Sunday, August 03, 2008
Past and Present
Doorway to the Past
(expand the above photo and look closely through the arch for people standing on the distant cliffs for a idea as to the height of these cliffs. I had been searching for rattlers along their south exposure with many underground openings located along the base of these cliffs. The rattlesnakes emerge on 30 Celsius days and sun themselves, camouflaged by the sagebrush that grows in profusion in DPP)

I last visited Dinosaur Provincial Park at the end of June and vowed to return before too long. This week-end found me camped at Lake Newell south of Brooks and Saturday afternoon found me making the drive up to DPP where I planned on hiking in to the badlands in search of Rattlesnakes. The temperature on my truck thermometer was indicating 22 Celsius and I was concerned as these temperatures would keep the snakes in their dens unless the temperature got a whole lot warmer.

I pulled into the visitors centre parking lot where I could not help but notice the parking lot was reasonably full. The licence plates ranged from across Canada and the US, proving that the DPP is a becoming a popular destination. Quickly changing from sandals to hiking boots and grabbing my camera gear, I was underway.

Knowing where I had observed rattlers before, I quickly made my way past the visitors centre and before long, I left the crowds behind and found myself in the solitude I desired. The temperature was great for hiking but just was not cutting it for rattlers, however I was not to concerned as photo-ops were around every corner and the afternoon was quickly passing. The time was of some concern as I was getting deeper into the badlands and I would need time to hike out before making the drive back to Lake Newell for a barbecue I was expected at.

After checking out all the locations that I knew of that I had found rattlers at over the years, I realized it was not going to happen on this day. Oh-well, I had passed a pleasant afternoon on my walk-about and with many fine captures made of wildlife and the great landscape, how could I be anything but pleased.



Daughter of the Sun Gods chanting rituals to the Sun
Remember all photos expand
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