Our Contributors

On October 5th, 1982, Laurie Skreslet became the first Canadian to reach the top of Mount Everest. With 35 years of climbing, coaching and leadership experience, Laurie recognizes the parallel between climbing the mountain and the challenges people face daily in the business community. Through Laurie sharing those experiences, he has been able to touch, move and inspire over 2000 organizations which included well over 500,000 individuals. Laurie is an expert in helping individuals and teams identify and correct what it is that holds us back from attaining our goals and dreams.

In order to maintain his expert status as a climber and motivational speaker, Laurie Skreslet lives his message by continuing to stretch his capacity, meet challenges and pursue his passions. He has participated in and led world class climbing expeditions to China (Nepal), South America and Bhutan/Kashmir (India), totaling well over 30 expeditions. He also operates his own Business Leadership & Challenge Courses in the Canadian Rockies. Laurie has written a bestselling book “To the Top of Everest.” It was nominated in two categories, the Children’s Choice Award and the Canadian Book of the Year for Children Award in 2004. CBC produced a $10 million documentary about the 1982 Summit which has been aired in the fall of 2006.

Laurie has written a charming and personal story for Experience the Mountain Parks simply called: Yamnuska.

Carol Patterson is well known as an ecotourism industry consultant, lecturer, author and seminar leader. She has visited lodges around the world. Her recent book, “Saving Paradise: The Story of Sukau Rainforest Lodge,” co-written with lodge founder, Albert Teo shares lessons on nature tourism development and the wonders of Borneo. Her company, Kalahari Management Inc., is a consulting firm providing feasibility studies, business planning, and training for the nature based tourism industry. It publishes a quarterly newsletter EcoTourism Management which furnishes information on the ecotourism industry and related business items and practices. Carol has also published books entitled, “The Business of Ecotourism” which offers business guidance for individuals, companies and organizations involved in the nature tourism industry, and “The Business of Ecotourism – Teacher’s Edition” for people involved in teaching ecotourism concepts. You might also want to check her new book called “Reinventure; How Travel Adventure Can Change Your Life.” Carol has degrees in Business Administration, Economics and Geography, and holds a Certified Management Accountant Designation. In 1991 she was named Merit Winner in the Pannel Kerr Forster Research Award competition.

Carol Patterson talks about her new book “Reinventure: How Travel Adventures Can Change Your Life”

Carol is an active member of various community organizations. She is a private pilot, and created and operated the “Flying Zoo to You” program for the Calgary Zoo from 1985 to 1987. A Senator of the Calgary Zoological Society, Carol has contributed to the live collections, education and business operations committees and is a Past President of the Society. She is also serves on the board of Watchable Wildlife Inc., a U.S. non profit organization promoting responsible wildlife viewing practices and ethics. Carol has written an engaging story for Experience the Mountain Parks: Experience a Lodge, Experience the Mountains.

Michael Kerr is a professional speaker. Michael Kerr is former park naturalist and the author of five books, including “The Canadian Rockies Guide to Wildlife Watching,” “What’s So Funny About Alberta?” and “When Do You Let the Animals Out? A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Humour.” Michael Kerr, “The Workplace Energizer,” is a dynamic international keynote conference speaker, humorist, workshop facilitator and author.

Based in Canmore, Alberta, Michael is known as one of Canada’s leading authorities on how humour can boost morale, lower stress, motivate employees, and create more productive and inspiring workplaces. Michael also welcomes conference groups to Canada and the Canadian Rockies with his hilarious program, “When Do You Let the Animals Out?” Michael speaks and trains on humour in the workplace, inspiring workplaces, stress management, motivating employees, team building, business creativity, communication skills, presentation skills and a hilarious welcome program to Canada and the Canadian Rockies. Kerr guarantees results through inspiration, ideas, plenty of laughter and practical content that employees can put to work immediately! Michael has written three stories for Experience the Mountain Parks; Lifestyles of the Wild and Famous, Feeling Sheepish?, Minding Your Manners.

