Our week of what turned out to be private guided hiking in the Glen Coe region of the Scottish Highlands had us experiencing a "proper bog hike," ascending Schiehallion, visiting Scotland's second highest waterfall and ascending Scotland's Three Sisters, among others. We also enjoyed a private performance from a local harpist and an evening of whisky tasting.
A relatively straightforward 4.9 km hike with 358 meters elevation gain, this trail has the added excitement of a bit of a scramble and lots of creek crossings/rock hopping. And there's the option to hike further into the Lost Valley if you're wanting a longer outing. Like so many hikes in Scotland, this one has some interesting history, and we were glad to have a guide to tell us the story of this hanging valley.
One of three lakes on the scenic Lake Minnewanka drive, Two Jack Lake is a scenic, easy option for kayaking, canoeing and SUPing. From-the-water views include Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain and Mount Aylmer. More adventurous paddlers on SUPs or kayaks can pull themselves under the low bridge across the canal and go another 1.5 km south along the canal before turning back.
The Photo Blogging Challenge theme for February 2021 is I Spy With My Eye, which lends itself to pretty much anything. I am grateful that during these ongoing COVID times, host PJ is choosing themes that make it easy to participate from anywhere. We are spending most of our COVID time in beautiful Canmore, Alberta, Canada, where we enjoy getting out and about for exercise and a daily dose of Vitaming N(ature). With health guidelines keeping us close to home for the past year, we appreciate that photography prompts us to keep a sharp eye out for new subject matter and new takes on the familiar.
Winter, like any other time of year, is a great season for being out and about in Canmore. The amazing mountain scenery enhances any outdoor activity, whether pond skating, cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing or simply (Nordic) walking. Heading out on familiar trails, time after time, could be boring. But by choosing to observe the changing of seasons and search out previously unnoticed details, it's possible to enjoy the same trails season after season, and year after year…