The many Seasons of
Wood Buffalo
Alberta
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Snow Shoes.
During the winter, the most reliable transportation
Nothing like trecking across the fresh powder.
Crisp & clear. and warms up to -25c
we call -25 a "heat wave" .
The next 3 photos were taken on the south shore of Cold Lake
on May 17th, the surface ice is forced up on to the beach
Buffalo Fire Grass.
aka Happy Grass
Looking to the west, it's 8am as the sun washes the grassy banks.
this grass has magical powers according to the local indigenous peoples.
a favorite smoke here by many people.
Not sold in stores
sold mostly in Bars & parking lots, after hours.
good local trade.
Clearwater River
As old man winter tightens his grip on the river.
the ice creeps in from the edges, inch by inch, it's enevitable.
Bevers like to chew on the trees here. big and small.
Ice Roads
Plenty to choose from here,
they will take you anywhere you want to go.
most lead to a sheltered Pub or Tavern in the forrest.
Some to a quiet local brothal
frequented by many, yet spoken about by few.
Even with proper maintaince
the Alberta winters can be
very hard on your vehicle.
A narrow short cut leads back
to the boat launch
this part of the lake is infested with
Crocodiles and deadly poisonous water Bull Constrictors, rare.
locals say they can be up to 27 feet long.
For your driving pleasure
Alberta offers a complete variety of driving conditions
including: Dirt roads, bumpy roads,
rough roads, ice roads, mud roads, dusty roads,
missing roads, flodded roads, frozen roads etc.
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Evening sky is always changing.
Deer wander around the cabin her.
High Noon, another new Ice Road, leading to ?
Easy travel with Snowshoes.
Memories of days gone by, linger in the Midnight Sun.
The Valley of Horse River Canyon,
peeking into the mist of the Athabaska River.
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As old man winter retreats to the north,
leaving behind the crystal clear water,
the river edges still embellished by a delicate lace of ice crystals
the ice sings out cracking and tinkling,
as it echoes across the valley.
Rare are these Ancient foscilized Semonal Voodoo Heads,
pertofied into the safety of this still frozen Beaver pond
locals say these heads actually move silently across the pond,
through the black of night.
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Spring Break-up releases the ice that once held the Athabaska River in bondage,
now as temperatures rise, it is cast upon the shorline
as the Sun relentlessly transforms it back to water.
yet another example of the harmany in nature
coupled with global warming.
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Mrs. Fox wanders by, she looks good in her black boots
( small Fox, large teeth )
Wandering just behind the cabin,
this 460 pound Black Bear
It saunters along, looking for a harty breakfast after the long winters hibrenation
Fort McMurray Airport, 4am -36c cool
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Peace & Tranquility
at its best
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