My heart was filled with joy each time I held this precious bundle, but the added bonus was enjoying the magnificent landscape that surrounds where my son and family live. I was fortunate that the temperature was mild at the time of my visit. It ranged from 6C to -7C during the day. A week later the range was -20C to -39C and fresh snow. I would have loved the fresh snow, but I am not sorry to have missed the extreme cold.
When Ben was asleep, Stuart and I would take Gunner their Sheba dog, for a walk along the Bow River, just a ten minute walk from their unit.
The river just 2 weeks before my visit.
On the afternoon, of the day after my arrival.
As we walked back to the unit, we spotted the near, full moon rising.
I watched for it over the next several nights and on the sunrise walks [9am]
The walks with Gunner were regular, with the views mesmerising me on each visit.
Midmorning, 2nd December.
Midmorning, 2nd December.
Monday 4th - We took the 10 minute drive into Canmore for Gunner to have a much needed, long walk, for exercise. The drive down the valley to Canmore was superb!
The walk was equally so!
Sunset, 5 December - view east.
View west.
Sunrise, 6 December - setting off walking at 8.30am.
Midmorning Stuart and I drove to Cochrane to collect a parcel. The vistas were stunning.
And the sunset was hard to beat as well.
Midday, 7 December - Driving to Banff, Cascade Mountain dominated the skyline.
Cascade Mtn, as seen through the wing mirror of the car, as we drove home.
The sun was up on the 8th when we took Gunner for his morning stretch. His brother Magner was visiting.
Sunset on the 9th.
Sunrise on the 10th.
Sunset on the 10th.
Sunday, 11 December.
Sunrise - the morning was magical beyond belief. My post "Sunrise at Deadman's Flat" has many more pics.
Mid-afternoon Stuart and I took Gunner for another long walk, along the Bow River in Canmore.
Monday 12 December - mid-afternoon we took a drive along the Bow Valley Parkway, returning via the Trans Canada Highway, with a brief visit to the entrance to Johnson's Canyon.
The photo of the plane wing was taken just a couple of hours out of Brisbane, on my return flight. The light was quite eerie. We landed at 6 am. The sun is actually rising behind us, giving the unusual blue sky.
My time with Ben and his Mum and Dad passed all too quickly. A return visit in April can't come quickly enough.
I would love to read your comment.
Your son lives in such a magnificently beautiful place! I'll bet you're counting the days until April.
ReplyDeleteSo true and waiting for the regular ping on the phone to say another pic of Ben has arrived.
DeleteWow! What a beautiful place! It will be interesting to see how different it is in April. I know Ben will be much different, too, so I'm sure you are counting the days.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I had this time "baby time" with Ben. He will be quite active in April.
DeleteWonderful images as always--- You were lucky that it was mild--enough snow to be pretty, not enough to get in the way. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill. So true.
DeleteGunner is cute and you and he had some amazing walks! Stunning scenery!! I can't wait to see the views from your April visit! Have a great weekend Helen :)
ReplyDeleteGunner certainly is and he is so caring of Ben. I hope your weather has improved.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's amazing scenery. I don't think I would want to experience the more normal winter temperatures!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree on both accounts.
DeleteWhat a spectacular place. Wow! Mind blowing beauty.
ReplyDeleteI was so very fortunate with the crystal clear skies. It was truely awesome.
DeleteI've got to get to that part of the world someday!
ReplyDeleteApproximately an 11 hour drive to Banff. Not far at all!
DeleteGosh Helen you had lovely weather for a winter visit. I look forward to when you are here in April, we need to have a play day!
ReplyDeleteSomething like yours today would be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, it must have been a great trip seeing not only your new grandson but also a chance to see the amazing Canadian Rockies
ReplyDeleteWow - the scenery is stunning! Fabulous shots.
ReplyDeleteHello Helen, what a wonderful reason to visit Calgary - to meet little Ben. My oldest grandson (14) is also named Ben. The scenery you photographed is magnificent. Glad you could take sunrise and sunset walks with your camera. I bet there are a lot of snaps of the little guy, too!
ReplyDeleteHello Barb. How lovely we both have a Ben to love! On this occasion I came home with more pics of Ben than scenery and wish I had taken even more, as I miss him so much!
DeleteIf you are interested ,my December entry "Sunrise at Deadman's Flat" has a few pics of him.
Your post, "The Purity of White", is very special in both words and photos. So glad the snow found you and I trust more will follow.