Day Trip to Castle Falls

This weekend wasn't to adventurous for us

unless you call navigating the stores and malls

to finish Christmas shopping an adventure.

So I thought I would share some of our pictures

from a day trip we took a few weekends back.

We first drove out to the Crowsnest Pass

and stopped at our favorite store

to pick up some of the coffee that they roast there.

Then we took a detour on our way home

so we could stop at Castle Falls.

It was our first time there and we had a lot of fun exploring.

Down from the falls the water was so clear and still,

The rocks around the falls were smooth

and layered so that they created a stair effect.

The Falls themselves were tiny but it was

off season with low water levels.

I would love to go back in the spring

to see how it changes the falls.

Snow was in the forecast but we managed to beat the snow

as a few flakes just started to fall as we were ready to head home.

Spending a day outdoors in the mountains

is one of my favorite places to be.

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Winter Light Festival

This year hubby & I went to the opening night

of the Winter Light Festival held at the

Japanese Gardens.

We almost didn't get to go.

The day after I bought the tickets

they asked my husband to work late

the day we had tickets for.

Thankfully he was able to split the extra hours

with another guy on shift and was able

to make it so we could enjoy the evening and lights together.

The amount of lights is incredible.

I just loved the way they wrapped the lights on the trees.

They had some little igloos which the kids were enjoying.

For an opening night it wasn't very busy

which was nice.

I am sure it will get busier

as we get closer to Christmas.

They also had music playing

which made the stroll around the gardens

even more enjoyable.

We have been having a lot of wind

but it had calmed down some for the evening,

plus the garden is quite sheltered.

It was a beautiful way to end the day.

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

Weekend Adventures - Crowsnest Lake

The carrier racks to carry our kayaks on our car

finally came in after being on backorder.

We were very excited to get the kayaks loaded up

and head out for our first kayaking trip of the season.

The wind was very calm so we headed to Crowsnest Lake.

It is usually quite windy at this lake

so you grab the chance to go when you can.

From Crowsnest Lake you can kayak under the bridge

which connects onto Emerald Lake.

This is the first time we have done this.

The water was a little low so we had to carry

the kayaks to the other side.

Once on Emerald Lake we had a beautiful

but hazy view of Crow Mountain.

And very calm, clear waters.

The breeze did start to pick up

so we decided it was time to head back.

On the way back we saw a family of Mountain Goats.

We just stopped and watched them for awhile.

We were close enough that we could hear them bleating.

And finally back to our site where we pulled out the gravity chairs

and it was time to

"Sip back and relax".

Hope you had a weekend of fun & adventure.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Alana

 

Weekend Ramblings

This past weekend hubby & I went for a weekend ramble.

We love to get out and explore new trails

and take photos as we ramble along.

It is so relaxing just to get outside

and explore.

This time we explored the

Elizabeth Hall Wetlands.

The river bottom is one of our favorite places to go

but we have never explored

the opposite side before.

The Elizabeth Hall Wetlands is a nature reserve

with viewing areas and blinds to watch the wildlife.

It was still pretty frozen over

except in one little corner.

I was surprised to see so many ducks,

a sure sign spring is closer than it seems.

Not many people seem to have been through this area

and it was neat to see so many animal tracks in the snow.

We are looking forward to going back

and exploring this once the snow is gone.

Do you have favorite places you like to explore?

~~~*~~~

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Alana

Garden Rewards

We have had a lot of rain here,

so much so that it has been too wet to work in the garden.

However, the sun has finally come out

and that means time to garden.

I was very glad to see that things had grown besides the weeds.

I found a bloom nestled in our pumpkin plant.

And all the moisture has made the rhubarb very lush and red.

And the bean plants are just beginning to bloom.

Although my tomato plants were a little yellow at first

now they are dark green and have some nice size tomatoes on them.

A few tomatoes have some minor hail damage

but if that is the worst of it I am not going to complain.

The flowers in the cutting garden are also beginning to bloom.

The bright orange of the calendula is so cheery!

This is the first year that I have planted strawflowers.

I got a mix called "Brights"

and they are very bright and cheerful.

I have been told that they dry very well

so I am going to try that later in the season.

My dad had some extra plants so he gave some to me.

He says they are type of daisy.

And some of the roses are just beginning to bloom.

But what is the best of all is the freshly picked food for the dinner table!

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am joining...

The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Fishtail Cottage for Cottage Garden Party

My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

While He Was Napping for Weekend Wander

French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Happy Hour Projects for Happy Hour Friday

Something Swanky for Swanky Stuff Thursday