I have always loved the outdoors.  The freedom of being in the fresh air, in the wide open spaces where no walls 'pen' you is a feeling like no other.  To stand under a night sky watching for falling stars or the aurora dancing across the sky is my kind of reality entertainment.  I could be outside 24/7 in any kind of weather.  I have the clothing for every season or weather condition. 

Growing up on the farm I remember being in the bush a lot.  I recall playing 'stump jump' in the spring when the slough was full of water.  Once in awhile I would miss the stump that I has jumping to and fill my rubber boots, if I had them on.  Most times I was barefoot.  I recall building rafts that I hoped would float down the creek that was flowing with spring run off.  Then there was the time that I wanted to sleep under the stars.  I just wanted to lay there and look up to the heavens and wonder if anyone else was out there.  Mom kept reminding me of the skunk that wandered around the bush where I wanted to bed down.  I could be one of those people that lives in a cabin, off the grid, in the middle of no-where.  Maybe I'll put that on my bucket list.  I better get one started since this is the second thing that I have thought of in a couple of days.

During Christmas break, I had sleepover visitors.  My grand-daughters were with me for a few days.  They live in an urban area but when they come to Gramma's house, they are nature lovers just like me.

There is a bird feeder on my deck.  They can name all the birds that come to the feeder.  The deer make appearances in my backyard.  "Gramma, the deers are coming in the trees."  When they see this, they scoot to the window seat in my room to watch.  We were outside and the black capped chickadees were flying from the willow tree to the tray feeder.  I called out 'chick a dee dee dee' and the elder of the two girls answered 'cheesburger'.

During summer sleepover visits we go to the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.  There is a spruce bog there with benches to sit on under the towering trees.  The girls watch the squirrels run up and down the trunks.  They listen to bird calls and try to recognize them.  They take their magnifying glasses and view the different mosses covering the ground alongside the boardwalk. On the last visit in October, we took paper and crayons and were doing leaf and bark rubbings.

Last week when the girls were here, we spent 3-4 hours outside each day.  The Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Recreation Area is only 4km from my house with lots of opportunity for outdoor play.  We packed up the ice skates, x-country skis and the sleds.  The ice rink is well maintained with very few users.  The trails are groomed and track set.  The little hill that we found was the perfect for sledding.  There was lots of giggling, laughing and some very rosy cheeks.  Needless to say, they slept really well as did I.

There is a cook house beside the rink with a wood stove inside.  We brought wood and lit a fire so we could warm up and have snacks.  Both the girls can talk me through step by step on what should be done to light a campfire.

The weather was perfect for us to be outside.  Each morning they asked if we were going skating.  They both have an appreciation for nature.  I wonder if one or both of them will be packing their pillow and blanket under their arm to find a spot in their backyard to watch the stars.

Today was the day that I got 'back on the horse that threw me' so to speak.  I purchased a kicksled last spring, just before the snow began to melt.  My grand-daughters had fun with it on the driveway a few times.  I got out on it only once.  That was the beginning and the end of my winter sledding fun for 2015.

When I purchased the sled, the vendor was great.  He provided me with lots of helpful tips.  Move forward on it like a scooter.  It is flexible so it is easy to turn.  Wear cleats to assist with kicking and braking.  Keep your foot centered on the foot pad.  All good advice but when one actually puts it into practice, one should stay on a trail with gentle sloping hills.  Let's just say that one was not so gentle and it had a curve at the bottom.  It was more challenging than what this greenhorn should have been on.

Whoopee!  I came down that hill like a race car driver.  It's all fun and games until you end up head over heels.  Before I knew what happened I found myself in the underbrush on one side of the trail and the kicksled tipped over on the other side.  Bad move.  That's all I can say in hindsight.  It took months for my bruised shoulder to heal but it is good as new now so I ventured out with the sled this morning.  I wanted to try a new trail and the description for the Hayburger Trail at Elk Island National Park sounded perfect; 12.2km of flat terrain.  My goal was to stay out of the shrubs.

