Bow Valley Provincial Park

I should have written about Bow Valley back in May, since we did spend May long weekend there, but after our four nights I felt like there really was nothing much to say. It was relaxing, but typical of the May long, nighttime temperatures dipped below zero with a side of snow. However, the beauty of the fresh snow covering the spruce and pine trees was just breathtaking. It was only our second trip with both Logan and Matthias so we were still getting use to so much. This time however, almost the end of summer, and we are seasoned parents (if such a thing exists) of two very active little boys with their very own personalities and we are back at the Bow Valley Campground.

"Golden mountain" on our first morning

One of the biggest perks of camping here is that it's only a short drive from Calgary. It is considered the gateway into the Rocky mountains with Kananaskis country and Banff National Park just a short drive away. 

We arrived somewhere around noon and since Logan had slept most of the drive in we managed to venture out for a quiet walk along the Bow River after lunch. Our site, C5 was just on the river. In fact the picture below gives you a good idea of our "backyard" for our 4 day stay. 

Our "backyard" for four nights - site C5

It was my idea, not such a good one I would admit, to take the boys out for a drive and walk to Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park on day two. We had two very cranky gentlemen to deal with so we only made it about 3/4 the way up to the lower falls. Derek and I have been there a number of times before though, and it is a "must see" if you are touring Alberta.

File Photo from 2011 when Derek and I camped at the Johnston Canyon Campground - We hiked all the way up to the inkpots

As we were walking back to the parking lot there was this couple that I noticed. They must have been a few years older than my parents.  I could tell that his wife was everything to him as he held her hands, gently leading her slowly back down the pathway since she notably needed her husband's aid. His gentleness and her peacefulness brought tears to my eyes as I knew that was the best way they could enjoy each other, in nature, in love, forgetting everything except what was there in the "now". I hope and pray that my own parents,  Derek's parents and of course Derek and I would always need each other in that way and each would tenderly and affectionately care for the other because that is what the world needs. In fact, I wish this for everyone. 

I've said it time and time again in my blogs, there is something about nature that brings peace to your soul. Having said this, I am dedicating this blog to that couple. Whoever you are, you melted my heart on that peaceful day at the canyon and I wish you many years of love, peace and many more days out in nature. 

The temperatures dipped below zero Saturday night and as the clouds shifted the next day we were greeted with a spectacular view of the mountains first snow. I felt privileged to be this close to the mountains and see its first snow as summer comes to an end and we welcome the crispness of the fall air.

The shifting clouds gave us a great view of the mountains first snowfall

The weather turned out to be quite nice on Monday, a cool 14 degrees in the sun was perfect for a walk down the Many Springs Trail. Strolling down the pathway on the edge of the river brought us to some spectacular views of the mountains. 

We had a wonderful time once again. Matthias is finally beginning to eat the things that we cook and Logan wants to eat everything, but he'll have to settle for rice cereal for now. We've had some exciting moments with trains, squirrels and Matthias' rendition of the song "what a wonderful world".

If you decide to camp at the Bow Valley Campground you've got the Stoney Nakoda Resort just a couple kilometers east on the 1A. Stop by on the weekend for their awesome buffets or check out the casino. You are also a short drive away from Canmore if you wanted to get in a day hike or even venture further out to Banff or Lake Louis. If you are just looking for a relaxing time, just settle into your campsite and enjoy the tranquility and seclusion that is the Bow Valley Provincial Park.

All you need for a great time: Great company, good food and a warm fire! HAPPY CAMPING EVERYONE!

Some menu ideas from this trip:

• Blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes with eggs sunny side up (breakfast)

• Hamburgers (lunch)

• Roti with fried potatoes (supper)

• Rice with curried chicken and peas (supper)

• Prime rib with steamed veges (supper)

Pigeon Lake Provincial Park

It felt a bit unusual heading out on a Monday since most of our trips in the past were over long weekends and holidays, but being on maternity leave gives us total flexibility on when we camp. There were a few perks to camping during the week though, first and foremost we were able to take advantage of Alberta Park's special Midweek Camping Offer of stay for three nights and pay for two plus the campground was very quiet. No "man-made" noises, just the natural sounds around us. 

