"The Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation is a unique experience and a must see for all adults and kids. If you are passing through Coaldale, near Lethbridge, do make a stop here to see, touch and listen to these majestic birds that are held with such awe and respect by humans."

To read the full blog post about the Alberta Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale by LarkyCanuck click here. 

"Ranching is a tough trade. It requires arduous outdoor work in whatever condition the environment is in, patience with the animals, and then something more. It is not a trade that one chooses because one gets the sudden passion bug for back-country lifestyle. This is why this profession is multi-generational, as it takes a life of commitment to the trade to be good at it. The next generation of the Nelsons are being groomed and trained to take on the “reigns”, so to speak, of the ranching business.

My time spent here was very brief, but the memory retained will be very long. If you want to know and understand what the true life of a cowboy is like, the buck stops here. No, the faux cowboyish attired folks that you might encounter  during Calgary’s famous Stampede Week, are not cowboys of Alberta, as most people, including unsuspecting Canadians from out east, are made to believe."

Want to read more about LarkyCanuck's horseback adventure? Click here!  

The Town of High River recently received an Award of Excellence for the Business Development and Tourism office’s High River – Home of Heartland Official Launch Street Party, held in June 2012. The award was presented at the Economic Developers Association of Alberta Annual Awards of Excellence.

The awards showcase outstanding marketing initiatives that support economic development in a community. “It’s a great honour to have been recognized by this association,” said Dayna Dickens, coordinator for Business Development and Tourism. “This launch party marked the official launch of our new tourism brand and our affiliation with this popular television series.”

The street party was a joint effort between the Town, local groups and sponsors. The main event featured a live meet and greet with the cast of Heartland that was broadcast live and picked up by listeners around the world. Other activities included autographs from professional chuckwagon drivers, live music, free giveaways and food.

The Town acknowledged all the groups and volunteers whose hard work made the event a success, especially the Downtown Business Association and the staff at Heartland whose contributions were essential in making the event possible.

HIGH RIVER, AB: The High River Balloon Event Committee, Town of High River, Alberta Free Balloon Society and the Canadian Balloon Association are pleased to announce that the 2013 Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championship and Worlds Qualifier will take place in High River Alberta, September 25-29.  The town had previously hosted the event in 1982.

Sandra Rolf, President of the Canadian Balloon Association, commented that “High River will be a great host for the Canadian’s with its great fall weather, beautiful countryside and tremendous volunteers.”

Organizers have already confirmed 10 balloons will be attending and estimate that 15-20 will participate from around the world. The championship is scheduled for the same weekend as the town’s annual car show, which is one of the largest outdoor events held in High River.

“This is a great honour for High River and an opportunity for us to showcase our community at an international level,” said Mayor Emile Blokland. “Combining this with our car show is a perfect fit. It will be an outstanding weekend for the 10,000 plus spectators and participants who attend.” Council approved a $5000 grant from the Business and Tourism Development reserves to co-sponsor the championship.

The event will start with a sponsor/media flight Wednesday evening, September 25, and continue with morning and evening flights, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, concluding with a morning flight on Sunday.

“We are very pleased to have confirmation that both “Nelly B” the pink elephant and the Colorado balloon will be here to fly fiesta (non-competitive) during the event,” said Jamie Kinghorn, 
co-chairman of the organizing committee and president of the Alberta Free Balloon Society.

There is a spectacular balloon night glow planned for Friday night, weather permitting. If necessary it will be rescheduled for Saturday night. All launch locations and details will be provided closer to the event. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, volunteering and event details go to the Facebook page. 

Chinook Country Tourist Association has a new logo! Since most people do not know what a 'chinook' is, or where 'chinook country' is located, our consumer facing brand is 'Explore Southwest Alberta'. We needed a new logo that showed off everything Southwest Alberta has to offer without being overrun with the inevitable abstract prairies and mountain ranges. Out of this, our new logo was born. 

The vibrant colours of the new logo represent the unique colours of the area:

Green - Forests

Gold - Wheatfields 

Blue - Clear skies and sparkling lakes

Pink - Alberta's wild rose

Black - Coal and petroleum

The shapes together create a fun logo with movement. Whether you love it or hate it, the logo is intriguing and unique and can be interpreted in many ways. Such as: the sun, the variety of things to see and do in the area, or perhaps a chief's headdress. Above all else, the logo is about constant change and new experiences!  

Do you like dressing up as some of your favourite characters from comic books, Disney movies, and anime? Then the Nishikaze festival is for you! Be among like-minded people for a Cosplay Contest, discussions about popular topics and other fun events on Saturday June 15, 2013 at Anderson Hall in the University of Lethbridge!

Do you know what the word 'nishikaze' means? Find out the meaning and more information about the festival courtesy of Lethbian Love. 

