Australian Shepherd Molly Montana writes of her outdoor adventures with human, Kinsey Barnard. Kinsey takes the photos. They live in Montana and travel in their RV Clementine. Exploring is their favorite thing to do. Follow them and enjoy great stories, travel photos as well as travel & hiking tips particularly in Montana
29 October 2007
At last! The Last Day. Moraine Lake. Lake Minnewanka, Castle Mountain
I know. I know. I haven't been holding my end up but it has really been hectic around here. Things will get much better as soon as we are on the road again. At least I hope they will. Mom has signed up for Verizon Wireless Broadband so we should be good as long as we are in a service area. Anyway, on to our last day in Alberta.
September 17, 2007
First thing this morning we headed up to Moraine Lake. It truly is a rocky mountain jewel. One of the most beautiful lakes in the world, or so mom says. It was kind of a cloudy day so the water color was not what it can be Course, I don't care that much about it, I just want to hike and explore. All this blasted beauty just holds me back cuz mom has to stop and photograph every darned thing!
Today the lake was dark and calm with snippets of sunlight.
From Moraine we headed south to Lake Minnewanka. Minnewanka is a pretty good sized lake just east of Banff. The best part about it was a small herd of Big Horn ewes that were protecting a baby . Those ewes really held that baby in a huddle. Course, I nearly got my ears boxed because I went a little crazy in the car. Darn I wish I could get myself under control. But, what can I say? I am just a true, blue husky boy.
After Minnewanka we headed over to Banff. The town was pretty torn up with construction. There is a promenade that goes along the Bow River that mom just loves. Across the river we watched a bull elk chasing his girls. That was fun. The sun had finally made an appearance and it turned out to be a wonderful autumn afternoon.
It was getting late so we headed north toward Lake Louise. For the return trip we took 93A. Along this route it was pretty clear autumn was in the air.
As we drove along saw what looked like really perfect moose habitat and soon came across a sign that said it was "Moose Flats". As we drove we saw some photographers crouched down in the grass. Mom thought maybe they had sighted some moose so we pulled over to check it out. She could see they weren't being particularly quiet so she approached them to find out what was going on. It turned out to be three photographers from New Jersey. They were mostly studio photographers and were just like kids in a candy store playing with their cameras and taking pictures of everything. It was truly lovely to see their excitement and appreciation for beauty that surrounded them. They were with nature and they were little boys again.
Heading on up the road we made a stop at Castle Mountain. From there we continued north and made a stop at Morant's Curve.
By this time we were running out of light so we headed for the barn. It was kinda sad cuz we knew this was it for this trip. Tomorrow morning we will pack up and head for home in Montana.
Until next time ....
LAKOTA SUNRISE
©Kinsey Barnard
Labels:
big horn sheep,
Bow River,
canada,
canada travel,
Castle Mountain,
fall colors,
lakes,
minnewanka,
montana,
moraine,
Morant's Curve
21 October 2007
Well I Am Remiss!
Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my posting. There is one day left in our Canadian trip but mom has been hogging the computer and been preoccupied with going over to the Coast for the next four months.
We've never been away during the winter before and there appears there's a lot of stuff that has to be organized and attended to. Either that or mom is just making mountains out of mole hills. :)
Anyway, in the midst of all the trip planning a local gallery, it's actually called "The Gallery" and is in Eureka, Montana, has asked to represent mom in their gallery. Well, that's really gotten things in a turmoil as she works on all the arrangements to make it so.
Things around here are just nuts but I will get that last installment up one day soon. In the meantime, fall colors in Montana have been beautiful and I think mom may have captured some of it. Who knows when you will get to see it!
On top of everything else hunting season starts today. Our ranch is right in the Kootenai Forest so, I'm gonna be keeping my head down. These hunters go crazy with blood lust and it isn't safe out there. I have the added misfortune of looking like a wolf so mom makes even me were an orange vest when we are out. Hunting season is not my favorite time.
I'll try and get the rest for the Canadian trip up as soon as I can!
Until next time .....
LAKOTA SUNRISE
©Kinsey Barnard
We've never been away during the winter before and there appears there's a lot of stuff that has to be organized and attended to. Either that or mom is just making mountains out of mole hills. :)
Anyway, in the midst of all the trip planning a local gallery, it's actually called "The Gallery" and is in Eureka, Montana, has asked to represent mom in their gallery. Well, that's really gotten things in a turmoil as she works on all the arrangements to make it so.
