A -4 city hike

I headed to the Bow River while snow fell. I’d only ever walked the route by the frozen river during the warmer months. There were loads of hikers, and in spite of the below zero temperature, even a couple of crazy joggers in shorts. No thanks. I had my scarf, toque, thick jacket and winter boots.

The big freeze

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited Calgary, so have witnessed the Bow River that runs through the heart of the city at different seasons. What I hadn’t experienced was the Bow completely frozen.

Over the Bow to St Patrick’s Island

On a sunny summer afternoon, we hiked over the Bow River to St Patrick’s Island. The water rushed like a torrent higher up the banks of the island than usual. Wild flowers fluttered in the breeze as we made our way along the trail.

Sien Lok Park

With the Bow River on one side and the end of Chinatown on the other, Sien Lok Park sat on a slightly quieter section of downtown Calgary.

The Summer Bow River

I grew up where seasonal changes were mild; it was either warm and rainy or cool and dry. I believed there was a vast difference between the seasons even though plants flowered all through the year.

Over Calgary

I hadn’t been up to the Calgary tower in over ten years and all I remembered was the transparent floor where people stood to take a selfie. Me, I wasn’t going to stand on that see-through floor as if I was floating on air. I didn’t need that sick feeling rushing through me from way up.

Calgary’s Bow River

I was hoping to see the river frozen over but winter was just beginning this trip. Pieces of ice floated down stream as I made my way along one of the many walkways along the Bow River.