We inhaled, slurped, nibbled slowly. As if to prolong the sensation of awe and grandeur. As if we could not get enough with the first taste of clean mountain air, the spice of rain on forest floor. We hiked, grasped for breath and took lots of photos which can never really do justice to the area. We love the different facets of the mountains, blueness of glacier-fed lakes, rivers and valleys with thousands of evergreen pine cones. And the giant rocks with ice glacier on top, that swallowed our vision.
The road trip took us to two national parks, Banff and Jasper of Alberta. It was our first time to visit the eastern part of Canada. The call of the wild and footprints of the First Nations are dominant in the historic places. Our spirits were restored, all stress forgotten. We vowed to return soon.
river tides are slow dancing
to wind's drumming song, we gaze
at elk grazing, sun-gold
Posted for D'verse Poets Pub - Haibun Monday hosted by Toni, Kanzensakura. Thanks for the visit.
What a lovely time. and I love how you write about how you nibbled, inhaled, slurped the air and atmosphere, the spice of the air...What an amazing and yes, truly unforgettable respite from care and daily life.
ReplyDeleteI love the description of that mountain air... and the vision of those mountains. Banff and Jasper have been on my list for many many years... we did visit Glacier national park on the other side of the border many years ago, but we didn't know if we could cross the border with our rented car and visa.
ReplyDeleteHolidays and breathing fresh or different air - something our haibun have in common, Grace! You've conveyed the sensation of awe and grandeur beautifully, backed up by the gorgeous images. Another lovely haiku to crown it all.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. That photos can't capture the subjective experience of actually seeing those mountains is probably a good thing.
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are beautiful and it looks like an amazing place where you would want to return time and time again. I love how you 'inhaled, slurped, nibbled slowly. As if to prolong the sensation of awe and grandeur' and your closing haiku is beautiful :o) xxx
ReplyDeleteOh....I feel so relaxed...as if I've traveled with you in your words and photos. The description is wonderful in both the prose and the beautiful haiku. I especially love this "the spice of rain on forest floor. " I love walking after a rain in the forest - this is a perfect description of the sensation :)
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing and grand landscapes. It must have been a really refreshing holiday.
ReplyDeleteI know this area well. You have captured it beautifully by focusing on the effect that the land had on you, personally. The scale of such majesty, truly does take one's breath away - and restores one's spirits. Your haiku is exquisite - as are your pictures. I really enjoyed this post, Grace.
ReplyDeleteLiving between two tall mountains ranges, as a youth, I hiked & camped all. Poor health prevents extended hikes, but now we just drive up there, wander off for a block or so, and sit on a log in a meadow for hours. I adored your haiku; so good it could stand alone.
ReplyDeleteLoved your photos, and descriptive language. Your haiku really does this justice, Grace.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way enjoy Summer. Let the grandeur of nature coddle you in her arms. The splendor of it all looks to wonderful. Great photos too
ReplyDeleteThank you, Grace. You have marvelously encapsulated summer for me. Thank you.
ReplyDeletethe spice of rain and wind's drumming song. the magic of such vacations!
ReplyDeleteDid you ever put together a collection of poetry? A while back you asked me for a halibut ... just wondered - if so, I'd love purchase a copy. I love this haibuns and I need make it over here on Mondays more often.
Hope all is well with you, Grace.
I hope to visit there someday, too - you've drawn such a clear picture.
ReplyDeletethe photo is stunning, too ~
Sure sounds like quite the spot to take in indeed. But umm wouldn't that be the western part? Or is it just western to me? lol
ReplyDeleteLove this view. I can get used to it.
ReplyDeleteBeing a child of the prairie, I've had little experience with mountains, so I read your haibun with interest. Beautifully written, and beautiful haiku as well!
ReplyDelete