Linnet Lake kinda day

Jessica is a doll.   An absolute doll!!

(It's important to state that right off the bat.)  

A couple of weeks ago, I'd had a really rough week.   Nothing major, just a real "down on myself" sort of a time and as the week drew to an end, I found myself discouraged, depleted and about ready to have a pre- Christmas meltdown of epic proportion.  

I got home from work that Friday afternoon to a cute, dimply faced little girl who desperately wanted to go to Waterton.   

Just a few minutes later - John, Jess and I were on our way!

I've only been out to the park a couple of times since the Kenow fire but every time I go, I see a little bit more beauty and I am increasingly encouraged.   There was not a lot of snow up there, but it was cool and windy enough to require that we bundle up nice and warm.

Waterton brings out Jessica's biggest and brightest smiles;)

Though the mountains are probably packed with snow now (thanks to a week of heavy snowfall) it was pretty bare and dry during our visit.   We opted for a stroll around Linet Lake because, well, it's pretty much the only short stroll we could do within the park boundary.  

 I keep hoping that trails will be opened up this spring, which may be wishful thinking considering the amount of dead fall and precariously trees that still dot the landscape. 

  

I think there is something rather pretty about the blackened forests though. 
It's sad and all, but there is something really inspiring about watching nature grow back.  

I love noticing stubborn green blades of grass break out through the charred ground, the red wintry berries that provide a stunning and hopeful contrast, and the signs of wildlife returning to the park.   

Mother Nature really is so splendid. 

Whether through a brilliant display of destruction, or a breathtaking sign of healing and regrowth - this world of ours really is a beautiful force to be reckoned with.  

This day was exactly what the Doctor ordered!