• Julie Raymen
  • Julie Raymen

penguins in the snow

An open-ended adventure by Julie Read more
  • Trip start
    March 1, 2018
  • Frozen Water

    March 2, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    Fabulous first day in Cranbrook,Neal took us trail walking to Mosie Falls.
    First experience wearing snow shoes, which when you get used to them really help on the deep snow.
    We took a little time to find the start of the trail but set off down the valley, passing a little gold mine on the way.
    At the bottom of the valley we walked across frozen ice, with the river flowing underneath! Then set up the path of the river.
    You could hear the water, and the sight was well worth the trek. No sound except the crashing water.
    Neal was prepared with snacks, very cold beer and even a ‘nip’ of whiskey! Tradition apparently so had to be done!
    Trek back up was more challenging, and needed a few stops to get my breath back.
    Was very warm when we got back to the car.
    Neal cooked us a great steak on his BBQ for tea, they have a big covered deck, but we are indoors!
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  • Griz Fest in Fernie

    March 3, 2018 in Canada ⋅ 🌬 -9 °C

    After a trip to the local farmers market we set off for Fernie ski resort, driving through the stunning mountains.
    Fernie was hosting a Griz Fest, a programme of local events, parades and live music.
    We have watched a lumberjack exhibition with a bit of axe throwing, drank lots of local beverages, danced to really good bands and got warm around the fire pit.
    Tomorrow Dave tests his ankle with his first Canadian ski⛷⛷⛷
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  • Powder snow for Dave

    March 5, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ -12 °C

    Dave set off with trepidation but came back with smiles, managed a good run at the slopes, with his first experience of powder snow⛷⛷
    Frances and I meandered around Fernie managing to eat and drink in all the best places!
    Off to hot springs today
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  • Stunning day in the Rockies

    March 5, 2018 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 -6 °C

    Headed off to a hot spring this morning, three large rock pols alongside a beautiful river.
    Turned up in full thermals, coats etc, not quite believing we were going to strip off and get in a rock pool in -3!
    Well we did and it was fab! Very hot water, great chat, cold beer!
    Tried the stream but ice melt is very cold!
    Then set off on a forestry service road, and headed il into the Rockies- stunning stunning stunning.....
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  • Wycliffe Buttes and Kimberley

    March 6, 2018 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 -6 °C

    Set off this morning to climb the Buttes for a second time in two years, we wanted to recreate our photo but this time in the snow!
    We didn’t have the snow shoes on but needed the poles as the snow was deep - step off the beaten down path and you sank to your knees!
    Stunning view point, watching the elk move across the fields. Photos done we headed down - even more tricky!
    Headed to check in at Kimberley ski resort - a fabulous suite with all mod cons and more!
    David and Neal rushed to the slopes for the afternoon session whilst I relaxed ( a little snooze might have taken place!)
    Nachos, beer and a hot tub rounded
    off the day 😊
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  • All about the skiing today

    March 7, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ -2 °C

    Beautiful blue sky day, perfect conditions for those who love to strap planks to their feet and slide down mountains!
    Dave set off early and joined a ski tour which he enjoyed whilst I set off down the mountain into the small town of Kimberley - further than I thought, a beautiful path through the trees , with the mountains in the distance.
    Plan was to meet Dave for lunch, so was very thankful when I saw a taxi, accosted him and got agreement that he would drive me back up the hill to the ski resort! !!!
    Will have to return to Kimberley tomorrow but with better time planning as I didn’t get in any shops!
    Afternoon spent reading my kindle in the sun Whilst Dave skies, drinking our fav beer ‘shock top’ a wheat beer from Belgium!
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  • Heading home

    March 10, 2018 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 0 °C

    After three nights at Kimberley ski resort, time to start winding our way home😒
    Dave’s body is creaking a bit but he managed really well learning to ski in powder and different conditions.
    I found a good trek down to the town, sat in the hot tub and had a massage! Hard life!
    Off to airport soon to get in our 18 seater plane to Calgary.
    Blue sky here so hoping to get a good view of the Rockies from the air...
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