We first visited Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, two years ago when Matthias was just a yearling and we enjoyed it quite a bit so we've decided to go back. This time Derek had three walleye tags so fishing and canoeing were high on the agenda.

This trip was Logan's third camping trip. Yes, third, some may call us a bit crazy but he is a great baby and enjoys being in the outdoors very much and we've already made so much great memories in his first three months with us. 

Matthias - On the Beach at Pigeon Lake - 2014

Matthias - Pigeon Lake Shoreline- 2016

Getting to Pigeon Lake Provincial from Calgary; head north along the QE2 for 209 km, take the highway 13 turnoff to the Pigeon Lake South shore, turn right onto AB-771 then right onto township road 470. There are signs along the route so you can't miss it. We had a bit of a chuckle when Matthias asked "where are the mountains Mummy?" so we had to explain that there are other campgrounds outside of the mountains.

It took us just about three hours to get to the campground, not too bad if you consider we've got a toddler and newborn on board. If you do need to stop at one of the roadside turnouts do pay careful attention, as the QE2 is very busy and the turnouts are, or at least we felt that they were not very safe.

The weather on Tuesday turned out to be perfect for a walk around the campground. Do note that these trails are also used for winter skiing. and part of the campground is also open in the winter months for those wanting to ski or ice fish.

Trail around the campground

The forest reminded me so much of back home in Trinidad where I grew up in Brasso Venado. Its lush richness and serenity seemed to bring back very happy memories of walking through the bushes in my grandfathers estates. If you are a bird watcher do bring those binoculars as Pigeon Lake is known as a stopover for migrating birds, waterfowl, shorebirds as well as the forest dwellers.  

Matthias had loads of fun "feeding the lake rocks" and Logan just loved the fresh moist air. As expected he slept through the walk.

Boreal Forest at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park

It's amazing how much the landscape changes just a couple hours drive away. As you head north from Calgary the pine trees seem to disappear and as is the case for this area you are completely surrounded by Boreal forest; don't be fooled though, as bears have been spotted here so do keep the bear spray handy. 

Derek got a bit of fishing in on Tuesday with no luck but after trying several different rigs, he finally found one that worked and his luck completely changed on Wednesday. So much that folks were telling him that they had never heard of anyone catching eleven walleyes in just one day. No keepers though, as they were all bigger than his Class C license allowed for. His advice is to get a Class B or if you have several persons fishing get all three classes (A,B and C) if you can. His largest walleye measured 62 cm.

Matthias is really turning out to be quit the chef as he roasted some yummy pork on the fire with his dad. Sorry no photo to show but it was yummy. But here he is at it again cooking up some curried chicken and potato. 

"Patching" the curry for curried chicken

Logan on the other hand is becoming increasingly observant and loves looking at the trees swaying in the wind. He's still at the point where he hates the wind in his face so our time spent outside was still a bit minimal on this trip due to some windy weather. The weather did change enough that he finally got to sit around the fire for the very first time in his very own chair that "of course" Matthias tries to steal from time to time. 

Campfire Brothers

On Wednesday we ventured out a bit. One quick stop to the supermarket in the Village at Pigeon Lake (just twenty minutes drive from the campground) and then off to Battle Lake which we were told by a fish and wildlife officer has really good pike fishing. 

Canada Geese and Goslings - Battle Lake

We have started cooking more of our meals over the fire now that the weather is warming up and its amazing how great it tastes. This also gives us the bonus of getting the kids involved in making a fire, cooking and just getting more time outside.
When we were here two years ago it was early August, and because of the hotter temperatures there was blue-green algae in the water. Once present, you are advised against swimming as it irritates the skin and you get what is called "swimmers itch".  This time though, no algae but it's still too cold for swimming plus there were leaches in the water so I guess you'll have to weigh the pros and cons. No swimming for us although Matthias did venture into the water a bit to get his toes wet.

