The ice on the Glenmore Reservoir shone brilliantly in reflection of the blue sky, highlighting the distant snow-capped mountains. Along a forested part of the path, chick-a-dees shouted their demands for attention, although not one showed itself for our curious cameras. The adjacent Rockyview Hospital shone peaceful in the bright sunlight. A quick march over Glenmore Trail and through Bel-Aire brought us to the operational edge of the Reservoir. Atop the dam was a new pedestrian walkway that seemingly invites many walkers, if the number of mothers with strollers was a good indicator. As the path ascended, we had a good stare at the Golf and Country Club, greens still in protective coverings. At the top of the path was the url=https://www.calgary.ca/water/drinking... read more

A dozen of us started in Mallard Point and walked to the Sue Higgins Park, 8 km return. The pathway was sheltered by tall willows and aspens, still showing their fall multi-brown colours. A few evergreens deepened the palette with their sober hue. Near the river, shrunken red berries, golden dried grasses, rushing blue water and crusty white snow expanded the natural shades. To our surprise, we saw tiny new pussy willows, shades of fresh grey announcing spring. Most of the mallards had abandoned their namesake point. One family snoozed peacefully on an islet in the river. A few flew down the river looking for food. Only a couple of Canada Geese strutted on the rocky s... read more

The morning news meteorologist made a big deal of explaining the difference between rime frost (when it’s foggy) and hoar frost (when it’s clear). I had new icers to test. A short walk to Rotary Park seemed perfect. The park is high on the escarpment overlooking the Bow River and the skyscrapers of downtown. The planted deciduous trees gleamed with beautiful crystals suspended on sculptural dark trunks and branches. One majestic tree spread so wide it diminished the majestic Bow building downtown. Graceful ornamental cherry trees were dressed in frost that mimicked their spring garb of pale pink blooms. Past the forlorn tennis club, weeping willows still with their seed pods were elegantly draped in sparkling jewels. Only the evergreens disdained the cloak of rime frost, keeping their own distinctiveness lightly sprinkled with icing sugar.... read more