Fall Favourites: Yoho and Lake Louise

Iceline Trail
Approx. 5 hours return
Yoho National Park

The trail through the forest is steep with switchbacks.
Soon the forest is behind you and the way is rocky and rolling through moraine.

There is plenty of water for drinking and  swimming.

You will find lots of humans and some dogs. There are pikas calling from the rocks.

I took advantage of the lunch stop to have a well earned rest.

Saddleback Pass

Approx. 3 hours return

Lake Louise, Banff National Park

Enroute to the beautiful Fairview Peak, you will walk through the Saddleback Pass. This trail is steep in the forest, passing through some avalanche slopes. You will find lots of people and pups. There are not many places for a drink, so pack some water. In the meadow at the pass, you can run and explore while your humans look at the golden trees.

How to Chill

As the temperature rose this summer, I found some ways to keep cool.

Getting out of town was an important part of the plan. 

I headed for the riverside where I could catch a breeze or settle down for a nap...

A cool shower is a great way to get refreshed.

Joining friends in an alpine meadow, I was able to catch a nice breeze.

When the humans mentioned the boat, I didn't hesitate. Getting onto the water can be a good way to chill on a sunny day.

Hitting the trail in a shady forest, I found some relief from the heat.

Our smokin' hot summer is coming to a close. 

Fruitful

The sun shone well; bright and hot. 

The summer berries benefited,

giving a rich, pump and colourful harvest.

Raspberry, sweet and tart, juicy

Thimbleberry, fuzzy and bland

Saskatoon berry, seedy

Blueberry, tart

Oregon grape, save this for the jelly jar

Huckleberry, sublime and juicy

Bunchberry, pretty but not for eating

Chili Spring

Skunk cabbage
running water
warm sun and cool breeze
cranes and bears and
motorhomes
The Murtle plateau in spring mode!

Chili on the KVR

helmcken environs

When I think about my legs, I am grateful. Despite these short little legs, I have had adventures that many long legs cannot even dream of having. I do, however, look forward to the great melt. Snow is not my friend. And so, as I wait for the spring sun to escort the snow down into the river, I try to make the most of winter.

 The campfire reminds me of starry summer nights.

 The snowy picnic cheats winter of an afternoon.

 There can be nothing better than putting the snow to use. What do you think of the likeness?

And then there are the beauties of nature.

Winterworld

Glaciers and Giants

Perley Rock Trail
approx. 8 hours rt
Glacier National Park

 A long trail through the serious forest
boulder hopping through a rockslide of pikas
moraine walking
heather meadows of marmots
steep rocky slopes
streaming waterfalls
glaciers of awe

Avalanche Crest Trail
Approx. 4 1/2 hrs rt
Glacier National Park

a long, long, long time going up
past intimidating cedars and grandfather hemlocks
you will enjoy the small meadow with it's bridge and stream
a perfect pond for a quick dip.
a meadow of marmots, fat and whistling
and then a short steep slope up to the ridge
the sun shines hot

Yoho

Iceline Trail
Approx. 13 km, 5 hours rt
Yoho National Park

A fast way to leave the forest behind!

The first section of the trail is steep and winding.

There are lots of rocks, ponds and streams.

There are humans but very few pups.

Paget Lookout Trail
Approx. 7 km, 3 1/2 hours rt
Yoho National Park

Through a cool shady forest

up a rocky slope

A little house on a hill

a room with a view.

Jade Pass

Jade Pass Trail
Approx. 5 hours rt
Mt. Revelstoke National Park

A trail with meadows and streams

rocks and plenty of humans

You will need a leash for this one

Even in fall, you may find a friendly and refreshing snowslope

A picnic at the pass. I recommend it!

Wells Gray Country

Here are the highlights of my summer vacation. Yeah, it IS a dogs life!

Another me-tube presentation.

Discoveries

Out and about

on the trail 

down the road

or in the yard.

Sniffing, and tasting

listening

looking and feeling.

Curiosities are there for the curious.

To be in awe of a mystery

to accept not knowing

to permit unanswered questions

Wonder can be wonderful.

Amusing and entertaining

marvelous.

Don't miss it.

Be present in this day.

Looking for Spring

another me tube presentation

Prairie Dog

Something new
A new way to go
Not a trail, not a bicycle or wheelbarrow
Not a canoe, kayak or boat
Not a Kubota, a Ford or a Subaru
I took to the skies
In a Boeing
Bound for a small prairie town



Something new
Not a mountain
Not a waterfall or marmot
It was a big place
With lots of room to breathe the entire sky
And things blowing far off on the horizon
And people and pups
Love, Laughter, Family
I belonged there
With them all

A prairie dog Christmas.

My Christmas Song

Another Metube presentation

Time Parade

The seconds click past, a paper flower on each spoke

Minutes prance along, spangles and tassles tossing

Hours and hours press close, hoping for a glimpse

The days reach and stretch, sweets are at hand

The wiley weeks slip past, a siren sounds

The broom and wheelbarrow escort the months
and the band fades



How To Play

Another metube presentation:

Harvest Time

The hard little apples are glowing red in their tree. I could be fooled into thinking they are sweet. But I know it is not so. They are crisp and lovely, but so very tart.

Not everyone minds. My neighbour from the forest is teaching her children how to harvest the apples.

Mother watches, listens and smells. She is standing guard over her fawns.

The fawns can safely enjoy the harvest. I'm glad to share this bounty.

Table

Table Mt. Trail
Wells Gray Provincial Park
approx. 670 m gained, 6.5 hrs return

Have patience, this trail climbs through the forest for a long time before rewarding you with it's alpine. After leaving Phillip Creek behind, there is only one place to lap up some water. Be sure to bring a water bottle. There were no other pups or humans on this trail, but there were some squirrels and birds. At the top is a long walk through hot meadows with very little shade on a sunny day. We stopped 150 m/2km from the summit. If you go, remember you will need 8 hours of daylight so you can get down the road before dark.

Battle Mountain, Phillip Mountain and Caribou Meadows

150 meters more to the summit, for another day

This is the big flat table part of Table Mountain.

One pooped pup crosses Phillip Creek on the last stretch before the parking lot.