Sometimes, you just need a change of scenery.  Work had been hectic, and I found myself craving open skies and the sound of running water.  So, I packed up my gear and headed to Rocky Mountain House, Alberta — hoping for a mix of night skies and waterfalls.

The night skies never happened.  By the end of the day, my energy had vanished, and I traded star trails for sleep.  But what I did find made the trip worthwhile — a waterfall tucked away at the end of a surprisingly challenging hike.

I’d heard Crescent Falls was an easy trek, so I went in confident — maybe even a little too confident.  After all, I’ve been going to the gym since January.  How hard could it be?  Well, let’s just say… the downhill part lulled me into a false sense of security.  The climb back up?  That was another story entirely.

Despite the workout, the falls were beautiful. I was told that they’re much more powerful in the spring when the runoff swells the river, but even in the fall, standing beside the rushing water brought me to peaceful state — a reminder that sometimes the quieter moments are just as rewarding as the grand ones we set out to chase.  

Crescent Falls, I'll be coming back to you in the spring!