We are well into the hiking season now. But also, in the warmer part of the summer. One way to avoid the heat is to start the hikes early and be at the highest point before the middle of the day. And when possible, be near an icefield. I met all three requirements last week when hiking near Bow Summit/Pass. Taking off from the new Peyto Lake’s parking lot, which had few vehicles when starting out. Visitors were heading for the lookout for the famous alpine lake as I made my way to the top of the summit trail. With the cooler temperatures in the morning, no marmots were heard or spotted. But few pikas were active and a handful of bird species were spotted. Great views from the top, which got even better when the clouds started to move in. I sat back and ate, while enjoying the views and the single digit temperatures before others would be hiking in my direction.
Lake Minnewanka
We're in the rainbow season again. Last week a broken storm was passing through the valley. The rain was falling to the left of me and the sunlight was coming from the right. All helping to produce a rainbow back of Lake Minnewanka.
Until next moment,
Amar
Bow Lake
It was a beautiful morning, with blue sky and everything covered with fresh snow.
Until next moment,
Amar
Two Jack Lake
I don't let winter slow me down when it comes to photography. The days get shorter, opportunities get less, in particular with wildlife, but everyday still has a sunset and a sunrise. It was a cold morning and I was hanging around Two Jack Lake for a photo opportunity. Just when I though the sunlight was not going to make its way through. Clouds parted enough to spread the warm light, providing a nice contrast to the cold morning.
Until next moment,
Amar
Bow Lake
Just couple of weeks ago most of the Bow Lake was still covered by ice. I had just made my way to the lake after watching a female Grizzly eating away as the sun was setting and heavy clouds moving in. I was out to take pictures by the Bow Lake, but its hard to pass by a chance to watch a Grizzly, all part of the experience in the mountains. The clouds were moving in fast, and the light quickly disappearing. Ray of sunlight still covered part of Crowfoot Mountain, grabbed few images before it was gone.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mistaya Lake
As 125 years of having national parks in Canada pass, I thinks about what it is I like about them. I don't have favorite route, hike or a scramble. I don't have favorite lake, mountain or a meadow. I don't have favorite shrub, tree or a flower. I don't have a favorite amphibian, insect or a snail. I don't have a favorite fish, mammal or a bird. I realize its only when you put all these and many other parts together, you have a national park. So what do I like about the national parks? When I'm out there, middle of one. I feel as I'm part of something special, and that's worth protecting.
Until next moment,
Amar
Johnson Lake
It was a very windy end to the day. Was hoping it would to calm down before the light made it over the mountains. But it was not meant to be, nature had other plains. Found an area in the corner of Johnson Lake, where the water was calm and lowered my camera to get more of the calm water in the frame. The sky really made this picture.
Until next moment,
Amar
Two Jack Lake
Well, we woke to our first major snowfall in the Bow Valley this morning,and its only mid September. Many of the leave holding trees and shrubs felt the wait of the wet snow, fallen branches of all sizes can be seen around the valley and in some case the whole trees. In the evening I headed for Two Jack Lake to take pictures of the Failholme Range reflecting on the lake. I was happy to find shrubs by the lake, still holding their leaves. Produceing a nice contrast with the snow, as well as grounding the picture.
Until next moment,
Amar
Chephren Lake Hike
Few weeks back friend and I were trying to reach Chephren Lake as the early light was coming up. It got brighter as we got closer and top of Howse Peak and Mount Chephren looked beautiful with their tops bathing in the light. Wind was calm and was hoping to get the reflection off the Chephren Lake, but when we reached the lake everything was ready except the light was being blocked by clouds. We took in the lake and its surrounding as we waited for the light to come through. After a short wait it all came together and we were able to take the pictures with calm lake, giving us a great reflection of the nearby range.
On the way to the lake we kept our eyes looking ahead to where we were heading, but on the way back with the area lit up as the sun was much higher. The eyes were looking down to the ground, which was filled with mushrooms. That day I saw more mushrooms and more variety then all my hikes put together, thanks to regular dose of rain this summer. We probably took twice as long hiking out as we stopped and explored all the different species that came in our path. Also along the way got to see a Spruce Grouse. Once again you can plan where you hike, but nature decides what you will experience.
Until next moment,
Amar
Peyto Lake
Winter was making its way into the park. As I was looking for the place to take pictures, I was thinking about a winter in the past when the snow really did not start falling until around New Year day. Walking on the shores of Peyto Lake, all covered by ice. Sounds were coming through the opening near the shores, thinking the sound that was being made was caused by some animal in the woods. But soon becoming wise enough to understand it was from air escaping from under the ice as water moved around. The year I took this picture, snow arrived in time.
Until next moment,
Amar