Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: small lake

Unearthed from my archives, this photo was taken on 30 July 2011, on a hike in the mountains. This photo shows just one of the many spectacular views on the Arethusa Cirque trail in Kananaskis, Alberta. The little bit of information that I had been able to find out about this trail said that it was easy with not all that much elevation (122'). Well, we were standing at 8,000' by the time we had scaled the very steep mountain side. Most of the climb was steeply upwards which meant that if I wanted to take flower photos, it would mean trying to balance on a steep slope with an almighty drop below (so I took far fewer photos than I normally would, ha). I am not good at heights, so did my best to avoid looking "down" during the whole climb up. Also not good at any trail that goes upwards instead of along the flat. Lol, I never thought I'd reach the top, but amazingly I did - and, oh, what magnificent views!!! This hike is just north of the Ptarmigan Cirque hike and parts of it were quite similar, except that Arethusa Cirque trail is up, up, up the whole way. Still, the views were simply breath-taking, including this massive, twisted, folded rock face : ) Weather was perfect, no Grizzly Bears appeared, and the company was great. Only six of us went, so it was a nice, small group. Can't remember offhand, but I know we saw one new plant - a tiny blue Gentian species with the most exquisite, tiny blue flower. A brutal hike that I have never repeated and I'm never likely to repeat, lol! What a way to spend the day! Thanks so much, David, for sharing this new place with us and thanks, too, for the welcome treat of coffee at Highwood House. Just what was needed : )

When I went for a short drive SW of Calgary on 12 June 2013, I noticed this beautiful Red-necked Grebe sitting on her nest way off in the distance. I wonder what has happened to her and her babies during this horrendous time of flooding, that has destroyed so much of southern Alberta in the last few days. Everyone in Drumheller (Badlands east of Calgary) and Medicine Hat (closer to the Canada/US border) will now be receiving this massive body of raging water. My thoughts are with them. Yesterday, Calgary's Mayor announced that it is OK now for people to go grocery shopping, or to church, but we are still supposed to stay off the roads. Downtown Calgary is still closed till Thursday at the earliest, and all schools in the city remain closed.