Stepping Out, Getting Inspired - January 26, 2014

A world of strange rock formations and ancient spirit embody Writing on Stone Provincial Park in southern Alberta. Off season visits provide snake free paths and quiet reprieve at this popular heritage site, making it my favorite winter hiking destination.

Something new is discovered each trip including geology, petroglyphs, animals and plants; yesterday’s trip did not disappoint. Our adventure took us hoofing our up an old trade route of horse and wagon tracks in the canyon.  A clear view of the Sweet Grass Hills of Montana in the near distance was our constant companion.

Bizarre lunar rock textures on sandstone formations baffled. The discovery of a tiny fanged jawbone had me scratching my head until I identified it on Google as the skull of a mouse. The trail was a highway of animal tracks revealing busy coyotes, raccoons and deer in the valley.

These small adventures are fuel in the long days of January and are refreshing.

Click the picture below for a short video of this special place: