A nice break near Cochrane AB

Morning fog just clearing from the barnyard

After an enjoyable visit with Michael, Rhonda, and Kailyn, we'll be hitting the road tomorrow morning. It's been a lovely relaxing couple of days here at their home.

The property is a small 45-acre ranch, with room for horses. Their landlord keeps 4 horses here, and Rhonda is able to keep hers (Misty) in with them too. It must be unusual to be able to board your horse right in your back yard:

3 of the landlord's horses

Rhonda and Kailyn taking Misty for a walk

The hill behind the house is pasture for the horses, and also a great place for somewhat challenging (to us) walks, and some gorgeous views. It's also where lots of wildlife is seen. Mostly fleeting while we were watching from the house, so we got no pictures of the wolf or of the red fox that came through while we were here. Sometimes elk wander over here, and coyotes are heard and sometimes seen in the area. Apparently grizzlies have been known to roam those green-clad hills across the valley:

Looking back to the large house they share with their landlord

Partway up the hill. We hiked to that ridge, steeper than it looks.

Mountains would be visible here, if not for the dark grey cloud at the horizon.

Just a beautiful walk up and down the lane, still hilly but less taxing than the fields behind:

We men had to make sure the corral fence was sturdy enough for the horses

The happy family and a couple of mooch-dockers. Thanks folks!

Tuesday morning we managed a trip into nearby Airdrie for a visit to Cathie's cousin Sandra, who moved out here from Southern Ontario a couple of years ago to be closer to her family:

Sandra was recovering from treatment for a dog bite she received yesterday, her third!

A last look across Grand Valley and the barn buildings, from part of the horse pasture: