travel Archives - Keeping With The Times

Abraham Lake, Alberta is a Hidden Gem!

September 30, 2016 by Barb 5 Comments

Abraham Lake on the David Thompson Highway is, in my opinion, one of the most spectacular sights in Alberta! and truly is a hidden gem!

We’ve driven past it dozens of times, but always on our way somewhere else. I was never sure what it was called since there are no big signs on the highway and the turnoffs are not at all obvious. Of course we’ve stopped and taken the obligatory photo of someone standing in front of it, but never have we explored the area. So on our way home from Emerald Lake, we decided to take the time to really look at it.

Abraham Lake was created in 1972, with the construction of the Bighorn Dam. Although man-made, the lake has the blue color of other glacial lakes in the Rocky Mountains, which is caused by rock flour as in other glacial lakes. (Wikipedia)

Abraham Lake, Alberta

Best skipping stones ever!

Natural or man-made … it’s spectacular! and with the golden autumn colours against the turquoise of the lake … well, it just doesn’t get any better.

You’ll find campgrounds with makeshift stone fire pits and picnic tables scattered throughout, as well as many hiking trails … a real getaway here people!!

I discovered Abraham Lake is also a winter destination for ice bubbles formed due to trapped methane gas. Way cool. I now have another one for the bucket list, people!! Do you not just love it when you have to add something to your bucket list!

After a couple of hours spent exploring and taking photos we headed down the highway, only to be lured off the beaten track once again. This time to explore the Bighorn Dam area on the North Saskatchewan river.

The Bighorn Plant is TransAlta’s highest performing hydro plant, producing an average of 408,000 megawatt hours each year.

When TransAlta built the Bighorn Hydro Plant, it created Lake Abraham — Alberta’s largest man-made lake. The plant is one of two TransAlta hydro plants on the North Saskatchewan River System in Alberta.

In addition to TransAlta’s hydro plant, Bighorn is a name given to a lake, river, creek, canyon and mountain range in western Alberta because of the abundance of Bighorn sheep.

TransAlta’s hydroelectric plants primarily provide electricity during periods of peak electrical demand and ensure system stability. Their operating flexibility means they can start quickly to introduce hydro power within minutes, balancing out shortages due to unexpected outages, or providing power at times of high demand. (Transalta)

North Saskatchewan River

I have no photos of the actual dam since it required a bit of a hike to get to it, and we were running out of time … but oh my, swooning once again here …

So there you have it … a veritable photo dump!

It was a spectacular day which ended with supper at Boston Pizza in Rocky Mountain House, and finally home to Red Deer.

David Thompson Highway, Alberta Canada

September 13, 2016 by Barb 6 Comments

The David Thompson Highway holds so many memories for myself and my husband. We’ve taken that route many, many times on our summer/autumn holidays, usually on the way from Central Alberta to British Columbia.

Alberta Provincial Highway No. 11[1] is a highway in central Alberta, Canada. It is known as the David Thompson Highway, and runs from Saskatchewan River Crossing in Banff National Park east through Nordegg, Rocky Mountain House and Red Deer until it connects with Highway 12 near Nevis. The highway is named after David Thompson, a British-Canadian fur trader, surveyor, and map-maker who explored the area between Rocky Mountain House and Kootenae House (near present-day Invermere, British Columbia) through Howse Pass. Wikepedia

We started out on a little September getaway early Friday morning (destination: Emerald Lake, British Columbia.)

And so it begins … the colours!

On a whim we decided to drive into Nordegg to see if we could find lunch … we followed the aroma of fresh bread and pies cooling in a window at the Miners Café in the Heritage Centre.

We each had a bowl of homemade potato soup that was like eating a whole new potato swimming in cream. In addition we shared a grilled brie and cranberry sandwich on homemade bread. Lastly,we shared a piece of peach/apple pie still hot from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting all over it … bliss! I highly recommend stopping at the Miners Café if you’re in the area and are looking for some wholesome local food!

We made a quick stop at Abraham Lake, but I’ll be posting more photos in a future post since the leaves were even more spectacular as we made our way home from British Columbia 4 days later.

Mount Michener

Next up: Emerald Lake, British Columbia

Explore Magazine Feature

July 20, 2016 by Barb 7 Comments

I was pretty chuffed to find one of my blog posts was referenced in Explore Magazine’s Alberta’s 25 Best Hikes. It’s for a post I wrote last year on Sunwapta Falls and Old Man Mountain. You have to scroll down a bit to find the article (it’s #5) and the link to my blog, but it’s there! I mean … who would have thought ;)

… and in case you don’t know what Explore Magazine is …

Founded in 1981, explore is the award-winning national lifestyle magazine that delivers the information and inspiration that active outdoor-loving Canadians want-or more accurately, can’t do without.

Explore Magazine Feature, Keeping With the Times

*with permission

This seemingly small “nod” has done a couple things for me.

First, I’m so happy I took the time to document our trip last year. This blog is my life’s journal but to be recognized by a magazine adds an extra element of excitement and it has encouraged me to share more of our travels. I do share some, but often I let it lapse, thinking “who cares” (blog fatigue.)

