This past week, I returned to Kananaskis Country, accompanied by friends and fellow photographers, Bob Bear and Sal Lovecchio. In accordance with current practice, we traveled in separate vehicles and we were able to photograph while maintaining a safe distance.
We’re focusing our efforts on Kananaskis these days because its provincial parks (5) are open and its really the best place to go until the national parks re-open, scheduled for the beginning of June.
This week’s trip was a circuit through K-Country, traveling south along Highway 40 and returning on the Smith-Dorrien Trail, a round trip of about 180 km (113 miles).
Our first stop was an area on the Kananaskis River just south of Mount Kidd. I took this picture from the river bank, looking northward.
Continuing onward, we made our next stop near Mount Blane at the point where Highway 40 ends, temporarily closed until June 15. I’ve photographed this mountain many times before but never from this particular location. I like the little pond in the foreground.
The next leg of our circuit was a short one, taking us to the shoreline of Upper Kananaskis Lake. I got this picture of Mount Indefatigable, looking across the lake. I was attracted to the location by the lines in the ice along the shore. The water level has receded causing the ice to collapse downward, cracking open. Our timing was good, this ice will not be there long.
As I headed homeward, now traveling north on the Smith-Dorien Trail, Mount Nestor came into view. It’s a very compelling scene and a good candidate for conversion to black and white.
A little further, my attention was drawn to this peak, the Rimwall just south of Canmore. I had not photographed it before and its visual impact on this day was too striking to overlook.
As I neared Canmore, I was pretty intent on simply getting there and almost missed this next scene. As I drove by, I caught a glimpse of what turned out to be my favourite shot of the day. I stopped, exited my car and walked back. I like the fine border between the water and the thinning ice, the reflections, the timber on the bottom of the slough and the broken-down old trees. There’s a lot going on in what is otherwise a pretty simple scene.
All told, it was a successful day in K-Country. I’m fortunate to be able to get out and enjoy this beautiful country, savouring a favourite pastime safely at a period when our recreational options remain very limited.