Weekend mountains

Weekend mountains! They really help keep things in perspective…

Busy report card season or not, you have to play! We went to Louise last weekend, speeding (within posted limits) out of the city, across the prairies, through the foothills, and into the mountains. Poetry. It is a thrill every single time, and every single time we pass Castle Mountain, I say it is one of my favourites. This time around, the light was soft, fading fast, and Mrs PlaidCamper took a couple of photographs:

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Speeding (carefully) towards Castle Mountain
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Even through a car window, it has such character!

We mixed up our snow activities, opting to snowshoe on Saturday (more on that another time), and snowboard on Sunday. Saturday was bright and cold, whereas Sunday had a little more cloud cover and mist. It is great to see the mountains under perfect blue skies, but there are different moods created in other conditions.

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No worries

I usually enjoy the first hour or two of the day the most – empty slopes, morning light, and the best conditions on the snow. We had all that and different mountain views with the mist and clouds.

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Calm

Unwritten report cards, sore legs, poor board technique, and other cares are all put aside for a short while when you can sit on the snow and take in the view. A little perspective, a reminder of just how lucky we are, and to enjoy the time you have while you can. Try and appreciate that often in life “we’ve really got a good thing going!” (D. Bowie “Hang on to Yourself”)

Something of an aside here, but I can’t let it go unremarked. Bowie’s passing is such a shock, and maybe a reminder to live as fully as possible. I think he did! He seemed so full of vitality and creativity, and often appeared to be enjoying himself enormously. “Don’t stay in a sad place, where they don’t care how you are…” (D. Bowie “Everyone Says ‘Hi'”)  – this sentiment seems fine to me. If you know it, an upbeat little pop song to celebrate an interesting life.

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Enjoy

Anyway, hopefully we are back to the mountains soon. They always work their magic.

I’ll keep it short this week. Thanks for reading, please feel free to comment or share a story, and keep your guy ropes secure.

Published by

plaidcamper

I am a would be outdoorsman - that is if I had more time, skills and knowledge. When I can, I love being outdoors, just camping, hiking, snowboarding, xc skiing, snowshoeing, paddling a canoe or trying something new. What I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm and having a go. I'd never really survive for long out there in the wild, but I enjoy pretending I could if I had to...

28 thoughts on “Weekend mountains”

  2. I can never say there is one special photo I like the best in any of your posts. You see, they are all so breath-taking and it is impossible just to choose one as a favorite. Thanks for all the wonderful photographs you take and share. I love the mountains.

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    1. I’m very happy you enjoy them! To be honest, I was mostly sitting on my butt in the snow taking a break, and my phone was in my pocket, so I took a few snaps. The mountains do all the hard work!
      Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, I appreciate it!
      I’m heading back over to your blog later to check out the Dublin posts – I have many happy memories from numerous trips there.
      Hope you’re enjoying your weekend!

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  7. Everyone says hi, just stunning mountain photos, as usual, nice reflections from the sunny side of winter, Mr. PlaidCamper, thank you again. It all works wonders, too, with a little Bowie soundscape echoing in the background and in the heart. Always glad to catch up with these weekend jaunts!

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  8. My goodness, those mountains are beautiful. I’m envious of the grandeur of the mountains near you and your family. Here in WV, we have many mountains, but they are old and have eroded to much smaller than those further west and north.

    I’m anxious to read about your snowshoeing adventures. I’ve never been but hope to some day. For now, I’ll be satisfied with reading your account of tramping through the snow.

    Great post as always! May the plaid flag wave forever!

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  12. Another lovely post, Adam. Fantastic photos, and great attitude. We really do have so much to be thankful for. I especially appreciated the tribute to David Bowie, quotes, and observances. He certainly did live life to the fullest. Ch-ch-changes…. 🙂

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