Mid-summer sky high sunflowers ~isla

Ok, this is where we wanted to break it all down!
And we wanna know if you're with us on this...

Tripping over crocuses early April ~isla

Do you feel like we do?

First Alberta Rose of Summer ~isla

​...Privileged to have found this nicely-nestled,
​most-southwest corner of Calgary,
​boasting whisper-quiet ​settings, and
​never-ending lists of fun stuff to do...

T   h   e        C   o   u   g   a   r   i   a   n       L   i   f   e   s   t   y   l   e

​... Think immeasurably-beautiful summertime sunsets...
​
Awe-inspiring mountain views...   ​

Photo Courtesy Watermark at Bearspaw

We've all experienced it haven't we?

Spring Lilacs on a West Springs path ~isla

​... Giggling backyard barbeques,
or connecting with carefree childhood memories
​flying a kite on a windy, clear-skied day.  

Lola & tresj ~isla

Those quintessential
​early summer mornings, 
a magically-mild breeze, laden with lilac ~

...And the triumphant feeling you get
​at the top of Bow Trail...

... As  you make your  ​downtown  ​descent.

Calgary Downtown | Photo Courtesy Jeff Wallace

... And if adventure's calling?

...There's  always the good ole
Roadtrip Remedy...

Step 1
Hang the quick hairpin at the base of Sarcee to #1  (Or... grab a Timmy's and take the scenic  ​RangeRoad Backroute straight out OBCR...)


Step 2
Proceed to huge flashing neon lights that say,  "Welcome to the Fast Lane Baybee" 
(you know the one...)
​
​
Step 3
And simply  settle in and savour the impeccably-timed & long overdue
highway expedition to an Alpine
Adventure, or some Sand, Sea and Chablis. 

Photo Courtesy WinSport.ca

And last, but not least...

​... Adrenaline-pumping snowboarding, biking, and
ziplining is always an option at our very own  ​​multi-terrain training park, just out the back gate...

Photo: "Lovely Zipline" by Mark L Courtesy VisitCalgary.com

Photo Courtesy SilvertipResort.com

​A few clicks further west and you're on your way to a quick Canmore getaway, taking in The Mountain Golfing Experience ​just up Silvertip Trail.

Photo Courtesy SilvertipResort.com

​Ahhh yes, 
​​T  h  e    G  o  o  d    L  i  f  e 
in Cougar Ridge
-- kicking back on the deck, meandering down nearby trails...
​the  mountain getaways, shopping posh and dining ​ hip...

​It’s been a unique experience to watch this strong, family-centered community grow since moving up here back in ’07,
​and that was the spark that started Life Up Here...

The plan now is to share the vision of Unfolding Ideal Life, 
to “Live It, Breathe It” as we strive to design the lives we envision –
... for ourselves, our families, and our community. 

Sweet Deer on the Path ~ isla

The "One & Only" Paskapoo
​(a.k.a. Ski Town)

​The term “Paskapoo”, some say, is known as a local native term, meaning, "blindman."

​It is related to an Alberta legend -- a tale about a hunting party that suffered from snow blindness while traveling during Alberta's frigid winters.

The "Paskapoo Ski Centre" claimed that "Paskapoo" meant "glorious descent".

Wikipedia:
​"Paskapoo Slopes"

Paskapoo Ski Centre Planning Blueprint 1970's ~J. Thomas West

Others have claimed Paskapoo means "hard landing"
​in reference to the frequently icy conditions encountered on its slopes. ​​

"Paskapoo Slopes Pathway in Autumn" ~ Annette Le Faive (Paskapoo.com)

More on the  Canada Olympic Park expansion. 

Now growing up, although the name "Paskapoo" always had that sort of (ahem) adolescent comical ring to it... (why do kids seem to have a fascination with anything sounding like a bathroom word??) ...​Calgary's own Notorious Ski Hill holds a lot of sentimental value for us...

For one, it was undoubtedly cool having access to one of our fave past times so close to home, enjoying all those exciting runs as fledgling skiers (and then trying to live down our fair share of embarrassing crashes in the bowl back in the day).

And, attending elementary school with the two kids whose family owned Paskapoo, was also a preteen highlight!

Anyway... for those interested, this article sheds some light on the history of Paskapoo... A place we now call "Ski Town" - one of the many dog-walk destinations up here in Cougar Ridge. Enjoy! 

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The Pond Summer View ~isla

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Photo Road Trip:

Photo credit: jaguarmena via Visualhunt / CC BY