At the time I am writing this entry here in Edmonton, I have only seen the mountains in Canmore up close. The major parks of Jasper and banff are ahead of us.

Even so, they are an incredible sight, ever changing as the sun casts shadows or the weather descends upon them at alarming speed.

In blue skies the jagged peaks are intimidating but in dark shadow they become malevolent, looming over the small town below in threatening poses. Strangely, instead of adding to that air of malice, cloud and mist soften the image and seem to put the rocks in their place. Weather brings its own concerns of course but the community below knows how to battle the elements in comfort and safety.

Walking the mountains brings a different perspective. For someone like me with a fear of heights the tree covered slopes were a welcoming surprise as I lost all sense of how high I was. Even when the tree line stopped at points where water had worn great scars into the mountainsides, the drops were gentle and I took only pleasure from the views.

I wonder if I will feel the same about some of the future views. The Gondola trips at Banff and North Vancouver may test me - just a little bit.