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A paraglider at Mullers Windsports on the Big Hill, takes advantage of warmer weather, sunshine, blue skies and a steady wind, things the Cochrane area has been lacking for at least a week, April 17th, 2013.
When weather throws us a curve-ball, such as the six cms of the fallen snow in the past day, residents of Cochrane, like so many Canadians, make use of the 'bad' weather and hit the outdoors. Many families went sledding on the Bow Ridge hill in Cochrane April 14, 2013.
Spring is indeed in the air, so much so you can see it. Jordan Scolle witnesses the violent side of spring as he shields his face with a gloved hand from the blowing snow during blizzard-like conditions while walking to his car along Railway Ave. in this image and the one in the gallery below, April 11, 2013. This photo can also be applied to April 13, 2013, as we are experiencing a blizzard with at least 5cm (or more) of snow expected before morning. More snow is scheduled for Cochrane and the area for the next few days, or week.
A young bald eagle flies along the ground searching for food April 10, 2013, under the watchful eyes of a mature bald eagle perched on the second set poles near the Springbank airport. Most of the eagles will probably leave the area soon, as hawks and other predator birds move into the area. Most of the eagles usually head north to Alaska or south to Montana, and only stay in our area for a brief rest stop, although a few will nest over the summer and raise a family.
Pylons are set up on Griffin Road in Cochrane as construction continues on the road from April 9 to April 12, 2013. Griffin Road is reduced to two lanes.
Half of the Powell family enjoy the great outdoors as they walk along Townsend Trail April 8, 2013. Despite the cool snowy weather the Powells', who live along the road, like to get outdoors and enjoy what nature offers, especially now that many different species of birds are starting to return to the area. The birds, like humans, may have to put up with another week of cool, snowy weather.
Long time Cochrane mayor and councillor Truper McBride announced April 2, 2013, that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming municipal vote in October, 2013. McBride has been involved in municipal politics since 2001 when he was elected as an alderperson and is serving his second term as mayor. He was one of the youngest mayors to be elected in Canada and has over-seen many changes and the growth of Cochrane. Some of his decisions may not have been popular but McBride truly has had the best interests for Cochrane. McBride will be seeking a more private life spend more time with his family after politics. He will be missed and hopefully the new mayor will mirror McBride's passion, honesty and dedication that he has displayed while on council. Good luck Truper! Read a past interview with the Cochrane Mayor on the Archives page Read more here
Over 300 people read and recited prayers as they carried the cross down main street in Cochrane Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. Another dozen photos in the main photo gallery on the Lifestyles page.
The Manuel family walk with baskets full of Easter eggs after an Easter egg hunt near Chase, British Columbia, March 30, 2013.
Local Sheriff and R.C.M.P. officers combine forces while checking for seatbelt violations on River Ave just off of 1st St. March 28, 2013. With the return of nice weather the local forces have stepped up their crackdown holding several checkstops during the week in Cochrane. Buckle up!
Tim Renneberg(L) and another Fountain Tire employee work on spreading snow around the parking lot March 27, 2013. Despite the temperature warming up to 12 degrees C. during the day the employees worked on a large pile of snow that was left over from the last major snowfall several weeks ago. And as we all know in Cochrane, it is too early to put the shovels away.
A near full moon, 98.4 per cent full, rises above the Springbank airport March 26, 2013, as a long line of cattle (bottom of photo) feed on the Monroe's farm. A coyote searches for food as the full moon provides great light during the night for hunting. The moon rises over another farmyard near the Springbank Airport. March 27th is the actually the date for the full moon this month.
Jim Palmeroy, Katie Langston and Sue Wilden walk dejectedy away from the Mitford Parks' hill at sunset after they realize that there isn't any snow left to sled down March 25, 2013. Pockets of snow still linger on the hill, and fear not, sledding season probably isn't over for the year.
Members of the Boothby family pick up large bales of hay March 24, 2013 north of Cochrane. Recent clear, sunny days have allowed Cochrane residents a clear view of the Rocky Mountains, a site I marvel at and never get tired of looking at.
As temperatures rose to 14 degrees Celsius on the first day of spring, March 20th, and the snow melted creating large puddles all over town such as the back parking lot at the Mountain View Car Wash and in another parking lot on 2nd avenue (see photo gallery), allowing residents a chance to reflect on the idea it will eventually get warmer and hopefully stay warm. But it is spring, and we know better.