Things around here are just nuts but I will get that last installment up one day soon. In the meantime, fall colors in Montana have been beautiful and I think mom may have captured some of it. Who knows when you will get to see it!
On top of everything else hunting season starts today. Our ranch is right in the Kootenai Forest so, I'm gonna be keeping my head down. These hunters go crazy with blood lust and it isn't safe out there. I have the added misfortune of looking like a wolf so mom makes even me were an orange vest when we are out. Hunting season is not my favorite time.
I'll try and get the rest for the Canadian trip up as soon as I can!
Until next time .....
LAKOTA SUNRISE
©Kinsey Barnard
16 October 2007
Yoho National Park - Takakkaw Fall - Emerald Lake
Today we drove over to Yoho National Park. The first stop was at the spiral tunnels. These tunnels were designed to slow trains descending the Rockies. You can't eally see much at viewing stop unless a train is actually coming down the mountain. We didn't time it right so there wasn't much to see.
We then headed for Takakkaw Falls. The road up to the falls is interesting. At one curve, the hairpin is so tight if you're driving anything bigger that a compact car you literally have to stop and backup in order to get around it. Of course, our little Shadow zipped right around.
Takakkaw Falls are pretty big. Mom fiddled around for a couple of hours trying to get some kind of shot but wasn't able to get anything worth a hoot. She decided we needed to come back in the late afternoon if she was to have a shot at a shot, if you know what I mean. On the way back down the mountain we stopped to watch some elk doing their mating ritual and from there we headed on over to Emerald Lake. There is a very pretty Lodge on this lake and you can buy a sandwich if you want. On the way over to Emerald mom spotted a cow elk standing in the Emerald River. It was a photo to die for. It was also a photo we didn't get. Just as mom got into position the elk walked off. Drat! I hate it when this happens. After Emerald Lake we went back to Lake Louise for lunch and to wait for afternoon light.
At about 4:00pm we headed back to Takakkaw Falls. Mom gave it the old college try but she still wasn't able to come up with anything to put in her gallery. Just so's you can see it's here on the left. It was almost dark when mom finally gave up and packed up. As we drove back down a mountain rose up before us in the near dark. Mom got all excited because she thought it was so beautiful. For pity sakes girl, a mountains is a mountain. But oh no not to my mom. She stopped the car and set up right in the middle of the road. Thank goodness we were the only ones left up there because there is no shoulder and the road is plenty narrow. She got her photo of Cathedral Mountain and it turned out to be a stunner!
With that the day was done and so were we!
LAKOTA SUNRISE
©Kinsey Barnard
Labels:
bull elk,
cathedral mt,
emerald lake,
emerald lodge,
emerald river,
takakkaw falls,
Yoho
13 October 2007
Lake Louise, Chateau Lake Louise, Plain of the Six Glaciers & a Teahouse
September 14, 2007
Well, today was farewell to Jasper day. We headed back down the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise first thing. It was a beautiful drive. We stopped at several spots along the way for photo ops. I do love being Koty Ko-pilot. Mom needs all the driving advice I can render. :0)
When we got into Lake Louise we headed right on over to the propane filling station. It’s been below freezing nearly every night and we’ve been running the heater quite a bit. Mom figured we must have gone through a lot of gas but it turned out we’d only used ten litres, less than three gallons! Next we filed up with diesel. Good old Clementine only used thirteen gallons round trip Lake Louise – Jasper. The Mercedes diesel is a pip.
Next we checked into the campground. They only have electricity here so that’s what we got. As soon as mom got everything set up we were off to the Parks Canada info center. Mom gathered all the moss she could and we were off.
By this time it was late in the afternoon so she decided we should take a look at Bow Lake in afternoon light. It’s only about 20 minutes up the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise. There is a pretty old Lodge there called Num-Ti-Ja and a trail along the lake that goes to Bow Falls. It was too late to make it to the falls but it was a very pleasant evening stroll and next time we will get there early enough to make the falls.
We drove back to Lake Louise and Clementine for supper and a nice evening.
September 15, 2007
Today we decided to take the Plain of the Six Glaciers trail. This trail starts over in front of the Chateau Lake Louise. Good grief, there were so many people waiting for the sun to rise on the lake. That place is a milling swarm of humans. People were asking to take my picture and wanted to touch me. Boy, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. I was nice enough about it but golly people are forward. Mom tried to protect me as best she could.