I could not have asked for a better day.  A cloudless sky with plenty of sunshine was overhead.  The wind was minimal and the temperature was perfect; not too warm or too cold.  I packed up and layered up to give kicksledding a second chance.

There was nobody else on the trail today.  It was me and Mother Nature.  The snow conditions were perfect.  The hard packed snow made for easy sledding.

I had to get the hang of kicking and switching feet.  The first hill appeared and it was a gentle one.  I did stop at the top and come up with a plan as to how I was going to bail out if things went sideways like the last time.  I made it to the bottom and remained upright.  Success!

The next hill had a gentle slope as well but it also had a curve at the bottom.  Success again!  I was getting the hang of it.  There were many straight away sections on the trail where I practiced the switch over of kicking legs.  I was totally enjoying the ride.

What a great day it was to 'cruise' through the forest on the sled.  My camera gear was fastened to the seat back so I didn't have to carry it.  I tied a blanket to the seat so I had a nice spot to rest my legs when I wanted a break to take in the surroundings.

It was ironic that before leaving the house today I listened to a radio talk show.  The host was interviewing a life coach who spoke of finding a way to get rid of the 'brain chatter' that everyone experiences.  She said for some it may be tuning out and going to the gym.  For others it may be a bike ride.  For me it is just being outside.

My 'brain chatter' consists of deadlines, phones ringing, crowd noise, distracted drivers and so much more.  When I am outside I leave the chatter behind and focus on the sights, sounds and smells around me.  There is no technology in my pocket and there is no thinking of what is sitting on my desk.  I take the time to stop and watch the chickadees flit from branch to branch.  I listen to their 'cheeseburger' songs.  I watch for animal tracks and try to figure out what else was walking on the trail before me.  I pay attention to the shadows that are cast across the trails as the sun shines through the trees.

My outing was quiet today but for the birds and the breeze.  I stopped on the trail so I was not hearing the crunch of my boots on the snow or the sled runners.  The trees creaked in the wind as they swayed back and forth and a pileated woodpecker called out from a treetop.  

The trail brochure said it should take 3 to 4 hours to hike the loop.  I walked some of it and used the sled for some of it and it took 2.25 hours to get back to the parking lot.  That included numerous stops.

What fun I had today.  There were no wipe outs.  I remained upright and had a very peaceful couple of hours in the fresh air.  I am looking forward to my next outing with the sled.  

There are a number of videos on You Tube about kicksledding.  If you live within the Edmonton, Alberta area, the company that I purchased my sled from also rents them.  The fee is reasonable and would make for a fun outing for anyone that wanted to give it a try.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/KicksledAlberta/?fref=ts or http://www.kicksledalberta.com/


 

There was a lot of packing up to do after Christmas but I couldn't help but push it all aside and take advantage of the beautiful weather.  The tree and the ornaments could stay up another couple of days.  That decision allowed me the time to make two trips to Elk Island National Park.

The first was on New Year's Day.  What a great way to celebrate a new year.  I drove to the Amisk Wuche trail.  It is my favorite short hike, just 2.5km.  It winds through the forest, up hill and down.  It's a good work out if you are limited for time and a great snowshoe trail when there is lots of snow.  There was no need for the snowshoes this time as the few centimeters of snow on the trail was hard-packed. I did wear my hiking cleats to provide better traction. I love using them in winter and summer to provide more secure footing.

The parking lot is usually empty but I found five other vehicles there when I arrived.  It was nice to see others enjoying the fresh air and the sunshine. 

The sky was clear and the sun shone between the bare tree trunks, casting long shadows across the trail.  A light breeze rustled the dead leaves on the cat tails as I crossed the boardwalk.  Tracks in the snow criss-crossed the surface of the pond.  That open expanse of snow was telling me to bring snowshoes or skis on the next outing.