As we welcome the arrival of spring March 20th, today, with open arms, we can quickly be reminded that winter's long, icy tentacles are not far away. Such was the case two days ago when I shot this picture at Canadian Tire in Cochrane. And despite today being the first day of spring, I am sure we will have several more wintry days before summer. If you live in the Cochrane area, I recommend not putting in your garden until a week after the Victoria Day Weekend in May
While I was shopping at Safeway I spotted Deb Wedgwood getting into the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day, March 17, 2013, as she wore shamrock earrings and a leprechaun hat during her shift at Safeway. I also heard other employees at Cochrane businesses such as IGA got into celebrating the day by dressing up, again displaying great spirit in our little town. Thankyou Deb for posing for my camera.
Cochrane's Christian Blazina attempts a kick while sparring during the gold medal match in the 12-14 years old Black Belt, first and third degrees, in the Calgary Regional Taekwon-Do Championships held at Cochrane High School March 16, 2013. More images on the Sports page.
A couple and their dogs walk past Mitford Ponds March 13, 2013, where the ice ice rink and other outdoor rinks in Cochrane are closed and under a huge melt as the temperatures, aided by a strong west wind, pushed up to 12 degrees celsius.
Judy Bishop walks along a path in Sunset Ridge March 11, 2013, taking advantage of the warm weather and now that we have an extra hour of day-light people like Bishop can go for longer walks after work, before it gets too dark.
As spring teases us with warm winds and temperatures, eight degrees celsius this past weekend, three runners and their dogs jog up the long hill on the south leg of the Carlson Trail, March 10, 2013. After cresting the hill the three women jogged down past the open fields dotted with bales of hay, that will be replaced by housing in a few years.
Long-time tire technician and long time Cochrane resident Tim Renneberg rolls a tire along the floor as he prepares to get a tire ready for mounting on a vehicle at Fountain Tire, March 5, 2013.
Marlise Rockwell shovels her walk outside her home on 1st St. in Cochrane March 3, 2013. Over 20cms of snow have fallen in the past 24 hours and more snow is expected throughout the week.
Cochrane Generals goalie Matt Shawchuk looks down as an Okotoks player starts his celebration on the goal as the Generals lost 6-4 to Okotoks and losing the fourth game of the series thus eliminating the Generals from the playoffs, March 2, 2013. A good season nonetheless for a rebuilding team.
Pictures of the Western Canadian Youth Wrestling Tourney hosted by the Cochrane Cowboys March 2, 2013. In the image Keath Dostaler looks up from the mat and eventually wrestles out of his predicament to win the match. More images of the wrestling in the Sports gallery.
Cochrane Cobras Jr. Boys Daniel Cridland looks for an outlet to pass the ball to as he is surrounded by three members of George McDougal Mustangs February 28, 2013. The Cobras won the game 88-55 and advance to the final game of Rocky View. A few more pics from the game on Sports
An Okotoks player rattles the puck off the post as Matt Shawchuk gets a piece of the puck as the Generals lost game two 3-0 to Okotoks February 27, 2013. Shawchuk was peppered throughout the game as he face over 40 shots.
Nine year old Paul Lamb runs by a couple of teenagers walking down the track at Spray Lakes Rec. Centre Februay 25, 2013. Lamb is proof positive that life isn't always a race, but it sometimes mirrors one.
The sinking sun is reflected off of windows of homes in Glen Eagles Februay 24, 2013.
Nick Borody throws his arms up as the Cochrane Generals defeated the Strathmore Wheatland Kings 4-2 in the second game of their best of three playoff series February 22, 2013. More pics in the Sports photo gallery.
Strathmore goalie looks up at Cochrane Generals celebrating a goal February 15, 2013 which the Generals won 6-3. From left to right: Tyson Soloski, Kris Keller and Taylor House. The Generals beat Strathmore 5-3 to win the series and now face Okotoks in the best of five games. More pics on the Sports page.
The large Canadian flag that dominates the Cochrane skyline barely blows in the breeze as the sun rises over Cochrane and illuminates the mountains February 14, 2013. Just another magic Cochrane moment.
Cochrane Cobras Matt Pipa and Bow Valley Bobcats Anders Newman fight for the ball during their senior game February 13, 2013. Cobras steam-rolled in Sr and Jr games. More pics on the Sports page.
Deer graze in the meadow February 12, 2013, north of Cochrane as the picturesque Rocky Mountains loom in the background. Warm chinook winds have provided mild weather and easy access for wildlife to graze.
I believe a father walks hand in hand with his children along Sunset Ridge in Cochrane February 11, 2013. I only believe this because I lost sight of the three of them by the time I got back to my car and turned around that I never did get to talk to them or get their names.
