While not my best photo, this image is a reminder of an excellent day in the backcountry with my little girl. Getting to this little waterfall requires a 10km hike. While normally I wouldn’t think much of that, it is special because I was able to spend the day hiking to the falls with my daughter who is only three. We left the house at 4:30 am and were on the trail by 6:15 am, and that little trooper walked right by my side with a big smile up until the last kilometer where she asked to be carried. We only took a quick break once reaching the falls since some rain clouds were blowing in. Once we got on the main trail, she insisted she wanted to walk back to the truck on her own. She made it about half way before I hoisted her on my shoulders. Within minutes she was sound asleep for the majority of the walk back. It amazes me how quickly her abilities are changing. Terrain that used to limit her mere months ago, are now traversed with ease. With any luck she and I will be going on multi day backpacking trips in no time.
Every August, the wheat fields around Airdrie transform from a lush green to a golden hue, signalling the beginning of autumn. This has always been my favourite time of year. The days are still long, the air is fresh in the mornings, and the afternoon sun is consistent.
Just before heading to bed I received an email alert forecasting aurora activity expected throughout the night. After much debate, I decided to head out in spite of the fact I had to work in the morning. As I left the lights of the city, I knew I made the right choice. The northern lights had fully lit the sky to the north. I was rather unprepared for the event and did not have any ideal locations to capture the full extent of the aurora. By the time I made it to my location, the aurora was lighting up the entire sky in the most brilliant display I have ever experienced. Just before I packed it in for the night I was walking back to my car through a pine forest and took one last look up and was able to capture this image.
