After a long week, Jake and I decided to pack the truck up and head south. We normally aim to stay as close to the mountains as possible, but something about this weekend was different; this weekend we opted for privacy, and vacancy.
From the beginning moments of this trip we knew we were in for a good weekend. The photo above was the view we had almost the whole drive down to Pincher Creek.
After a couple hours drive, we arrived at our campground:
Oldman Dam Cottonwood Campground, Site B-78!
Initially while booking this site, I thought we were right along the river, but we ended up backing onto the pond, which was fine by us!
Surprisingly, as we were setting up camp we both heard an eagle off in the distance. We looked up, and noticed that a gorgeous bald eagle was circling around the campground so we waved and exclaimed "hi dad!".
The tent was set up, the fire was started, and the fire was lit. Night one: success!
Morning one: bright and early. We arose, and prepared for what was planned to be a long hike in the nearby valley. However, due to tired legs, and extreme heat we reorganized the day.
For some reason, coffee enjoyed around the fire always tastes so much better.
After breakfast, we hopped in the truck and headed towards Lundbreck, a small town in Southern Alberta. This town boasts a waterfall that I have long wanted to visit, and lucky for me we did!
The falls from afar.
My fav place to sit, right by the water. I felt like I was riding Maid of the Mist; the water spray was intense sitting that close.
💓💓💓💓💓
The falls have a surrounding campground in which you can stay right alongside the water. There are first come first serve sites as well as sites that are able to be reserved online.
Above is the entrance to one of the sites. They are gorgeous sites, but for me they are a bit too populated. You have people walking through constantly to go see the falls, and there is not much tree coverage. However, if you don't mind those sorts of things this could be a great campground for you!
Next, we moved along to Castle Provincial Park. This recreational area has a waterfall as well, however with this one you can jump from the cliff into the cold waters below. Jake and I had our floatie, a nice lunch packed, a couple drinks, and an afternoon to waste, so Castle Provincial Park was a no brainer.
Upon arriving at the falls, we noticed it was quite busy. As we usually do, we grabbed our packs and headed down the waters edge to a more secluded where we could relax.
We hung out on the water for the rest of the afternoon, eating, having some drinks, playing in the water, and enjoying each others company. It was exactly what we both needed.
Our slice of paradise.
Jake + beer + floating on the water = one happy husband!
Our bellies started grumbling so we knew it was time to head back and cook up some dinner. We grabbed some firewood, and made it back into camp just in time for a storm to pass through.
Once it passed through, Jake made a delicious meal on the fire: pork shish kabobs, bacon wrapped steaks, potatoes and onion and macaroni salad.
Talk about delicious!
After dinner, we set off to explore the Oldman Dam in which the campground was name after.
A birds eye view of the water after it passes through the dam.
The dam itself.
Finally, we settled back into camp, read, napped, and wandered around the campground.
A couple camp visitors.
Gorgeous surrounding flowers.
My best view.
My husband, wilderness, peacefulness, camp surroundings, and camp fire.
The day wound down, and so did we. It was early to bed, so we would be early to rise. Another weekend exploring, another weekend with my best friend.
As we left early Sunday morning, we spotted a familiar visitor watching us.
Conclusion
Oldman Dam: to book click here
I would recommend. It had great sites, privacy was excellent, great location, small campground.
It did not have: running toilets, showers, or firewood for purchase.
Lundbreck Falls: to book click here
I would recommend for the falls, not the campground.
Falls were accessible, although there were stairs to get to the bottom, it is easy to get a great view from atop.
Campground was too busy, and had no privacy.
Castle Provincial Park: for more information click here
I would recommend. It is a great park, with many access points to the water and there are plenty of opportunities for water activities.
We did not explore the campground so I do not have an opinion on the conditions.
Hope you all had a good weekend.
Til next time friend,
xoxo
char hazzard
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