We were staying in the Johnston Canyon campground on the Bow Valley Parkway just down the road from Johnston Canyon. For most of the day, (like most days) the parking lot and road at the trail head was cloged with vehicles, so we decided to hike the canyon later in the day. It was a good time to go as most of the crowds had left, and it was cooler. (Temperatures were in the upper 20 C to lower 30 C range.) Johnston Creek tumbles its way down the canyon in a brilliant display of blue, green and white waters. I’ve been on this trail several times, and today, David and I both saw a small fish try to launch itself up one of the falls!... read more

Today, as we were driving down the TransCanada Highway, a place I've been many times, David announced we were going, "down there" and pointed at the side of the road. I said, "There's no road down there. There's just water and trees." As we drove on, I kept looking for a road, but no, it was just more water and trees. I thought he was joking. Nope. There was a road "down there," just a wee bit off the TransCanada and almost completely obsured from view. Along the road are the Vermillion Lakes. These lakes are home to a variety of wildlife including, fish, moose, deer, and birds -- we saw ducks, some cranes and a bald eagle. And, of course, there's the mosquitos. The lakes are also provide a stunning viewpoint for Mt. Rundle, especially ... read more

Today I got to try out the kayak as we headed for McDougall Falls. It was a short paddle of about 5 km with a 10 km hike. This was the main outlet of the lake and there was a torrent of water flowing out. We found a rocky landing spot to start our walk. The path was even lusher than our last hike, plants along with blueberries and raspberry bushes galore lined the pathway. Matthew was in his glory sampling just about every bush we went by. We had been warned that the first km had vegetation that concealed the pathway and numerous rock and stump outcrops. It was slow but the pathway eventually opened up and travel became quite fast, at least for Mark and Matthew speeding ahead. My mind took the opportunity to ... read more

New experiences. Mark offered Matthew a chance to pilot the solo kayak and he took it up. After some advice on getting in and getting out, Matthew was on the go and did really well in navigating the 19-foot long, narrow beast. His sleep must have reinforced the paddling and steering skills. Mark, in the rear seat of the canoe, sent out his fishing line and we trolled up the lake at a leisurely pace. He caught one small trout that he sent back to grow up some more. We continued to Murtle River, one of the lake's main sources, and proceeded to wander upstream a bit to a nice little beach on a sharp bend. Lunch! Mark was designated our fisherman for the trip, and how he was able to cast and catch fish from ... read more

Windy and wet was the theme for most of the day. We planned a hike to either Strait Lake or Wave Crest Peak (900 meter gain). I opted in my mind for the more gentle walk to the lake with only a 200 m elevation gain. (Yes I'm being wimpish again.) A short paddle was required to get to the the trail head so off in the tippy canoe the three us us went, wind whipping the waves from the side, we all thought "we're going in." From shore it must have been quite the scene to see three bodies flopping around as the waves hit the canoe, rolling it one way, then another. Matthew who was in the middle and no paddle decided enough of this and curled up to lower our center of gravity, ... read more