Capturing the Beauty of Nature: Easy Tips from a Calgary-Area Nature Lover
As a vlogger and blogger based near Calgary, I'm constantly inspired by Alberta's diverse landscapes, from the flowing rivers of the Bow Valley to the dramatic prairie sunsets. Nature photography is all about patience, observation, and letting the natural world shine. Whether you're spotting wildlife along the river or chasing golden hour light, here are some simple tips to elevate your shots.First, get out at the right time. Golden hour, sunrise or sunset, bathes everything in warm, soft light. Silhouettes of trees against a fiery sky create stunning drama, while avoiding harsh midday shadows.
Second, focus on wildlife patiently. Birds like ducks or mergansers often perch on logs in calm waters. Approach slowly, use a zoom lens if possible, and wait for natural behaviour, preening, swimming, or resting, to capture authentic moments.
Third, compose with intention. Use the rule of thirds: place your subject off-centre for balance. Include foreground elements like rocks or branches for depth, and reflections in water for symmetry.
Finally, respect nature, keep distance from animals, stay on trails, and leave no trace.With these basics, anyone can create beautiful images. Grab your camera (or phone!) and explore our local gems. Nature's always putting on a show!
Unveiling Teotihuacan: A Journey Through History and Mystery
The ancient ruins captured in the images transport us to Teotihuacan, one of Mesoamerica’s most iconic archaeological sites, located just 40 kilometers northeast of modern-day Mexico City. With its towering pyramids, sprawling avenues, and intricate murals, Teotihuacan stands as a testament to the ingenuity of an ancient civilization that thrived between 100 BCE and 650 CE. For visitors walking its stone pathways today, the site offers a profound opportunity to learn about its history—a history filled with awe-inspiring achievements and enduring mysteries that continue to baffle archaeologists and historians. Let’s explore what we know about Teotihuacan and the enigmatic questions that still linger.
Discovering Teotihuacan’s Historical Grandeur
Teotihuacan, often referred to as the “City of the Gods,” was once one of the largest cities in the world, with a population estimated at 125,000 at its peak around 400 CE. The images showcase its most iconic structures: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the landscape along the Avenue of the Dead, a 2.5-kilometer-long central thoroughfare. The Pyramid of the Sun, standing at 65 meters tall, is the third-largest pyramid in the world, while the Pyramid of the Moon, slightly smaller at 43 meters, offers panoramic views of the city from its summit.
Walking through Teotihuacan, as seen in the images, visitors can feel the scale of this ancient metropolis. The Avenue of the Dead is lined with smaller platforms and residential compounds, once home to the city’s diverse inhabitants, including artisans, priests, and merchants. The Temple of the Feathered Serpent, located at the southern end of the avenue, is adorned with intricate carvings of the deity Quetzalcoatl, a symbol of creation and renewal in Mesoamerican culture. The temple’s detailed stone heads, protruding from the pyramid’s facade, hint at the city’s rich artistic tradition.
Teotihuacan was a cultural and economic hub, its influence stretching across Mesoamerica. The city’s artisans produced obsidian tools, pottery, and vibrant murals, many of which depict deities, rituals, and mythological scenes. One mural, found in the residential complex of Tepantitla, shows a paradise-like scene with a goddess overseeing a joyful gathering—a rare glimpse into the spiritual beliefs of the Teotihuacanos. Trade networks extended as far as the Maya region, with evidence of Teotihuacan-style artifacts found in sites like Tikal in Guatemala, underscoring the city’s far-reaching impact.
Learning Through Exploration
A visit to Teotihuacan is a journey through time, offering countless lessons about ancient Mesoamerican life. The site’s layout reveals a highly planned urban center, with a grid system aligned to celestial events. The Pyramid of the Sun, for example, is oriented to mark the solstices, suggesting that astronomy played a central role in the city’s design. Visitors can climb the steep steps of the pyramids, as many do in the images, to experience the same vantage points that ancient priests might have used during rituals, feeling a connection to the past.
Excavations have uncovered evidence of a multi-ethnic society, with neighborhoods inhabited by people from different regions, such as the Oaxaca Barrio, where Zapotec-style ceramics were found. This diversity highlights Teotihuacan’s role as a melting pot, attracting migrants and traders who contributed to its cultural richness. The site also offers insights into daily life: residential compounds reveal apartment-style living with shared courtyards, while artifacts like grinding stones and cooking vessels provide a glimpse into the diets and routines of the city’s inhabitants.
The Mysteries That Persist
Despite centuries of study, Teotihuacan remains shrouded in mystery, with many questions lacking definitive answers. One of the greatest enigmas is the identity of its founders and rulers. Unlike other Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Maya, Teotihuacan left no written records of its kings or dynasties. No royal tombs have been conclusively identified, and the city’s hieroglyphic system, if it existed, remains undeciphered. Who built this massive city, and who governed it? The absence of clear evidence has led to speculation—some suggest a theocratic elite, while others propose a more communal form of leadership, but no consensus exists.
Exploring the Trails of Kananaskis Country: A Hiker’s Guide to Beauty and Safety
Last year, in May 2024, I set out for a hike in Kananaskis Country, a stunning region in the Canadian Rockies just west of Calgary, Alberta. As I walked along a forested trail, surrounded by towering evergreens and a carpet of soft pine needles, I felt the quiet magic of this place. The path stretched ahead, winding through dense woods, with my red backpack a bright contrast against the earthy tones of the forest. Kananaskis Country, or “K-Country” as locals call it, is a hiker’s paradise, offering breathtaking landscapes and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere. But to make the most of your experience here, it’s essential to be prepared for the terrain, wildlife, and ever-changing conditions.
The Beauty of Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis Country spans over 4,000 square kilometers of rugged mountains, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, nestled between Banff National Park and Calgary. The trail in the photo captures the essence of K-Country’s charm—dense forests of pine and spruce, with glimpses of jagged peaks in the distance. Spring and summer bring wildflowers like fireweed and Indian paintbrush, while fall paints the larch trees a brilliant gold. Trails like the Highwood Meadows or the Ptarmigan Cirque offer panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, and spots like Barrier Lake provide serene waterside moments. Every step in Kananaskis feels like a journey into a postcard, with the air filled with the scent of pine and the sound of birdsong.
Things to Be Careful Of
Hiking in Kananaskis Country comes with its challenges, and safety is key to a positive experience.
Wildlife: K-Country is home to bears (both grizzly and black), cougars, and moose. Always carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals. Travel in groups if possible, and keep a safe distance if you spot wildlife—never approach or feed them.
Steep Drops and Terrain: Many trails, like those leading to Ha Ling Peak or Mount Yamnuska, involve steep ascents and exposed sections with significant drops. Stay on marked paths, watch your footing, and be cautious near cliffs, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Roads: Access to trailheads often involves driving on Highway 40 or the Smith-Dorrien Trail (Highway 742), which can be narrow, winding, and gravel in sections. The Smith-Dorrien, in particular, is unpaved and prone to washouts after heavy rain. Drive slowly, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and check road conditions before heading out.
Weather: Kananaskis weather can change rapidly. A sunny morning can turn into a thunderstorm by afternoon, and temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations. Check the forecast, but be prepared for sudden shifts—pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and extra socks. Snow can linger on trails into June, and early snowfall can start in September.
Ensuring the Most Positive Hiking Experience
To make your Kananaskis hike as enjoyable as possible, a little preparation goes a long way:
