Rocky Mountain Riding Adventure :)

Last Monday I left on a four day back country horseback riding trip through Banff National Park. I couldn't imagine any better way to experience the Rocky Mountains. Our 4 day trip was approximately 90 kms on horseback and took us into some places that not many people even get to see on foot.

The first day of the ride we met our horses and the rest of the people in the group. Our group consisted of Sally and her two kids Patrick and Karla. They are visiting for a year from Australia. The other two ladies were Anna and Helga who are on a trip here from Germany. A very eclectic mix!! I was riding Rosco, who was just a big horsey dopey version of Charger! He was great :) We also met our guide Cindy, who was awesome! 

We set out around 9:30 am, crossing the Norquay Ski area to reach the paths that would take us out to our first night of camping. About 10 minutes into the ride we saw a grizzly bear crossing one of the fields – probably about 60 feet away from us! The horses all pricked their ears, but reacted very well so we sat for a minute and watched... 

We rode for about 6 hours the first day, stopping for an excellent hamburger lunch! All of the supplies are carried on a mule (our mule was Red Hot!). While we were stopped for lunch we met some hikers who were on their 9^th day of a camping/hiking trip – traveling from Lake Louise. We shared some hamburgers with them, and they were extremely grateful as they had been living on powdered noodles for most of their trip! Whenever we stopped we let the horses graze – it amazed me that they never went very far... but they are experts and they've definitely done this before! 

When we reached Stoney Creek (our first camp) we enjoyed dinner with our cook Penny and some time around the fire. The temporary camps are set up all summer – they have electric wildlife fences around them, a bunch of sleeping tents, a cook tent and a wash stand. Very rustic, but with everything you need.

On day 2, we set out after breakfast, and continued our climb into the mountains. The sights were outstanding, and I found myself at times unable to believe the beauty of the surroundings. It made me wonder what the first adventurers and travelers must have felt when they explored the Canadian landscape and wilderness. 

Along the way we ran into our packer with the mule train (each camp has a cook and a packer – the packers transport food, supplies and any luggage to and from town and between each camp). 

We stopped again for lunch, and then continued on our way to Flint camp which is at the base of Flint Mountain. We enjoyed some dinner, roping and some time again around the fire. This camp also had a makeshift shower (which I enjoyed thoroughly). We all fell into bed fairly early – long days of riding and the fresh air in high altitudes was enough to tire us out!

Day 3 started out bright and early – this would be our longest and toughest day of riding. A lot of the terrain was very steep. Early on into the ride we stopped and hiked a little ways to a beautiful waterfall just off the path. 

We then stopped for lunch at Rainbow Lake which was breathtaking. We hiked around the lake (which took about half an hour), and then had lunch and relaxed for a bit. Some of us enjoyed a nap by the water, and then we continued along our way again. 

Soon after we left Rainbow Lake, we entered 40 Mile Pass. The view is spectacular – I felt like I was in a postcard. 

Our 3^rd night was very similar to the others – we arrived at Mystic Camp and enjoyed some supper and smores around the fire – falling into bed quite early. We were very lucky – the weather was amazing and the nights were not too cold. I was usually bundled up in hat, mitts, slippers and warm clothes to sleep - but overall quite comfortable. Our 4^th day brought us back around to where we had started... we said our goodbyes and all continued home. 

It was an amazing four days that I won't forget – what a way to see the Rockies! I also met some great friends, and have been invited to visit Australia or Germany whenever I would like! :)

Spruce Meadows - a childhood dream come true!

When I was a little girl I used to think that I would love to go to Spruce Meadows and be a groom for one of the big show jumping stars! Last weekend, I got to go to the Spruce Meadows Masters – one of the biggest show jumping events in the world! Just as a spectator, but it was a great experience nonetheless...

Cherie and I spent the day wandering around, looking at all the horses and shopping at some of the vendors. We found seats to sit down and watch the CN million dollar Classic – and watched as Canadian Eric Lamaze easily won the event! I even got to see my favourite rider Ian Miller up close! It is amazing to watch – horses scaling 6 foot and higher obstacles... I was in awe!

 

We also got to check out the dog show they run every year, and the RCMP musical ride, which was spectacular! Overall a great way to spend the day :)

Labour Day Classic (and not so classic) moments...

The long weekend has come and gone, and I can't help but think of “back to school” today. It is still somewhat surreal that I won't be teaching full time this year... I hope all of my colleagues are over the first day nerves, and are settling into the routine that quickly takes over. Wishing you all the best and will miss you!

Yesterday, I had the distinct honor (along with about 30 000 others) of attending the Labour Day Classic game at McMahon stadium. Every year on Labour Day Monday, the Calgary Stampeders play the Edmonton Eskimos for bragging rights. It turned out to be a gorgeous and also hilariously funny and interesting day!

Beth, Cherie and I set out around noon. I had a plan (of course)! We headed out to the most southerly stop on the C-train route, parked the car and excitedly boarded the train.

After about 6 stops, a booming voice came over the speaker... no, not God, just the driver letting us know that regular C-train service was disrupted this weekend, and we would have to board connecting buses at the next stop. Huh?! There had been no signs warning us of this before we got on the train, no information on the website, and now there was a full train of Stampeders fans ready to Stampede!

We crammed into the buses like sardines and tried to be optimistic... however it was smelly, cramped, and generally unfun... We finally reached the next stop, where we again boarded the C train to take us to the stadium. Those of you who know me, know that I tend to plan and I had planned our route to get us to the stadium with time for food, beer, washroom breaks and breathing room. Ha! We were now 45 minutes behind... a lesson that even the best laid plans don't always work out! In the end, it was quite an adventure, and the energy along the trip was infectious... only magnified when we finally reached the stadium. A sea of red and white awaited us...

All was well again once we had food, beer and a washroom break! I was like a little kid, especially when I got my free Stampeders cardboard helmet!!

We found our seats, made ourselves comfortable and settled in to watch the game... (which we didn't end up doing much of!!) Fireworks erupted on the Stampeders first touchdown, and I am really glad I caught it on camera, because there were no more fireworks after that. The Stampeders luck ended there, as they were demolished by the Eskimos!

Now on to some hilarious happenings throughout the game... We decided to head outside at half time, and planted ourselves on the grass in the sun. We were soon approached by some young men, in various stages of intoxication. They turned out to be very nice though and part flattery/part good fun prompted us to play along!! One proceeded to inform us that it was his twenty first birthday. They stuck around to chat for a bit and Cherie, being the oldest, decided to play the part of our mother (which is ridiculous, as she isn't much older than me). This led to the youngest kid trying to hook her up with his dad!  We figured we'd never see them again, and we pried ourselves loose, said goodbye and headed back to the game.

As “luck” would have it, they were seated behind us in the stadium, and approached us again as they were headed to their seats. One was excited to inform us that they had smuggled beer into the stadium and would we like to join them?! A polite “no thank you” had them on their way again! A few minutes later, a big commotion behind us erupted, and people scattered everywhere as the police ran up into the stands. It turns out one of the guys had fallen down numerous levels of seats, and a fight of some sort had ensued. He was promptly handcuffed and taken out of the stadium by police! (which of course I caught on camera :P). 

An interesting afternoon to say the least...

As the game wound down, we headed home amongst the defeated and dejected Stampeders fans... back to the train, bus, train, car and home for supper that Beth had cooking in the crock pot all day! Yum! A great day and a perfect end to the weekend – days like this always make for great stories, and they give me something to write about in my blog! Here's to more hilarious happenings to come!

Happy Labour Day Weekend everyone and good luck to all my fellow teachers headed back to school!