July 10, 2021 - Winter/Spring Recap

As has happened before I am behind on quite a number of posts.  This post will be a brief update covering our activities between late January, and late April.  Despite a lot of chaos in our life this spring we managed to get out a decent amount, which helped us maintain our balance and sanity.  😁

This winter was a typical southern Alberta winter - just when you thought we were through, we would get blasted by cold and/or snow.  The back and forth of the weather conditions made things interesting and kept us on our toes.  Having the right gear, and expecting the unexpected makes it possible for us to stay active and have fun outside.

February 19, 2021 - Sandy McNabb Hill, Sheep, Kananaskis

Gerry, Audrey, JM

Early morning hike followed by breakfast at the Chuckwagon Cafe in Turner Valley.  Thanks, you guys!!

Beautiful, Bright Sandy McNabb Morning With Ger and Audrey

March 18, 2021 - Oldman River Valley, Lethbridge

Sammy, JM

With COVID restrictions reduced, Sammy was able to go back to Lethbridge to finish his hockey season off with a few weeks of team practices.  I visited him one afternoon and we were able to get out for a quick walk along the river banks in west Lethbridge.

Lethbridge Visit With Sammy

March 22, 2021 - Foran Grade Trail, Sheep, Kananaskis

Audrey, Mandy, JM

This one was a little tougher than the normal Foran Grade hike, as we had to walk in from the winter gate which was still closed.  This added a few extra kilometers.

Classic View From Foran Grade Descent

April 3, 2021 - West Bragg Trails

JM

I had to take Sam to Edmonton for the weekend but managed to sneak a quick walk in first thing in the morning.  I did the Boundary Ridge/Boundary Horse loop.  I saw an owl on a fence on the side of the road on the way there which was very special to me, and something that really made me feel nice when I wasn't feeling so good.

Early Morning West Bragg Creek Trails

April 15, 2021 - Death Valley Loop

Amanda, JM

Another gorgeous day on the Death Valley Loop.  The first kilometer or so was quite chewed up due to anxious equestrian riders, but once we got past that we had a great walk.

Ice Floe On The Death Valley Loop

April 19, 2021 - Fullerton Loop, Elbow, Kananaskis

Mandy, JM

Fullerton Loop was the first hike we did as a family when we moved to the Calgary area in 2010. It was fun to do it again all these years later.  It is a quick and easy hike, but offers some nice views and is very accessible.  An added bonus was the Varied Thrush we saw on the way up, which is a beautiful species we had never seen before.

Fullerton Loop In The Snow

April 29, 2021 - Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC

Ben, JM

I was in Vancouver to pick Ben up from university.  We spent the afternoon walking around Stanley Park, taking pictures, and watching the people, and wildlife.

Ben Taking A Picture Of A Heron In Stanley Park