It was 1990 and Zale had just finished the biggest financial year of his life (over 7 figures). He had the life that most would dream of including being a shareholder in one of Canada’s premiere investment houses, a beautiful family, money, homes, cars, assets and stature in my community… but he was not happy. In fact, he admits he was downright miserable. This was the classic story of “Is this all that there is?” Looking for an answer to that question, Zeviar resigned his position as an investment advisor and decided to jump out of society to go on a spiritual quest. He left it all behind – home, cars, stature – and with the blessing of his family he left Canada to study under the guidance of a master teacher. After years of intense self study and meditation, Zale came to realize that the power of silence and stillness was the ticket to embracing life’s purpose and living in fulfillment. This study of consciousness and energy expanded his belief structure and revealed to him the path that all masters have walked throughout time. During this time Zeviar became anchored in a whole new reality – we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. Zale Zeviar is a Master Teacher and Founder of The Initiate School of the Canadian Rocky Mountains Ltd. As an adult school of consciousness and enlightenment, the Initiate School provides a non-denominational, non-religious venue where people from all walks of life attend classes and study evolution. The Initiate School is dedicated to the enlightenment and spiritual advancement of those who wish to awaken to their conscious evolution. In addition to weekly classes, we have regularly scheduled retreats and international speakers. These retreats are, naturally, held in the Canadian Rockies—only an hour from Calgary. Zale has written a superb story for Experience the Mountain Parks; What Lies Within?.

Andrew Kyle is an adventurer, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. When not working he likes to be with family and friends at Mount Engadine Lodge in the Spray Valley, south of Canmore. Andrew and Sharisse purchased Mount Engadine Lodge in 2003 and have been working hard to make it the place for great food and family and for a base camp for adventures in the Kananaskis. Mount Engadine Lodge provides a quiet retreat in the heart of Kananaskis Country. From the dining room windows, the Rocky Mountains rise sharply across Moose Meadows. These meadows are natural habitat for many of the regions’ animals and birds, including coyotes, moose, elk, deer and beavers. It is not uncommon to see bald eagles, ravens, heron and owls passing through. In this intimate setting, enjoy gourmet meals, a cozy family atmosphere, fresh air and spectacular scenery. There are always exciting activities and adventures at the Lodge, throughout each season! After a day of hiking or skiing, relax in the evening by one of their hand-crafted fireplaces. Take a quiet stroll along the meadow or creek. Enjoy the undisturbed night sky from the hot tub or out on the deck. Mount Engadine Lodge is a place that celebrates nature and adventure. This is a nature-lover’s paradise, thick with forests and dozens of creeks that flow into pristine rivers that neighbor the Lodge. Mount Engadine Lodge is proud to be a member of “The Charming Inns of Alberta.”

He contributed “Kananaskis Welcome Now What? Explore!” to our collection of articles.

Kim Fraser and her husband Steve Fear bought Storm Mountain Lodge in February of 2003, and instantly began renovating the property. Built in 1922 as a CPR bungalow camp, Storm Mountain Lodge is located just 20 minutes west of Banff. The lodge sits at the crest of Vermilion Pass at some 1,800 m (about 5,700 ft.), straddling the peaks of Storm Mountain, the Sawback Range, Castle and Copper Mountains. If you want to wake up in a cradle of mountains, rocked in mist or rosy alpenglow, book one of the 14 cozy, historic cabins at the recently renovated Storm Mountain Lodge. Today, the newly appointed cabins feature antique clawfoot tubs, down duvets, handmade log beds, rock fireplaces, Settle benches, antler chandeliers and leather love seats. Those familiar with Rocky Mountain lodges know that they ooze sleepy, rustic charm. Still, very few provide you with this combination of sweeping vistas and drive-to accessibility. But your vacation at Storm Mountain Lodge won’t be limited to easy access rustic cabins with fabulous vistas. You just have to sample the wide selection of organic produce and local game that awaits you in the dining room on site! Son, Corey Fraser’s signature dish, is the Wild Buffalo Tenderloin Medallions, soaked in a wild mushroom and cabernet sauce. You may prefer his venison, charred wild salmon or rosemary glazed rack of lamb, but no matter which dish you select, take your time and soak up the scenery. Storm’s wrap-around log dining room provides you with a stunning panorama of mountain peaks. If you’re not quite ready to call it a day, linger in the lodge over an after-dinner drink. Swap stories with other travelers or just melt into a large comfy chair by the fireplace. There is nothing like a well brewed cup of coffee and fresh pastries in the morning. So, after you rise, stop by the lodge for your complimentary breakfast prepared by Steve Fear. Steve’s up very early each day, preparing mouthwatering treats to help you get your day started just right. What will you do today – drive into Banff or Lake Louise? How convenient! Storm Mountain Lodge is located half way in between. Why not make Storm Mountain your hub and take day trips from here. And you don’t have to go far to stretch those legs. Enjoy nearby hiking area such as Twin Lakes, Vista Lake, Marble Canyon and Stanley Glacier.