The campground is big and the sites are well treed giving you that "wilderness" feel that we so like when camping. The bathroom facilities are one of the newer ones and if not for having to use loonies and toonies for a shower we would have said that it was one of the best. This campground is wonderful for kids offering a sandy beach, large playground and wide open grassed area perfect for a picnic.

Our site - C105 (Power only)

There are quite a few attractions nearby, most of which are open from Fridays to Sundays. We would have liked to do some strawberry picking at Steven's U-Pick or visited the Gone Green farms but we were just too early. The campground has a great area map at the check in desk so be sure to ask for one when you get there. 

Our last day was just about perfect. Ending it off dancing to some old school rockers, Julio Iglesias and Billy Joel.

It was a day and trip that we will definitely remember for a very long time as this was the trip that Matthias caught his very first fish, with a little help from Dad of course. He was so excited to tell us all about his 48 cm walleye. In his own words "Mom, Dad, I had sooo much fun fishing". He did also complain about the fish "touching" his pants. We are so proud of him and he had so much fun doing it...not just the fishing but getting the canoe ready and fixing his fishing rod with his dad. He's just so much like his parents and so much more if you add his passion for trains and dinosaurs. 

Matthias' first fish - 48cm Walleye (not the best picture on a rocking canoe)

"I'll just help Dad get this canoe out of the water"

A week well spent for sure and we'll definitely be going back. This was the first trip where everyone had a great time TOGETHER; 

• Matthias caught his very first fish

• Derek had some great fishing action

• Logan and I both got to sit around the fire and most importantly

• We all spent most of the days together just enjoying each others company.

We definitely recommend spending some time at this campground.

We are back home now and believe it or not, Matthias is turning three years old in less than two weeks so it's birthday party planning time and then it's off to the Ol' McDonald Resort for his birthday week adventures and Canada Day celebrations.

Until then, HAPPY CAMPING!

Some menu ideas from this trip:

• Blueberry pancakes (breakfast)

• English muffins with eggs sunny side up (breakfast)

• Corned beef and rice with avocado salad (lunch)

• Curried chicken with potato, rice and salad (Supper)

• Pepper Shrimp (without the pepper), spaghetti and broccoli (supper)

Radium Valley Vacation Resort, Radium, BC

Nice day for a walk....Matthias had Dad carry him most of the way though....Go Daddy!

Just five minutes into the drive and Logan's very first camping trip he is fast asleep. With a full tummy and dry diaper he is a very happy little camper. Matthias on the other hand, he's the very observant and inquisitive co-pilot. "What's that mummy, what's that daddy". Derek and I try to explain that the colored balls on the electrical lines are markers that tell the airplane pilots where the electrical lines are. 
The drive to the Radium Valley Vacation Resort in Radium Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park, took us just over three hours. Both boys were perfect on the drive there with just one stop for Logan's diaper change and the opportunity to fill up his tummy. We stopped at a pull out on highway 1 just 8.6 km away from the highway 93 South exit which gave Matthias the opportunity to get out and run around for a bit. After that, it was smooth sailing all the way to the resort.

Travelling through the mountains is always a treat on its own. There were a few rough patches along highway 93 which made for a bit of a rough ride for Logan. If you are pulling a trailer be ready for quite an elevation gain with the highest as you travel across storm mountain. You might also be lucky to catch some fresh snow up there. 

Misty Range

It was nice to see fences are being erected along highway 93 together with animal crossings to keep wildlife off the highway (as the signs say, "your fees at work"). Having said that, don;t forget your park pass as it is required in the National Parks. 

Happy to get out and run around for a bit

Now where did that Moose come from...pull out along Highway 1

The welcoming committee..Big Horn sheep roam the streets freely in Radium so keep an eye out for them.

The Resort is beautiful with each site having it's very own cabana, bar b que grill and gas. You do pay an extra fee for the gas at the end of your stay.  Once we got the trailer set up, Matthias was eager to explore the campground. At this time of year the campground is not very busy which gave him the opportunity to roam freely. He was very happy that we brought his tricycle along as he spent most of the day just riding around and testing the limits to see how fast he could go. 

