Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: stunning

This was my main destination this afternoon, Forgetmenot Pond, off Elbow Falls Trail (Highway 66), Kananaskis. I had noticed two or three days that had tiny snowflake icons on the weather forecast chart, so thought I'd better get into K-Country while I could drive on dry, clear roads. Takes about 50 minutes to reach this spot, which really isn't too bad. I did notice a few patches of snow just off the road, shortly before I reached this lake, and the path around the lake was somewhat muddy, from melted snow I would guess. Not many people this time, which is so much nicer. A little hazy over the mountains and the sun was in the wrong place (which happens every time I drive out there!), but at least the water was calm enough to create some reflections.

Took this shot using a different setting and quite liked the effect, for fun. Taken looking across Bow Lake towards Crowfoot Mt. and the Crowfoot Glacier, on 29 August 2013, when I went with a friend who wanted to look for lichens, mosses and liverworts. I find these more and more fascinating, including to photograph, but of course I was so thrilled to get the chance to shoot the spectacular scenery and anything else that was beautiful! I hadn't been to Bow Lake in 30+ years, but had fallen in love with it all those years ago. Just added two old images that I took of the lake on that first visit - no touching up, which they definitely need - maybe I'll get round to it one of these years. Meanwhile, they are safely in the Bow Lake and Bow Glacier Falls album along with my recent shots : )

Can you imagine a brighter display of flowers than this - and to have a beautiful butterfly (with wings spread!) at rest on them? Can't remember the name of this butterfly off hand, but I love the zigzag wing edges. Needed something bright on this unpleasant, snowy day - and yes, this IS May, LOL! Seen in the ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo. I think the ID is Cethosia biblis, Red Lacewing. Anyone else having a few problems with Flickr today? Seems very quiet - and I keep getting empty boxes with red Xs with some photostreams. If I go back and access the page again, all seems fine.

Not particularly good quality but looks OK in this size. I was leaning back in my seat in a friend's car, trying to balance myself to get a few shots through the skyroof, LOL. I don't know if simply pointing my point-and-shoot up towards the sky took away the quality, or if maybe the car engine running caused vibration - though my IS should have worked sufficiently. We saw three Snowy Owls east of the city on this day and this gorgeous male, almost pure white, was the first one we saw. Spent today in the mountains, to see what birds could be found. Talk about a slow, quiet day, LOL! There seem to be so few birds around in many places. However, the highlight was a Northern Hawk Owl, very, very far away! Like a needle in a haystack, seeing one of these in the vast forest! We were in total awe that Andrew spotted it and, thanks to his scope, we had a lovely, sharp view of this fascinating owl. The weather was amazing today and the ground was clear wherever we went. I know I, for one, had expected there to be snow everywhere. If only winter could be like this the whole season ... sigh.

Pearl, I don't know if you loved RED like your Mom (Rebecca), but I know for sure you spent a lifetime being surrounded by this gorgeous, vibrant colour. When I looked at this photo this evening, it made me think of you and your Mom. I'm sure you are looking down from over the Rainbow Bridge, watching her - she is so lucky to have such an amazing Guardian Angel who will watch over her at all times. She deserves that, you say? Oh, Pearl, we all already know that! I know you will likewise be looking down on your Dad and your furry siblings, too : ) What a family you have, and what joy you have brought them for almost 20 years - and vice versa, I know! You will be so greatly missed ..... Our thoughts are with you all, Rebecca : ) Hugs.... Our weather was atrocious this afternoon/evening. Snow made the roads really bad and traffic was awful. Took me two hours to get home after a volunteer shift - a drive that would normally take about 20 minutes! I can't imagine having to do this day after day - I really feel for all you people out there who have to put up with that.