Storm Mountain Lodge is a family owned and operated authentic, historic Rocky Mountain retreat. It is open 10 months of the year – closing immediately after the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend ’til early December. Kim & Steve sponsored our 2006 Reader Photo Contest by providing three nights accommodation for our Grand Prize Winner (Andrew Penner) and for his guide (Laurie Skreslet).

A resident of Nanton, Alberta, Dave first began experiencing and learning about the Canadian Rockies as a child on family hikes. He has traveled extensively throughout the mountains by car, on foot, on skis, and by horseback. Professionally, Dave has worked as a geophysicist in the petroleum industry and as a teacher specializing in outdoor education and the incorporation of the Rockies into the curriculum. The author of “Calgary’s Mountain Panorama” and “50 Roadside Panoramas in the Canadian Rockies,” Dave went on to develop his website, Peaks of the Canadian Rockies. It is based on databases that include all 1558 peaks in the Canadian Rockies. A huge amount of information is available including over 3000 photos and links to the biographies of over one hundred individuals connected to the Rockies. Dave has been a regular contributor to CBC Radio’s Daybreak Alberta show and has given presentations to numerous conferences and meetings. His latest project is the development of content and the marketing of a GPS-based Audio Tour Guide of the Canadian Rockies that has been available since the spring of 2005. Visitors to the mountain parks may rent STG (Sawka Tour Guide) units and drive along over 1300 kilometres of our mountain highways listening to commentary that is triggered by their vehicle’s location and direction and relates to what they are seeing at that moment through their windshield. Dave is accredited as a Professional Interpreter by MPHIA, the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association. As well as his mountain interests, Dave has played a significant role in the management and development of the Nanton Lancaster Air Museum. Primarily involved with research and displays, he has also developed the content for the museum’s website and is the author of four books that have been published by the museum.

Dave Verhulst is the Executive Director of Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association (MPHIA). He holds a Master’s degree in Recreation Management from Acadia University, has worked as an interpreter for Parks Canada in Banff National Park and for Alberta Parks in Dinosaur Provincial Park. He has also worked as an interpretive guide for several local companies operating in the Banff area, as a canoe guide in Jasper and Ontario and as a Nordic Ski Instructor (CANSI accredited) for the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.With over a decade of experience in the guiding industry and as an accredited Professional Interpreter through MPHIA, Dave is well aware of the important role high-quality guiding plays in the experiences of many park visitors. He is committed to helping new guides and visitors have outstanding experiences in the Rockies that draw them deeper into themselves and into the landscape.

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. 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. You can read Rob’s historical account of “Annie Staple: Chief Gatekeeper of the Rocky Mountains Park.”

Glenn considers experience and observation as essential to authentic reproduction. He spends a great deal of time studying his subjects and their interaction with the environment prior to reproducing them. Tools of his research include photography and sketching, with an appropriate balance of imagination. He works primarily with acrylics on either board or canvas in developing his highly detailed paintings.

As a recipient of local & national awards, Olson’s status as an artist has been well recognized. In 1991, Olson won the prestigious Ducks Unlimited Duck Stamp competition for the province of Alberta. One year later, Olson was presented with the very exclusive Canada 125 medal for his contributions to Canadian community & culture. He won both the Collector’s Choice & Best of Show awards at the 1993 Calgary Exhibition & Stampede Art Auction for Young Albertans Foals. He again enjoyed a dual victory at that show 1994 with Stuck on You, winning the Artist’s Choice & Collector’s Choice awards. 1997 saw Olson win the Collector’s Choice Award with Wings & Wonder. In 1998, Olson’s Front Row Seats was the Ducks Unlimited Sponsor print. For 2003, Duck’s Unlimited chose five of Olson’s images for their national art portfolio. In February 2000, Glenn toured game parks in Kenya and this amazing experience has inspired several African themed paintings. Then in May, 2006 Glenn traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates to research a painting with an Arabian desert setting. More artworks may evolve from this fascinating trip.

The artist’s work resides in numerous notable private & corporate collections. His work appeared in an exhibition of Western Canadian artists at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, DC. Olson has also exhibited in several juried shows, including the Vancouver International Art Show, the Pacific Rim Art Show, as well as numerous appearances at the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede’s Western Art Show & Auction. Glenn wrote this story for Experience The Mountain Parks.
Glenn currently resides in Calgary, Alberta.

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.

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. Some of his major adventures over the years have been a first winter ascent of Mount Assiniboine (1967), and the first Jasper to Lake Louise High Level Ski Traverse (1967). Chic also had the good fortune to spend a summer in Europe working for Universal Studios making the Clint Eastwood film “The Eiger Sanction.” Mr. Scott now resides in Cochrane, Alberta where he earns his living writing books and magazine articles and giving slide shows on mountain topics. His guidebook “Summits and Icefields” is a classic of the genre, while“Pushing the Limits, the Story of Canadian Mountaineering,” is considered the authority on the subject. For the 2007 edition of Experience the Mountain Parks, Chic provided a story entitled Rogers Pass. This is an historical tribute to the men & women who built the railway and the Trans Canada Highway through this region – sprinkled with gems regarding the original Glacier House Hotel and the Wheeler Hut. He also wrote this story, an homage to the life of Hans Gmoser (1932-2006). To know more about Chic, surf him up here! Lately, Scott wrote for us an other story:“Baroness Elizabet von Rummel: Gracious Hostess of the Mountains.”

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.

Kathy and Craig now live in Canmore, Alberta. Their desire to hike, however, keeps them traveling constantly. The only challenge is finding the time to sit and write. No matter how arduous the trail, or how severe the conditions, hiking is the easiest of the many tasks necessary to create a guidebook. Kathy and Craig’s colourful writing, opinionated commentary, and enthusiasm for the joys of hiking make their guidebooks uniquely helpful and compelling.

For more information about Craig & Kathy Copeland, surf up their website. Craig wrote this story, “A Night in the Wilds” for Experience The Mountain Parks. Another story specifically written for us by Kathy and Craig is this one: “Hike the Buller Passes”.

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.

Brian wrote an article for us titled “Celebrities in the Rockies – Movie Locations and Notes” with some little-known facts about many movies that were filmed in Canada.

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.

For more information about Nadine, Joel and Great Divide Nature Interpretation, phone (866) 522-2735 or surf them up at www.greatdivide.ca.

Joel Hagen and Nadine Fletcher have written these stories called “Teen Interest“ and “Lake Louise; The hiking capital of Canada“ for Experience The Mountain Parks.

On April 16, 2007 Brewster Inc. announced that it has purchased Lake Minnewanka Boat Tours in Banff, Alberta from Ian and Brenda Mackie. Guided boat excursions have operated on Lake Minnewanka since 1889. For the past 31 years, the Mackies have been at the helm of this historic attraction.

Ian Mackie wrote a short story entitled “Minnewanka Valley“. This is an account of how man has used this, the largest body of fresh water in the western national park system, over the past two hundred years. Ian wets our appetite to learn more about the 600 million-year history of the area and the Archaeologist discovers dating back 10,000 years of the encampments of the aboriginal people who traveled this valley and stopped to hunt and fish.

To learn more, take their 90-minute scenic cruise on Lake Minnewanka. The crew will answer your questions and enrich your experience as you travel through this spectacular scenery. Ladies, why not treat hubby to a 3 1/2 hour chartered fishing trip? All tackle & equipment is provided and trout are plentiful. Hmmm, that would give you enough time to pamper yourself at a local spa!

Ralphine Locke provided the backdrop for the article entitled, How Big is Your Bald Spot?

We had lunch with Ralphine Locke in November, 2005. She reminisced about the early years in Banff and Lake Louise during our two hour interview. Ralphine is the first non native (white person) to be born at Lake Louise. We found her to be articulate and endearing, as well as a remarkable source for those golden nuggets that add colour and texture to the stories of the life & times of the early settlers to this mountain landscape.

During our interview, Ralphine referred to photos from 1885 of the “Bald Spot” that prove this patch of land remains exactly the same as it was over 100 years ago! She believes that something has disturbed the ground there… perhaps a meteor. Nothing has grown on it all this time – not even small trees.

To find this bald spot (or as some locals call it – this “green spot”) look north northwest from within the town of Banff. You can’t miss it – it is half way up Stoney Squaw Mountain. We estimate it is the size of a football field, perhaps significantly larger. It is so big that it is clearly visible online with Google Earth.

