Morning commute
From my hotel to the conference every morning. Two things I've been appreciating these mornings: how quickly we establish daily routes, and how walkers can go anywhere - over curbs and small fences, short cuts, wrong ways, one ways, desire paths, trespassing - on foot there's always a way. Location: Albuquerque, NM Length: 1 km Companions: none Date: 28 October, 2022
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Summit Lake
Bears were grazing across the lake and dogs were happy and oblivious when we stopped for a rest and lunch at Summit Lake. We thought we'd go further up the trail, but started late and had sore feet, so headed down for tea. Location: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta Length: 8 km Companions: Troy, Chris, Rose & Cooper Date: 17 September, 2022 Neighbourhood Coulees
We have to leave earlier all the time to get a walk in after work but before sunset. There is someone camped out here, not far off the trail but well hidden in this untrafficked part of the coulees. Should we worry? About them, about ourselves? Choosing not to. Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Length: 4 km Companions: Mia & Rose Date: 16 September, 2022 Meditation Walk
Smoky sunset and the coyotes were singing. Every time I walk to this bluff and sit down overlooking the Oldman River, I appreciate living in this particular place a little bit more. Location: Pavan Park, Lethbridge Length: 3 km Companions: Troy, Chris, & Rose Date: 14 September, 2022 Tree Walk
It was a magical afternoon for a contemplative walk among the Cottonwood trees. Being With Trees was originally created as an audio walk for the Walking Art and Relational Geographies conference. Location: Helen Schuler Nature Centre, Lethbridge Length: 2 km Companions: Annie and the group Date: 8 September, 2022 Windfall
It's a hot day at the end of summer, 38°C in town, so we headed to the high woods. Green, shady, quiet, well-worn trails through the pine and poplar, and no one else around - a walk like a big drink of cool water. Location: Elkwater, Alberta Length: 4 km Companions: Tom & Rose Date: 3 September, 2022 Quick morning dogwalk
The sun is late around the neighbourhood. Grateful for the dog who gets me to go outside, breath, walk, pause, in the midst of a rush to work. Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Length: 1 km Companions: Rose Date: 30 August, 2022 Uphill walk with a view
Aways up the trail that ends at the summit of Table Mountain, there is a bench with a view. It's as far as we went today. Location: Castle Provincial Park, Alberta Length: 4 km Companions: Tom, Troy & Rose Date: 28 August, 2022 Oldman River beach
Short walk, long on mind, sky, love. Location: Popson Park, Lethbridge, Alberta Length: 2 km Companions: Norbu, Troy & Rose Date: 22 July, 2022 Dog Walk
Green walk in the morning coulee, happy dogs. Location: Lethbridge, Alberta Length: 3 km Companions: Annie & dogs Date: 15 July, 2022 Blooms
Even the grass flowers at this time of summer. Location: Farm coulee, Alberta Length: 2 km Companions: Rose Date: 2 July, 2022 Miner's Trail
The Crowsnest Pass is full of surprises. This trail along the lively Nez Perce Creek goes through a forested canyon, with ferns growing along rock outcroppings, and hundreds of mosses and lichens. This is a very local ecosystem caused by the creek, the Rainbow waterfalls, and the narrow canyon, shaded and wind-protected. Further up, above the falls, the mountain meadows were full of wildflowers, surrounded by pines, and so quiet. A magical place. Location: Coleman, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta Length: 2 km Companions: Samten, Tom, & Rose Date: 11 June, 2022 Past Bertha Bay and almost to Boundary Bay
This trail is full of wildflowers, shaded forest air, water, new undergrowth, and huggable trees. We were delighted, whether it was a walk, a wander, or a hike. Location: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta Length: 7 km Companions: Samten, Annie, Troy Date: 10 June, 2022 Farm Coulee dog walk
Keeping my eye out for deer, in order to divert the dog's attention before she sees them. She corners a porcupine under a rusted farm implement, half overgrown the plow, half grown the porcupine, the dog cautious enough. There are hawks and Great Horned owls, skunks and coyotes, an owlet flapping among the spruce trees, badgers and ducks and jackrabbits, every footstep a feast of smells. Location: Outside of Lethbridge, Alberta Length: 2 km Companions: Rose-D Date: 28 May, 2022 Lake Erie Waterfront walk
It is a relief to be in front of big water, to walk in the sand, to feel the possibility of summer adventures and other lives. Location: Port Dover beach, Ontario Length: 2 km Companions: Isabel & Grandma Date: 23 April, 2022 |
Author
Sandra Cowan likes to walk on trails, paths, and city streets. She is based in southern Alberta, Canada, a visitor in the land of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy). Archives
April 2023
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