My hike was quieter than usual.  Most times I hear the chickadees or the blue jays.  I often hear the woodpeckers tapping at the snags in the forest but today was silent.  There was not a bird call to be heard.  When I stopped walking and stood to listen there was only silence.  It was pure bliss.

I chose a different trail for my second day out.  To get to the trail head, I had to drive past the parking lot at Astotin Lake.  A number of deer were grazing in the area of the beaver pond.  The bucks sported some nice looking antlers.  I had to shake my head as vehicles drove past; totally oblivious to the fact that these beautiful creatures were there.  Most passengers had their eyes glued to their mobile devices; missing what they probably wanted to see in the first place.

The Lakeview Trail winds through the forest on the north side of Astotin Lake for 3.5km.  Part of the trail runs along the shoreline.  Two people on their x-country skis were making their way across the lake surface.  It was another clear day with the sun shining brightly.  It was hard to believe that the temperature was +4C on January 2.


The snow on this trail was hard packed.  The hike was not as quiet as the previous day.  Squirrels chased each other up and down tree trunks; chattering back and forth.  A boreal chickadee called from a tall spruce.  Magpies squawked as I walked beneath the branch that they were perched on.  This trail offers three different locations where one can sit and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds along the way.  My favorite is the last one where three benches are situated beneath some towering spruce.

When I left the trail head I watched for the deer.  They were still in the same area but all were resting in the tall grass and the vehicles were still driving right on by.  On the drive out of the park I saw two coyotes loping across a snow-covered pond.  There were no bison or elk in sight. 

It was another glorious day and I was glad to be on the trails for two days in a row. I better pack up Christmas 2015 while it is dark out so when the next opportunity presents itself to enjoy the fresh air, I'll be ready.

(A new Facebook page has been created for this blog.  Additional photos willl be posted there.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-an-Outdoor-Girl-1015659961820012/)

It's been some time since my last post.  With the shortest number of daylight hours happening through December, events at work and getting ready for Christmas, I have to say that my outdoor time was limited to the backyard.  It has been dark when I leave for work and dark when I come home so I have taken full advantage of my time off the past week and enjoyed as much outdoor time as I could possibly fit in.  

I like to do a year in review when December ends and a new year begins.  I take stock of new experiences and revisit my photographs from the past year and try to choose my favorites.

January 2015

I love the thick hoar frost on the trees after a foggy night.  As you walk on the trails you can hear it snap and crackle as the temperature changes.  Sunlight on the frosty branches make each sparkle like millions of diamonds.  That is my kind of 'bling'. 

April 2015

In April I was lucky to find the beaver family actively swimming in the pond at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.  I watched in wonder as they fed on the reeds.  There is nothing on television that could have kept my attention for an hour like this reality show.

May 2015

May offered a spectacular light show.  The aurora was active and bright.  It provided me the opportunity to attempt some night time photography.  I spent a good portion of the evening under that amazing sky.  Mother Nature's light show is free for all those who watch the sky.  This was only the beginning of a very active year for the northern lights.  It got better as the year went on.

June 2015

I managed to travel to David Thompson country five times last summer.  Four of the five were camping trips.  The loons on Fish Lake west of Nordegg put on a show each time I was there.  I tried a new campground this year.  The Thompson Creek campground is the last one on the David Thompson highway before entering Banff National Park.  What a beautiful site and well maintained.

July 2015

When I stayed at Thompson Creek, I found the hiking trail on the north side of the highway.  It meandered along the creek through masses upon masses of fireweed that bloomed after the Spreading Creek Fire went through the area.  Rufous hummingbirds flitted from flower to flower and bluebirds sang from the bare branches.  The forest was once again coming to life.

August 2015

I had my own hummers in the backyard.  Each year I plant scarlet runner beans to attract the little beauties to the yard.  The nectar feeders were set out as well and I watched the action throughout the entire summer.   They arrived in May and left in September.  I was pleasantly surprised by a pair of Rufous hummingbirds that stopped in at the feeders in addition to all the Ruby throated hummers.

