Canadian Rockies: First steps into Kananaskis Country, day 1

Hi Steemians!

I know, I have gone quiet again, For good reason this time I promise! Summer is time to hit the trails, for a few month I have been anticipating my return into the stony giants a short distance away. I have taken you on a virtual tour on the cliche tourist Rockies experience from Banff to Jasper and whatever's in between. Don't get me wrong, it's still the most beautiful place in the world but during tourist season, it can get crowded and frustrating and that is not what we somewhat locals call a relaxing summer vacation. Where we were going, we would be disconnected from the world entirely, no cell phone, no internet or any luxuries we have become accustomed to in our urban lives ... a place where time and days ceases to exist. If you think the rest looks remote or limited access (and it is) still nothing compared to what we were about to experience. This is the back country, all we have is ourselves and what we brought. Our only source of electricity for the next 5 days would be what we generate and can plug in to the truck lighter while driving to our hike starting points.

Shot 1/250 sec. f/8 18 mm, ISO 100

We were headed to Kananaskis country, near the Alberta/ British-Columbia border for a 5 day camping/ hiking trip in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. I don't post much about the view of the prairies because it's kinda boring but still gorgeous. The drive from Edmonton to Calgary is a series of canola fields for hours. It looks amazing in the summer when all the yellow blooms are open, maybe I take it for granted because it's what I see all the time but for the rest of you I thought I would still get you a snapshot. The excitement was getting harder and harder to contain as we got closer to the landscape of my dreams but I knew as soon as we passed Calgary we would slowly start to see the mountains. Our last few visits to the Rockies were during the winter months when sunlight is limited and it was dark by the time we got to this point, we were robbed of that view and the feeling when you suddenly find yourself in the middle of giant rocks.

Shot 1/1000 sec. f/8 65 mm, ISO 200

This was new territory for us, since we still had a few hours until sunset and close to our destination, we couldn't help ourselves, perfect place to stop, stretch our legs and let it sink in that this was the beginning of another adventure. The pictures don't do justice to what my eyes were seeing and this is just the start. I filled my lungs with my first breath of pollution free mountain air and instantly felt like I was home.

Shot 1/320 sec. f/9 18 mm, ISO 100

The 304 square kilometer park is one of the largest provincial parks in Alberta. It has several road accessed campgrounds along with hike only more remote accommodations along the trails. We stayed in Boulton Creek, the only campground that has access to a shower and functional bathroom with running water and a small camping plaza with a convenience store, ice cream shop and a canoe rental shop... we didn't go full wild but mostly. The park consists of a network of trails that go to it's different features including glacier lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, peaks and meadows. Perfect for both the backpacker or the day hiker. The trail system is marked along the way along with trail closures and advisories because Kananaskis is Bear country including the Grizzly to reduce human encounters or potential attacks.

Shot 1/320 sec. f/9 18 mm, ISO 100

Other wildlife like wolves ,deer, elk, lynx and other typical northern animals can be found roaming free across the park precautions must be taken when camping or hiking in these areas. Having bear spray is a must and your food must be sealed and kept in your vehicle when camping so they can't be attracted by the smell, luckily we didn't encounter anything too dangerous, just smaller wildlife. Some of the activities include hiking & climbing , biking, fishing is allowed, canoeing on the lake or just sitting around the campfire. Boulton Creek offers large secluded well maintained camp sites and facilities.

Shot 1/320 sec. f/9 18 mm, ISO 100

Shot 1/1600 sec. f/6.3 200 mm, ISO 400

We had already spent over 5 hours on the road getting here, our plans tonight was to go get camp set up and take a look around to potential trails of interest for the coming days and find a place to relax for the rest of the evening. Some of the main easily accessed feature of the area are Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. The upper and lower lakes are partly natural glacier lake and man-made reservoirs as part of hydro electricity to supply the park and to help manage the water levels of the Bow River during spring floods and heavy rain periods and includes a boat launch. The area was subjected to severe flooding in 2013 when heavy rains made the snow and glaciers to melt too fast and caused a lot of damage to small towns connected to the Bow River and destroyed some of the park and trail's infrastructure.

As soon as we arrived to upper lake, we knew this was the perfect place to finish the evening and unwind. The water appeared so clear and blue, the picture can't even come close to it's true colors, I couldn't wait to get my feet in after such a long drive in moderately hot summer temperatures. I guarantee you wouldn't want to swim in it!!! it was so cold but it felt good. I let my body absorb the shock of the cold then it was fine to walk along the rocky shoreline of the large mirror like lake and admire the natural beauty of our new surroundings we would call home for the next 5 days. We only made less than a quarter way so we could be back to the vehicle before sunset.

Taken by @silvergingerman with iphone8

Shot 1/250 sec. f/10 18 mm, ISO 200

Hidden in the trees are several private picnic areas part of the trail system. Shot 1/250 sec. f/10 78 mm, ISO 320

View from the picnic area. Shot 1/250 sec. f/10 18 mm, ISO 360

We finished watching the sunset over the adjacent Lower Kananaskis Lake, it offered a better view. Appeared to be a good lake for fishing. We felt a little ripped off in sunset colors but I was still able to capture a few cool effects with the water. Today was one of the most relaxing days and it was just a taste of what's to come,the real fun will begin tomorrow. I think I will very much enjoy this new disconnected environment...back to the bare essentials.

Shot 1/60 sec. f/8 18 mm, ISO 640

Shot 1/125 sec. f/5.6 46 mm, ISO 200

Shot 1/30 sec. f/4.5 34 mm, ISO 800

I will have day 2 ready for you in a few days, don't forget to check back.
Cheers! X🐞X

All images unless otherwise specified taken with Nikon D7000 and Sigma 18-200mm lens.