I had grand plans this weekend.

Plans of adventure, of location scouting, photos of sunsets, sunrises and everything in between.  Long exposures and longer drives. Coffee stops, roadside naps. The works.

So what happened?  

Day 1 started early, too early.  My alarm rang at 3:30 am and I found myself awake, lying paralyzed in my bed for a few moments while my body was briefed on my brains plans for the day. Reluctantly, my body agreed to the plans and I regained the feeling in my face and tongue. That was weird.

I hit the road with Creepy-dog, headed south towards the Crowsnest pass. I haven't spent serious photography time down there yet, so I had planned to stick to the cliche easy spots for sunrise and then scout around for the afternoon.  The rain was drizzling lightly as I was leaving Calgary, and though the forecast called for freezing rain and flurries, it only fueled my motivation to see some interesting light.

I made it South West of Nanton before the weather changed for the worse,  freezing drizzle had slowly turned into freezing downpour, and then shortly after that, blizzard.  Snow flew sideways across the highway and quickly covered the tracks of the truck ahead of me.  I pulled over to check the weather, but without cell service I couldn't see how big the storm was. I opted to keep going, but a few more minutes down the road I started thinking like a responsible adult (ew. gross) I reasoned that at the speed I was going, I was going to miss the sunrise, and at the rate the snow and wind were flying, there was a solid chance I wouldn't be able to make it back home again. 

I turned around, one of very few times in my life I have.  I must be getting old.

I managed to make it to a new location before sunrise, The Okotoks Big Rock, but nothing exciting happened.  I had some breakfast, Creepy had some breakfast, it rained, I got wet and the sun lazily decided it didn't feel like making an appearance. (Jerk)  The rock also did nothing, but I suppose that's the point. 

I went home. Feeling deflated, but still determined to make something of my weekend. 

Day 2 came with a slightly longer sleep, a better packed camera bag and a brand new plan.  The Glenbow Ranch on the outskirts of the city at dawn. It was a good plan.   This time I was joined by Creepy-dog and even the elusive Mr. Bastard.  We arrived early and set out on the trails towards the river, down the hill.  Freezing cold Creepy trotted along the path evoking many "D'aaaawwwwws" from us due to her stylish winter boots and sweater.   After a short walk, my goal came into view and with time to spare to scout a good angle from which to shoot.  I plopped down the tripod, ripped off the headlamp, threw the gloves on the ground, wriggled off the camera backpack and set to work.  

On the camera went and the dazzling LCD screen lit up..... -E-

Empty.

I'd left the memory cards at home in the other camera bag.

I have absolutely nothing to show for this weekend besides some hastily written notes on the back of my hand, and significantly less gas in my tank than when I started. So here's a photo of a time when things actually worked in my favour.  I'll have to keep trying to get the shots I was after in the meantime.