Visiting Canmore

Earlier this summer Christina and I took a couple of trips to Canmore. We never intended to make two trips but opportunity and a celebration led us there.

In mid winter I was searching for a cheap vacation trip and on the Groupon Vacation site I found a fantastic deal for off-season in the Rockies. I swooped it up and come late May we found ourselves at the Windtower Lodge and Suites.

The hotel location wasn't what I would call central but in Canmore it doesn't really matter too much. We actually really liked the location as the walking path to downtown was along the scenic Policeman's Creek Boardwalk  exiting at the 'Big Head'.

After exploring the downtown for some time we took a short drive for a hike along a dried up gravel creek bed - Grotto Canyon Hike. It's an easy hike with very little grade but I wouldn't recommend it for the very young or aged. The uneven rocks will just eat up ankles. 

Our second trip to Canmore was specifically for a wedding of an old colleague and mutual friend of Christina and myself.  This time we ended up staying at the charming Georgetown Inn. This Tudor style hotel hosting the wedding supper was an apt choice as the bride to be is English born and still converses with an accent.  

Chrissy and I woke up early on Saturday for a picturesque walk and big breakfast then got all gussied up for the wedding ceremony on a hill overlooking town. 

The weather was almost as beautiful as my date.

I really enjoy outdoor weddings. Something about it seems more informal and much more congenial. 

Love the car battery power source

After a long night of celebrating and talking Redwings hockey (much to Chrissy's dismay) we woke up a little late to do any ambitious hikes. So instead we went back to one of our favorite spots; Lake Minnewanka for a shoreline walk.

Thanks Karen and Zac for allowing us to be a part of your big day. We wish you many happy and healthy years together.

Conferencing In Kananaskis

Earlier this spring (if you can actually call it that) Chrissy and I had the opportunity to attend a conference together for the first time in years. Conferences hold a special place in our relationship as it was at a Go Expo Conference/Trade Show years ago where we were stuck in a booth together and the real flirtation between us occurred. This of course is my secret with women...stick them in an uncomfortable situation with me for an extended amount of time and I 'infect' them with my personality like a virus. And once I am in, they are hooked. They have yet to develop an anti-Stuart antibiotic.

Our shared event was the Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) 2014 Conference. Chrissy and I were both representing our respective levels of government and I was even asked to speak on a panel. I'm guessing their previous 128 most desirable speakers had already declined.

Aside from the chance to re-connect with colleagues and learn new skills we were excited at the opportunity to visit Kananaskis. Chrissy has been to the area many times staying at the expansive Delta Hotel but for me it was my first time. So when we weren't in sessions we were enjoying the great locale.

Our few days together in the mountains was probably one of the most enjoyable work experience I could imagine.