For more information about the early years in Banff, check out the Eleanor Luxton Historical Foundation, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, and the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum.

RW (Bob) Sandford has been exploring the nature, history and culture of the Canadian West for more than 30 years. Bob is a well known speaker and historian, a respected film-maker, a playwright and the author of some 20 books on life in the Canadian Rockies.

The Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) has recently honoured Bob for a decade of excellent service as their Vice President of Mountain Culture.

Mr. Sandford provided two stories for us to share. The first article is entitled“Alpine Club of Canada & the Building of a National Alpine Tradition.” The second is entitled “A National Mountain Centre Proposed for the Canadian Rockies.”

Andrew Whittick is the General Manager of Brewster Attractions – a large regional business based in Banff.

The Brewster legacy began in 1892 as a family-run business. Two brothers, Bill and Jim Brewster aged 10 and 12, guided visitors into the majestic areas in and around Banff. Through their relationship with First Nations People, the Brewster boys knew the area better than anyone else – and learned a deep and abiding respect for the land, the people and the animals that inhabit it.

The Brewster business has grown over the past 100 years to include hotels, travel agencies, group vacations, charter services and more. However, Brewster’s management & staff remain committed to being good stewards of the mountain parks.

For example, Andrew is also a Director of The Association for Mountain Parks Protection & Enjoyment (AMPPE). AMPPE is a grassroots organization that promotes sustainable tourism, a vibrant mountain economy and responsible human use in our mountain parks.

Andrew provided a story entitled “Where’s Home from Here?“ This is an account of the creation of a giant compass at the upper terminal of the Banff Gondola and how park visitors can get their bearings using it.

Tanya Bouchard is the Head of Education and Interpretation at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. The Whyte Museum is located on Bear Street in the Town of Banff. They have developed special back packs for children aged 6 – 12 that are designed to inspire and teach children about the history & culture of Banff National Park.

Her background includes studies in Education, Fine Arts and a specialization in Cultural Resource Management.

She has had the opportunity to work at a number of award-winning museums, including the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, British Columbia and the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol England.

In 2001 she received the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Base Commander’s Commendation for Outstanding Service for her work at the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum.

You can phone the Whyte Museum and ask for extension 314 to get in touch with Tanya. The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is open daily from 10 – 5, but closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission for a family of four is only $15.

The museum was founded by Peter & Catherine Whyte (née Robb) who met at the Boston Museum School of Fine Art in 1927. This was a time when Canadian landscape painting was under-going change. They married in 1930, and made Banff and the Canadian mountains their home. For more information on the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, or phone 403-762-2291

Peter Tucker is the Executive Director of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). However, Peter is a little camera-shy, so he asked us to use a photo of Mickey Mouse in place of his “head shot.” We’ve reluctantly conceded to not use his own likeness on our web site, however we are nervous about using an image of Mickey. So, as for now we’ve decided to not put any photo at all. Peter provided a story entitled, “What Lies Beyond?“

Dr. Jason Young received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College after attending Springfield College and Colby-Sawyer College.

Dr. Jason practices chiropractic medicine in accordance with the belief that healing comes from within. He believes that the condition of a person’s structure dictates how well his or her body will function and feel. Dr. Jason works to rejuvenate their health by recognizing each person’s unique differences. He believes that educating his patients is a critical aspect of restoring their health. His knowledge, compassion and experience have resulted in success with increased patient quality of life.

Dr. Jason believes when there is interference within the body compromising its ability to maintain and heal itself, pain and ill health can result. Dr. Jason works to find that interference, remove it, and allow the body to return to optimal health. Dr. Jason Young is now based in Ontario, after living a few years in Canmore.

Dr. Jason Young provided Experience The Mountain Parks the story called “A Shocking Scenario.”

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 here. 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.

Vic Panei was born, raised, and educated in Italy. Vic immigrated to Canada in 1966 and has been a Calgary resident since, working in the oil industry as a geologist.

The outdoors and photography have been Vic’s lifetime passion. His first purchase on credit in Canada was a Pentax Spotmatic II camera in 1967. During his first twenty years in Canada, Vic dedicated most of his photography to his son and daughter during their growing years. In the last twenty years, and particularly now that he has retired from work, the outdoors has been his main photographic focus. Vic is a keen (almost fanatic) cyclist, hiker, scrambler and snowshoer. On his trips, he never leaves home without at least two cameras.

