In early January, I posted an article here of a snowshoeing trip I made along Allison Creek, west of Coleman in Crowsnest Pass. Since then, we’ve received a pile more snow in the Pass. Warm Chinook winds that often blow over the Rockies from the Pacific have been few and far between this winter. As a result, there has not been a lot of melting going on. Street corners and boulevards in our towns are lined with snowbanks, piled ten feet high in places. Backyards and front yards are filled to capacity. Everyone is running out of space to put their snow. For the past two months, there’s either been too much snow for me to shovel on my days off, or it’s been way too cold outside to even bother getting out on my snowshoes. All that changed a couple of days ago when I was able to go for another walk in the woods.
This time, the location for my snowshoeing adventure was the area north and east of the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. I spent most of the afternoon following a small portion of the Crowsnest Community Trail. The 23-km, non-motorized route connects each of the communities of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass together. I like coming here because it’s quiet, peaceful, and the views are awesome. It’s also a great place to bring a camera.
Turtle Mountain – a favorite subject to photograph
The temperature was -1°C when I arrived at the Interpretive Centre’s parking lot, and it didn’t budge all afternoon. Within a few minutes, I had strapped on my snowshoes and was on my way. It appeared no one had been on the trail for at least a day or two and I had the place to myself. The snow off to the side of the trail, and in the trees, was much too deep to snowshoe easily. Without a partner to help break trail, you have to plug away on your own in these spots. It’s great exercise but can be exhausting. I decided to stick to the packed trail, instead. Call me a wimp, but I’m saving my energy for the next snowfall. I’m sure there will be more snow to shovel before spring arrives. Hopefully, we’ll get a Chinook or two before then!
Below are a few more photos of the day and comments.
When you come to a fork in the road, take it!
– Yogi Berra
I always try to take the “right” fork in the road
The Crowsnest Community Trail is maintained by the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass. Click here to view and download a pdf trail brochure and map.
Moose tracks meandering through deep snow
Snowshoe trail crossing an open meadow
Negative Space – Positive Space
More Negative & Positive Space
It’s nice and quiet out here
Article References & Credits
Municipality of Crowsnest Pass – The Crowsnest Community Trail Brochure & Map
4 Comments
Hi Vic;
You and David are both good and kind fiends, and your help is never taken for granted and is something I always value and appreciate. I believe that, there were some indications of what may have been logging damage on Allison creek a few a couple of years ago. Do you know if anything taken place to mitigate this this? This logging and ATV traffic close to our streams is a little worrisome.
Yesterday Mitchell, Aiden, and Robson received their new Sheep Dog puppy after a long trip from Lindsay Ontario and a flight via Air Canada to Calgary. He survived the journey well and will have a great life and home with those guys. I will send you and Carol photos once I get some. Keep Well and give Carol a hug.
Hi Linder,
I don’t believe there has been much done to mitigate the logging that took place along Allison Creek. The erosion that has occurred as a result continues to be a problem for the creek.
I’m glad to hear the puppy had a good flight to Alberta. The boys must be excited. I’m looking forward to seeing it. We are getting a dusting of snow in Crowsnest Pass this morning. The good news is the forecast is calling for temperatures to really start warming up by tomorrow. The forecast is for +14°C by the middle of next week. This will definitely melt some of our snow. Hope to see you soon!
Vic: Great shots, are you using a remote release? Down with Linder to the Snake Trail. Spent a lot of time with a shovel trying to get unstuck. Four inches of hard crust over eighteen inches corn snow. I am happy he does not head out himself.
Hi David,
I’m glad you like the photos. Yes, I use a remote timer (intervalometer) when I do these scenic self-portraits. Depending on how far I have to walk to get myself into frame, I usually set it to take an exposure every 5-6 seconds. First, I focus on infinity (usually at f14 or 16) and then set the focus to manual, so it won’t try focusing again as I walk by the camera. There is always some trial and error involved, and sometimes I have to take quite a few shots before I get one that turns out. On Monday, the light was changing quite a bit because of the moving clouds, so I tried to wait until the sun was shining before triggering the timer. It’s fun doing this kind of photography. If I’m out by myself, at least I can get a few “action” shots. The only downfall is having to pack a tripod. Mine is pretty heavy.
Did you bring your camera when you came down with Linder? There would be some great photo ops in the hills around his place. I’ve been meaning to go for a drive that way to see about taking some pics. That’s nice you went with Linder and were able to help him out. It’s what good friends do!