Secondly, I’m determined to keep improving my photography. When I went back and looked at my post, I was relieved to see that my photos were pretty darn good! I’d taken the time to look for interesting angles and small details, sharing only my best shots. So thank you Explore Magazine for the pat on the back, and the encouragement to keep blogging!

If you’re interested in our complete trip, check out my post Our Canadian Rockies Getaway and follow the links.

Midwinter Getaway in Banff

January 14, 2016 by Barb 13 Comments

I’ve just enjoyed a little midwinter getaway in Banff, Alberta.

Over the years I’ve accompanied hubby on countless business trips. I’ve travelled with him from one end of Canada to the other (and back again.) We’ve hit every major city and some not-so-major cities. I feel quite blessed to have had the opportunity to explore Canada this way—while staying at the best hotels.

This week we’re at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta. We’ve stayed here a few times but it just never gets old. Simply exploring the “castle” is enough, but throw in Willow Stream Spa and Afternoon (High) Tea and it’s nothing short of luxurious.

I’m not shy about exploring or eating by myself when hubby is in meetings (who has time for that?) so yesterday when I decided to enjoy the ritual of afternoon tea, I requested a large table, in a corner, with windows on both sides …
I didn’t want to bother the waiter so I took these photos myself … balancing my camera against my chin as I poured tea (hoping it would hit the strainer … and for the most part, it did!)
I really wanted to spread all the delicacies across the table amongst the teacups, linens, and silverware.

My plan would have been to stand on a chair and take a top-down ;) but for the most part I simply sat and drank my tea(s) while eating fruit, delicate sandwiches, scones, cakes, cookies, and profiteroles while enjoying the view …

After a couple of hours I asked the waiter to pack up the leftovers and I headed back to my room. Needless to say, I skipped dinner last night :)

Today we’re heading home for one night and then we’re off to Quebec … I’m hoping to be able to share a bit of that as well.

Have a lovely day!

Emerald Lake, British Columbia

September 19, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

The whole trip was amazing, but our final destination was Emerald Lake, B.C. … what words could I possibly add to this …
View of the cabins …
The following photo shows where an avalanche occurs almost every year …
There is the main lodge Emerald Lake Lodge for dining and warming up by a fire, but our accommodations were an amazing little cabin with no tv, no internet, and no cell service. It was like we were on another planet and was so cozy. Every time we walked up to it, I affectionately referred to it as our little Hobbit Hole … yes … right on the lake.
Looking through a window from the main lodge … goodness, I love B.C. These pots reminded me of some kind of hanging bamboo …… our room!
breakfast is served … From the canoe …

I know … serious photo dump, and I still have more. We walked around the lake and I have a ton of mossy mushroom shots to share … but I’ll leave that for next week :) but, here’s a bit of top-down faffoolery with the flora and fauna I foraged:

Sunwapta Falls and Old Man Mountain

September 18, 2015 by Barb 3 Comments

A torrent of plunging water not far from the Icefields Parkway, Sunwapta Falls is just one of the many waterfalls in Jasper created by hanging valleys.
Hanging valleys were formed when glacier ice receded 8000 years ago, leaving behind broad U-shaped valleys. Larger valleys were carved deeper than smaller ones and in places where the two meet, the smaller valleys “hang” at a higher elevation. This is an excellent place to find waterfalls. At Sunwapta Falls, the smaller “hanging” Chaba Valley and larger Athabasca Valley join in a spectacular stepping waterfall that has carved a deep limestone gorge out of the rock some metres below the footbridge.

Parks Canada

We made a quick stop at Sunwapta Falls … just another stunning waterfall in Jasper National Park.

The result of thousands of tourists making their way down to the falls …
Now I’m just throwing in Old Man Mountain, Roche Bonhomme, or Nanabusho which is visible from the Jasper townsite as well as various places along the highway.

It struck us funny because the first night we were having dinner in a restaurant in Jasper, Don looked up and said “oh, there’s a face up there!”

We joked that it was Brian Mulroney, stern jaw and all …

Some aboriginals refer to it as Nanabusho: a teacher, a brother of humans, and a reminder of spiritual connection to the land.

Next stop … Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake Lodge … Heaven on earth.

Highway 93A – The Old Banff/Jasper Highway

September 16, 2015 by Barb 8 Comments

Backing up a bit here … rather than taking the Icefields Parkway (HWY 93) to Athabasca Falls, we turned off onto the old Banff/Jasper Highway (HWY 93A), which parallels HWY 93 and ends up at the falls. It was a last minute decision and one we were astounded that we hadn’t considered before. It was spectacular.

If you like to avoid major highways in Jasper National Park for the peaceful meander of a Canadian Rockies backroad, then Highway 93A or “the old highway” is for you. Part of the original Banff/Jasper Highway, it now sees much lighter traffic.

Jasper National Park dot com

It was such an unexpected and delightful drive … we met approximately 2 cars and saw an older couple on bikes …
When we stopped to take a closer look at a lake peeking through the trees, this is what we were presented with …
I haven’t been able to identify the mountains …

It was a dull, drizzly day so most of my photos turned out kinda dark … however, I used several actions by Linda Sattgast from the “Fix Photos Fast” class she teaches at Digital Scrapper.

