May 2, 2020 - Quarantine Update

It's been over a month since I have updated the blog.  During that time we have been keeping our distance from the rest of the world, but have managed to stay busy and entertained.  The boys have done a great job accepting the current situation, and have done their part in keeping isolated.  Thankfully that has not stopped them from having fun.
One day they convinced me it would be fun if I towed them up the driveway on their skis.  While maybe not the wisest parenting decision, it ended up being a great afternoon, and something they'll likely remember for a long time.

The boys also spent a lot of time in the yard and on the side of Highway 66 building jumps and skiing.  I am so happy that they have been able to be outside and stay active while quarantining.

As the snow started to melt we started doing more projects around the house.  Amanda comes up with the good ideas, I do the cutting and nailing/gluing, and she does the painting/staining and finishing.  With the exception of one very close call with the table saw which saw me lose half a finger nail and a chunk of flesh, we ended up with some pretty good results.

Ty painted and hung this mountain bluebird house

Despite all of the above, I was really starting to miss getting out onto the trails.  Fortunately the government relaxed some of the restrictions and the provincial parks were opened on May 1.


May 1 - Corri Robb Trail to Vents Ridge, Elbow, Kananaskis

We drove to the Elbow Falls gate (which should open on May 15) and walked down to the Powderface Creek trailhead.  THe first section of the trail was mostly snow covered and icy.  Our cleats came in very handy.

Icy Trail Down Low

At about 1.3 km we turned off the trail to the right and started heading up to the ridge.

Micro-Break Selfie

Powderface Creek Valley

 Below Vents Ridge Summit

At this point the trails were dry and snow-free.  After a bit of a climb we got to the top and stopped for a quick snack.

Summit Shot

After our break we decided to descend via the east ridge.  It was mostly pathless (or we couldn't find the path) until we were about halfway down.  The path brought us back out to the road.  Despite not seeing anybody on the trail there were at least 35 cars parked at the gate by the time we got back.  I suspect these people were either cycling beyond the gate, or hiking up Prairie Mountain, which is probably one of Calgary's favourite hikes.
It felt amazing to be back out on the trails.  I am so happy that the park restrictions have been lifted.  I know that it helped my personal mental health, and the mental health of all of the other people accessing nature in Kananaskis.


May 2 - Sulphur Springs Trail and Riverview Trail, Elbow, Kananaskis

We were so excited about the park being open again that we decided to go out again the next day.  We chose Sulphur Springs Trail, which is a good spring tune-up walk.  We parked at Paddy's Flats access, crossed the road and started on the trail heading east.  Despite there not being so many views Sulphur springs is a pleasant rolling walk through the woods.  Again our cleats came in very handy.  The trail was intermittently snowy, icy, wet, and dry.

Moose Mountain Access Road Selfie

After descending parallel to the Moose Mountain access road, we crossed Highway 66 and picked up Riverview Trail.  There were many beautiful views from the riverbank as we finished the last few kilometres.

River View 1 

River View 2

River View Selfie

It goes without saying that we are so happy that access to Kananaskis has been restored.  I feel like it is so important for everybody to be able to be in nature, for the sake of health and well-being.  I hope everybody who might be reading this are all doing well and being safe, and are able to access the outdoors wherever you are at.

Thanks for reading!!