Off to Vegas for the week to celebrate the wedding of Byron’s cousin Joel and our y soon-to-be cousin-in-law, Janice! We are staying off the strip this time which I am greatly looking forward to – our own private pool complete with palm trees. Can’t wait to indulge in a bit of r&r by the water and of course, party it up!
See y’all in a week!
I think that some of the most relaxing and memorable travel experiences are those that are close to home. There is nothing quite like a staycation. No airplane required. I was recently whisked away 40 minutes out of Downtown Calgary to the stunning Azuridge Estates Hotel with several other Calgarian media friends. Located near Priddis and Spruce Meadows, Azuridge is literally the only luxury spot outside the city limits.
We pulled up to the property in our plush limo bus and I was immediately wowed by the stunning scenery that surrounded Azuridge. I spotted a soaring water tower and large tiered gazebo off in the distance, not to mention the gorgeous wood and stone main buildings. Their friendly staff greeted us eagerly and ushered us inside to celebrate our evening with a glass of bubbly.
After a few pop, fizz and clinks we headed off to check out our rooms for the night. My husband and I were so excited to move into our luxurious room and get well-rested but alas we still had dinner to get to.
We were then toured around the property where we got to see nearly every single room in the place. Not only is there a private theater room where you can stretch back in super comfy chairs and a faux fur blanket. A gorgeous fitness center looks out over scenic foothills and the Rocky Mountains. Talk about an inspiring place to workout. We also found out that one of our fellow attendees’ room had a tent in their loft plus an Xbox console. Lucky!
Soon enough it was time for dinner and we all met up in one of the fabulous dining rooms. The meal was so eloquently presented and each morsel was jampacked with flavour. My favourite part of the meal was the cocktail of New Brunswick lobster and Louisiana crawfish with mango and avocado.
We had only just finished our amazing dinner when out came a wonderful gift from Azuridge! Hunter Boots for everyone! I received a sweet pair of shiny grey boots and Byron got matte black boots. What a great surprise.
Apparently, they wanted to keep the surprises coming because out came Calgary-based musician Michael Bernard Fitzgerald who was going to serenade us this evening by the fireside. Delicious après dinner drinks were offered (I indulged in some Baileys & Hot Chocolate!) and giant marshmallows sat by the fire. MBF played some beautiful songs for us and humorously snuck the word ‘Azuridge’ into his lyrics. It was fabulous.
It was the end of a long week so a tuckered out group of journalists headed off to their rooms for a great night sleep. I was ready for bed too but not before I indulged in the beautifully presented cocktail hydrotherapy bath treatment. Salts served up on a martini glass and bubble bath in a shot glass – this was one deluxe bathing experience. What could really be better than a big jet tub that you can stretch out in. So nice and relaxing after the perfect day.
We checked out in the morning after enjoying a lovely little breakfast with cappuccinos and fresh juice. Watching the sun rise over the property was something absolutely magical. The dewy lawns and the ethereal glow around the forest surrounding Azuridge just added to the fairytale feel. I could have stayed all weekend.
So, perhaps the next time you feel like you need to get away from the city for some R&R, call me and I will meet you at Azuridge.
photos by kait kucy
A couple of weeks ago, right before Christmas we whisked ourselves away to our friends’ place in Panorama, BC. The perfect pre-holiday holiday, our weekend with Amanda and Norm was the perfect mix of laziness, food and wine. It was honestly such a beautiful place. Panorama apparently has some incredible skiing and also is host to natural hot springs. Their place was right at the base of the ski hill so we got to watch the competing skiers zip down at top speeds.
It snowed during the nights but was the perfect temperature and so sunny for snowy walks during the day. We just loved their sweet black lab, Gidget – she was so much fun to play with all weekend long.
We’ve got a couple more wintery getaways planned over the next couple of months and I will be learning to ski for the first time at the end of January. It is so hard not to be inspired by all of those stunning mountain peaks!
