July feels like such a long time ago! I was lucky enough to work in Canmore for the summer months. Being nestled in the mountains is one of my favourite places to be. There’s something about the treelined hills as they gradually grow into mountains that sets my imagination alight. Mornings are crisp in your lungs and evenings light up the sky with sunset hues. I obviously took every opportunity to be outside and took my sketchbook along with me.
I had the amazing opportunity to work at artsPlace, Canmore’s community centre for the arts. I had the joy of planning and teaching art lessons for 6-12 year olds. You really can’t complain when your work day consists of teaching kids to paint outdoors or play with clay in the studio! It feels so special to be working in a setting which nurtures creativity. It felt an honour to teach what I know and guide children in there own creative discovery’s. The work day would end and I’d commute home on my bike to get some sketching and an evening walk in. One evening I cycled past a beautiful cinnamon black bear as he gratefully munched on berries, luckily for me and the bear, a group was close by and I was quick to turn around and join them so Mr.Bear could peacefully continue his fest without a human around.
Near the end of the month I headed up to Sunshine Meadows and what an adventure! Myself and my long time friend Joely woke in the morning, packed our backpacks and jumped in the car heading to Sunshine Village. We planned on starting our hike in the morning; a thunderstorm was in the forecast, but they typically don’t start till the late afternoon. Normally. We decided to take the risk and try to beat the storm.
Upon arriving we took the gondola and chairlift up to 8000ft, stepping off to find a cold harsh wind that whipped at our ears, laughing at us for underestimating the might of alpine weather. Rock Isle Lake sparkled ahead of us in alpine turquoise glory. Sunlight sparkled off the surface and illuminated the lush green surroundings. The mountain valleys behind were shadowed by clouds; only contrasting the brilliance right in front of us. There was a reason I felt called to get to the mountain tops and that view was why.
My aching ears and chilled body called me out of my mesmerized state. Finally taking into account the dark clouds on our horizon (seemingly moving beside us and not toward us) we made our way down the trails. We took-in the alpine floor as our heads bent with hoods drawn up; protecting our ears as best we could. I noticed the mosses and lichen, how they stood resilient and determined in such a harsh climate. I watched as one drop then two hit the dirt path. My body started to feel the continuous tap of rain, eyes coming up to see the drizzle turn into down pour.
Then the sky lit up. Not a split second later thunder boomed.
It would seem I’m not the best at predicting the weather.
Joely and I frantically brought out the map to find our best plan of escape. Luckily we had missed the trail that would take us on the loop we had intended to hike; and instead we were on our way back to the lodge where we could seek shelter 1.8km away. Thunder boomed and lightning crackled directly overhead as we trudged along the trail, watching the landscape open along side us. Every nerve in my body felt alive as rain and hail beat on our backs. The seriousness of being on top of a mountain, in the open, with lighting crackling overhead weighed on our shoulders. The toddler and father in front of us burst into a giggle of laughs as they nearly skipped down the trail holding hands. A smile of surprise lit up my face and I couldn’t help but join in.
Joining the crowd of hikers and tourists in the lodge we took the opportunity to take out sketchbook and journal, each taking the time to reflect on the adventure waiting for the storm to pass. My weather knowledge had failed me twice but I know for certain how quick it does change in the mountains (which was already proven!). After 20 minutes the sun lit up the sky and we headed back out onto the trails. Finding the right path, we got to our destination and walked the lakes. Alpine flowers littered the forest and meadows. Bringing colour and life to an otherwise hostile environment. Reminding us of the beauty of resilience.
The day ended with satisfaction and joy on our faces as we made our way down the mountain. Sometimes you need a little storm to remind you that there’s a wonderful adventure waiting on the other side.