You can see the camp sites with the cabanas in the back....

"Mom, I'm just going to ride to mamam and Papa's house ok".

Having left the leafless trees and brown grass back in Calgary it was wonderful to see all the green in BC and actually get to hear the pitter patter of the rain drops on the roof of the trailer. 
So, what do you do on a rainy day? Well, with great company and a great cook in the house....uhummm trailer, you cook up a storm of coarse. On the dinner menu was roti..buss up shut to be exact, curried goat, curried channa and potato and Derek made some tamarind chutney to tie it all together. As yummy as all of these dishes are, they are far from "traditional" camping food. 

ohhhhh....yum!

Day two was wonderful and what camping is all about. The weather was perfect for a nice hike. We hiked up to Sinclair Falls and then made a loop into town and around the campground. All together it was probably a 9 km hike that took us just under three hours. Logan was happy to be carried in the baby harness and slept through the entire hike. With all the fresh air there was nothing that could wake him, not even his very excited and sometimes loud brother. Matthias on the other hand wanted "uppie daddy" most of the trip.

Fresh air = sleepy baby

This is a community right next to the campground and lots for sale...just in case you're in the market for a vacation home.

Sinclair Falls

Almost at the top...family photo time

Radium is a beautiful little town and there are a few campgrounds out there. Red Streak campground is 2.5 km above the village of Radium Hot Springs and can be booked online through parks Canada. Down in the valley just over from where we stayed is the Canyon campground which we would like to stay at the next time we are in Radium because they have the bonus of fire pits. 

The Canyon RV Resort

Along our hike, looking down into The Canyon RV Resort

Better view from up there I guess

Little explorer...Sinclair Creek along our hike. Matthias finally decided to give Daddy's shoulder a rest.

At RVVR I do like that you have your very own private cabana and it is a resort set up for family fun with lots for the kids to do. Never a dull moment with the pool, hut tub, tennis courts, playground, etc. If you really like it here you can even buy into a time share. Matthias really loved the campground as the train tracks were just down the valley so he could see and hear the trains as they went by. I must mention that he is very much in love with trains right now so we do our best to accommodate him. 

Just a note, there is a lumber yard down in the valley from the campground and they do seem to work 24 hours during the week so do expect a bit of noise. 

Looking down into the valley from the campground..."trains, trains, trains".....

We decided to stay one extra day since the weather was warming up and we were just starting to get into a routine with the boys. On day three we drove to a nearby honey farm, Beeland Market and Coffee House. We always try to do a drive and bit of exploring wherever we visit. With some local advise we ventured across the Columbia river along a 10 km stretch of gravel road that lead from Spillimacheen through Brisco back onto highway 95. We were told that this drive was very promising for bear sightings but no bears to be seen that day. 

Milk stop..."Logan was not the only hungry baby out that day"

There's lots more to see and do in Radium, but there is only so much that you can do with a toddler and yes, a "newborn" in tow. Being Logan's first time out we did not want to pack too much into this trip as we tried to maintain his routine and stay within our comfort zones. 
It was a wonderful and memorable first trip for 2016 and most importantly Logan's very first camping trip that just happened to fall on his one month birthday. Oh, the stories he'll have to tell!
As we leave Radium, we eagerly anticipate our next trip out to the Bow Valley Provincial Park and hope you look forward to reading about our experiences (old and new) there. 

Love this sign

Introducing Logan Tyler Ramnarine

Remember I mentioned in my first blog that I had insomnia due to being 7 weeks away from giving birth......WELL....

On March 23rd 2016 at 3:57am our second jewel arrived, filling our hearts with so much love and happiness yet again.
Weighing in at 7lbs 7oz and 51cm long, Logan Tyler is the perfect addition to our family and everything that parents can ask for in a baby boy. He is healthy and happy and is adored by his big brother who lovingly calls him "Peachy Pie munch munch".

Logan Tyler Ramnarine a.k.a "Peachy Pie Munch Munch"

Photo Credit: TKShotz Photography

I have been a bit silent on my webpage for a while but as you would imagine it takes some getting use to going from just a toddler to a toddler plus a newborn. It is our newest adventure and definitely a different rhythm but Derek and I are picking up the notes very quickly.