We recently returned from quite possibly the most relaxing trip I have ever been on. I really really REALLY forgot about any troubles, stress or day-to-day junk. It was a good thing but it definitely made it hard to get back to the grind. We stayed at the best campsite ever – at Wayfarer’s Campground just outside Bigfork, Montana. Nestled right up against Flathead Lake, we fell asleep every night to the sounds of the waves and woke to the sounds of speed boats starting up. One of the days we visited the Vintage Whites Market where we picked up some sweet vintage things and enjoyed buckwheat crepes filled with pesto and brie and Sweet Peaks Huckleberry ice cream. Quite the dream, it’s true. A trip full of adventure we drove up the Road to the Sun through Glacier Mountain Park and got pulled over by a sheriff for speeding! Luckily, he didn’t give us a ticket – we just played dumb. I can’t wait to head down that way again soon – I find it super inspiring not to mention I love shopping at the Target and all of the great thrift stores!
Anyone have big plans for the long weekend? I’m gonna hunker down and do some serious work!
Just returned from the best time ever camping at Champion Lakes, BC with our lovely friends The Millers. While it wasn’t exactly my first time camping (slept in cabins many times) it was my first time sleeping in a tent – I have to admit I was a little bit scared at night. What can I say? I am a total wimp.
Anyways, it was so perfect to have a long weekend of being outdoors 24/7, exploring small-town BC and snoozing on a raft on a lake in hot weather. I only came away with a slight burn and no bug bites. Incredible as I normally attract mosquitos like it ain’t no thang. Guess BC skeeters aren’t into me.
Now that I am back in action, I’ve got loads to catch up on so there won’t really be the usual features this week but I will try my best to share a good DIY on Friday!
The Calgary Folk Music Festival starts tomorrow evening and Beirut + Chris Isaak are the headliners for the night. This is the third time (first + second here) I am seeing Chris Isaak in three consecutive years!!!! Can you say superfan? I can’t wait!
xo
One of my go-to camping experts is my friend Sarah who blogs and designs gorgeous jewellery and hand-dyed scarves over at Camp + Quarry. I can always peruse her blog or instagram photos and pick up useful tips and ideas for hanging out in the great outdoors. It doesn’t hurt that she lives in Vancouver and is minutes away from the ocean and other beautiful camp spots nearby. I am so excited that she is sharing some of her favourite spots on the blog today. - Kait
Elbow Lake Sheep River Valley
When Kait asked me to contribute a guest post on one of my favourite subjects (the outdoors) I admit, I felt totally overwhelmed. I have so many photos and stories and routes that I would like to share here. So many memories and mountain-y good times (and wild camping trips) that I really can’t begin to scratch the surface with words. So, instead, I’ve decided to share some photos from some of my most favourite places (all two hours or less from Calgary) in the hopes that you’ll be inspired to get out there and enjoy the Rockies. Looking through these old shots I found myself wishing I was spending the summer back in Alberta messing around in the mountains. I hope you’ll get out there this summer, too, whether you spend the night or not. And, Kait, thanks for inviting me to share on your blog and happy first camping trip ever to you!
In keeping with the camping theme this week, I have asked my friend Lori Andrews (aka the 10 cent designer) to share some of her campy wisdom with ya’ll. xo Kait
When the lovely Kait Kucy asked for a blog post on hiking, I jumped at the chance! I adore hiking. Specifically, back-country hiking. As a lifelong Albertan, growing up near the Rockies and an outdoorsman for a Dad, I have been hiking and camping since my earliest memories.
I know I could share a nice little day hike with you but I really want to get you pumped up for something a little more challenging.
One of my favorite hikes in Kananaskis Country is Buller Pass. You could easily do this as a simple day hike, enjoy the view at the top and be done. But why not stay the night? Look down and you will notice a pretty little blue oasis called Ribbon Lake. It’s just a hop skip and a jump away from the top of the pass! Ok not really – it’s still several hours away but such a wonderful place to spend the night. I would not recommend this to novice hikers. You will need to pick your way up and down some fairly steep scree paths to get there. Plus, of course, there will be that pesky additional 30-40 pounds on your back. Please take a friend along – Kananaskis is bear country. It’s always best to hike in a group.
