When a hike doesn't go as planned...

It's been awhile since we've been out to the mountains as a family, so when our friends Kate and Dan expressed interest in wanting to go for a hike, and then admitted that they'd never even been out to Bragg Creek, despite having lived in Calgary for over 5 years, we quickly made plans to go for a hike together on Saturday.

Our original plan had been to hike Fullerton Loop, an easy 7km hike, with wide trails and perfect for families. Of course, since it's been such a mild winter in Calgary, it's easy to forget that it's still winter in the mountains, and within minutes of setting out on the trail, we were met with extremely icy paths. Even though there wasn't a ton of snow, the snow that's there is hidden from the sun and the milder temperatures have turned what's left into ice. We passed several hikers at the start who were turning back and warned us that the conditions didn't get better, and where there wasn't ice, there were big sloughs. And then other hikers we spoke with in the parking lot said all the other trails around there were the same story.

It was a bit discouraging, as I was really looking forward to getting in the hike and exercise, but rather than packing up and calling it quits altogether, we drove a bit further down the road to Elbow Falls. Elbow Falls isn't really a hike, but it's a beautiful area and it was the first place we explored when we initially moved to Calgary last year, so we knew our friends needed to see it.

The highway is closed right after the Elbow Falls turnoff for the winter season, so after walking along the river for a bit, we took to the highway! It was pretty cool to walk along the road and take in the views. It's not everyday you can (safely) get a picture standing on the yellow line of an otherwise busy highway!

Fullerton Loop - we'll be back for you in a few months!



Local folks - any favourite hikes in the Bragg Creek/Kanaskis area?

Tell me something fun you did this weekend!

Linking up with Her Heartland Soul for Weekend Snapshots!

Explore Waterton: Bear's Hump Hike

If you missed it, you can read my other Waterton recaps here, here and here. 

On our last day in Waterton, we all had breakfast together, and then our entire group (plus Rachel, but minus Ange), hiked to the top of Bear's Hump. The trail head to the hike is at the Waterton Information Centre, which is on your way out (or in) of town. The hike is a steady climb of numerous switchbacks all the way to the top, with stairs built into the trail at some of the steeper parts.

The entire hike is only a 2.8km return trip, with an elevation gain of 225m. The average hiker should be able to do the hike, round trip, in about an hour, which is roughly what it took our group. It's the perfect hike for both the hiker and the non-hiker as this one can easily be done in regular running shoes. The two (almost) three-year old's on our trip both did the hike with us, so this is a great one for young families as well.

You're sheltered by the trees on the hike up, but layers are still a good idea as you quickly work up a sweat. Once you come to the top, "the hump", you are greeted with a huge, flat open area and a million dollar view! Seriously, this is probably one of the shortest, but most rewarding hikes I have ever done. Unfortunately, it is very windy at the top so it's not enjoyable to be up there for too long, but you'll definitely want to stick around for 10-15 minutes to get some gorgeous photos.

Waterton is described as a place "where the mountains meet the prairies", and from the view, you can immediately see why. The Bear's Hump looks out over the entire Waterton Valley, and it's pretty breathtaking. You can see the town, both Middle and Lower Waterton Lakes, as well as Waterton Valley, and Mount Cleveland. If you aren't up for a more challenging hike like Bertha Lake, or don't have the time, then this hike is a must and I can't imagine anyone regretting it.

Hiking Bear's Hump was a fantastic end to our already amazing weekend and I'm so glad almost all of us were able to stick around on our last day for it. It is definitely a hike I look forward to doing again with my family when we return.

**The #ABBloggersRetreat was funded and sponsored by Chinook Country Tourism in partnership with the town of Waterton and Travel Alberta in exchange for posts sharing our stories. Accommodations, food, and activities were provided to the bloggers. A huge thank-you to Kris and Candace for organizing the trip! All opinions and writing are my own. 

An InLinkz Link-up

Explore Waterton: Bertha Lake Hike

Welcome to my third instalment of recapping all things Waterton! If you missed it, you can read my first post here and my second post here.

On the Saturday, after our Shoreline Cruise, myself, along with Jo, Ashley and Kris, hiked to Bertha Falls, and then on to Bertha Lake. The entire hike is approximately a 10.4 km return hike with a total of 500m elevation gain, and should take the average hiker around 4-5 hours depending on how often you stop to take photos, of course! It took our group just under 4 hours.

The trail head for Bertha Lake is a short walking distance from the town, on the southwest edge, or you can drive and park at the entrance. The hike immediately sets off into the trees and the incline is steady. Views of Waterton from the trail are few (there are lookout points though), but the surrounding nature and foliage make up for it, especially in the fall. As you continue to climb Bertha Mountain, you will come to Bertha Falls which is breathtaking, and I can't imagine anyone not wanting to stop for a photo opportunity. For a beginner hiker, or someone looking for a short hike, Bertha Falls would be a good place to turn back around at. Otherwise, the hike continues across the wooden bridge at the falls.

From here, the hike became more challenging for me as the steady elevation gain had my legs and lungs working hard! I like to think I'm in decent shape, but I always find hiking very humbling.

