August 1, 2009

Photo Challenge: Keeping Cool

Time for a new Brenda Photo Challenge! The theme is Keeping Cool. Our current challenge hostess, Judy of The Road to Here, picked the theme. Thank you, Judy! For this challenge, I am going to take you on a little virtual trip to a magical spot in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada! The destination is Mount Edith Cavell, located in the Athabasca and Astoria River valleys and a few miles south of the town of Jasper. The mountain was named in 1916 for Edith Cavell, an English nurse executed by the Germans during World War I for helping allied soldiers escape from occupied Belgium to the Netherlands.

When we went on a Canadian Rockies and heli-hiking tour in 2005, we took advantage of a free afternoon and headed up with a local guide to see the grandeur of Mount Edith Cavell up-close. What better way to cool off in the summer than to head to the mountains for a little hike? As we wound around narrow gravel road leading up the base of the mountain, we were greeted with this spectacular view of the north face, reaching up 3363 meters to the sky. The photograph was taken at f/10 and 1/320 second.

Mount Edith Cavell

Once we parked the vehicle and began our hike on the pebbled trail, we could see some of the valley below the mountain and also peek at the glacier tucked into the right-hand side of the mountain. The camera settings were f/9 and 1/320 second.

Mount Edith Cavell and valley
As we got closer, we were treated to a good view of Angel Glacier, which spills over 300 meters on the north face cliff. More than an angel, the glacier reminded me of a white dove, with its outstretched wings. The photograph was taken at f/10 and 1/320 second.

Angel Glacier
The Path of the Glacier Trail led us down to the Cavell Lake, sitting at the base of the mountain. The lake gets its turquoise color from the concentration of glacial silt. The air temperature was noticeably cooler as we descended into the valley. The camera settings were f/10 and 1/400 second.

Path of the Glacier Trail and Cavell Lake

When we reached the lake’s edge, we saw many “bergy bits” floating in the lake. We paused to enjoy this remote and treasured spot of natural beauty, and breathed in the cool mountain air. The photograph was taken at f/10 and 1/400 second.

Cavell Lake

After a brief rest, we strolled back down the trail and admired the green valley and mountain peaks in the distance. The camera settings were f/9 and 1/320 second.

Path of the Glacier Trail, looking northward
I hope that this little photographic jaunt helped to cool you off!

20 comments:

  1. Oh wow! Those are Awesome!! What a beautiful, breathtaking, place to be!

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  2. Wow! Beautiful pictures as usual my friend. I'd say that depicts the essence of coolness! LOL
    Hugs.
    Kim

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  3. Ah, wonderful Donna. What a fantastic place..and lovely photos also! Good on you. Thank you.

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  4. Oh my goodness, Donna. Those shots are fantastic. I'd love to visit there someday! :)

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  5. Absolutely breathtaking Donna and definitely cool!

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  6. Takes your breath away sweetie!!! Gods country...HAS to be!!!
    Well done!!! Hope you're feeling better today!!!hughugs

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  7. Very cool! So glad you were able to particiapte this time and share some of your amazing adventures!

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  8. Hi!
    Those are some pretty AWESOME photos!! Thanks for taking me on your tour! I enjoyed it! Have a great day!

    Sherrie
    http://sherrie-plummer.blogspot.com/2009/08/photo-challenges.html

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  9. How beautiful, great to see God's country through your lens.

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  10. Beyond STUNNING.....what beautiful pix....Whew, I sure wish I knew just a little bit about photography.

    Blessings,
    Spencer

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  11. What I love about your photos is not only are they beautiful, but you educate me in the most delightful way. Thank you for sharing... and those glacier pools do look cool.

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  12. WOW!!! I love all those pics but the lake pic i love the best.Thank you for sharing.Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  13. Great pictures and nice virtual trip to Canada. Oh, so beautiful. Love the snow covered mountains. The glaciers are so amazing.

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  14. What beautiful pictures! That lake is so pretty and inviting looking!

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  15. Beautiful pictures...I just love nature and you've really captured some of the best shots here. In fact, just looking at them really does cool me off!

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  16. Awe-inspiring! I love the photos, and I love the travel information. I always feel like I have been on a mini-vacation when I look at your gorgeous photos! Thanks so much! Jan

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  17. very cool and refreshing! what gorgeous country!!!

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  18. I think your pictures are the COOLEST...and they're making me want to go there to see those wonderful vistas! Thanks for showing us!

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  19. Oh my goodness! These are so beautiful! I would love to go here someday!

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  20. Donna ~ what a totally awesome sight to behold!

    I hope you are doing well!

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!