventure for another time.  It's pretty safe to say that we'll be back to the Crowsnest Pass before long!