This Six Glaciers trail starts right there at the hotel and is asphalt for quite away. This is not your serene Montana kind of trail. It’s more like a freeway. It’s a four hour round trip and even though tons of people take this trail it’s still a mountain trail. I saw human women with flats and opened toed sandals. I gotta tell you some of these humans are funny. I just love to see this stuff. It makes me giggle.
Even though this trail is a tourists delight it really is worth the trip. When you get up near the glaciers there is a teahouse where you can have lunch. Along the way there are some beautiful views of Lake Louise, the chateau, the mountains and the glaciers.
We also made some new friends up at the teahouse. Sharon and Jeff. They are Americans who now live in Calgary. We walked back down the mountain with them and had a really fun time.
The trip is supposed to be four hours round trip but between stopping for photos and making new friends it took us more like five.
Another great day! I just love these days when we just hike all day. I don’t know what mom has planned for tomorrow. Every day is an adventure for me!
11 October 2007
Jasper to Lake Louise - Bow Lake & Num-Ti-Ja Lodge
September 14, 2007
Well, today was farewell to Jasper day. We headed back down the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise first thing. It was a beautiful drive. We stopped at several spots along the way for photo ops. I do love being Koty Ko-pilot. Mom needs all the driving advice I can render. :0)
When we got into Lake Louise we headed right on over to the propane filling station. It’s been below freezing nearly every night and we’ve been running the heater quite a bit. Mom figured we must have gone through a lot of gas but it turned out we’d only used ten litres, less than three gallons! Next we filed up with diesel. Good old Clementine only used thirteen gallons round trip Lake Louise – Jasper. The Mercedes diesel is a pip.
Next we checked into the campground. They only have electricity here so that’s what we got. As soon as mom got everything set up we were off to the Parks Canada info center. Mom gathered all the moss she could and we were off.
By this time it was late in the afternoon so she decided we should take a look at Bow Lake in afternoon light. It’s only about 20 minutes up the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise. There is a pretty old Lodge there called Num-Ti-Ja and a trail along the lake that goes to Bow Falls. It was too late to make it to the falls but it was a very pleasant evening stroll and next time we will get there early enough to make the falls.
We drove back to Lake Louise and Clementine for supper and a nice evening.
Until next time.
LAKOTA SUNRISE
©Kinsey Barnard
Labels:
banff,
bow falls,
bow lake,
Icefields Parkway,
num-ti-ja lodge
09 October 2007
Jasper, Hibernia & Caledonia Lakes
September 13, 2007
Well, phooey, this was our last day at Jasper.
Mom worked on her photos and we FINALLY took off for Jasper. There is a trail network behind Jasper that is really cool. And, I highly recommend it when you’re in town. The trails aren’t the sort that would give serious backpackers a thrill but for people who just want to get out and see beautiful scenery these trails are great. You can walk an hour or a day through beautiful lake and forest scenery. The Friends of Jasper National Park maintains these trails, and many others, and the signing is just great. What a remarkable effort this group has made. Man, if I lived here I would drag mom down trails everyday until we dropped.
Anyway, we thought we’d try for Cabin Lake but ended up following Cabin Creek to Marjorie Lake. Just past Marjorie was a spur trail up to Hibernia Lake. We took the trail up to Hibernia and although it was anything spectacular I think mom tried to get some of her creative type photographs.
We went back down to the main trail and continued west to Caledonia Lake. Again nothing earth shaking, just nice. It’s the sort of scenery where mom often finds those special and unique situations.
All in all we wandered round for about four and a half hours. If a person was just hiking and not gawking, like mom, it would probably only take about two. We only went as far as Caledonia but if you really want a workout you can make a loop that takes you to Minnow Lake, on to Cabin Lake and back to the trailhead. That trip would probably take you all day.
So, that was it for today. Farewell, Jasper. It’s been loads of fun.
LAKOTA SUNRISE
©Kinsey Barnard
07 October 2007
Sunwapta Falls, Buck, Osprey & Wabasso Lakes
September 12, 2007
Mom spent a couple of hours processing photos. This delayed the start of my day. You would not believe how much of my day she wastes on this activity. The plan was to go down 93A again check in at Athabasca Falls and head on down to Sunwapta Falls. After that, look for new hiking trails to explore.
