The Kicking Horse slide…

…it’ll pick you up! Tired after what seemed a long week, we went back on the trail – the cross country ski trail – and down to the Kicking Horse. Winter gave us another fine afternoon, safely below zero and with the promise of more snow from gathering clouds.image

We sped down the hill with a grace that could only reveal my unease at the increasing pace. In another triumph of hope over style and technique, gravity and a previously undiscovered sense of balance delivered me safely to the valley bottom without a tumble. Several times, I considered throwing myself down (a stopping method that has served me well) but the ski gods were smiling, or at least amused, and it wasn’t necessary.image

Relieved to be at river level, we kicked on down the trail, tracking the river and happy to be sliding along the flat valley floor. We had it all to ourselves, the entire afternoon spent without seeing another person. Free of witnesses, we strode along mightily on our skis, looking majestic as we ate up the kilometres. Oh alright, so it wasn’t exactly like that, but it’s true about the no witnesses. No one saw me stop for a quick rest, planting my ski pole so firmly into the edge of the trail that it went in over halfway and I fell over. A slow motion sideways slump, and nope, no witnesses. Not even Mrs. PC (I couldn’t keep up…)image

I untangled my legs, skis and poles, pushed myself back up, and decided to be less majestic and more careful. Fortunately, the wonderful landscapes provided the real majesty, and with each steady kilometre I could feel the cares of the week fall away. Further into the woods and along the river meant a growing sense of calm, and we were both grateful for that. We enjoy the work we do, but it is pleasant to put it to one side for a while, and simply be somewhere else. Each step, kick and glide makes you stronger, happy to be in the present, and recharges you for whatever might be ahead. I think it’s hard to be out hiking, or on skis or snowshoes, and feel burdened…image

By the time we returned to the start, we were (I was) physically tired yet mentally restored, and feeling strong, like a kicking horse. I love how that seeming contradiction can work!image

Thanks for reading, here’s hoping you get or you are outside, and have a wonderful weekend!

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...

15 thoughts on “The Kicking Horse slide…”

  1. Hello Plaid Camper – thank you for the post. The photos are lovely and I especially like the first one. It is wonderful when there are no witnesses on the trail!

    I hope you have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and that you enjoy some green beer.

    Have a great week-end and a great rest of the week!

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    1. Hello Pandora – thanks for your comment, and I’m glad to enjoyed our little trip! This is the second attempt at replying to your comment, so I hope it works. WordPress can be glitchy…
      Have a wonderful week!

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  2. whew! These are some gorgeous scenes, pc. Easy to see why the invigorating activity, the crisp air, and those fantastic mountain scapes gave you a renewed sense. I laughed at your tumble. Terrific post, my friend — I hope your weekend is delightful.

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    1. You’d have laughed more if you’d seen it. Oh dear…
      Very happy to hear you are embarking on the research for your next novel! We’ve some idea as to how thorough you are with that, and will wait patiently – and with excitement!
      It’s to the west coast of Vancouver Island for us next week. It won’t be dry, but it will be wild!
      Thanks, Jet, and we hope your week is off to a fine start.

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  3. the second last shot is missing something in the foreground…………a Guinness!
    With it being Saint Patty’s day ,I’m surprised you didn’t include one of your favourite drinks Adam.
    I really do love that shot btw! It leads the eye & thats exactly what a picture is suppose to do.

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  4. It’s always a pleasure to slip and slide along the trail with you in beautiful scenes like this, and not being a witness to anything ungainly. Hell, I take more tumbles than anyone, looking up to soak in the terrific images every now and then. Thanks for another fine one!

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    1. We did enjoy this little trip – and tumble – and we’re always happy to share. It’s the falling over that gives us pause, and that’s never a bad thing, having that extra time to stop and stare.
      Thanks, Walt, and I hope your week is off to a fine start!

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  5. Wonderful photos and such a beautiful place to relax and play in the snow! I hope you wear a brightly colored hat so Mrs. PC can see you back in the distance on the trails or in the snowbank. Enjoy your weekend and I hope you’re recharging in another wonderful location!

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    1. Haha, so that’s why Mrs. PC keeps giving me the hats with the oversized and colourful bobbles…
      Our weekend was spent in Yoho (rain and snow, but very pleasant) and we hope yours was fun, and that your week is off to a great start!

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  6. You brought back memories of a long ski down the hill of a mountain on a x-country ski trail…there’s nothing like it! and of trying to get up after a fall in deep snow-it is hard work.Funny how one can be tired after a week of work and go outdoors to work in a different way to be rejuvenated. I am typing at my computer right now but thanks to your post am gaining momentum to get outdoors.It is a beautiful day !

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  7. I thought I just commented but see nothing so apologize if it is a repeat.Your photo brought to mind a long ski on x-country skis down a mountain trail. It is wonderful! And I remember how hard I had to work to get back on my feet after falling in deep snow. It is interesting after a week of work how a different kind of work can be so rejuvenating and so much fun. You did it! I am now inspired to pull away from my computer and get outdoors-it is a beautiful day!

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  9. It is still winter on the high ground, but spring is threatening to make an appearance – although that can change back to winter in the blink of an eye…
    Thanks, John, and I hope your week is off to a great start!

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