Month: August 2010

This isn’t really a hike – more of a walk if you are just going around this man made lake.  Take the road to Elbow Falls and keep going past the gate that is closed in the winter.  Go to the end of the paved highway – if you go straight at that point you will be on gravel – the route there is called PowderFace Trail.  It goes all the way through north to the highway but, well, I think you need the vehicle for that.  Anyway, hang a right there and you will come upon Forgetmenot pond.  It is quite pretty there and the area is quite photogenic.  There are some other longer trails there – we didn’t have time to try any out the other day when were there – we were out driving late in the day and ended up here.

Here are a few pictures of the road in and the area:

The first two photos are the road past Elbow Falls on the way to Little Elbow Campground and Forgetmenot Pond.  The third photo is the river running behind the pond.

Above are more views of the pond.

Yes, we almost got caught in the hail storm that day.  The next one is near the pond.

I hope you enjoy these photos – It’s a beautiful drive out there and there are plenty of trails.  Lots more info on the trails here: Elbow Valley Map

We were in Bragg Creek a week and a half ago and wandered into the Liquor/Wine Store there. I always like to look in different stores – always different selections.  The fellow in the store asked me if he could help with anything and we stared talking wine.  Turns out he purchases the wine for the store and is quite knowledgeable – and even better – his tastes apparently coincide with mine.  He turned me on to a couple of South African wines that I had never tried before – we like them so much we went back later in the week and got some more.  Got to chat some more with Percy about corks, screws tops and the benefits of both.  I recommend chatting with Percy if you go there – whether you are a novice or experienced wine drinker. 

OK boys – here are a few pointers from the old man.

I hopefully have learned a few things from my various mistakes and falterings. One thing is manners (mostly learned from me mum) and how they help you grant importance to the person that you are with.

1. Always allow her to go first when the path narrows – unless of course there may be danger and then you should make sure that it is safe.
2. If you are driving and both going in the same car then open her side and let her in the car first at least 50% of the time.
3. Buy her flowers (flowers that she likes – ask her silly!) once in a while. This doesn’t have to be all the time – do it in such a way that it means something.
4. Help her on with her coat.
5. Hold the chair for her in a restaurant.
6. Wait until she starts eating before you do.
7. Listen – let her finish saying what she has to say. (Oh yeah – be honestly interested – that really helps!)
8. Never be mean and if you are (by mistake) always apologize. There is absolutely no percentage in being mean – ever!
9. Be romantic. It’s ok – you can still be the tough guy. For example, go to a chic flick and enjoy it. (Then go home and eat a steak.)
10. Notice things about her – new dress, haircut. Even if there is nothing new – tell her how beautiful she is – from the heart.
11. Which leads to the next one: never fail to communicate your undying love.
12. Do things with her that you both like. This can be a date at a nice restaurant, a coffee shop or a walk in the park. Even better is to go for a bike ride or go-karting or exploring or sailing or – well, something where you are doing something together. Not necessarily a movie – it is difficult to ‘be together’ at a movie. Do something like this without other friends. Just the two of you. Do this often.

Love,
Dad