Monday, September 12, 2011

Hoodoos and Coulees

A few years ago Lloyd and I accompanied our daughter, Jenny, her husband and four sons to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park in southern Alberta, not far from where we'll be retiring in Lethbridge.  I came across the pictures I took at that time when I was searching through my stack of pictures this morning and thought you might be interested in seeing the hoodoo cliffs that we climbed and explored.

The hoodoos are made of sandstone and get their defiitive shape from the erosion of wind and water.

Our first stop was at this really cool live tree that is somehow growing sideways.  It makes a perfect place for the boys to sit and eat their lunch.

Sam, Jonah, Nate and Micah


Resting beside and on top of one of the hoodoos


The beginning of the trail

Time for a rest and water break - it's a long steep climb and although she hadn't yet told us,
Jenny was pregnant with son #5.

Sam and Nate on top of a hoodoo across from the photographer who
was on a higher one. That's the Milk River in the middle of the picture

Jonah andNate tucked into a wind-formed cave

Jonah sitting on top of the world
Sam, hanging onto the mushroom-like top of the hoodoo.

Sam and Jonah running, carefully, along the top edge of the cliff

Following the leader down the trail

Bye for now.

It's a beautiful place to spend a day.  Next time we go we'll explore other parts of the park and see the pictographs that the park is named for.  Just a word of advice though if you're planning to go with a very active 2-year old - DON'T!  We were constantly pulling this little guy

Micah

back from the edge. He just ran and climbed like he was born to it and did not want to be restrained in any way.  To my knowledge, his parents have never taken him back there.

Pat

12 comments:

Ellie said...

Hi Pat, that looks like an amazing place to visit. I've never seen anything like that before. The boys must of have had great fun - especially the 2 year old, they know no fear!!
Being pregnant and doing all the climbing - she's a stronger woman than me lol.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Those rock formations are amazing. I am not much of a climber but those pictures are just beautiful.

TARYTERRE said...

Looks like you all had a wonderful time. I have never heard of a hoodoo. Very interesting. Beautiful to look at too. Back in the day my husband and I would go spelunking for fun.

Chatty Crone said...

I am impressed with your daughter doing that pregnant with number 5!

I've never heard of these either.

sandie

Bev said...

okay..Pat...Sandie gave me the link to your blog as I mentioned we go to AZ in the winter...We live in Lacombe, have a son in Edmonton, lived there a year ourselves (I am a native Calgarian...but don't hold that against me:)

We have never been to Writing on the Stone Park...will HAVE to go...it looks great! Looking forward to visiting your blog!

Mickey said...

One olace we didn't get to this summer. Awesome place and wonderful photos Pat! It would all make me a little nervous with young children too! Any snakes?!

Kath said...

Oh wow!! You have been so busy keeping your blog on the go!!
Love it!! Off to read some more!

Granny Annie said...

I have to imagine you can run out of places to take four (soon to be five) boys. Yikes! Looks like the youngest one might be a future George Mallory:)

Desiree said...

What a wonderful playground for children!

BB said...

Boys are born with the instinct to climb and run aren't they? Great pictures. Looks like everyone enjoyed every minute. Pregnant with #5? God bless her! Hugs.

Delena said...

Thanks so much for your comments and becoming a follower on my blog. We actually live quite near. We have been to Writing on Stone too and really enjoyed our camping trip there. It was a number of years ago but it a place you can't forget. I will follow your blog also. Just a joy to meet new people in blogland!

JQ said...

Aw, thanks Mummie.