September 6, 2015

Inspired by one of my favorite photographers, Chris Burkard, I decided to travel to Alberta.  When I first started following Chris’s Instagram, I was in awe with each photograph.  His work makes you want to travel to the places he has been to, hoping to capture a similar feeling and composition.

Besides his work, I’ve noticed other photographers traveling to Alberta as well.  I came to the conclusion that maybe Alberta was like a safe haven but for photographers to unleash their talent, mistakes, or reflect by themselves.

I traveled to Alberta searching for something even though I was not sure what it was at the time.  In retrospect, I traveled to get away from the heaviness of emotions I felt when my father passed away.  Three months had passed since his death, yet it was still fresh for me and my family.  Like all the photographs I have seen of Alberta, it was just as beautiful and mind-blowing in person.

Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House Trail

I learned about this trail from other hikers.  They told me the highlight of the trail was not the glaciers but the tea house itself.

The journey was rather difficult and strenuous since you were hiking up to a higher altitude where it was snowing.  However, the image of sipping on some tea with a slice of pie was ingrained in my head, motivating me to finish the trail.

In total, it was a 13.4 km hike.  One of the things I learned during this hike was to make time for the return trip so that you still have light along the way.  When you are close to the tea house, you start noticing these trees that reminded me of Christmas trees and Christmas in general.

For some reason, I did not notice this view until I was hiking back to the original point.  The photograph I captured looks like a painting, which in a lot of ways, describes Alberta.  Everything you see in Alberta is a painting.

Jasper National Park

I noticed this national park was another favorite spot of Chris Burkard’s.  At the time, I was not sure I wanted to make the drive since it was close to 5 hours from Calgary, which is where I was residing during this trip.  However, the concierge at my hotel convinced me otherwise.

Glacier Skywalk

The skywalk was glass-floored.  People who know me understand my fear of heights.  For the longest time, I could not bring myself to walk across the skywalk.  It took some other tourists to convince me to walk across with the agreement that they would accompany me all the way.

Jasper National Park

Photo Credit:  Jono Nixon

I met Jono and his friends when I was at the gas station.  At the time, I noticed them going up to people, and I thought to myself that they probably wanted to help people pump gas.  So I was surprised when Jono came up to me with an introduction like no other:  “Hi, my name is Jono.  I’m a pharmacist and Canadian.  Canadians are friendly people.  I can show you my passport.  Our car broke down.  Would you happen to be driving back to Calgary?  If so, would you be able to drive us back?  We will pay for your gas and buy you dinner.”  I thought to myself that if I was ever in their situation and was having a bad day, I would have wished for a silver lining.  Without putting much thought or logic, I agreed, even giving them my keys to drive back with the condition of visiting one more waterfall; I was exhausted from the drive up to the park.

Reflections

Whenever and wherever you’re hiking, you are never alone because you will meet other hikers along the way.  Sometimes, there is no logic when it comes to helping others.  It was important for me to do the right thing, and I did not think much of what could have happened next.  At the end of the trip, I gained a new friendship, keeping in contact via social media.

Where have I traveled in Canada?

Canada