90. Grotto Canyon

 Distance: 8 -10 km return 

 Elevation gain: gradual steady incline,   about 400 m

On June 16, we finally decided to hike Grotto Canyon, close to Calgary and not too strenuous. It was a very windy day and we hoped the canyon walls would protect us somewhat. They didn't.

The trail started out from Grotto Pond parking lot, with coarse gravel footing, following power lines to the music of a large magnesite plant. Flowers were starting to bloom and roses were on full display. The sun was shining.

 

Eventually we reached the beginning of the canyon and the uniqueness began. A small creek with a little water and plenty of rocks flowed most of the way to the junction. It was interesting to keep going over the creek on stepping stones to choose the best trail.

Herm spotted the pictographs and agreed they are not very clear but they are part of history.

Soon we came to the T junction with its impassable cliff and people playing around.

We turned to the right to get a closer look at the falls. The access didn't look difficult but the rocks were a little wet and felt slippery so I was cautious.

What a surprise to get around a corner and see they were three times as high as expected.

Then we took the left arm of the T junction to explore further up the canyon. Some limestone rock gave way to a few hoodoos. One cave halfway up was semi inviting but we resisted.

 

Then the trail largely disappeared and we scrambled over rocks to continue on to Grotto slab, our lunch destination.

 

While we ate our lunch on the rocks here, we watched a Clark's Nutcracker family feeding a squawky juvenile.

We could have gone farther up the canyon but climbing over rocks takes a toll on senior hips so we decided to enjoy the return walk and reduce risk.

89. Ann and Sandy conservation area

 Distance: Paradise Trail 8.6km

Elevation gain:  5 hills

On June 2, a beautiful, sunny day, we went hiking at Sandy Cross Conservation area hoping to see lots of birds. The leaves were on the trees but we both had binoculars so we were hopeful. This area is southwest of Calgary, near Turner Valley. We could see downtown Calgary from the parking lot. 

We could also look west and see great views of the mountains past the rolling hills of the area.

After a great beginning we stopped at a bridge, a dry spot, for breakfast. 

We were hearing different birds but hadn't spotted anything special yet. We continued walking and heard the most gorgeous singing. And yes, soon, there was a Baltimore Oriole! But the continual melodies were not orioles and not robins, too consistent and too beautiful. We looked and watched and waited and there came a rose breasted grosbeak and landed on a branch in front of us. This was a first for both of us and so easy to identify because it had such clear markings.

Thanks to Birdsoftheworld.org for the picture.

We also saw lesser flycatchers, making 3 birds to add to our cumulative collection since January.

The flowers were plenteous but not in full bloom yet. This coltsfoot caught our attention for its uniqueness. The leaves will appear after the flower finishes.

There are more trails to do in this area, shorter ones and we will certainly come back perhaps in different seasons.