As one could probably guess, it was a no-brainer that we kicked off our week of togetherness with a trip to the mountains. Initially we had planned on attempting a summit, but I kept waking up throughout the night with a bad feeling in my stomach so in trusting my instincts we opted for a different mountain adventure.
Our first stop was Lake Louise! I'm sure most, if not all of you, have heard or been to Lake Louise in all it's glory. It's a sight to behold during the Summer months when the turquoise glacier fed lake is on full display, but it is a whole other picturesque sight to behold when snow falls.
During the Winter at Lake Louise, there are ice rinks cleared of snow, snow castles built, and plenty of memories to be had. Although we didn't have our skates, we did explore the castle, walk along the shoreline and walk across the frozen lake towards Mt. Victoria.
The beauty of Lake Louise always amazes me,it's not hard to see why it is one of the most photographed places on Earth.
With views like this feet from our car, I was ecstatic to explore.
The hoar frost was breathtaking, although it was a clear indication of how cold our day was going to be.
Currently at Lake Louise, this is the only ice sculpture, however in 2019 there is a special treat for anyone who loves these creations as much as I do!
January 16-27, 2019 there is the Ice Magic Festival at Lake Louise. It is a world-class ice carving event where artists from around the world compete in a skillful competition. Admission is free before 10 a.m or after 5:30 Monday-Friday. Tickets are required during peak times however, and can be purchased online up to 48 hours in advance. It's worth checking out if you're able to.
* please note the child in the background who is demonstrating the extent of my skating skills. This kid had the most infectious belly laugh as his dad tried to help him onto his feet. This place is magical, I'm telling you.
It's hard to explain how incredible it feels to be in the middle of a Winter Wonderland during one of the hardest holiday seasons of our lives. The mountains have a power to make us feel something that I have a hard time putting into words.
We piled back into Jake's truck, now named "Jimbo" and headed down The Bow Valley Parkway towards Johnston Canyon. We've been to Johsnton Canyon a decent amount of times, but we have never been able to find the elusive "secret" not-so-secret cave so we were determined to change that!!!
Almost to Johnston Canyon and Jake stops the truck, looks at me with a huge grin on his handsome face and points to this gorgeous elk just laying in the field. We sat and watched as the snow fell around him while he chewed away on his meal. We have seen our fair share of wildlife, but I always make sure to stop and think about how lucky we are each time. Mother Nature has the most beautiful scenery and creatures, and I am thankful we get to see everything we do.
There are seven waterfalls in Johnston Canyon, and they are all breathtaking.
There were also some interesting ice crystals along the trail.
* Although it is a easier rated walk, the ice along the walkway makes it slippery in spots. We wore our cleats and no problems during our trip, but we encountered a lot of people slipping in bare shoes. Just something to keep in mind!
FINALLY made it to the elusive cave!!!!!!!! This has been on our bucket list for nearly three years, and it feels so good to cross it off!!!!
Can't wait to do this one during the Summer, who wants to join?!
The ice cave (seen behind me in photo above this one). We were able to get pretty far behind and watch the water flow through the already formed ice.
I just love my red flannel ear flap hat loving husband.
On our way home, Mother Nature treated us to another incredible feat... This time I spotted a couple elk drinking by a stream in the adjacent meadow so I asked Jake to stop the truck. As I got my camera ready, Jake told me he thought the elk were fighting! I didn't believe it, but as I got my camera ready and aimed it their way, I realized he was right!!!!! Another amazing this that we were lucky enough to witness, what a day!!!!
As we wrapped up our adventure day, we headed home for some crock-pot chili and couch snuggles. This holiday season was no doubt going to be hard for us, but we were determined to have a good week regardless, and I think this was the perfect way to start it!
xoxo
happy holiday friends,
char hazzard
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