September 2015

September 2015

Autumn was spectacular.  A lunar eclipse had me watching this sky in September in addition to another beautiful display of the northern lights.

September 2015

The colors of autumn stayed for a number of weeks.  It was the most scenic drive home for days on end.  The beautiful hues were brilliant and caused me to drive under the speed limit just so I could take them all in. 

September 2015

September 2015

While walking the trails at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre, I had numerous encounters with the moose.  I was a familiar sight to them already.  They would look up when they heard me coming but continued with their browsing after they saw it was me.  I saw more tiger salamanders and garter snakes than ever before.  Each year I check my window wells daily during their migration time.  The salamanders fall into the wells and need me to help them out so they can continue on their journey to find a hiding spot before winter arrives.

November 2015

November brought another fantastic display of light in the sky.  The aurora moved in waves and circles in the sky.  As I stood in the middle of the yard, the deer came in from the forest behind my house.  I stood within ten feet of them.  The moment was magical.  That night was the most entertaining show that I had seen yet; not knowing that December would be even better. 

December 2015

 On December 20 the northern lights were out again.  I noticed them on my drive home from work.  This is one advantage to working late.  As the evening progressed the show became more intense.  I stood in the middle of the backyard and watched waves of light move and swirl across the sky. The deer did not show up but the wolves living at the Cooking Lake - Blackfoot Recreation area decided to provide some music for the show.  Their howls under an aurora filled sky was about as Canadian as it could get.  That was a night to be remembered.

December 2015

My little people stayed for a few days during Christmas break.  We skated on an outdoor rink, x-country skied and found a hill for lots of sledding.  The temperature was perfect to be outside.  It was a great way to end 2015.

The snow cover this year is minimal but there is enough for outdoor activities without having to keep the driveway shoveled.  I think that has happened only three times since winter began.  The warmer temperatures of late have been ideal for outdoor activities.  

It will soon be time to make my annual trek to the mountains.  I can partake in skating, skiing and snowshoeing here but there is just something special about having the mountains in view.

2015 was an outstanding year for nature experiences.  Here's hoping that 2016 will bring more of the same.  

The snow finally arrived.  There was more than a dusting but not enough to break out the skis and snowshoes.  With the white backdrop, it is easy to see the wildlife moving in the forest.

There are six deer that graze in the woods behind my yard.  One of the young ones is a daily visitor; cleaning up the sunflower seeds that the jays toss from the feeder.  I may nickname this one 'Hoover'.

The moose have been showing themselves close to the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.  Last weekend a full grown female was feeding in a willow thicket that was close to the road, making it easy to watch her.  She kept peering to the east which made me think that there may have been a hunter that her in a rifle sight.

Yesterday morning, a beautiful male with a young female were in almost the same spot.  I pulled over to watch.  They looked up but did not run.  A vehicle stopped beside me.  The driver was on her way to work but took a few moments to observe.  She couldn't believe her luck; mentioning that she's never seen two at the same time.

The moose moved slowly along the edge of the pond to a spot where they could climb the bank.  Thick willows grow beneath the aspens and the birch.  There area is a smorgasbord for moose and the two of them enjoyed every morsel.

 

The blue jays have been providing daily entertainment.  I set a tray feeder on my deck in front of the kitchen window.  It takes about ten minutes after I throw peanuts in the feeder for the jays to begin flying in.  They come from every direction. It appeared that there was some sort of 'pecking' order and if they didn't follow it, there was a lot of loud squawking.  

My favorite part of their antics involved watching them try to fit as many peanuts as possible into their beak before flying off to hide them.  I continue to wonder how they remember where to find the nuts again.

When the jays were not at the feeder, the chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers showed up for the sunflower seeds and suet.  They scattered when the aggressive jays came in for a landing.

The blue jays had a taste of what they were doing to the small birds when a pileated woodpecker showed up for a visit.  It kept the jays at bay while it looked for a cake of suet that I had in the tray.  I realized that the cake was missing and set another one out, wondering where the first one had disappeared to.  Shortly after I put the second cake out, a crow flew overhead and looked as if it had full intention of swooping in to grab the treat.

