I'm fortunate enough to have "K" Country (Kananaskis Country) as my backyard. It's aptly named 'Cowboy Trail', as the #22 follows a long-standing cowboy path. It's a different world out here - no smog, limited traffic noise (except for the long-weekenders on a mission to fill every campground, usually pulling a huge trailer with a boat towed behind...all of which means if you get stuck behind them on the highway, you're in for the scenic 60km FOREVER drive), limited crime (setting off firecrackers at 2am is one of the nasties we have to deal with), we can SEE the stars without a telescope, kids can still play in the backyard without having to watch them every second. Sounds like an episode of 'Leave It To Beaver', but it's true.
So my point? As part of my backyard, highway 40 runs through K-Country, looping from the transcanada (#16) to Longview (on the #22 south). PEOPLE, get a map if you can't keep up...
It's really a day trip from my driveway, as long as you're not trying to hike every path and stop at every day-use area. I'm a huge attraction for all the relatives, as I'm game to taking everyone through so they can appreciate the beauty of the region. Good way to make brownie points, and possibly make it into the will! The route is filled with splendiferous views, beautiful hiking trails, and (you've got it), wildlife.
This picture is the quintessential experience on the 40 - big horn sheep. No, I don't collect antlers, so this guy was safe. However, I should've taken him home to do my part in protecting the environment...I could've retired my lawnmower. These sheep are relatively accustomed to people invading their territory, and can be seen regularly licking salt from the road (hence, 80km/hr is plenty fast on this curvy road...never know when wildlife will pop out in front of you). I stopped, rolled down my window and started talking. I think he could smell my salted pretzels. He must've stood with his head in the window for 3-4 minutes - my poor dad was sitting in the passenger seat and was only slightly freaking out. The dang sheep wouldn't leave, so dad tossed a pretzel (yes, I know...don't feed the wildlife, but it was either that or he was coming in through the window) about 5 feet away, and he backed up and blinked (sheep-talk for thanks I think) and meandered towards the pretzel. We were able to continue driving unmolested and highly energized with our brush with a 'local'.
One of my favourite hiking spots is Ptarmigan Cirque. It's only a 6K, but the first 3K are almost vertical. NOT a hike to do the day after your lower-body gym day. It's usually very busy on weekends, but the Saturday we went it was practically deserted - the dead giveaway was that we could find a parking spot in the day lot. We figured we were fortunate, but as we were entering the trail, a BIG yello
w sign: WARNING - BEAR IN AREA. We were ok, we're adequate amateur yodelers, and it's a better workout to climb and sing. The intrepid two continued onwards and upwards...on the top loop (thank god, it's almost flat - good recovery time) we ran into a lovely older couple resting before heading down (give me rollerblades, and I'd make history on the way down) and they informed us that the bear was a GRIZZLY with a CUB!!! Arggghhhh, so much for our hopes for just a black bear - we must be insane to use this trail?? They told us they had seen her last week, but on the other side of the valley. Whew - at least they hadn't seen her today. Generally, the trip down is significantly faster (due to gravity, not skill) but after we heard that story, I think we set a local record for getting back to the parking lot (and for the longest continual yodel - move over Ricola man). But we'll go back, but this time packing mace and a crucifix.
