Day 15 - Tuesday, October 1

Because we were meeting a friend for dinner I chose a short trip and hike to a local waterfall. It took us past Bragg Creek to the Elbow River. Again it was a pretty drive though the day itself was not nearly as nice as yesterday. With the mountains visible in the distance the prairie countryside was rolling as they drew nearer.

As we approached Bragg Creek a large male moose with an impressive fully grown rack trotted across the highway in front of us without a care in the world. He also did not care enough to stop on the other side of the road so I could get a photo. We were going to have to settle for a shot that spoke of the true west to me (except for the presence of the highway)...a cowboy and his dog driving a herd of cattle down the road toward us.

Elbow Falls is a small waterfall on the Elbow River about 20 kilometres west of Bragg Creek in Kananaskis Country. It was pretty much at its full height of 6 metres (I said it was a small waterfall) on our visit this morning. The falls is reached by a hike to a couple of observation decks above the river. The trail splinters into about five smaller trails that fan out in all directions without a sign or assistance of any kind. If you look hard enough (as Karen did) you will find a map which doesn't tell you where the falls is but does tip you off, inadvertently, which direction to proceed. From there you'll have no trouble finding the falls, just listen. Once again the fall colour(s) saved the otherwise dull day. 

On the way out of Kananaskis a lone cow stood at the side of the highway watching us as if to wave goodbye. 

I met Ron at Tae Kwon Do 32 years ago. He had his two young sons attending as did I. In those days there were a lot of families involved. We all became fast friends outside the club. I don't recall the exact timing but after about 15 years Ron and his family moved out west. I didn't know where, somewhere near Calgary was all I knew. Well, Ron is retiring and they just bought a condo in Okotoks. That's actually the reason we stayed there. Tonight we met him and his wife Wendy (whom we also know) for dinner. Once again, old friends are the best friends.

Tomorrow we're off to Drumheller for 3 days.  😎