Photographers' Dream!

Although there was no end of sunny weather in the forecast, we took every advantage to head outside with our cameras. With every venture outside we also took tissues (for inevitable runny noses), lip balm (to avoid lip lock), and of course, the dogs.




















The dogs didn't seem to mind having runny noses. Nor did they seem to get chapped lips. But they did have some trouble with "snowballs" gathering between the pads of their feet. Within 15 to 20 minutes of stepping outside, we'd notice one or the other (or both) starting to limp. We'd stop, remove our mittens and try to pry out as many of the hard little icy rock-sicles between their toes as they had patience for. No sooner did we let go of the last paw and they'd be off again, racing through the fields and forests in search of Santa, varmints, dragons, and other mythical mountain creatures. And maybe a deer or two - I might've been a little distracted by all the beauty!





















As the days passed, the temperature outside warmed to a balmy minus 10. That translated into some very cool (ha-ha) ice crystal formations.

Rocky Mountain High

Yes, I know...another John Denver reference. What can I say?

We didn't have to travel far from the warmth and comfort of the Lodge to find ourselves breathless...not only because our lungs were in shock from the cold and dry air but because the scenery was just so amazing. I'm sure it was damp, dark, and rainy in Victoria on this day.

The fun begins...

After nearly two full days on the road (about 15 hours of driving), Mark, David, our border collies Maddie and Sophie, and I finally arrived at the resort. The roads were typical for winter - snowy, icy, and covered in sand, salt and gravel. Our rented Ford Escape performed admirably and the grrls showed us once again what great travelers they can be. This was perhaps Mark's longest road trip ever. He did almost as well as the grrls but did require chocolate for reinforcement along the way.

It was dark and cold when we pulled up to the Lodge. Everyone was tired from the long day, including the dogs, who didn't seem to notice the banks of snow surrounding us. Sophie was especially happy to snuggle up and go to sleep.


We awoke the next morning to glorious (nearly blinding) sunshine. Despite an amazing view of the snow covered trees outside of our room window, Maddie still didn't seem to know what was in store for her.














It wasn't until I took them O-U-T-S-I-D-E for their morning constitutional that they figured out that "kananaskis" is another word for one of their very most favorite things...S-N-O-W!

Some of you may be offended to see the dogs lounging about on the (formerly) crisp, white sheets of the beds. Afterall, tufts of dog hair strewn about hardly disguises the presence of furry moppets from the maid! Happily, the Delta Lodge is exceptionally dog friendly. Dogs are required to keep their owners on a leash, but are welcome anywhere in the hotel except the food serving areas and pool/spa. There were so many dogs at the resort, we began to wonder if bringing a dog wasn't one of the requirements to stay!














Unfortunately, neither Maddie or I remembered to pack our sunglasses so we did a lot of squinting.


















Sophie spent most of her time outside burrowing nose-first through the snow so she fared better.












Mark, of course, remembered his Maui Jims. And good thing too - it was sunny every day we were there!

See the Sunlight Through the Pines...

One of my most favorite Christmas Songs is John Denver's Aspen Glow. This photo, taken on the first morning of our recent trip to Kananaskis, Alberta is a perfect tribute, I think.

A Northern girl at heart, Christmas just isn't the same to me without snow. My sons, David and Marc, have experienced snowy Christmases only just recently, since they both moved from the temperate climes of BC's West Coast to Alberta's somewhat harsher environment.

As children seem to do, David and Marc have now grown into young men and are stretching their wings and making their ways in the world. As David prepares to follow his heart and dreams, alongside his wife Lauren, what better time could there be to for us to spend Christmas the way it was meant to be - together, and in the snow!

For months now, Mark and I, and the boys and thier sweethearts Lauren and Samantha have been looking forward to sharing Christmas in Kananaskis at a Delta resort located about 90 minutes west of Calgary in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Here are a few pictures and memories from our trip. Enjoy!