VE6AB Mobile Ops
Sunrise - Southern Alberta Rockies
I left home much earlier so that I would arrive in the Highwood Pass area for sunrise, and I was on the mark as you can tell by the sun just lighting the top of the peaks ahead of my location in this photo.
There were a number of things that I wanted to do while out this way, including setting up one of my camera traps later on in the morning, also checking on how far advanced the fall colors were with a return visit to shoot landscapes planned for later on in September, and being early meant that wildlife was on the move, with the possibility of wildlife photos to be shot.
Of course it goes without saying that I also was working the HF bands while going down the road.
You would think that at this elevation, the bands should be easy to work , of course there is a small problem of the peaks surrounding me on all sides. I was having good success working stations located north into Alaska, and south of me into the western continental US, but not so much to the east and west, what with the mountains rising up another 3000 feet on either side of the deep North/South valley I am located in, being the highest drivable pass in Canada.
I will elaborate a bit when I make the statement "highest drivable pass in Canada," as the Highwood Pass at 7239 feet located in Kananaskis Country on highway 40, is the highest drivable pass on a "Numbered Highway" in Canada.
I have driven through this pass many times over the years, but each time is as enjoyable as the last time, and I always look forward to driving it again, or until they close the winter-gate at either end on December 1st for the winter.
There is no finer place in southern Alberta than Kananaskis Country, and over the past 40 years I have hiked and biked it's trails, fished it's lakes and streams, cross country skied it's trails in the winter, as well as having shot many fine photos documenting it all.
I have fond memories of the many happy times I have spent exploring this very special place.
For those of you not in the inner circle, Kananskis Country is located along the eastern border of Banff National Park, where we allow our visitors to hang out!
I'm kidding of course, and your welcome to come and visit.
In 1858 John Palliser a British explorer and his men, crossed through the Kananaskis Pass while exploring the area in search of a pass through the mountains to the Pacific.
Of course, it goes without saying that at that time their mode of transportation was on the back of a horse, and lunch happened over a campfire.
I plan on having breakfast at a small cafe that I know about located about a 100 kilometers down the road!
Time to get back in the saddle as breakfast is waiting.
While I drive I'll see if I can work a few more stations on 40 meters......
Click on the photo for a closer look.....
A smoky view from the Highwood Pass on this morning.....
http://www.jerryclement.ca/Outdoor-Pursuits/DawnThreader/i-9SGMnwq
