Walking Up - The Whaleback, 2014 June 27

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Prior to this hike, The Whaleback was a beautiful view from Highway 22. The pristine cattle ranching country is revered by Albertans for its natural state. Repeatedly, citizens have rallied to save it from development that would interfere in its timeless history. Over the years, dedicated ranchers have come to agreements with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to protect The Whaleback and similar areas, working to preserve a big, contiguous natural landscape for all time.

This hike was my first venture on foot into this mythical land. The pungent smells of prairie grasses and flowers accompanied us across the ranchland and up - ever up! The whole time I was singing under my breath: "The bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain, To see what he could see! And all that he could see, and all that he could see, Was the other side of the mountain, the other side of the mountain, the other side of the mountain, Was all that he could see!" Favourite of children's camping singsongs.

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Photos

Whaleback Trail
Looking back - just the beginning

Hiking through the wildflowers
Exquisite feeling of luxury!

View beyond compare!
Reminds me of how far up we have come

The Top!
Nature's sculpture

The Other Side of the Mountain
The view seen only by hikers!

Hiking Path
Cross barbed-wire fences with care!

Purple Beardtongue
The individual amongst the many!

Wild Geranium
Delicate colour along the pathway

Thundercloud
...on its way to Calgary!