‘Epic Weekend’ Winners Make Family Memories in Canmore
“I got you Elaine” called my husband David as I clung to the rock face in my first ever rock climbing experience.� Knees shaking, forced breathing and sheer willpower helped propel me upwards.� It was truly an exhilarating experience I got to enjoy with David and my daughter Angela who is 11 years old.� They were both strong and fearless.� Me not so much.� Angela is an experienced climber with a good sense of balance.� Our first adventure of the weekend was a half day rock climbing program with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.� Our guide, Rob Turner was very experienced, friendly and knowledgeable.� He was considerate of our needs and safety was always paramount.� His positive, enthusiastic personality instilled a sense of trust and fun.
I was the fortunate winner of the Explore magazine’s Epic Weekend in Canmore.� We made it a family affair and enjoyed the company of David’s parents, Mac and Joan Jones.� Our three nights� accommodation at the Mystic Springs Chalets & Hot Pools was superb.� It slept 8 and was a home away from home, with a full kitchen.� The hot pool was nice to soak in after a day of climbing.� We enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast of extra good coffee and delicious giant muffins from Beamers using our $25 gift certificate.
The next day the three of us took a tour of Mount Assiniboine with Alpine Helicopters Inc.� It was a beautiful, clear, sunny day and we thoroughly enjoyed the 30 minute ride.� Prior to take off we were all a bit nervous, despite our excitement.� Throughout the tour our pilot provided commentary about what we were seeing.� It was an amazing opportunity to see the splendour of the mountains from a new, up-close and personal perspective.
We also got to go on a guided mountain bike ride with Trail Sports which is located at the Canmore Nordic Centre.� We rode high quality, full suspension mountain bikes.� Our guide was gentle on us and took us on some gravel trails to The Meadow where we enjoyed the panorama view all around us.� He told us about the various trails and mountain ranges.� We are planning on coming back and cross-country skiing on the vast trail system in the winter.
Overall, we had a spectacular weekend.� It was hot and sunny during the last dog days of summer.� Some of the leaves were brilliant yellow and they sparkled in the sunshine.� Thank you so much for the opportunity to experience these adventures together as a family.� We created some memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
Elaine and David Jones, Angela Noddin
Sept. 19 – 22, 2014�
