Hewitt Peak

Unless there are low clouds in the valley, when I visit Kootenay National Park, I look for the locally named “Mammoth Peak”, officially called Hewitt Peak. I’m a big fan of things being named after what they look like, a lot easier for me to remember. Like Boulder Pass, back of the Lake Louise ski area, there are all types of boulders at the pass and it's called Boulder Pass. But after the passage you come to Ptarmigan Lake, I have yet to see one in the lake. I have sat beside the lake eating my chocolate flavoured energy bar and not one ptarmigan to be seen in the water. Maybe next time I’ll look for them around the lake. Just a reminder, no need to tell me what I should be called because of what I might look like.

But back to the “Mammoth Peak”, before you even get into B.C. from Alberta, it can be seen in the distance. When driving into Kootenay from Banff NP, about ten minutes in, the peak looks amazing in the morning light. Those of you who are not seeing the mammoth outline in the picture, grab some chocolate ice cream (those of you who are not into chocolate, strange, I have heard there are other flavours) and you’ll see the mammoth is looking to the right, with its trunk reaching out.

Sawback Range

Some light coming through before the all of the sky was covered by clouds.

Sundance Range

I was looking for birds easy morning, I had to pause to look and get a picture of the Sundance Range.

Mount Victoria

Oh, how time flies, it was only a month ago waking up to an another morning with everything covered with snow. No better way to enjoy my favourite season. Now we are well into spring, but for those of us who have been living in the Canadian Rockies for a while, there is still a chance for more snow.I have experienced snow every month of the year number of times. But during winter, it’s extra special. This past winter produced many days to enjoy fresh fallen snow, to play in and to take pictures of. With the clouds running across the blue sky, snow covering every peak and trees in sight. That morning was made for black and white photography. Just as I was about to take the picture, I saw the snow falling off a tree on the right side of the image. It made the image that much special for me.

Mount Peechee

A lovely close up of Mount Peechee.

Castle Mountain

I try to get to the location where I’ll be taking sunset or sunrise pictures half hour or more before it occurs. To decide where I want to take the picture from and then have the camera equipment I’ll need ready. Knowing ahead of time where the sun will rise or set will be of great help when locating the ideal spot to take the pictures from. Also being comfortable will help me get the right image, even more so in the middle of the winter. It’s hard to focus on photography when I’m thinking about staying warm. Extra layer is always appreciated when standing in one area. If I’m comfortable, I can relax and enjoy the views as the light keep changing the look of the landscape around me. The experience of being out there during sunrises and sunsets is one of the best things about being in the mountains. Each experience is unique and trying to capture that on an image is always the challenge.

Mount Massive

You think by now I would chill when seeing a sunrise, I’m starting to understand that may never happen. Even on mornings when I can’t be outside, I’ll have a look to see what I’m missing. A few weeks back I stepped outside and can see the sky was going to light up. No vehicle was involved, I needed to get to a spot by foot that would get me an acceptable image.  When walking around town, there’s always a chance I’m going to meet people I know and thankfully they are understanding when I tell them I trying to get a picture. That was the case that morning as one was going to work another walking her dog and others who I know less getting a quick nod. I reached spot one, the clouds were red, but I did not like the foreground. I walked another 300 meters, with no open water in sight I focused on the trees, mountains and the beautiful sky. Another great start to the day.

Mount Temple

It was a cold morning, temperature below minus 30. As soon as I stepped out the face quickly confirmed it. With short winter days you have to take advantage of the days off, the plan was to go for a drive and do short hikes and then a longer hike closer to home. It was mainly overcast, light sneaking through here and there. I stopped at few places to have a look and take the odd picture. I passed the same vehicle few times, each time it was parked middle of the road, windows closed and the driver taking pictures of the beautiful winter wonderland. I almost wanted to stop and let them know they would be fine if they stepped out and took a picture from outside the car. But instead I nodded as I passed them, no one else was out. On my last stop I had a short walk though the snow to find the right amount of trees and height for the foreground to get the picture I wanted.

Cascade Mtn

Always watching the light, seeing what it's doing and what it will do. When the light touches certain part of the landscapes, a light comes on inside the head. It's time to take a picture.

Castle Mountain

It’s hard to believe, but another year has past and its time for another slideshow presentation. It’s two weeks away for my 9th annual Moment Slideshow Presentation. Taking place on Saturday, February 8 from 7 to 9 pm. I’ll be looking back at 2019 with images and stories at the Cave and Basin NHS. There will be one show and the cost will be $4.90 per person. So, if you are in the Bow valley on the mentioned evening and looking for something to do, then come join us.

