January favourites

January was a pretty good month for photography! I am attempting to do a couple of different weekly photography projects with some other photography friends online.  It's a good way to try to stay motivated and inspired to pick up the camera during the long, cold, colourless and often dark winter months.  I'm about done with winter, but having said that, January allowed me a few outdoor outings with the camera.  A walk in one of my favourite parks during a warm spell, a trip to Lake Louise during the Ice Magic Festival to watch the ice carvers in action and some of the images from my weekly projects make up my grid of favourites from the month.  I hope to make a grid every month and share on my blog!

Month one done!

I'm looking forward to the next couple of months, as I have 2 trips to warmer climates planned!  I anticipate plenty of inspiration that will have me pressing that shutter button!

Viewpoints ~~ The Mountain Parks in My Backyard

Hi and welcome to my first post to the Viewpoints blog circle.  I am so honored to be part of this circle with such talented women. 

I live only a couple of hours away from Banff National Park, but seldom have the opportunity to visit.   People travel from all over the world to visit our beautiful mountains and lakes, but as residents we do take them for granted.   I decided to book a hotel room for a night and head out to shoot some places I've been wanting to go to.  So last week I hopped in my car and headed west! I couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather, it was warm and the fall colors in the mountains were spectacular.  The only thing that would have made it better was some clouds for interest in the sky, but in the 2 days I was out there, not a cloud was seen, just the big blue Alberta sky. 

My first stop was Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, just over the Alberta/British Columbia border. 

Cilantro at Emerald Lake Lodge

Paddle a canoe on Emerald Lake

Then it was down the hill to Natural Bridge.

Kicking Horse River at Natural Bridge, Yoho NP

Next stop, the majestic Moraine Lake.  This was my first visit to the peaks and lake that used to grace our $20 bill.  Needless to say, it took my breath away and I want to go back, soon!

View from atop the rock pile

The next morning I was up bright and early for the sunrise at Lake Louise.  I was on the lake shore by 7 am, scouted out my location and waited for the sun to start shining on the peaks above Victoria Glacier.  By 7:30 the tourist buses arrived and the shoreline was full of people to watch the sun come up with me!

The Lake Louise boathouse at dawn

Here comes the sun, lighting up the peaks above Victoria glacier

The yellow larches on the mountainside

The teal blue waters of Lake Louise

I headed home, taking the Bow Valley Parkway, which I've never travelled before this.  It was a beautiful drive, full of bold fall colors and amazing meadows and mountains.  My last stop was at Johnston Canyon to hike in to the waterfalls. 

Off the standard trail, away from the crowds, is this little quiet spot. 

Thank you so much for being here.  Please continue on to the other blogs to see what their views looked like this month! Next in line is Donna! http://www.bukaldersphotography.com/...