Mining for Gold in Banff!

In Banff, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, from December to end of February, the Winter sun is cherished as it is not long shining on the landscape. Many lament the short days as the sun comes up around 8 and goes down at 4, so when the sun is up people get out.

There are other signs that let us know Spring is coming and that its arrival is imminent. Yet these signs vary according to where you live. In Banff and the Rockies we don’t see crocuses blooming but there are signs! The landscape in and around Banff begins changing its look telling one Spring is coming.

In Canada you do one or the other , or you go a long way South. Winter is 1one of four seasons but they aren’t spread evenly. Some love it. Some hate it. Some simply tolerate it. Winter.

Fall is wondrous time in nature and evokes many memories full of colors and smells that come only in that season which separates Winter and Summer, and makes the transition so enjoyable. Yet, many think of Fall as a time not so resplendent in the Rockies. The Rockies – Fall is just ……

When you hear the word, what first comes into your minds eye? Try it now – say Paradise and close your eyes to see what your mind conjures up as Paradise. What is Paradise? Biblically, the Garden of Eden was Paradise , until after the Fall. “Heaven region – state of supreme bliss”(Oxford Dictionary)

Icon in this day has several meanings. Originally an Icon was a “thing” regarded as a representative symbol of something. Today an Icon is best known as a small picture on a computer screen that represents a program. Additionally, Icon is also known now as a person who is admired and very successful.

A marvel and wonder of nature – trees benefit us in so many ways. Not the least of which is that they Clean the air – reducing pollutants and Carbon Dioxide, trees take the CO2 – absorb it and release Oxygen back into the air. We breathe because trees replenish the air …

They, the Rockies, simply are grand and eye catching at anytime of year. Yet still, the Rockies take on a different “look and feel” come winter. Once the snow starts and they move from being snow capped into adorned with snow -a change comes on. The smooth slopes and the curves all are accentuated.

Waskahigan Watchi was renamed to Rundle by James Palliser after Rev. Robert Rundle a missionary to the West of Canada in the 1840’s. The Cree, who populated the area , hunting and fishing called it Waskahigan Watchi – or House Mountain.