I have had the pleasure of camping in this spot twice now. You can actually approach it from three different locations. Ribbon Falls is a popular choice but unless you are comfortable scrambling up sheer rock faces with chains and a heavy pack, you might reconsider this route. Quinn’s pass is gorgeous however I only used it once as an emergency get away during a forest fire. It is steep and less charming that the Buller approach. I say you try the Buller Pass route.
Once you get into camp, you will find excellent facilities including bear proof lockers for your food and anything scented, a group firepit area with tables and firewood, a crazy looking fiberglass outhouse on a stand that looks like something out of “Heart of Darkness”, and some very well maintained private camp sites. There is NO vehicle access to this area. All other campers will have hiked in just like you.
You will also get a beautiful lake and sunset, wildlife galore and probably the best sleep of your life since you will be so exhausted.
Back Country camping is quite inexpensive. ONCE you have all the right gear. You will need to purchase more than a few items if it is your first back country trip. That said, I have had the great pleasure of sitting around a campfire with a young couple who just made do with what they had. They were a sight to see both heading into camp and out with very heavy gear and sweatpants, plus they were ill prepared for emergencies but they had wine! And they were perfectly charming.
Backcountry camping in Kananaskis requires a permit. Visit!
You will need:
1. A good lightweight back country pack. (Mountain equipment coop has some excellent choices in all budget ranges). Your pack will need to have good support around your hips. Staff at any outdoor store can help you find the right fit.
2. Sturdy hiking boots. I choose leather boots as they easily withstand a little mud and water. Trust me, your feet need protection from the hard rocks and your ankles need good support. Also, I use hiking poles. Two of them. I find it really helps take some of the weight off my legs and with balance on steep descents.
3. A variety of clothing layers for any conditions. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. You can be in sunshine one moment and a snowstorm the next. In the middle of July! Choose modern breathable layers from companies like Ice Breaker and Patagonia. Be sure to take long underwear, a hat, gloves and a waterproof layer!
4. You will also need – a lightweight sleeping bag that is good to well below 0°c (It can get very cold at night); a lightweight thermarest to keep yourself off the cold ground; a lightweight tent of course; a small campstove (and matches); lightweight food and dishes; plenty of water (and a UV water sterilizer!); sunscreen; bugspray; LED headlamp; sunglasses; sun hat, first aid kit; trail maps; a spot emergency beacon is a good idea; as is bear spray. Feel free to write me if your serious about trying this for the first time and I will give you a complete list of everything I carry. I believe I may be the only person I know who carries her makeup kit on such a trip. Hey! It’s important for the photos. Oh right, the photos! Bring your camera. If weight is an issue, I recommend carrying a lightweight film camera like a Holga! Plus, you won’t care so much if you accidentally destroy it.
From Buller creek parking lot to Ribbon Lake – Total km return (about 20 km) elevation gained (and lost and gained and lost again) over 671.
Lori Andrews is an insanely happy interior designer and photographer living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Yup. I am going camping. I am finally breaking my nearly 27 year streak of never going camping. Oh, I’ve dreamed about tenting up for an evening and I’ve even done the research on glamping (note: this post was written September 2010.) It still hasn’t happened for me.
But the date is set and in a couple of weeks, Byron and I will be sleeping under the stars. Though I probably won’t be sleeping – I’ll be holding my breath listening to every single creak and crackle in the forest. Luckily, Byron is an experienced camper and so are the friends we are going with. It will be a magical weekend in the woods and I can’t wait until I can say I am going on my second camping trip!
Where do you like to go camping? Any great Alberta or BC spots that I must hit up this summer with all of my fresh-out-of-the-bag camp gear?
photos found here: one / two / three / four / five / six / seven
vegas was full of the good stuff: burlesque bingo + vintage dresses + beauty bar + free tacos + fremont st + palm trees + cocktails with family. until next time….xo
we had a lot of fun in vegas last week but we are glad to be back in the land of the living. the smokey slot-machine-filled casinos can get a bit much after awhile. loved the sunshine, the shopping & relaxing with my honey. we slept in until 3:00pm one day – best thing ever. anyways, here is some snaps from my instagram. more to come…xo