Just a few clicks to adjust exposure, contrast, and shadows/highlights. Two more clicks … one to flatten layers, and one of my own actions to “save for my blog” … done, done, and done!

Thanks for stopping by today!

See Sunwapta Falls and Old Man Mountain for Part VI

Athabasca Falls Jasper National Park

September 15, 2015 by Barb 3 Comments

Our next stop was Athabasca Falls.

The 23-metre Athabasca Falls is not very high by Canadian Rockies standards, but the size of the river makes it one of the most powerful falls to be found in the mountain national parks. Pouring over a layer of hard quartzite, the falls have cut into the softer limestone beneath, carving intricate features, including potholes and a short canyon.

Parks Canada

It’s deceptively quiet at the beginning … and the whole area is misty with spray …

… then eerie, because … people have slipped in and died here … It’s positively thunderous …
… and magnificent.

See Lake Annette for part IV

Lake Annette, Jasper National Park

September 14, 2015 by Barb 4 Comments

After we explored Maligne Canyon, we stopped at Lake Annette (and Lake Edith … which I didn’t get a photo of … eek.) (This is Part III of our Canadian Rockies Getaway.)

Both are beautiful. Lake Edith seemed a bit rougher with private homes nestled in the trees (can you imagine?)

Lake Annette is smoother, calmer, and great for swimming, which is a bit of a rare find in Jasper due to the fact that most lakes are fed by glaciers (including Annette) … brrrr …

So, whoah … get a load of this guy … ;)

… sorry about the butt end but it was all he was going to show me on this particular afternoon and I was hiding behind a sign, using my telephoto lens … this guy was daunting …

The elk or wapiti is one of the largest species within the Cervidae or deer family in the world, and one of the largest land mammals in North America and eastern Asia

He had a few ladies on standby …

Some people were standing so close to these animals, trying to get a shot with their phone (please do.not.do.that.)

I was talking to a ranger later in the day, and she told me that of all the animals in the park, elk are the ones she fears the most … she’s seen the injuries that have been inflicted by a seriously annoyed male.

This is where I slowly walked to the left and hid behind a Parks Canada sign …

See Highway 93A for part V

Our Canadian Rockies Getaway Part I

September 10, 2015 by Barb 14 Comments

The Canadian Rockies mountain range spans the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. With jagged, ice-capped peaks, including 3,954m Mt. Robson, it’s a region of dramatic wilderness, alpine lakes, diverse wildlife and many outdoor recreation sites. National parks include Yoho, home to Takakkaw waterfall, dropping a sheer 302m, Jasper, famed for its Athabasca Glacier, and Banff, site of glacier-fed Lake Louise.

My husband and I have lived most of our married life in Alberta, and every time we take a trip through the Canadian Rockies we are blown away by the beauty and majesty of it all.

This trip was a late 40th wedding anniversary celebration (we’re almost at 41 now), and it was pretty memorable.

We left early on September 4th, headed to Jasper National Park, where we stayed for two nights at Becker’s Roaring River Chalets, just off the Icefields Parkway and adjacent to the Athabasca River.

View from the dining room. Mount Kerkeslin in the background.

The chalets were warm, comfortable, and clean. The food in the dining room was pure deliciousness … and I know good food!

Canadian Rockies, Becker's Chalet, Athabasca River

Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park, Becker’s Chalets

We were in for a bit of a surprise when we discovered the Tour of Alberta was scheduled to go right past our chalets!

We waited …

… and waited …

… finally they appeared … and we were just mere metres from the riders!

It was quite the exhilarating sight … they were escorted by countless RCMP vehicles, event organizers, and marshals …

… 30 seconds later, they were gone!
what a blast!

OK … wait … don’t go! Check out the Tour of Alberta, Rocky Mountain (Bighorn) Sheep Style:

See Maligne Canyon for Part II.

Haleakala

April 17, 2011 by Barb 4 Comments


Yikes! typical view on the way up the volcano . . .

Above the clouds

Looking down into the crater

Cinder cones

Silversword

Spent bloom

It’s always a thrill to drive up the volcano – for me it’s a bit of a white-knuckler but it’s really not that bad and it is such an amazing thing to see. All photos are mine but here is some info that I copied from “Haleakala National Park”

Haleakala is one of two national parks in the HawaiianIslands. Located on the southern section of the island of Maui, the park’s 28,655 acres contain one of the most spectacular volcanic craters in the world as well as a beautiful section of the Maui coastline. Land in the park lies at altitudes from sea level along the coast to over 10,000 feet at the summit of the mountain, supporting a range of habitats from subalpine to subtropical rain forests.

The silversword, a relative of the sunflower, is well adapted for its life in the barren high altitude setting in which it is found. It is able to store and retain moisture in special tissue in the “leaves” which allows it to survive in the hostile environment. Layers of white hairs on these leaves help protect the plant from the strong ultraviolet radiation at high altitude and give it its distinctive frosty silver sheen.
The silversword is a large plant, with a rosette measuring up to about 2 feet across. It lives from about 15 to 50 years, blooms only once, sending a stalk 5 or 6 feet upwards, and then dies.