Vic has been our 2007 Contest Winner! His winning entry was the cover of the 2008/2009 printed edition of Experience The Mountain Parks. As well he was a runner up in 2006!

He’s been contributing to Experience The Mountain Parks numerous stories, including “Vic Panei’s hike in Kananaskis Country (‘Lichens Ridge’)“ and“Vic Panei’s hike of Powderface Ridge.”

He’s got his own website, and expose on a regular basis his photos in Calgary.

Jeff Salz is a 30 year veteran of adventuring and exploring around the globe. As a guest adventure expert for the CBS Early Morning Show, and the creator and star of adventure specials for the Discovery Channel, Jeff has become a recognized television personality. Mr. Salz has a PhD in cultural anthropology and a Masters Degree in experiential education. He is an authority on authentic cultures and the author of the best selling book entitled, The Way of Adventure. For more information about Jeff, surf up his web site at www.wayofadventure.com.
Jeff wrote this story for Experience The Mountain Parks “Rationale for a Little Trip Down the Slow Lane.”

Ian Clarke is an Alberta Government historian and the Regional Director, Southern Operations, for the Historic Sites and Museums Branch. He was trained in Canadian History at the University of Calgary and the University of Manitoba. Ian has worked in Historic Sites research, planning and development for the past thirty-two years, first with Parks Canada and then in the Alberta Historic Sites system.
You can read Ian’s story “When Coal was King” here.

Heather Lea loves travelling, wine and a good adventure story. She’s pretty sure she was born 50 years too late as she loves getting deep into the stories of early mountain explorers.

Heather has written for various outdoor magazines such as Climbing, Gripped and Kootenay Mountain Culture. In 2005, she started an Arts, Culture and Lifestyles magazine called “Reved Quarterly“, which she publishes independently out of Revelstoke, B.C.

Heather wrote this story counting the exceptional life of Isabel Coursier called “Isabel Coursier – Ski-jumping Pioneer” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

Mark Mallet is a freelance writer and editor living in Vancouver. His articles regularly appear in publications such as Vancouver Magazine, British Columbia Magazine, the Vancouver Sun, Ski Canada, and Explore Magazine, and he has won awards for both his fiction and creative non-fiction. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia, and he is the past Executive Editor of the Vancouver-based literary magazine, PRISM international. His undergrad degree was in Outdoor Pursuits at the University of Calgary, and, as a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, he still does occasional work as a backcountry ski guide and as an instructor for Outward Bound.

Mark wrote this story called “Backcountry skiing with your teenage son” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

Mike McPhee is a freelance photographer, writer and creative services specialist living in Red Deer, Alberta.

We forgot to mention he’s also a mountain biking enthusiast and expert!

Mike wrote this story called “Mountain biking in the Golden area” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

Ari Hershberg graduated from SAIT with a Hotel and Restaurant Diploma, was the 2006-2007 student president of the Canadian Association of Food Professionals, and has a deep love for food.

Ari wrote this (review of his best food places in Calgary) story called “(Calgary) Taste Treats” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

Jerre Paquette holds a B.Ed. and an M.A. in Learning Theory from the University of Calgary and a Ph.D. in Language and Learning Theory from the University of London, UK.

Jerre is loved by his English and Film Studies students at Mount Royal University and respected by his colleagues. Jerre is the former Chair of the English Department and past President of the Faculty Association.

Born & raised in Calgary, Jerre built a home in Bragg Creek and has enjoyed a love affair with the mountains for decades. Jerre possesses “miles of footage” (perhaps an exaggeration) that he, his wife Carole, and their friends have shot in the Canadian Rockies over the past twenty years. Less often found with a movie camera these days, Paquette is still passionate about mountain photography, particularly of landscapes and flowers. During a recent period, while residing in Cochrane, he altered the phrase “drive by shooting” to refer to his practice of taking photos from his car, or more often stopping to lay in the ditch to get just the right close up of colourful grasses, fence lines, sunsets, and rainbows.

Mr.Paquette is the co-author of the international best-selling book Secrets of Supplements: The Good, the Bad, the Totally Terrific, a best-seller in just three weeks, and a Finalist in the 2008–2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Dr. Paquette has been a contributing writer since we launched Experience the Mountain Parks—the printed guide— in August of 2005.