Over night a storm had blown through. It was a doozie, the rivers and falls were all murky from the run off. We passed, again, on Athabasca and went on down to Sunwapta. Athabasca was crowded with tourists. At Sunwapta mom got out the old tripod.
There is a trail that takes off after the bridge over the falls. We took that for about an hour just to enjoy the sub-alpine forest. Mom loves to photograph the plants and stuff on the forest floor so it takes us forever to get anywhere.
After the Sunwapta walk we headed back north on the Icefields Parkway, aka 93. Our first stop was at the trail to Buck and Osprey Lakes. Wasn’t much of a hike and neither were the lakes was particularly pretty or interesting. But, I'll take my trail time anyway I can get it.
Back on the parkway we continued north to the Wabasso Lake trail. This was a nice little trail. It took about 40 minutes to get to Wabasso Lake, which wasn’t particularly special, but the trail was pretty and I’d do it again, like, there's any trail I wouldn't do again! If you start early enough you can take this trail all the way up to The Valley of the Five Lakes, which as I mentioned before is really pretty.
By now it was nearly five so we headed for the barn and a barbecue. Eat your hearts out my brethren. I got my own plate of BBQ'd chicken!
Until next time ....
LAKOTA SUNRISE
©Kinsey Barnard
05 October 2007
Pyramid, Patricia, Maligne & Plants
September 11, 2007
We had made a date with ourselves to get over to Patricia Lake first ting to try and capture the calm morning water and the sun rising on Pyramid Mountain. Mom got herself all set up and we waited and waited. Carumba! I wish mom would get another profession. Like maybe, Iditarod racer?! I don’t like waiting and this photography stuff is nothing but! And, even then, sometimes she doesn’t get anything for the wait. She tells me photography is a lot like hunting and fishing. You walk, watch and wait. And sometimes you get skunked. I think she may have caught something. Pyramid Lake at day break
From Patricia we headed for Maligne Lake. Maligne is a beautiful Lake about a half hour forty-five minutes from Jasper. It’s a big tourist attraction so there can be lots of people. Course, I don’t mind because people just make a fuss over me. I’m a star!
Anyway we took off down the path on the east side of the lake. After awhile it turns into a trail and is quite a good hike. Mom, of course was stopping every two seconds to photograph mushrooms and what have you. She has an absolute fascination with things that grow in forest. She thinks everything in nature is a work of art. Gads, she holds me up. Anyway, she photographed and I explored. At the rate we go a short hike takes hours so that was about the extent of my exploration.
On the way home we could see that it was starting to cloud up. The view of the storm clouds surrounding the Palisades was just awesome.
Later in the evening we found out just how serious those clouds were. It rained cats and frogs all night long. One time there was this flash of lightening and the thunder that followed literally rocked Clementine. I have never heard or felt anything quite like it. Let me tell you I was under the dinette for the rest of the night. We get some doozie thunder and lightening storms back home in Montana but this one took the cake.
Until next time,
LAKOTA SUNRISE
©Kinsey Barnard
Labels:
canada,
Jasper,
lakes,
maligne lake,
patricia lake,
pyramid mountain,
wild mushrooms
03 October 2007
Pyramid Mountain, Patricia & Pyramid Lakes, Big Horns & Elk
Before I get back to our Canadian story I have to tell you, true to her word, mom did take me for a walk along the Tobacco River and the fall colors were just awesome. The walk was a gift to both of us!
September 10, 2007
We started the day at Patricia Lake. This little lake and Pyramid Lake are very close to Jasper township. Looks to me like a place where local people would come to play, swimming and canoeing and such. But, the thing about Patricia is the view of Pyramid Mountain. Pyramid looks pretty much like its namesake. It provides an impressive backdrop for Jasper. Patricia sits smack dab in front of it. Mom could tell there was a photo op here. The mountain is reflected in the lake and early calm water could produce a stunning photograph. We were just a little too late for this day but made a date with ourselves to return first thing tomorrow morning.
From Patricia we continued on to Pyramid Lake, which is only a stones throw further down the road. There looks to be a very nice lodge on this lake, which is also pretty but does not have the same view of the mountain as Patricia.