Like his brother, Logan is also named after a great mountain, Mount Logan. Mount Logan is the highest peak in Canada and second highest is North America, after Mount Denali, after which our first son is named. Mount Logan is located within Kluane National Park and Reserve in southwestern Yukon, less than 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the Yukon/Alaska border.Both mountains are on our "must visit" list and both boys will get to visit their namesakes for their 10th birthdays.

Today Logan is 12 days old. We took him into the trailer for the first time on Friday and he was happy to just lay in bed and relax. Big brother Matthias could not wait to show him around.

Friday April 1st, 2016 - Logan's first time in the trailer

We've already booked our first camping trip for the May long weekend....we usually start the season off close to home as it's usually still a bit cold in early May, so we are heading to Bow Valley Provincial Park. It will definitely be something to see how Logan adapts...although I think that he will be just fine especially with all the fresh air.
This year, to accommodate Logan, we'll try to camp close to Calgary, keeping the driving distance within 2 hours since I think once fed that's how long Logan will nap for before waking up hungry again. 

Matthias has already been asking to go camping which means that "we've succeeded in getting one kid hooked on camping Dad, now to work on the second". Yeahhhh....

"My dear baby Logan, you have completed our family and we are all excited to start this new journey and make a lifetime worth of memories with our two precious boys".

Denali and Logan...OUR Hearts, OUR dreams come true, OUR EVERYTHING!

FOR YOU ALWAYS DENALI AND LOGAN,
Love Mom and Dad.

Little Elbow Campground Our very first taste of Canadian Camping)

Derek and I still have lots of laughs when we think of our first camping trip. I say that it is our favorite but more so it's definitely our most memorable.
So here's the thing about living in Alberta, after a long winter when the temperature finally goes above zero degrees Celsius we tend to think that summer is here. Yes, the short pants come out and the sun roofs go up. So there we are, first weekend in May and the weather is supposed to be beautiful and we're just excited to get out and sleep in a tent. We head out to one of the nicest and closest campgrounds to Calgary, Little Elbow Campground, just about 14km west of Bragg Creek in Kananaskis Country.

On the way to Little Elbow Campground - Hwy 22

The car is packed, I mean really packed and we head out. In tow we've got this brand new air bed that my Aunt and Uncle gave us. This made us even more excited "wow, we get to sleep on a bed in our tent".

We get there and set up. We managed to get a really nice walk-in site. If you've never camped on a walk-in it just means that your car is parked about 50 feet from the actual site and you haul your stuff in. What I really liked about this campground is that it is well treed and there were lots of deer running around. Plus you are really close to lots of hiking trails. If you have small kids the Forget Me Not Pond is just a short walk away that is just beautiful for an afternoon or evening picnic.

All set!

Forget Me Not Pond (It actually iced over that night)

That evening we cooked curried crab and dumpling. Yip, we made our neighbors mouth water. Not a traditional camping dish but if you're from the Caribbean like we are curry is a "must" on any lime (fun outdoor activity). I'll share the recipe for this.

Curried crab and dumplings (Trinidadian Style)

I must say, being out for the first time was magical. Everything about it, every little detail. We had deer come right up to our camping chairs and we sat and watch them dig up and steal the squirrels winter hideaway. The fire was going, tequila was out, it was a perfect evening. All until, yes, the temperature dropped and it began to snow.

I don't think that anything else existed besides the two of us and what was around us - the smells, the sounds, the peace and tranquility.

Mule deer (not for hunting Dad....store those trigger fingers)!

We did not mind, we packed up and headed into our tent for the night but were we ever in for a surprise. I can still feel the cold, from deep down in my bones it was just unbearable. I think it went down to about minus 4 or 6 degrees Celsius that night. We soon realized that sleeping on an air bed was not such a good idea. We finished the tequila which helped to get us to sleep.

