CONTRIBUTORS

Rob Alexander

Rob Alexander is a Canmore-based freelance writer and a reporter for the Rocky Mountain Outlook newspaper with a passion for the history of the Canadian West. He has co-authored two history books, Exshaw: Heart of the Valley and the Exshaw Cement Plant: Foundations for the Future. His work also appears in print and on-line magazines.

You can read Rob’s historical account of Annie Staple: Chief Gatekeeper of the Rocky Mountains Park, in the 2007 edition of Experience the Mountain Parks.  The story of Annie Staple was originally published in the 2005 edition of Exshaw: Heart of the Valley.  Annie is one of the many extraordinary pioneering women who have made a significant contribution to the rich mountain culture unique to Western Canada.

Dene Cooper

Dene Cooper is a retired biology teacher, long-term resident of Exshaw, Councillor for the Municipal District of Bighorn and passionate student of regional history, which he describes as the best type of history. Exshaw: Heart of the Valley marked his first, but not his last, foray into writing and into books.

You can read Dene’s account of the Rat’s Nest Cave on Page 9 of the 2006 edition of Experience the Mountain Parks.  Dene’s account of one of Canada’s most accessible caves gives you a glimpse of the geological and historical significance of a cave that you can explore year round.  Book your guided adventure with Chas Yonge at Canmore Caverns or check out the exhibit of the Rat’s Nest Cave at the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre.

Glen Olson

Glenn Olson believes we are very fortunate in the west to have themountains and the parks that help protect the natural treasures within.  “We have a duty to respect and preserve the natural areas and wildlife throughout this great country."

For the 2007 edition of Experience the Mountain Parks, Olson has provided a stunning image of a majestic elk at day break as well as a compelling short story entitled, “In Praise of Elk”

For more information on Glenn, click here.

You can surf him up at www.glennolson.net.  His prints make the perfect gift for a loved one or for your office wall.  To purchase online go to www.clearwater-publishing.com.

Chic Scott

It has been forty years since Chic Scott discovered the magic of high places. During a lifetime of adventure he has climbed and skied around the world, organized clubs and foundations, written books and worked as a mountain guide. For more information on Chic, click here.

Craig & Kathy Copeland

Kathy and Craig Copeland have trekked through much of the world's vertical topography. In 1989, they moved from the U.S. to Canada, so they could live near the Canadian Rockies – the range that inspired the first of their refreshingly unconventional guidebooks.

For more information on Kathy & Craig, click here.

Brian Patton

Brian Patton and Bart Robinson first published the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide in 1971. Hikers affectionately refer to this hiking guidebook as “the Bible”, since it was the first book with accurate distances and detailed descriptions to the trails of the Canadian Rockies.

For more information on Brian Patton, click here.

Joel Hagen & Nadine Fletcher

Nadine Fletcher and Joel Hagen of Great Divide Nature Interpretation are award-winning and accredited professional guides. Great Divide specializes in half day and full day interpretive walks, hikes and snowshoes that feature an equal mix of fun and learning. Nadine provided two stories for the 2006 edition of Experience the Mountain Parks. You will find Lake Louise: The Hiking Capital of Canada on Page 18 and Teenage fun in the Rockies on Page 22.
For more information about Nadine, Joel and Great Divide Nature Interpretation, phone (866) 522-2735 or surf them up at www.greatdivide.ca.