And then it died

So, I checked into my Hotel in Banff, eagerly looking forward to seeing today's photos on the Macbook Pro.

I turned it on, heard the welcome 'chime' and then... Nothing. A blank black screen - no illuminated Apple logo, nothing.

I tried again, and again...

Removed the battery - nothing.

I am so glad I didn't delete the images from my CF Cards... Always best to keep copies.

I do have the iPad and camera connection kit, so I can back images up to that, but don't think I have enough space to store all of the RAW images I am taking.

It also makes Blogging a little more difficult, but still totally 'do-able' using Blogpost on the iPad... If a lot slower than composing with Mars Edit on the Macbook Pro.

The biggest issue is that I bought the Macbook Pro with me for iChat: Video calling the girls.

Looks like a voice only Skype solution will have to do - Makes being away from them that bit tougher though.

I will take the poorly Macbook Pro to Apple when I get to Vancouver, but that isn't until mid next week; And I am not sure there is much they can do anyway.

Updates may be a little more sporadic than planned!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

What a day!

Today I realised what Landscape photography is all about - A wide angle lens and polarising filter and away you go.



I think the scenery helps though - I think anyone would struggle to take a bad shot when you are presented with a view link this:


I started my day with a walk around the Village Rim Trail, a short(ish!) stroll around Kananaskis Village centre - Within 200 yards I came face to face with a fantastic visa:




Just stunning...



I then moved on to walk the Trolls Falls trail - If one thing has struck me more than anything so far, it is the quiet - I only saw two other people along the whole route, and (bizarrely) they were 'Bow Hunting Elk'. You couldn't make this stuff up.


The Trolls Falls trek was well worth the effort - It is about 1.3KM each way from the road, but you are greeted at the end with a fantastic wall of water: Took loads of shots as expected, a select few are on my Flickr Site


Canada so far is simply breath-taking, the people are friendly, and the roads totally deserted:



Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

That's better

After the damp start in Calgary yesterday, today I woke up to this view from my room at Delta Lodge, Kananaskis:




The sun is steaming through the trees, and the air is lovely and crisp... Batteries charged, time to go and explore the Rockies.

10.6 at the zoo

10.6 at the zoo
Originally uploaded by Westy Photography

Such a shame I can't do anymore to remove the cage in the background, but I am still pretty pleased to capture a Snow Leopard.

Taken at Calgary Zoo, Alberta, CA.

Discovering Calgary

Spent my first full day in Canada today - It started out a little damp, but I was determined not to waste anytime, so jumped on the Tram to Calgary Zoo.


I know it is the end of the season, and it wasn't the best weather, but I was surprised at how empty the park was.


Perfect for me to play around with the camera and see what I could do;


This was handheld, through glass:



And this was through wire bars:



I then moved on to Calgary Tower for a view of the city. I am not a 'heights' person at all, but I do like the view they allow you - Would you believe that I has left my wide angle zoom in the car... Amateur


and I even got a little brave in the name of my art, standing on the glass floor looking down onto Calgary below


My afternoon was spent driving from Calgary to my next location 'Kananaskis' (Cana-Skis to us in the UK!)... Finally getting my first view of the Rockies.



Can't wait to go and explore them over the next few days - But until then, I am happy to make do with the stunning Barrier Lake:



Settled into Delta Lodge for the next two days - Really lovely room in a perfect location.



Off to charge some batteries.