I am in Canmore, up from Calgary. In Alberta, Canada. The drive up the mountain in the gathering dusk yesterday afternoon was beautiful. We are far North and the nights are longer here I think.
Today we are going to the ski resort that employs my son- Sunshine Village. We are going up the mountain in the Gondolar – we will travel upwards in the gondola for about twenty minutes, it goes between three mountains and we will get up pretty high into the national park.
If the weather holds I am hoping to get some good pictures for you from right up in the mountains. I have never been on/ in a gondola before so this will be an adventure. I think you say ON a gondola but frankly I would prefer to be IN it.
Last night I slept the whole night without waking. No roosters crowing the alarm in the night. No coyotes. No dogs barking. No clanking of the cow’s gate. I was not on duty so my mind turned right off and slept so deep there were even no dreams. Which is unusual for me – I am a detailed dreamer.
I woke to the gentle touch of the cold nose of an avalanche dog saying good morning and goodbye as he and his master my son went out the door and up the mountain to work. We will see him later today too.
There are two avalanche dogs here. I am going to do a special blog page on them for you. Their work and the work of their handlers with be an interesting investigation for us. So stand by for that one!
But right now? I am going to retrieve my book from under the bed – The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty -perfect airplane reading – cuddle down under the downy duvet and read for a while!
Joy.
Good morning.
love celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
67 responses to “Going UP”
There is nothing more unappealing than skiing for me. So much travel and cold and gear and money … the GoPro cam … ug. I’d rather make a dance. But, I’d be right there if one of my bubbles were totally into it.
I haven’t slept straight through the night in years, and I don’t even have a cow to blame…
Good morning, c., and best wishes to you for the day ahead. >
What do you all think…shall we take up a collection to get Misky a cow so s can have a cow to blame? I will start it off with a buck. Any other takers? Much love, Gayle with her tongue in her cheek.
Yes, Gayle, we should milk this for all we’re worth. 🙂
Canmore is just about 8 hours from me. I love it there. It has the best quilt shop. They sell yarn too if you’re a knitter ; ) We stop there every time we travel by.
Enjoy your time in the mountains. The scenery is amazing. Looking forward to seeing pictures of the dogs and maybe your son ; )
I dreamt last night that I was a consummate trumpeter, blowing sweet like Miles Davis….trouble is I’ve never touched a trumpet. What’s THAT about? Anyway I’m looking forward to the dogs too. I copied your son’s dog for my photo file. I remember him a gorgeous German shepherd. I wish you or your son would write a memoir of his experiences on the mountains.
Is today your birthday? Dec 12th?
yesterday!! 11th.. c
Well happy birthday, Cecilia!! Boy am I off my rocker. I thought it was in like April or so!! Many happy returns of the day!
Well happy belated birthday, Cecilia!!
You sound so relaxed! Those blue photographs are so beautiful. I would make a terrible gondola companion… I have tried a couple of times and always end up panicked, crouched down on the floor!! Ha ha! Have a GRAND day, my adventurous friend!! 😀
Hope you are enjoying your gondola ride right now! I am terrified of heights and been in too many over the years. I would make a terrible skier. Love to learn more about the dogs, and more gorgeous photos! Enjoy your rest and your visit!
Happy birthday C. Enjoy the special and wonderful day with your son and family.
🙂 Mandy xoxoxo
Welcome to my home province! You are a lucky woman to be in Canmore and going to Sunshine! You are in my stomping grounds having grown up skiing and skating in both Canmore and Banff! Makes me totally smile to know you are here! I am spending Christmas in Canmore this year. Enjoy! Xoxox Del
Oh the photos of that beautiful twilight colour. How I would love to be out West again. As a Canadian, I will tell you that all of my country is beautiful, each area in it’s own way. But there is something about the Western prairies and the mountains that call me back. Perhaps it is knowing that the space is still wild, that much of it is free from humans, that there is adventure to be had and perhaps that little frisson of fear that those wide open spaces can kill you if you are not prepared. I’m sure you and your son are prepared so I won’t worry. As far North as you are, yes the nights are longer at this time of year – now imagine the longer days in the summer!
Enjoy every minute and we’ll wait patiently for more pictures and stories.
Chris S in Canada
I lived a few hours from Canmore, it was my most favourite place to live so far. I have always been in awe of the mountains and the life in them. I believe that if there are Gods and Goddesses they can be felt most humbly in places like the mountains. Great place for a rest and to celebrate your birthday. And yes, I would love to hear more about the dogs and their work. Deb
Chris you have put into word exactly what I feel when I am there. We do live in a beautiful country. Deb
Sounds like just what you need! Have fun miss c 🙂
You are in a stunningly beautiful corner of the world! We passed through Banff on our honeymoon many years ago – which was a camping excursion, as we were fairly broke. We arrived at the extremely posh Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel bedraggled, smelling of woodsmoke and with backpacks, and were treated as graciously as if we’d arrived perfectly groomed with rolling suitcases . We were there in the summer and did some hiking in the area, and even then there was plenty of snow around. In fact the next night we camped at Lake Louise and woke in the morning far too early because the snow had caved in our little tent – in August. There are several hot springs around Banff – you’ll have to give one of them a go while you’re there. Enjoy your visit with your son – and his dogs. Such a lovely break from your routine.
Canada is beautiful … enjoy the gondola today 🙂 Laura
Time off is always so precious and sweet! Enjoy! You deserve it!
Linda
Oh, Celi, that’s so fine – I am so happy with you having that nice gondola adventure high in the mountains. So beautiful. Hope with and for you that the wheather is fine. There’s nothing more beautiful than a sunny day up in the mountains, surrounded by the white snowy landscape and that deep blue skies above. Heavenly. What a nice bithday gift for you! Enjoy!!