For the most part, we had the trails to ourselves, passing just a few groups of hikers on their descent. We experienced all types of weather on the hike - from feeling chilly, to being too warm, to rain, and even a bit of hail. Hiking in Alberta in the fall requires many layers as we all found ourselves undressing and then redressing depending on the weather at any given moment. I wore my hiking boots  for this hike, but it could be done in just running shoes if hiking boots or trail shoes aren't available to you. But I would recommend a shoe with grip as the incline and declines are steep so you will be happy for the extra grip!

After countless switchbacks up the mountain, we finally found ourselves at Lake Bertha after approximately two hours of hiking. I always find a lake at the top of a mountain so magical. Lake Bertha is incredibly beautiful and serene and you can't help but feel like time is standing still when you get there. Often, when you think about hiking, you think of the view you will be rewarded with, but in some ways, I find a lake much more breathtaking. Instead of a valley view, you are greeted with a calm, and majestic body of water nestled in the mountains and surrounded by trees. It leaves you a little speechless. I'm sure in the summer months some brave souls take an ice-cold plunge!

Once you've reached Bertha Lake, you have the option of hiking around it for another 4km. We opted out of that, but did explore the trail just a bit farther to where there is a campsite. I have no experience with back-country camping, but I must admit, I would consider camping there one day. There's also an outhouse near the campsite, although I can't comment on it's condition. Luckily, none of us needed to make use of it.

After reflecting on the beauty and stillness of our surroundings, Jo surprised us all by pulling out a bottle of red wine and suggested that a toast was necessary. How could we refuse! We gave cheers to not only our hike, but also to a wonderful weekend spent with some amazing women. Drinking a glass of wine, and warming our souls, all while surrounded by the beauty and sounds of nature, is a moment I won't soon forget. I highly recommend doing this the next time you you hike with a group of friends.

The hike down, which took us about an hour and a half was still somewhat challenging as the decline is steep and your knees and thighs really feel it. I will admit, my hips and legs were sore for a few days after this hike! Once we made it back down the mountain, we quickly zipped over to Cameron Falls which is just down the road from the Bertha Lake trail head. Cameron Falls is a very popular spot for tourists and a great photo opportunity!

Would I do this hike again? You bet! I cannot speak enough on how amazing, rejuvenating and magical this hike was. There were times when the girl talk was non-stop, and then other times where we hiked with just our thoughts and heaving breathing to keep us company. I felt so relaxed, mentally, after finishing this hike. Hiking is a powerful activity for me both emotionally and physically. There's something pretty awesome about clearing your head all while climbing a mountain. I will never underestimate the healing power of being in the mountains.


Want to read more about our blogger retreat in Waterton? Then be sure to check out the links from the other girls below!

**The #ABBloggersRetreat was funded and sponsored by Chinook Country Tourism in partnership with the Town of Waterton and Travel Alberta in exchange for posts sharing our stories. Accommodations, food, and activities were provided to the bloggers. A huge thank-you to Kris and Candace for organizing the trip! All opinions and writing are my own.

An InLinkz Link-up

Weekending: Pyjama Days, Hiking and BBQ's

A lot of our time on the weekends is spent trying to complete projects we have going on around the house. While our house is far from a fixer upper, (it's only a few years old), there's still a little wear and tear and cosmetic projects that need looking after. But, I don't want our summer to pass us by and all we have to show for it is freshly painted walls! It's easy to stay in, but we try to find a balance of working around the house and getting out and doing things.

Friday, Calgary was hit with a crazy storm. It rained most of the day and the howling winds were out of control. It was the perfect day to stay in our pyjamas, eat snacks on the couch and watch movies. Sully's attention span for TV is max 20 minutes, but I'll take what I can get. Since I felt bad for Jim having to take the train home from work in this weather, we drove downtown and picked him up, stopping to get Tim Horton's for dinner on the way home.

Saturday, Jim got to work sanding a few walls in the house and I baked the Lemon Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins that I bookmarked from Running With Spoons. I thought for sure they'd be a hit with Sully, but oh the faces he made! Luckily, Jim was a huge fan and downed three in one go.

After Sully woke up from his afternoon nap, we headed out to Bragg Creek and did the Diamond T Loop trail, which is 4.5km and took us just over an hour to do. It's a pretty steep climb up, which definitely had us huffing and puffing, but then heading down is a breeze! There's a bench and a lookout when you get to the top, but the trees are so thick at this time of year that there wasn't a lot to see, view wise. Definitely a great hike to do when you just want something quick.

Sully loves when we hike with him in the backpack carrier and he doesn't make a peep the entire time. It's so great that we are such a short drive from mountain hiking trails.

We picked up stuff to throw on the BBQ on the way home and then started on season 2 of An Idiot Abroad once Sully was in bed.

Sunday, we had a quiet morning at home puttering around. Jim went out for a motorcycle ride while Sully napped and I got ready for my cousin's birthday BBQ at my aunt's that evening. It's so nice that we have some family here and can still attend family get-togethers. My aunt Max and her husband Barry always cook delicious food! And the adult interaction for me is always nice, haha! Of course, I failed to take any photos of the evening, although Jim did get this awesome one of me and Sully, ha!

Tell me something fun you did this weekend! 
Have you hiked out near Bragg Creek? What are some of your favourite trails?