Unfortunately, at 2 in the morning Derek woke me up to tell me that there was something walking around our tent. We got up to investigate, for as you would imagine the first thing to cross our minds was that "it's a bear." Derek flashed his light around and thankfully it was just some deer walking around.

When we woke up in the morning we were baffled as to why everyone else was waking up looking so rested and happy and we know that some were also sleeping on air mattresses. We soon realized that they all had sleeping bags. Silly us, never thought of it. Well after a hearty breakfast of pancakes and eggs and a nice hike we packed up and headed home and that same evening headed out to Canadian tire to buy a couple sleeping bags.

Hiking along Forget Me Not Pond

Elbow River

If you are shopping for sleeping bags we got these really neat ones made by Broadstone designed for minus 7 degrees Celsius that connect together to form one big bag that two people can comfortably sleep in. I don't think that we were ever cold again but we never did take the air mattress back out with us. We were fine with just the sleeping bags after that.

Blog 001 - WELCOME

This blog is not meant only to share our camping/outdoor experiences with you but also to capture our families' many adventures in a very unique way. The hope is that all our followers will get something interesting and useful out of our stories and go out there and enjoy nature.

Hello, my name is Marina. My husband and I live in Calgary, Alberta with our now two and a half year old son Matthias Denali and currently expecting our second in about seven weeks. Yes, maybe that's why I'm writing this my very first blog at 4:05am (insomnia is starting to kick in) plus I'm very excited to start sharing our stories and experiences with you.

A little about me:

Hiking Powder Face Ridge, Bragg Creek, AB - Canada Day 2011

I should first mention that I am a highly skilled Project Engineer in the Oil and Gas Industry here in Calgary. Having studied Civil and Structural Engineering my main purpose other than designing and building was to travel the world and meet different people and experience different cultures.  

I grew up in a tiny village on the island of Trinidad called Brasso Venado. My dad, an avid hunter, fisherman and camper is probably the reason for my passion and strong ties to being out in nature. As far back as I can remember, maybe when I was either 4 or 5 years old, I remember him taking me into the cocoa estate to collect and reap various "yummies" from the garden and coming home to build an outdoor fire and cook up our findings. I also remember the first time that I went fishing and camping as though it were just yesterday. It was not as luxurious as we do it today in a 34 foot travel trailer but it was in a camp built entirely from branches and leaves as you see on those survival shows and we slept on bunks made out of crocus bags. We fished using sticks that my uncle and dad would go in search off along the hike to the reservoir. If I close my eyes and think about these times I can still taste my dad's cooking. Freshly caught fish and dug provisions all cooked on a smoky camp fire. This was the first part of my "heaven on earth" and this is what shaped my future.

Anyway, enough with the introduction of myself, let me introduce you to my other half, my soul mate, my husband, Derek. When you think of a match made in heaven its Derek and I. We have a love for the very same things. Yes, Derek would not mind going camping, fishing or hunting everyday of the week. You can look forward to some of his own stories in this blog of his many failed and successful fishing adventures and how he "trained" me to be his co pilot when we're getting the camper ready for a trip :) Oh, and let me just say that Derek is a great cook so all the recipes that we share are his very own.

After we moved to Calgary in 2010, Derek and I did not waste anytime getting out into the mountains, after all, it's what drew us here in the first place. For those that have never been to Calgary it is a beautiful city known for "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" The Calgary Stampede. It is just a short 45 minutes drive away from the Canadian Rocky Mountains and some of the best hiking, scenery and wildlife viewing that you can find in Canada or possibly anywhere on earth. It is absolutely breathtaking and my advice is, if you've never been here, put it on your to do list, but do remember to pick up some bear spray before you head out into the mountains as you never know what's going to be sharing the trails with you.

Now, I invite you to sit back and enjoy my next blogs as I go in depth into our many camping trips, starting with our very first one, camping in a small Swiss tent gifted to us by a very good friend and former co-worker that never used it (thanks Wayne). Our first trip took us to a campground in Bragg Creek, Alberta, Little Elbow Campground and boy was it an experience that we will never forget.

Matthias, Derek and I - Snowshoeing - West Bragg Creek, Alberta

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