I like to think of myself as a well grounded person … literally well grounded.

And yet the other week I found myself aboard a 737, well above the clouds, with the ground not even in sight! But it was worth it.

We took a vacation to Alberta to visit family & friends in Cochrane a small but rapidly growing town just west of Calgary.

The scenery around the area is spectacular – always with the mountains in the distance.

 

We visited a couple of farmers’ markets in Calgary. They were selling some local produce, together with lots of apples & pears from B.C. There were some really great food vendors too! It was fun to be on the other side of the table for a change.

After a few days of beautiful & warm weather, we awoke to winter.

The Bow River behind my brother’s house.

The scenery was even more amazing with all the snow!

A herd of elk alongside the highway in Canmore.

The town of Banff.

The morning we left for home, the temperature was -24C.

We returned home to this …

and this.

The first job awaiting me – spreading a huge pile of leaves, grass clippings & manure.

But winter followed us home to Ontario and now the farm looks like this …

The manure will have to wait.

Our trip was great, a good way to relax after a busy summer. But we’re glad to be home.

Except maybe for Amy – she’s a big fan of Alberta!