Jerre and Gloria Askew—see next contributor—wrote this story called “Nutrition tips for day-hiking in the mountain parks” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

Gloria is in worldwide demand as a lecturer and authority on nutrition and supplements.

During her nursing career, Gloria spent many years as Director of a busy emergency department. She loved this fast-paced and exciting environment, but eventually became frustrated as she realized that medical treatment tends to focus on dealing with symptoms, while not always addressing the root causes of illness.

So, Gloria started to explore the correlation between the foods we eat or don’t eat, the nutrients we assimilate or fail to assimilate, and the diseases our bodies manifest.

As she studied nutrition and the food – health connection, she came to believe that the medical profession was not embracing the proactive possibilities of nutritional education.

Gloria’s journey of exploration led her to the supplements industry, and she contacted over 200 companies with a series of in-depth queries. She learned what the lack of regulation means to people who are trying to buy good nutrition—and she found the most effective ways of evaluating supplement providers.

Gloria is an advocate and teacher for people all over the world, and now her knowledge and research is available to all in Secrets of Supplements.

Gloria and Jerre Paquette—see previous contributor— wrote this story called “Nutrition tips for day-hiking in the mountain parks” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

Janice Sanford Beck is the author of bestselling“No Ordinary Woman: The Story of Mary Schäffer Warren” and co-author, with Emerson Sanford, of the “Life of the Trail” series, (www.lifeofthetrail.com) all published by Rocky Mountain Books. She has also written the introduction to the latest edition of “Mary T.S. Schäffer’s Old Indian Trails of the Canadian Rockies” (Rocky Mountain Books) and with Cheryl Sanford, researched the Mary Schäffer Warren portion of the Glenbow Museum’s Mavericks exhibit. She makes her home in Saskatoon with her partner, Shawn, and their three children.

Janice wrote this story called “Mary Schäffer Warren: Mountain Woman Extraordinaire” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

In 1991, after graduating university and spending only six months in a boring engineering job, Bruce ditched the nine-to-five life, packed his rusty pickup, and headed west in search of adventure.

He has been going full tilt ever since.

The journeys that followed have taken him to every corner of the planet, from Everest to Arabia, Ethiopia’s Blue Nile Gorge to the rivers of the Arctic. Bruce has ridden horses across Mongolia and camels across Arabia’s legendary Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert. He has crossed Iceland by foot, explored the remote eastern coast of Greenland by sea kayak, been taken hostage by bandits, attacked by crocodiles, and chased through the remote Mergui Archipelago by Myanmar’s army.

What sets Bruce apart is his ability to share these journeys with others as a professional photographer, writer and speaker. Bruce’s takes his audience places they normally would never go, sharing his interest in landscape and cultures, revealing the challenges and joys of life on the road.

Enthusiasm and excitement are Bruce’s trademarks, and they come across in everything he does. Just ask anyone who has met him. His optimistic, down-to-earth approach is what allows him to embrace the road less traveled, with all its ups-and-downs.

After leaving his office job in 1991, Bruce began his adventure career as a raft and wilderness guide. This was followed quickly by sea kayaking expeditions on British Columbia’s west coast, exploratory descents of Guatemalan rivers, and kayaking/snorkeling trips through the cayes of Belize’s Great Barrier Reef.

Next came mountaineering, climbing throughout Canada and around the world, twice reaching the summit of Mt. McKinley (North America’s highest summit), and joining a 1997 Canadian expedition to Mt. Everest.

Along the way, Bruce discovered his knack for photography. In 1997, MacLean’s printed several of his Mt. Everest photographs as part of a cover story. Since then, his shots have appeared inAmerican Photo Magazine, Men’s Fitness, Outside and Explore. National Geographic selected one of his images as a “Top Adventure Photograph of the Decade“.

And then there was the desert. In 1998, Bruce and two partners, Jamie and Leigh Clarke, began planning to cross Arabia’s Empty Quarter, a journey that had only been done once before, 50 years earlier. A year later, on March 12, 1999, the tired and dusty team of three Canadians, three Bedouin, and 12 camels completed a traverse of the Arabian Peninsula.

Upon returning home from Arabia, Bruce decided to try his hand at writing. His account of the journey, “Sand Dance, By Camel Across Arabia’s Great Southern Desert“ (McClelland and Stewart, 2000) spent 14 weeks on the national bestseller list. In the years that followed Bruce acted as Editor-at-Large for Outpost Magazine and monthly columnist for Up! (West Jet’s Inflight magazine). Currently he is a Contributing Editor with Explore. His second book, “The Dolphin’s Tooth; A Decade in Search of Adventure“ was also a bestseller. Bruce has also received four National Magazine Writing Nominations for his work.

