Calgary Parklands - Cochrane Paths

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While I inadvertently explored the roads west of Calgary, the group walked in the gentle green parks of Cochrane. From the Cochrane Ranche parking lot, it was simple to take the path under the 1-A highway and the railway, and follow along the gurgling course of Big Hill Creek.

An impressive underpass took the walkers safely across Highway 22, to stride beside the fast-flowing Bow River, high with spring run-off. Thick with puffy white clouds, the Alberta blue sky gave its colour to the water. Along side Jumping Pound Creek, the path turned from its westward direction to head south and eventually to a way back into the town’s beloved parks, filled with families and local walkers.

In a quiet moment, a yearling deer unconsciously displayed its downy self, still warmed with remnants of winter fur, even on this delightfully warm day. Birds twittered, well-hidden by the abundant bright green foliage. A family of Canada Geese busied themselves with snatching food from the natural landscape. A Raven ignored observers as it conducted its all-too-thorough ablutions.

Reunited at our socially-distanced lunch, we extolled the most beautiful day yet this year.

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Photos

Glenbow Ranch natural terrain
Parkland west of Calgary, before Cochrane

Stand of trees, shady environment
Glenbow Ranch

Caragana, now considered invasive
Glenbow Ranch

Meander Zone, Cochrane
Quiet park near the highway

Big Hill Creek
Burbling through a small meadow

William Camden Park
Expansive park for families

Willow complemented by dandelions
A natural study in green and yellow

Buffalo beans
Beautiful, complex flowers heralding spring

Comments

[Isabel Gibson]

Further to the previous discussion, in just 2 months (I think) we've gone from brown to full-on green. You'd think winter and the dreary transition from winter to spring had never happened. Love the featured shot and the meandering creek.

[beentouring]

Spring transition
So hard to remember one season when the next one changes the views. I try to remember summer days during the winter - only mildly successful.