King Creek Ridge and Canyon Hike

We are trying to fit as many hikes as we can into our weekends before the dreaded snow comes. I love the fall colors and the temperatures have been wonderful. This past weekend we drove out Hwy 40 to the King Creek Day Use Area. The gate to the parking lot was locked as are most of the gates to the access trails since the flood last summer. We started out by hiking toward the King Creek Ridge where we had beautiful views of the Kananaskis Lakes. Then we then hiked up the King Creek Canyon to the Stoney religious site, where you'll see several trees wrapped in cloth, ribbon and socks. Loosely called prayer flags, they often signify some type of religious quest or possibly just making it up a steep, dangerous trail. The 2013 flood washed away the trail that cut through the canyon, so instead of ten creek crossings, there were probably fifteen difficult crossings. At one point, I slipped on a slimy rock and came down hard on my bum! And I certainly have the bruise to show for it. The hike took much longer than it originally would have since we hiked mostly in the creek bed and not on a trail.  Beautiful day though!

Selfie before we set off. Behind us the canyon and Opal Range peaks.

Along the King Creek Ridge trail, looking towards Hwy 40. 

Along the King Creek Ridge trail.

Heading up the canyon.

One of the many creek crossings.

More canyon.

I'm not as sure-footed as I used to be.......

Scrambling up the final bit trail to the prayer flags.

Jim beside one of the prayer flag trees.

More prayer flags.

Heading back down the canyon.

Ryan Turns 30!

Ryan turned 30 on September 6, and Jim, being the prankster that he is, wanted to fly down to Houston to surprise him. I think we really got him this time. He was not expecting us to show up on his doorstep! He and Cindy were throwing a pool party for his birthday on Saturday, so we drove over with Casey and Anthony and waited for them to go into the house. I called Ryan on my phone to wish him happy birthday, and while I was on the phone with him, I rang the front doorbell. He had the most confused look on his face when he answered the door. After we had a big birthday hug, he asked where his dad was. Cindy pointed out to their back yard and said, "What's that in the pool?" Ryan immediately recognized his dad face down snorkeling in the pool. Well, there was nothing left to do but run out and do a giant cannonball dive right on top of him! The party was a huge success and lots of fun. 

My grand babies are changing so rapidly, it makes me a little sad. The highlight of the trip was getting to baby sit Reese and seeing Evan roll over for the first time!

Old "Dirty Thirty" Ryan on his birthday.

Ryan and Reese blowing out the candles.

Cici holding Evan.

Cici holding Evan and Papa J holding Reese.

Evan asleep on Papa J.

The "lights of my life," Reese (7 months) and Evan (2 months).

Dinner at Pappasito's.

Jim and the girls.

Anthony and Casey with Evan and Cindy and Ryan with Reese.

Evan on our shopping trip to the outlet mall.

Casey and Anthony with Evan.

Reese in her toy box.

Ryan, Cindy and Reese the last night I was there.

At Blue Fish Sushi with the babies.