Canadian Rockies:Johnston Canyon

Hey Steemies!

These pictures were part of one of my older summer trips to the mountains in the Banff area. I was sorting thru my pictures and trying to organize the mess that is my photo folder, everything is just willy nilly in there with no real sorting system yet and I have taken a lot of photos since buying my DSLR. I saw these pictures and it reminded me of this worthy hike I almost forgot about, perfect opportunity to add it to the steemit world map . I actually thought I had lost them when my hard drive crashed last year, turns out I also had them in one of the folders that was able to be saved.

Shot 1/8000 sec. f/4.5 18mm, ISO 1100

Shot 1/8000 sec. f/4.5 18mm, ISO 1600

The pictures above, called "Rebirth" was taken near the entrance of the park and is a representation of a forest fire that occurred several years before and now the lush green foliage growing nice and thick among the dead charred trees. Johnston Canyon is located about 30 minutes drive from Banff on the scenic road Bow Valley Parkway. I have yet to go again but there are so many things to explore perhaps writing this will be a reminder to return on a later trip. This hike is a few hours long and easily accessible by most. There is a coffee/souvenir shop near the entrance but it is advisable to bring snacks and water for your afternoon journey to the upper falls or the slightly longer hike to the ink pots.

It was the first time we took @silvergingerman's son to the mountains, of course he was having a blast at that age, can't say it would be the same now since he's a teen and everything is boring aside from video games. The first thing we saw walking into the park was a table some of the park staff had set up a display with information about one of it's popular resident, the Big horn sheep aka the Ram, naturally had to show off his strength and what little boy doesn't like playing with skulls! They were pretty heavy, shocking he was even able to lift them. The triangle shape you see on the skull in an a-keratin sheath covered bone to protect the skull during fights...as the name suggests, they ram each other on the head with their large horns. Each section on the horn represents one year of growth and is used to determine the age of the animal much like points on the antlers of a deer or elk.

Shot 1/60 sec. f/8 46mm, ISO 400

Much of the hike is shaded by the trees, great for a sunny afternoon but the park gets really busy with tourist, to avoid crowds morning hikes would be best. Most of the trail goes alongside the river encountering smaller waterfalls or rapids all along the way. It's a very fast flowing river, getting to close would be unsafe. Not much for large animals roam the park due to heavy human traffic but it is filed with various birds and small rodents like chipmunks and sqirels who happen to be quite friendly and love the attention of visitors.

Shot 1/60 sec. f/8 55mm, ISO 720

Now here is the catch 22!! In order to make it to make it to the upper falls, you have to take this narrow bridge drilled into the limestone cliffs for a good distance, certainly not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights and many turn back at this point but there is no other way to get there. To get to the good stuff, it's a must!!! not to worry it's pretty secure and designed to hold many people, it may be a little difficult to get younger children to go thru. Mini @silvergingerman was unsure about this bridge as he really didn't like heights and his experience days prior when we tried to get him to cross a suspended swinging bridge wasn't too pleasant and he may have had a little distrust for our ideas of fun at this time but like the little man that he was he sucked it up crossed the bridge with us since this one wasn't swinging with every step he took. Would you dare?

Shot 1/60 sec. f/8 35mm, ISO 560

If you can stomach the bridge, soon after you get to the pot of gold...well not really...but you will reach the upper waterfall area along with the mini cave once carved by flowing water. The cave isn't very long but it offers a closer view to the middle of the upper fall and a good place to cool off from the heat while getting sprayed. In the end kiddo was glad he sucked it up and got to see it and go in a cave. We didn't go to the ink pots, we figured it was already a long hike for the little one but we do plan to return and finish the trail but it adds a few more hours to the hike.

Shot 1/80 sec. f/8 18mm, ISO 400

Shot 1/80 sec. f/8 18mm, ISO 400

Shot 1/60 sec. f/3.5 18mm, ISO 720

All images taken with Nikon D7000 and 18-200mm Sigma lens.

I hope you enjoyed the virtual hike!! Peace! xox