This post is going off topic a bit but I have been wanting to capture pictures of the wild horses of Alberta. B~ always sees them when he is out working beyond the Cochrane area. He comes home with pictures and stories.  I have been wanting to get off my butt and go with him and capture more professional pictures (if you call Canon Rebel T1I,  "Professional", which compared to an iPhone, it is) Today was the day.  He always warned me that we might not see the horses. They are wild (or feral) after all. The last time he was working out there in January 2014, he did not see one, which is unusual but with all the controversy going on with the cull and collection of the horses in Alberta maybe it isn't unusual. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/jann-arden-joins-fight-against-alberta-wild-horse-cull-1.2539550

On the way, we had a cool (pun intended) surprise at Ghost Lake.

Calgary Sports Car Club Winter Rally Ice Cup

Wonder if I could take the Mazda 6 out there?

Looks like a lot of fun

Ghost Dam

After coming upon the car racing at Ghost Lake we continued on and went to one area where the wild horses like to graze. I had my camera ready and was getting really excited, but all we saw were horse tracks and road apples.  We continued on our way and had all but given up when I saw the 2 of them in the trees. Sadly, only 2, and both were trying to keep warm, against the brisk wind, in the trees. Both looked sad and lonely like they lost their best friend.  B~ normally sees up to 17 horses and all we saw were two. Did the others get culled or collected?

Bill and I agree to disagree on several issues but this one I think we agree that Government should not be messing with Mother Nature. The problems appears to start with the various wolf culls over the decades. For example:   http://albertawilderness.ca/news/2014/2014-02-11-engo-news-release-international-scientists-to-alberta-drop-archaic-wolf-bounties

After the horses "photo shoot", we continued on to the "World Famous" Water Valley Saloon for lunch. Okay okay, it may not be world famous, but it is famous to those that work and recreate in the forestry west of Calgary. In the summer that parking lot is filled with motorcycles.

Tonight I am feeling surreal. B~ tells me I need to go out with him again in the Spring as there should be foals. I would like to go but if I don't see any foals will I wish I didn't?

The first race of the Season is less than 3 weeks away or is it?

PowerWatts Training

PowerWatts Training with Coach Rhys every Sunday

As we watch the Sochi Winter Olympics, I am reminded the first official DHMB race is scheduled for the beginning of March. Frostbike at Silver Star in beautiful Vernon British Columbia. The racers get a snowcat ride up the hill and a bike ride down. No studs allowed...well tire studs that is. This will be our first winter race experience. Of course, we aren't racing, Gingersnap is. We are there to experience the pre- and apres bike race activities and of course support Gingersnap.
So just what is PowerWatts? From their website:

PowerWatts™ is a training system used to optimize cycling performance and fitness.  This “system” consists of an integration of proprietary hardware, software and interval matrix’s used to challenge the most seasoned athlete’s in a fun, dynamic environment.

PowerWatts™ has been refined and optimized over the last 20 years by applied exercise physiologists and coaches to allow athletes of all levels to train to their potential. This unique system prescribes, stores and analyses training data to allow for each rider to work at their own specific level. 

It looks easy until you take a 2 week Christmas break. The first day back the boys barely kept their breakfasts in their belly. So no pun attended but what does it look like to a completely green outsider? It is a very technologically advanced stationary bike training program. Beyond that I can't say much more. After an hour on the bike, Gingersnap is warmed up and is walking out side in the -22c weather in shorts and t-shirt claiming that its a bit chilly. Meanwhile I'm freezing in my parka. B~

A few favorite old cars:

1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible Eliminator

1969 Cougar Coupe

Mini Woody

"Yes I am a car nut, 40 years too late."
Actually, if it has wheels, wings, or a hull, it will tweak my fancy. Since its been too cold and Walt is buried in snow, I thought I'd share something else.
These pictures were taken in the summer of 2013.
My interest in the Cougar automobile began in my youth when, in '72, my parents bought a second hand one for Mom to drive. Apparently the old VW bug just wasn't up to the task of, well keeping us warm in the winter. The Cougar was a 1969 model powered by a 351cid Windsor engine and automatic transmission. It was similar to the gold one pictured above, but was a dark green and white top. This being the late 60's vinyl tops were in vogue don't ya know.
The car was a blast to drive. Any time you put a large powerful engine in a small car, its going to be fun. Like all American cars of the era, it was better in a straight line, but with the smaller engine (compared to the available 428/429cid) it was lighter and could handle a corner. Between that Cougar and the worn out 69 Ford F100 that I learned to drive in, I developed a personal preference for Ford products, hence the numerous blue oval pictures.
So what classic car do I own now? 73 Winnebago of course. One day, I'll wrangle a classic car. Right now I have more need of pickup. Of course the classic car could be a 2005+ Mustang Convertible. Gotta like the comfort and convenience of a newer car. Or perhaps an extended vacation? M~ would love that!
B~

Brass Tin Lizzy