Do you ever feel like your date-night routine has become too comfortable?  Court and I haven't done anything interesting in a while and we've been itching to plan a proper date night that doesn't involve take out sushi and sweatpants. Opportunity came knockin' this past weekend when we had the chance to see Juno award winner Jayme Stone perform at the historic Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod.

When we realized Jayme Stone is a banjoist we weren't sure what to expect. To be honest, I was a little worried - I had visions of Old McDonald and Fred Penner. Tumbleweeds. Cowboy boots. Lots and lots of cowboy boots.  To put it into perspective, the concerts I've previously attended are as follows: Elton John, Lady Gaga, De La Soul, Vans Warped Tour, Snoop Dogg, Nickelback, etc. (I know, I'm embarrassed about the Nickelback mishap. I'd take it back if I could!)

However, the more I read about Jayme Stone's style and influence, I became intrigued...

From the Empress Theatre site:

"Two-time Juno Award Winning banjoist Jayme Stone brings his around-the-world inspired music to the Empress Theatre; take a musical trip around the world with Jayme's latest album Room of Wonders and his amazing music inspired by Norway, Sweden, Bulgaria, Brazil, Italy and North America." 

From Jayme Stone's site:

"Stone thrives on unexpected inspiration: Japanese poetry, Brazilian literature, instruments he found while traveling in remote Malian villages. He finds it with influences as diverse as Anouar Brahem, Bill Frisell, and Toumani Diabaté. His Juno Award-winning albums, most notably Africa to Appalachia, both defy and honor the banjo’s long role in the world’s music, turning historical connections into compelling music."

My first thought was, 'Wait. This isn't going to be hay stacks and fiddles?' followed by, "I LOVE world music! This is going to be so awesome." 

Before the show, Court and I had dinner at Mocha Cabana, one of our favorite local restaurants. They use seasonal, locally produced ingredients in many of their dishes and on weekends, a three course meal is prepared by Lethbridge Community College trained apprentice chefs.

We both ordered the Turkish inspired special. I was too full to finish my dessert, so I took it to-go... along with a slice of Reeses cheesecake.I have no words.  When it comes to dessert, there's no messing around! I'm never eating again.

Next stop: Fort Macleod!

The Empress theatre has been functioning as a performing arts centre since 1912 - how cool is that? 

The show began with the familiar Bulgarian tune, Krasavaska Ruchenitsa. We were immediately captivated and mentally transported to Bulgaria. It was unreal.  Comedian, Steve Martin summed it up perfectly when he said,  "I take back what I said about Jayme Stone".

My favorite song during the show was probably Moresca Nuziale.  It made me want to run barefoot through the Italian countryside. And drink red wine.  I'm actually listening to his album Africa To Appalachia as I type this. If you like African music, check it out!  It's a good one.  And, if tumbleweeds are your thing, there's even some bluegrass elements mixed in there. 

"Locavore [noun]: A person who attempts to eat only foods grown locally" - Dictionary.com 

Have you met Liam? He is a bit of a celebrity in Lethbridge, Alberta due to his passion for local foods and restaurants. He has a popular blog that is aptly named "The Little Locavore" and has even created his very own roll at a local sushi restaurant that is now very popular. Want to hear more about Liam? Check out the blog by Lethbian Love.  

Photo courtesy of thelittlelocavore.blogspot.com 

For Southern Alberta, nothing says spring is coming quite like the Home and Garden Show at the Exhibition Centre in Lethbridge. The annual event showcases a variety of exhibitors ranging from flooring and cabinets, to innovative cleaning products, luxurious hot tubs and kayak lessons. By far, the most favoured exhibits are the landscapers who magically recreate the backyard that everyone dreams about. Aztec Masonry & Landscaping has won the coveted award for ‘Best Landscaping Booth’ two years in a row, wowing guests with cascading waterfalls and perfectly staged props that make it feel like you are in your own backyard. Not to be outdone, the food vendors fill the air with their mouth-watering aromas of kettle corn popcorn, decadent mini doughnuts, and tart, freshly squeezed lemonade.  

Local favourites such as the Jasmine Room display neat trinkets and knick-knacks while showing off their impressive tea selection, while Red Arrow Motorcoach informs guests how they can skip winter driving altogether and travel in style to their Alberta destinations such as Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and Red Deer. Helen Schuler Nature Centre played the part to spread knowledge about local wildlife – this included wearing a foam beak in order to ‘peck’ things for demonstration, and Mountain Meadow Trail Rides showed everyone how to sit on a saddle like a real cowboy, even if the saddle wasn’t on a horse yet.

For residents of Southern Alberta, the Home and Garden show is a chance to get out with your family and gear up for spring with a renovated kitchen, a change of scenery in your backyard, or learning about outdoor experiences that are available in the region. Last year more than 25,000 people went to the show; why don’t you check it out and see what all the fuss is about. If you do, say ‘Hi’ to these smiling faces! 