By this time I was getting rambunctious for a walk so we went to the end of the tarmac road and took off down and a closed dirt road that ran along the lake. For no particular reason we took one of the many side trails that went down to the waters edge. While I was sniffing all the glorious odors we heard what sounded like a fish jump. But, mom thought it sounded like too heavy a splash for a fish. Course, she could have been very wrong about that because just a few minutes earlier at Patricia a fisherman had told us the rainbow trout in these parts get really big. He said the record taken from Maligne Lake was twenty-two pounds! Now, that’s a lot of trout! But mom was right, on this occasion, because as we stood there looking out over the lake a beautiful loon popped up right in front of us. Make this photograph as big as you can. What's going on with the water is very interesting.
We continued on up the road but after awhile the road turned away from the lake and we turned back. When we got back to the parking area it was just a short stroll down to where you can walk out to Pyramid Island. This is a very pretty little island that has a footbridge to reach it and very nice views. I point these things out because I think you might be interested. Personally, I could give a fig. My nose was in overdrive. There were so many incredible aromas. So many smells to chase, so little time. Soon we headed back to the RV Park for lunch and a siesta.
Late this afternoon we headed out to see if mom could get some shots of mountain goats or big horn sheep. They are known to hang on the cliffs out along highway 16 north of Jasper. We didn't find any goats but we did find some Big Horns but ewes only. On the way we stopped to wander along the Miette River and made a stop at the Palisades (pictured) interpretive site.
At Palisades we took off for a little walk and very shortly ran into a gal that said she had come across a bull elk if we cared to photograph it. Well, it was back to the car for me. Mom changed camera lenses because she assumed she would need her telephoto. As mom tells it, it turned out to be the wrong assumption. Apparently, she nearly fell over the thing as he was sitting in the shadows right along the trail. He could have cared less about her presence and wasn’t in the least inclined to move from his repose. There wasn’t much in the way of a photograph either. The shorter lens would have been just fine! Better in fact.
That pretty much took care of this day.
©Kinsey Barnard
Labels:
big horn sheep,
bull elk,
canada,
fall colors,
Jasper,
lakes,
miette river,
pallisades,
patricia lake,
photos,
pyramid lake,
tobacco river
01 October 2007
Pocahontas, Miette Hot Springs, Big Horn Sheep & Happy Birthday to Me!
Ok, before I get started with this day of our trip I would like to make an announcement. It's my birthday today and I am eight years young! So, altogether now "HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAKOTA SUNRISE!" Mom says; I get treats today without doing anything special, I get a walk along the Tobacco River and I get ice cream. Golly how I love ice cream.
Now on with our story
September 09, 2002
This was the first really nice day since we got to Alberta. The plan was to go to Pocahontas and Miette Hot Springs. It’s a very nice drive north on 16.
On the way we stopped to photograph some big horn sheep and mountain goats. Boy, those guys really live on the edge!
At Pocahontas we stopped for a hike at the mining site. We saw a sign that said Punchbowl Falls and followed it. We wandered all over the place looking for the falls because after the first sign there were no others. Canadian Forest Service signs seem to be a lot the Americans; they never quite give you the information you need to actually find anything.
After awhile we ran into some hikers and asked about the falls. The silly thing is we were quite near and easy access to them is right on the road to Miette Hot Springs. Course, I didn’t mind just meant more out of the car time for me. Water was pretty low and the falls weren’t much to write home about.
We continued on up the road to the springs. Made the walk up to the source and ways beyond. Pretty much of a yawner. After that we walked over to the Sulfur Ridge trail. On the way up mom did get a shot of a grouse. And, she almost got one of a really pretty butterfly but while she was jockeying for position she fell over the side of the trail. Fortunately, it wasn’t real steep at this particular spot so she didn’t go far. Needless to say there was no picture of the butterfly. I wish she wouldn’t do these things cuz you know who’s going to get pulled in after her!
We walked about half way to the ridge. Our trail book said it wasn’t much but the people coming down were telling us it was a great view. Unfortunately, great views don’t always translate into great photographs so we decided not to make the whole trip. Chatty Kathy (aka “mom”) stopped and talked to some guys and before you know it she had a dinner date. So, guess where I spent the evening. Stuck in Shadow outside the Fiddle River Restaurant.
On the way back to Jasper we stopped again to watch the big horn sheep. There was a mom and baby that made for a very nice photograph. That was pretty much it for this day. Except for the part where I got stuck in the car while mom dined on baked halibut. Darn her anyway. She knows fish is my favorite! Course, I like mine sushi!
Jasper Slideshow
Until next time ...
©Kinsey Barnard
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