Canmore

Missing winter.

Winter has always been my favourite time of year. And not Southern California winter (which is not really winter, but rather more like spring), nor Toronto winter (which is more of a grey, dirty slush-fest), but winter in the mountains with cold bluebird days, white fluffy snow, and a peace that never occurs at any other time of the year.

December 26th, 2015 - Skogan Pass

This is the pass just below Pigeon Mountain that one sees while driving on the Trans Canada. The trailhead starts next to the Bronze chairlift at the Nakiska ski resort.

A grouse along the trail

It's a steady uphill climb all the way up to the pass, which is usually very windy but on this day we were blessed with calm and quiet.

Skogan Pass

After lunch, we enjoyed a great run back down, even doing an extra loop in order to extend our day.

https://www.endomondo.com/users/3101909/workouts/648488562

December 31st, 2015 - Boulton Creek

We've spent a lot of time in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, but it felt good to be back to an old friend.

Doing the classic Whiskey Jack / Tyrwhitt / Elk Pass / Boulton Creek loop

Lots of sun and cold days make for interesting hoar frost

The real sunshine state (province)

Whiskey jack scavvers

https://www.endomondo.com/users/3101909/workouts/650695210

January 1st, 2016 - Sundance Canyon

The Cave and Basin has been under construction for as long as I can remember. When we learned that construction had finally completed, the Sundance Canyon trail made sense as it starts just behind the Cave and Basin.

Josh and Owen, keeping Gabe company

While the adults were freezing, Gabe was complaining about being too hot. The new chariot seemed to be a success!

https://www.endomondo.com/users/3101909/workouts/651082501

It was great to be back home, seeing our friends and family, and spending time in the mountains. I am already looking forward to coming back!