Today, Bruce remains in the field, with journeys to Tibet, Bhutan, Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, Greenland, Borneo, Myanmar, Bali, Sikkim, China, Hong Kong, Ecuador, and Mongolia. He is now taking his adventurous spirit and fun loving ways to television as the Canadian guide on CBC’s “No Opportunity Wasted”.

While not in the field, Bruce lives in Kimberley, British Columbia, where he manages to spend at least half his day outdoors.

Bruce wrote this story called “Experience Lake Louise or The Birth of an Adventurer” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

Michale wrote this story called “Horse For Hire” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

Michale Lang is Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Until recently, she served as Vice President of Access, Collections and Exhibits at Glenbow Museum. In March, 2007, she completed managing the development of Glenbow’s $9 million, 24,000 square foot permanent exhibit, Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta. She also served as Vice President of Program and Exhibit Development, Manager of Programs, Coordinator of Volunteer Resources and Family Public Programmer at Glenbow; Coordinator of Programs, Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum in Calgary; Operations Manager, Alberta Ballet School of Dance; and Curator at Fort Calgary Historic Park. She began her career in museums as Executive Director of the Lac La Biche Mission Historical Society in Lac La Biche, Alberta. Michale has a Master of Education Degree in Administration and Curriculum Development from Gonzaga University and a Master of Arts Degree in Historic Resource Management.

Andrew wrote the stories “Glorious Greens,” “Golf The Trans-Canada Highway” and “Golf the Yellowhead” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

Andrew and Dawn Penner live in Calgary with their four boys. They enjoy traveling together and love finding cool things to do in the great outdoors. Andrew is a 20-year member of the CPGA, a freelance writer and outdoor photographer. He has been published in The Calgary Herald, Golf Magazine, Golf Canada, and others. Dawn is an elementary school teacher and spends plenty of time editing Andrew’s work. With family roots that trace back to England and a keen interest in royal history, researching and writing her first story called “Mountain Majesty & Royal Retreat” for us was highly enjoyable.

Ernie Lakusta was born in Hardisty, Alberta, but was raised in Calgary. He attended the University of Calgary,where he received both B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees before becoming a high school biology teacher and science department head in Calgary. An avid hiker and scrambler, Ernie’s passion for the outdoors has led him to explore, photograph, and write about many of the areas James Hector mapped for the Palliser Expedition.

Ernie lived in Calgary. Ernie passed away on October 26, 2009.

Ernie wrote this story called “James Hector: The Intrepid Explorer” for Experience The Mountain Parks.

A Rockies resident for three decades, Lynn (www.lynnmartel.ca) has written 10 books celebrating the unique culture, adventurous lifestyle and intriguing personalities of western Canada’s mountain community. A keen backcountry explorer by boot or skis, she edits the Alpine Club of Canada’s newsmagazine, the Gazette, and contributes to publications including the Rocky Mountain Outlook, Whistler Pique, Highline, Canadian Geographic, Explore, Gripped and Travel Alberta. Lynn wrote about the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides’ 50th anniversary for Experience the Mountain Parks.

Jerry Auld is the author of the historical novel/Hooker & Brown/(Brindle & Glass 2009) which follows turn-of-the-century adventurers to explore how the two eponymous mountains grew to such enormous without actually existing, and to search instead – in a contemporary setting – for the motivations those mountains inspired, and how to rediscover that inspiration and keep that feeling – like being in love alive, even as we are compelled to solve the mystery. He contributed the story Athabasca Pass – In Thompson’s Footsteps to Experience the Mountain Parks.

Visit Jerry Auld’s website hookerandbrown.com.

Graeme Pole is the best-selling author of thirteen books. Three of his titles have been finalists in the Banff Mountain Book Festival. His most recent is the novel, Siren Call. In 2012, his company, Mountain Vision Publishing released a new edition of Walks and Easy Hikes in the Canadian Rockies – a Canadian Rockies Companion Guide. Visit his website: mountainvision.ca

Bree Kullman has a passion for connecting people with wild spaces. While gallivanting around western Canada, she dabbles in guiding, writing, and environmental education.