We stopped at the Bridge that crosses the Athabasca to capture the river in the remaining low light, but we soon discovered the sun at that time of year always stays low in the sky. So after check-in we headed for Patricia Lake in hopes of capturing the sunset light as it hits the peaks of the mountains. What a treat to be able to walk on the entire lake, giving us perspectives that only hard water would provide. Soon the light was too weak to get decent captures and by then we were ready for our dinner.
Early next morning after a quick breakfast we headed down the ice field parkway in hopes of getting to The Athabasca Falls, but heavy clouds and snow soon fell upon us and we decided to turn back at the Edith Cavell lookout. We captured a few colourful moments as the sun rose behind this front but heavy snows soon made our return a slow process. We had decided to return to the Maligne Lake access Rd. and came across a herd of Elk grazing. As we turned around to head back into town I spotted a Mule Deer up on a hill and I requested we stop. Highway traffic was heavy so we noticed a driveway that would give us a safe pull over area. It was a parking area of a cemetery and it was surrounded by a high fence, so with my 500 zoom in hand, I worked my way around the fence to the clearing and the Mule Deer under a tree. I soon hear a grunting noise and noticed to my right a very large set of antlers and a pair of eyes and black nose peeking over the snow bank. My heart just stopped and after a few shots knew I had to make a move to my right to clear the obstructions that hampered my shots. Would he bolt? or would he keep his curiosity and stay? I was lucky he kept his stand and allowed me to place myself in a better location. After a dozen shots I heard the cars below blowing their horns and behold another huge Buck, standing at the edge in hopes of crossing. Wow 2 of them. The second Buck decided against crossing so he turned and came up the hill just as the first Buck headed down to check out the traffic situation. He as well made the right decision and returned up the hill, which gave me more shooting possibilities....What a "Gift" never thought I would get 2 mature Bucks together and in such a pretty snow falling setting.
The snow fall soon ended so we decided to take advantage of the good light and headed to Patricia and Pyramid Lakes. How exciting again to access both lakes for amazing perspectives of the surrounding Mountains and the setting sun. It was soon time to return and prepared for our special celebration meal at the Athabasca Inn. By 8:00 pm we grabbed my gear in hopes of capturing some Christmas light displays. Sadly the town was not dressed up as I had hoped, but the snows became lighter and we enjoyed our walk anyway. We both looked forward on returning to Pyramid early the next morning.
After a nice breakfast we headed back to Pyramid Lake with high hopes of capturing that magical morning light, The light was ever changing and there were scenes all around us that gave us great shooting opportunities, but the clouds would drift in and out and we were afraid the moment we anticipated was futile. Just too many clouds moving in so we decided to head back to town. Just as we approached Patricia Lake the sunlight appeared and started to light up the mountain peaks . What a thrill to slowly watch the mountain being painted with that glorious golden light. Exactly what we were hoping for. Soon the light became too harsh so on our return to town we came across a few Elk grazing along the winding road. Thrilled to capture such intimate close-up shots we were soon on our way back toward the Park boundary and our return to our Daughter's ranch.
Another wonderful day of light for capturing the scenes of mountains and rivers, as well as a small heard of Big Horn Sheep with mixed Rams, Ewes and this year's Lambs. Again their obsession for salt made for a bit of a traffic jam, and opportunities for capturing close images.
Was an amazing fun getaway, our special Gift to ourselves, but we both looked forward to our return and preparing for our Christmas feast that was our special Gift to all who attended The Ekdahl Family Christmas Gathering.
Thank You for reading and soon Part #3 will feature the special Horse interaction shots, Northern Lights and other fun experiments with blowing frozen bubbles, nighttime ghost horses and mornings of thick hoar frost.
Remember our workshops offer you the knowledge & skills we both have developed over many years of shooting . So come join us in an intimate class-room setting for a fun filled 5 hours of instruction on technical skills as well as on how to develop " the eye" for photography.
Since there are so many images I wish to share...there will be several posts. They will be titled under the three different dates...starting with Dec. 17th.
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