AZ in the Rearview

Whenever the month of May comes around, Dave gets antsy. The mountains are calling. He calls it a longing—to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and return to his roots.

And so the trek begins. I have to admit, we have this down to a science. Two 12-hour days, from Phoenix, Arizona to Canmore, Alberta. The Jeep is expertly packed and filled to the gills, with art supplies, hiking gear, mountain bikes and musical instruments. What else does one need? Oh yes. Golf clubs—check.

Dota is ready to travel before we are.

Puccini is not so sure

Our pups, Dota and Puccini are experienced travelers.  It takes them about 30 minutes to realize that they aren’t going to the veterinarian. Then, they settle in and it’s smooth sailing.

We leave early. Really early. The sun is rising just as we reach Flagstaff. Then we travel north, up through Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam to Utah. We spend the night in Pocatello.

South of Flagstaff, Arizona

Downtown Flagstaff, Arizona

The Colorado River, Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona

Day two, up at 4am. The sun rises in Idaho, then it’s off through Montana. Doggie stops and photo ops all along the way. With any luck we reach the border by noon. 

Early morning, outside Pocatello, Idaho

On the road near Dillon, Montana

Just outside Canmore, Alberta

We are home free. We travel through Lethbridge (where my Dad was born), Fort Macleod and Calgary. By late afternoon, we have reached our destination.  Our home away from home.

Happy Summer.

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Pack a Lunch

The Chester Lake Trail is one of my Dad’s all-time favorite hikes. He has been hiking this trail for close to 30 years—and has introduced it to many friends and family members. It is a moderate 10.6 km out and back hike with views rivaling anything you will see in a National Park. The first half of the hike is a steady incline, followed by a beautiful meandering trail through lush green meadows. When hiking around the lake, we often take a detour to a place we call Elephant Rock. It is a short, unmarked trail that leads to some enormous boulders worthy of exploring.

In the spring there is an abundance of wildflowers, and in the fall, golden stands of larches. For an entirely different experience, many snowshoe during the winter months on the well-marked trail.

We hike to the lake at least twice during the year. The trail is closed from May 1 - June 29 for wildlife passage. And it can also be closed when a grizzly decides to visit. So, pack a lunch and spend a day in the wilderness. You won’t be disappointed.

Chester Lake Trail, Peter Loughheed Provincial Park.

Spring wildflowers, Chester Lake, Peter Loughheed Provincial Park.

Beauty on the trail.

Lakeside. Chester Lake, Peter Loughheed Provincial Park

Alpine clarity, lakeside.

View from the lakeside portion of the trail. Chester Lake, Peter Loughheed Provincial Park

“Elephant” Rocks

Hillary and Bruno on the rocks.

Our favorite lunch spot, on our own private island.

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