Annual Victoria Day Hike

From the time the kids were little, B and I used to take them hiking the Victoria Day holiday up to Minnewanka, have dinner in Banff and then capping the day with a must stop at the Welsch's candy store. Some years we did this alone and some we invited families with children similarly aged. We've been known to dance in the parking lot and go sliding down the hillside depending on the year. B's also taken this opportunity to talk to the boys about birds and bees which totally may be the reason they never want to hike anymore. We've hiked regardless of hot sun, rain, fog, or snow. Though we no longer have any children at home to hike (or who like hiking), I determined that we continue this tradition.






Happily for us, my ESL class and HK accepted the invitation.







Oh and I shouldn't forget Fernando and Midge who would rather splash than hike any day.















I used to think it was all about the exercise. But something about this scenery fills my soul. If I could paint or write poetry, certainly you would vicariously experience it too.











The scenery, the picnic afterward, and the exercise all make for a pretty terrific outing. But I need to also mention how much I enjoyed our hiking companions today. Each has a zest for life, an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, a determination to experience rather than view life. They are most inspiring and adventurous. I learn far more from them than I can possibly teach.








The tradition lives on. Even if it's only in my own heart.