I awoke fairly early on that first morning in Kananaskis Country despite having not slept for so long in the days previously. We had some breakfast and retreated to the backyard where there were some benches, hammocks and a fire pit. I couldn't believe how calm and quiet it was! All I could hear was a light wind rustling the treetops, some birds chirping and a ground squirrel nibbling on an acorn. My sister kept complaining about how cold it was but to me, it was just right. I just came from Atlantic Canada where the air was damp, heavy and chill to the bone. The dry mountain air was a welcoming relief.
That first day, we went for a hike to troll falls. I am used to long hikes but after a day of traveling, this relatively short and easy hike was perfect for my first full day in The Rockies. The first leg of the trail snaked through some dense forest with towering trees and thick canopy to keep the hot sun out.
It didn't take too long to reach the picturesque waterfall. There were signs everywhere telling people to avoid certain areas due to erosion and rock slides but the area immediately behind the waterfall looked safe so I took my chances. I wandered behind the falls while the cool water sprayed my face. It was like the walk that takes you behind Niagara Falls, but without the dense crowds.
We climbed up another steep part of the trail to reach another little waterfall called Marmot Falls. The climb down to the main part of the trail was easier then the climb up and when we reached the fork in the trail, we took a different way back to the parking lot. This time, we passed through an open meadow on the edge of the forest. The views of the mountains bordering the area were spectacular. I am used to walking fast at home because I am usually walking to work or walking for exercise. Here, there was no reason to walk fast. I wasn't in a hurry to get anywhere. I enjoyed the slow pace while just enjoying the views and the fresh mountain air.
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