Finding peace, solace in the Canadian Rockies

I’ve been feeling all kinds of low lately. I’m not sure if it’s just the change of season or the coming holiday season. I had an extra long weekend so I went out to four of my local trails/mountains starting on Friday after work.

Prairie mountain

I am on Prairie mountain so often that people ask – don’t you get bored with the same peak? If you have to ask, then you won’t understand the answer.

Powderface Ridge

From the end of the Hwy 22 … a grind in the trees until it opens up to glorious views. Great to spend some time with Katie, who I haven’t seen in months, and others from the Calgary Trail Runners group.

Wascooth Ridge

This ridge has become a favourite since I first climbed it two years ago. I didn’t make it out this summer. All the snow made the morning even more special. I spent the morning with my old pal Alan, who I haven’t seen since before the pandemic.

Galatea Lakes

The trail to Lillian Lake was near perfect. It’s such a popular spot that I knew it would be fine. Beyond the lake would be a hit or miss. I climbed the trail through the heavy snow with faint footsteps to the opening in the trees. I looked out and saw no footsteps or a trail. I was about one kilometre from the lakes but I called it a day. I left it to the two guys behind me to break trail for the next group. (My iPhone died so I didn’t get many photos.)

I lucked out because the weather was near perfect all weekend. (You never know what you are going to get in the mountains.) The healing nudge of nature was just what I needed to get out of this funk.