Now back to regular programming. After I had taken pictures of the moose I shared last week, I started looking around as the morning light was starting to light up the mountains around me. It was a cold morning, but after seeing the moose cow and its calf, the adrenaline rush pumped warmth through the body.  I took few pictures looking to the north and south of me, then moved back to see what was happening with Castle Mountain in the distance, it was all lit up. This picture could have been more interesting if the moose had stayed put, perhaps I’ll get that picture in the future, for now here’s Castle Mtn as seen from a distance on a cold morning.

Cascade Mountain

I don't have to go far to see nature. Over the years I have seen so much within km from my home. Just within 1000 meters from the spot I try to get 8 hours of sleep each night. I have seen over 100 species of birds, black bears, grizzlies, wolves, coyotes, foxes, a lynx and one evening a cougar while hiking down Tunnel Mtn. A frog, toad, salamander and a handful of fish, much of the time the fish were spotted in the mouths of a waterfowls. Various insects, all having an important role to play, even the ones who like to feed on our chocolate rich blood. Various, trees, shrubs, grasses and all those wildflowers. Still lots more, part of the families I have talked about and others I have not even mentioned. So much nature in such small space, let along the whole Banff National Park. Same goes for all those beautiful views, there is no end, this one was after two days of snowing.

Mount Bell

To live in a place where I don’t have to go far to see beautiful landscapes and have a good chance of seeing amazing wildlife. Nave taking it for granted. While going for a drive in the morning, it was hard not to stop and take pictures of the beautiful views. Here's one of Mount Bell peak to the right.

The Moon and Mount Rundle

There are some pictures you plan far ahead of time. Some can take years before you get what you wanted. An example was one I got of Castle Mtn few years back during the winter. The idea for that one came during the summer as I was walking along a creek which had calm water. Most winters the creek did not completely freeze over, so I thought the place would be great to get a picture of the Castle Mtn one winter. When everything would be covered with snow except for the small pockets of open water. I tried a few times to get the picture, the light was not right and or the clouds were in the wrong position. After several attempts I got the image and I made sure I got several variations. The list will never be complete for these type of images, always adding more. I like the challenge and I like raising my standards for the image I want.

But I also like the challenge when I see something front of me and I have to hurry to get the picture before the light or the subject change. That was the case yesterday as I saw the moon rising next to Mount Rundle while shovelling snow at home. I saw, ran inside, grabbed the camera and quickly got the picture.

Mount Chephren

During a cold evening I stood on the shores of lower Waterfowl Lake, hoping some light would get through the clouds moving in. For few minutes it did, the clouds did not light up but it did touch Mount Chephren.

Sulphur Mtn

It was back in October, after having breakfast, I looked outside and it looked as if there was going to be bright sunrise, I changed and headed out. It was a windy morning as I looked for calm water. I found some and even better I had the place to myself. The clouds started to light up and I started to take pictures. A car stopped nearby and out came a friend with a warm beverage in his hand. It was his day off and he was out looking for birds. As we chatted the sky got brighter and not far from us two Hooded Mergansers landed. They were causing small ripples in the water as they dove for food. I have seen way too many landscape photographers scare the birds away, sometimes by throwing rocks at them.  My thoughts are simple on this topic, They are eating to survive and I’m taking a picture. So the birds did their thing just out of the frame and we got rewarded when the light scattered across the clouds. A great start to the day.

Fairview Mountain

During the early days of the larch season, we were hiking in the Lake Louise area before the sunrise. Half way into our hike the sky started to light up, I was not expecting it but a nice surprise. We found some open space through the trees, looking toward Fairview Mountain. Quickly took few pictures and up we went.

Mount Rundle

Back in September I looked out before the sunrise and saw what was coming, a bright sunrise. Grabbed what I needed and headed out. Found a location next to the river, the water was calm, I was ready and waited for the sunrise. For several minutes it kept getting brighter and brighter and I kept busy taking pictures. Once done, it was time to go to work.

Cascade Mountain

In the morning we did not get bright sunrise, too many clouds in the sky put a stop to that. But not long after the warm light started to come through. The snow from yesterday and the light snow from last night added to the winter feel of the morning. And even with cold nights there were some fall colours to remind us we are middle of the fall season. All added to the beautiful morning.

Mount Rundle

Getting the picture before the storm clouds took away the light and brought in the rain. Mount Rundle and the fall colours.

Massive Range

Always Like to give myself some extra time in the morning when heading for work, never know when i might have to stop to take pictures.