Ice Skating On Lake Louise

Ice Castle on Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

On our first morning in Banff National Park, Bob and I had planned to go cross-country skiing, but with the sun shining brightly, we headed up instead to checkout the skating surface on Lake Louise.  We were pleasantly surprised to find not one but two ice rinks, with one reserved for ice hockey, and the other set off by a glistening castle fashioned out of blocks of ice for ice skating. Read more

Snowshoeing On Lake Agnes Trail To Big Beehive

Jean snowshoeing on the Lake Agnes Trail at Banff National Park, in Alberta, Canada

During our stay at Banff National Park, not a day passed without a dump of fresh snow.  Either we awoke in the morning to an additional 6 inches weighing down the trees, or snow fell so thickly when skiing that we could barely see which way to go.  One afternoon, owing to the lack of freshly trackset cross-country ski trails, Bob and I opted to go snowshoeing up into the mountains following the Lake Agnes Trail from Lake Louise. Read more

Taking A 1941 Chevy Business Coupe For A Spin

jean beside 1941 Chevrolet special deluxe Business Coupe - 1

After spending a couple of days visiting with Bob’s sister, Claire, and her husband, Martin, in Bowser, British Columbia, Martin suggested it was time to roll out his 1941 Chevy Business Coupe and take it for a spin.  I was thrilled as I have always had a love of vintage automobiles right from the time I was a little girl. Read more

Visiting The Cliffs of Moher In Ireland

bob and jean cliffs of moher

Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland

A short distance from Ennistymon brought us to the famed   Cliffs of Moher   in County Clare, one of the most dramatic stretches of Ireland’s west coast.  When first we arrived, a light drizzle dampened our clothing, and a brisk wind swept in off the ocean lending a distinct chill to the air.  With our rain ponchos in place, we were ready for anything. Read more

A Tim Hortons coffee cup in Ennistymon, Ireland?

Tim Hortons coffee cup on metal post in Ennistymon, County Clare, Ireland

After taking our leave of Killarney, Bob and I wasted no time driving towards our next destination, the Cliffs of Moher.  A freeway made it possible to put the miles behind us quickly, and then we exited onto secondary roads near Ennis.  Next thing you know, we were driving down the quiet streets of the country market town known as Ennistymon in County Clare.  A short walking tour of the Main Street turned up a very unexpected reminder of our Canadian home, a Tim Hortons coffee cup. Read more

Hiking Bright Angel Trail To Plateau Point At The Grand Canyon

view of plateau point from the top of the South Rim at the grand canyon

When Bob and I decided to hike Bright Angel Trail, we knew it would be a demanding challenge, and one that would take many hours.  From the South Rim, Plateau Point was a speck at the edge of the Tonto Platform; from midway down the fault line, the narrow meandering trail that leads from Indian Garden to Plateau Point was more discernible but no less intimidating. Read more

Hiking Bright Angel Trail To Indian Garden at the Grand Canyon

bright angel trail sign 2aa

The day preceding our hike on the Bright Angel Trail at    Grand Canyon National Park ,    saw Bob and me taking it easy and making the necessary preparations for our lengthy endeavour.  We purchased lots of salty snacks, lunch supplies, energy bars and fruit, knowing full well that the demands on our bodies would probably be the most extreme we had ever experienced.  With our alarm set for 4 a.m., and plans to hit the trail by 5 a.m., Bob and I intended to retire early, but in the end, we hit the hay about the same time as usual…10:30 p.m.  We were full of anticipation and trepidation.  Were we really up to the task? Read more

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