The ground is still brown.  The snow has been limited to some minor flurries that melt when they hit the ground.  The birds are still able to gather seeds in the forest but the feeders remain full to supplement their diet and provide some lively entertainment for me.
 

I've been taking advantage of the warm temperatures and the lack of snow.  If I can't go skiing or snowshoeing, the hiking boots and poles will remain at the back door.  

I spent an enjoyable hour at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre yesterday.  The signs for skiers are out and trail passes are for sale but it will be awhile before any skiing happens unless we get a big dump of the white stuff.

Today I drove to Elk Island National Park to hike the Amisk Wuche trail.  As I turned into the park off of Highway 16, a big mule deer buck crossed the road.  The bison were grazing in the Bison Loop.  The parks staff were working in numerous locations, doing repairs and getting ready for winter.

I was the only vehicle in the trail head parking lot.  As I prepared my camera gear, two flocks of Canada geese flew overhead.  They were in no hurry to leave.  They were flying north instead of south.

The beavers at the pond have certainly been busy.  The tree that was teetering precariously at the edge of the boardwalk is now blocking the trail along with many others. 

The pond surface is almost frozen over completely.  The methane bubbles are forming, creating decorative patterns in the ice.

The black capped chickadees sang their 'cheeseburger' song as they gathered seeds.  

The squirrels were in abundance today.  I must have seen and heard at least a dozen of them.  Two in particular kept my attention for about 10 minutes.  They chased each other up and down and round and round a huge spruce tree.  They would jump from branch to branch.  One of them made a big leap and the second one tried to follow but lost its footing and ended up hanging upside down on a flimsy branch.  It managed to right itself and the game continued.  Other squirrels were busy gathering food and stocking their middens.

A light breeze began to blow when I was about half way around the trail loop.  The leaves began to rustle and the tree stops swayed.  As I walked along, I noticed many empty nests in the shrubs beside the trail.  It is amazing that the nests were so close to the trail yet when all the leaves were in place, I had no idea that a bird family resided so close by.  

I passed by a thick willow thicket.  The weather has been so warm that the pussy willows have opened up.

I made it to the parking lot before the rain clouds opened up.  It rained all the way home.  It's November 13 and the rain came down so hard that I had to keep the wipers on.  I thought it would last long enough for the rain to turn to snow but it has stopped and the forecast is for a clear night.  I hope it will be another cloudless sky filled with northern lights.

There are a number of above zero days ahead.  It will give me time to get the winter decorations out.  I may even have time to get the outdoor planters done.  I'm sure I can find enough outdoor tasks to do while waiting impatiently for the snowflakes to begin falling.

 

This morning was calm, cloudless and perfect for an outing.  I was the only one on the trail.  The sun's rays shone through the leafless forest, creating long shadows over the frozen ground.  The light made the frosty branches sparkle like diamonds.

When I walk, I block everything out except for what is immediately around me.  I tune in to what I can see and hear.  The squirrels chattered to each other.  The chickadees were hanging upside down on the birch trees, picking seeds for breakfast.  A grouse hen watched me from a fallen log.  A pileated woodpecker called from a tall snag.  I heard movement in the forest and glanced in that direction.  I found a coyote staring back at me between the trees.

The overnight temperatures have dipped to -8C creating a layer of ice on the lake.  The daytime temperatures have not been warm enough to melt what was frozen. 

On November 2nd it looked hopeful that the snow was finally coming but by the afternoon, what had fallen was melted.  I looked back at my photos and longed to see the same amount of snow that fell on November 8, 2012.  

Nov 8, 2012

Everyday that it is above zero and snowless is one less day of winter fun for me.  My skis, snowshoes and kicksled lay in wait for the first big snowfall.  Until then, my nose will be pressed against the window and my eyes will be watching the sky for those snowflakes to begin to fall; creating my annual winter wonderland.