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| Forget Me Not Pond- Alberta |
Based on the title and the limits of storage on a motorcycle you'd almost think that this might be another article for packing small. Relax, it's not.
I would like to focus on the little places one can discover, the places not found in glossy brochures. Little hidden gems tucked away in unique locations that make you wonder why more people do not visit it, then again, maybe its best they don't. These places are my favorite memories even though sometimes what you find only lasts for awhile and then its gone.
While doing some of my early motorcycle runs last year I took time to stop at "Forget me not pond" on Highway 66 just southwest of Calgary in Little Elbow Provincial Park
Less than an hour from Canada's 4th largest city, visitors are treated to a pristine pond, often sporting a mirror like surface, surrounded by trees, stunning alpine views and that big, beautiful, blue sky of Alberta.
If you visit early in the day, before any wind picks up, the pond surface is like glass creating that reflection off the water that makes me conjure up my best Forrest Gump impression: "It was like there were 2 skies Jenny".
The water is clear and inviting but I warn you, diving in may cause "shrinkage". Remember, this is mountain country where water is freshly melted from snow and it's icy cold.
While the pond is accessible to all who drive out and is easily found on maps and in brochures, it still has its hidden treats you have to find on your own.
A short walk past the picnic sites brought me to a clearing near the river. The Elbow River rushes past on its way to tumble over Elbow falls then on to Calgary to help feed the city's water supply.
It was back here, off the paths, where few wander, that gave me a sense of adventurous roaming. This is where I discovered the great picnic table pyramid! The parks department had been storing picnic tables back here and someone had taken the time to stack some into a pyramid.
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| Great Canadian Picnic Pyramid |
All I had, in my haste to get out and ride, was my smart phone to record the moment and I had no assistant. I wish I had my camera, with the timer, with me as I would have loved a picture of me climbing the pyramid. One of just the tables would have to suffice.
A chattering squirrel near by and a raven circling overhead were my only company as I clicked away at this "monument to the picnic gods"...or whatever it was supposed to represent. It just had that "Meanwhile in Canada..." moment written across it.
A few weeks later I was back in the area and wandered back in toward the river. The picnic tables were all gone. No more Canadian pyramid. I could only assume the parks department had hauled them off to their new locations.
Moral of the story: Always take advantage of viewing anything unique or cool while you have the chance .
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| Apes love open fires |
Nothing is permanent. If you have a camera with you record it. Save the memory of cool sites you see. You never know when the moment is gone or if you will even see it again. I mean really, how often does a guy in a gorilla suit crash your bonfire? Better snap that pic just in case.
Enjoy your journey
Daryl
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