“I Haven’t Been Everywhere, But It’s On My List” – Susan Sontag

Susan Sontag’s wonderful quote was on my mind yesterday as I headed out the door for another Vagabond Photography Adventure. As the days grow shorter and colder, I find myself referring back to my “Alberta Bucket List” of things to see and do before the snow flies again. Luckily yesterday dawned sunny and warm, so the roof came off the Jeep one more time and I struck out for a local event that has been in my calendar for a while, The Prairie Girls Vintage Market.

You may or may not know, but I am a collector of vintage globes and cameras (in keeping with my Vagabond Photography persona no doubt…), and this market did not disappoint! Especially not the location! Just 5 minutes from my home in Cochrane, I found “The Big Red Barn” and I took the snap above from the back of the barn. What a stunning location for an indoor/outdoor market! I loved all of the thoughtfully, artfully arranged stalls full of all things vintage, from jewellery to furniture and even photography! It was at this market where I finally had a chance to meet one of my favourite local photographers, Martha Guy, who’s wonderful back roads of Alberta country shots adorn small, carefully crafted pieces of barn board. You can see more of Martha’s amazing photography here.

After I had experienced every corner of the market, I grabbed a welcome coffee and walked out back to find the amazing view you see above. It was not yet noon and the sun felt wonderful on my face. I cannot possibly go home yet, right? So I thought of my bucket list and, inspired by the mountains in the distance, headed along the Bow Valley Trail to stunning Lake Louise where the ski area’s famous gondola whisks you quietly up the mountain where views of emerald Lake Louise tucked into The Valley of the Ten Peaks await. I loved my ride up the mountain sitting peacefully on an open gondola, watching the world pass by. Birds sang. The sun shone. The sweet smell of autumn leaves was everywhere! And at the top, I found a wonderfully unexpected dining experience, The Whitehorn Lodge, where I sat on it’s sunny patio and congratulated myself on checking one more stunning adventure off my Alberta bucket list. The only question that remains? Where to next??

If you would like to see more snaps from my fall adventure, please visit my website where you will see Alberta in all of its awesome autumn splendour. Thanks as always for visiting!