Remember a few weeks ago when Court and I spent the weekend relaxing, dining, listening to live music, and playing winter sports in the Crowsnest Pass?

During our trip, I checked another activity off my winter bucket list: snowboarding at Castle Mountain Ski Resort!

Located just 40 minutes from the Crowsnest Pass, it's one of Alberta's best ski resorts:

-Two mountains; a summit of over 7400 ft, with views into British Columbia
-Over 3500 skiable acres
-78 runs, 8 alpine bowls
-Average annual snowfall: 358"
-They offer cat skiing, skiing & snowboarding lessons, child care and childrens programs, etc.
-Lodge, pub & grill

I've lived near the Rockies my entire life and have only been skiing one time. I'm slightly embarrassed.  Court has been snowboarding since before snowboarding was even invented, and he's been wanting to teach me how to board for years. It's one of those things that we kept meaning to do as a couple, but just never got around to it. Winter does this to people! It's like, "I could go make something of myself... but then I'll have to get out of my flannel pjs. I'm going to take a nap instead." Just me? I should clarify: the old me would've said and done that. The new me embraces winter.

In the weeks leading up to our first snowboarding adventure we had many conversations that went like this...

Me: "Are you sure you want to teach me? I have a feeling you're going to get really annoyed with me."

I mean, the guy has an aneurysm when I use the "wrong" kitchen knife.  I made sure to give him plenty of warning ahead of time that our snowboarding trip was probably going to end in divorce.

Court: "Yes, you'll do great! We'll watch a few YouTube videos, and practice on the bunny hill until you feel comfortable, then we'll go on a 'real' run."

Me: "I predict death in my near future."

When we arrived at Castle Mountain Ski Resort, they provided me with a snowboard and we were on our merry way... to the top of Huckleberry.   What's Huckleberry, you ask? Let me show you: (look at the first attached photo)

... and then Court collected his life and accidental death benefit and lived happily ever after...

I had the scenario all played out in my mind before I even made it to the chairlift. "This is just like one of those murder-mystery shows. I'm going to be on Dateline... I hope my family provides nice photos of me." Those thoughts transitioned to, "What would Courts life be like without me? What would he eat for dinner... WAIT. What would he eat for dinner?... Maybe I will live to see another day..." 

And then I got distracted by the incredible views of the sun rising over the mountains as we ascended higher up the ski hill. It was so calm and peaceful, that I could've happily rode the chairlift all day. My worries were laid to rest.

That is, until it was time to get off the chairlift and... I didn't fall?! I glided right off the seat, with complete ease, as if I'd been snowboarding for years. (I wish I could say the same about the chairlift-exits that followed. I haven't stopped blushing/bleeding/laughing since then. Seriously, how mortifying!)

I'm not sure if this applies to all ski-hills or runs, but there's a  drop off and a little hill at the end of the chairlift that you have to glide down with one foot strapped into the board. It was the most terrifying moment of my life. You're psyching yourself up and telling yourself not to fall, keep calm,  and praying that your body and gravity will not fail you at this pivotal moment. 70% of the time, it works every time. (What movie is that from?) 

Ok, so, my first run. It took us about 30-45 minutes (or maybe a day?) to get down the mountain. Remember, this was my first time on a board and I had to learn the basics: standing, balance, stopping, carving... I don't even know what the technical snowboarding terms are so I'm going to stop pretending like I'm an expert.  Before snowboarding, I thought I was left-foot forward, but now I can't be so sure. It just felt so unnatural and foreign. I tried boarding both ways and neither felt 'right'. Is this normal?  My first run was pretty good, considering we weren't on the bunny hill and it wasn't super-steep or busy like I had anticipated. The hardest part for me was turning - I didn't trust myself enough to turn my back away from the mountain, and I'd psych myself up and fall.

"Hey, how do you like snowboarding?" our photographer Tom Buchanan called out to me at the end of one my runs. I think my response was, "I HATE IT... lets go again!" 

All in all, I enjoyed my first snowboarding experience, and I'm excited to visit Castle again. I was disappointed that I didn't 'do better', but I know it'll come with time. Hey, at least it wasn't as challenging as cross country skiing. If you can master cross-country skiing, you can achieve anything! 

I think the real lesson in all of this is to hire a pro snowboarding coach from Castle Mountain. Not your spouse. In all seriousness, the lesson for me was  learning to get out of my own way.  When we build crazy expectations (and real life mysteries) up in our minds, we create a mountain (ha) out of a molehill, and inevitably end up disappointed when things don't turn out as we planned. It's best to just go with the flow, stumble, fall, and get back on the chairlift. And, if that doesn't work, eat a veggie burger in the lodge and call it a day.