Pictures of veteran folk rocker Jeremy Fisher who rocked the Alliance Church during the Cochrane Valley Folk Club's concert February 8, 2013. More pics of the concert and opening act Lucas Chaisson on the Music page
Cochrane Cobras Jake Moulton heads up the court in a game against Springbank February 6, 2013. The perennial all-star and four other Cobras were playing their final game on their home court as they graduate later this year. More photos in the Sports gallery.
Bob Foley of Cochrane walks his dog along a path at Sunset Ridge February 5,2013.
Images of Jennifer Maskewich playing during open mic night at the Coffee Traders to raise funds for the Children's Legacy Foundation. More pics on the Music page.
A few more images of Jim and Janet Smith of Calgary skating at the Ghost Lake February 3, 2013 taking advantage of the warm chinook weather.
Cochrane Generals Kris Keller is thwarted by Ponoka Stampeders goalie Eli Falls during the Generals 8-1 victory February 2, 2013. The Generals season leading scorer had another strong game. See more photos from the game in the Sports gallery.A walker enjoys a stroll late afternoon February 1st, 2013, just west of Cochrane. The pedestrian was enjoying the hills taking pictures of the Rocky Mountains and the foothills leading up to them.
A deer easily sails over a barb wire fence north of Cochrane January 31, 2013 during a brief sunset.
Picture of Pete Tracy, who makes pens, pencils, ice cream and coffee scoops from acrylics and exotic woods, as well as a hand-crank coffee grinder. See the story and more photos on the art pageCochrane Generals goalie Grayson Sharpe makes an incredible stick save on a Medicine Hat player January 26, 2013. The Generals lost 5-3 to the Cubs and there are more pictures from the game in the Sports gallery. Glen Boles speaks to an audience of 50 plus people prior to his slide show of his numerous mountain expeditions at the Cochrane Public Library January 26. Boles is a noted artist, author, mountaineer and photographer and showed 180 slides of mainly his Columbia mountain climbs. Brooks Tower, organizer of the Cochrane Winterfest, is chased by ghosts during a human Pac Man game Saturday. Tower should be commended for his hard work and effort he puts into the Winterfest and should have the support from the Town of Cochrane. Another great reason for people to come to Cochrane.
Pictures from the aboriginal protest at the Plaza in downtown Cochrane, January 25. A young girl holds a sign while protesting the federal government's C-45 law eradicating some of the aboriginal's rights. Approx. 30 people from the Stoney/Nakoda nation participated in the protest. The third annual Cochrane Winter Festival opened in the evening and runs through January 26.
A hangglider from Muller Windsports makes use of the west chinook wind as he sails above the Big Hill and in front of the moon that is 91 percent full January 24, 2013. Hang gliders have the ability to fly for hours at a time if the conditions are right, and can fly over great distances. Considering the warm temperatures we are currently experiencing, and the spectacular view of Cochrane, the foothills and the mountains, one could easily be tempted to soar for hours at a time.
Another set of flicks of a strange looking vehicle going down the gas plant road north of Cochrane January 22, 2013. I encounterd this banana looking three wheeled vehicle earlier in the summer of 2012 and still don't know what it is or who it is. I believe it is electric, but could also be solar. Any ideas drop me line
Pictures of Jupiter and moon during different phases January 21, 2013.
Pictures from Quest500 where close 600 players participated in a nine hours hockey game tentatively establishing a new world record January 19, 2013, and raising close $100,000.00 for the Right to Play. Kelly Kimmett wears a pink wig to match his pink tutu. More pictures from the Kimmett Cup, including the last picture featuring players wearing the #25, Lindsay Kimmett's number that all the players wear in the tournament. (More pictures from the Cup and Quest 500 on the Lifestyles page) Cochrane Generals celebrate a 4-3 overtime win over Okotoks January 19. More pics from the game on Sports
A few images of the fifth annual Kimmett Cup being held at Mitford Ponds January 18, 2013. Teams warm up prior to the first games of this year's version. Portable lights are set up as twilight gives into darkness. One of the reasons the Kimmett Cup is so popular is because volunteers such as Todd Simmer, owner of Big Sky Landscaping, donates his time and work as he feeds the fire while hockey players practice. The Kimmett Cup is in memory of Lindsay Kimmett. (Many more images from the Cup and Quest on the Lifestyles Page) Earlier in the day, January 18, a truck was driven over the meridian off of the 1A hwy and 1 Ave in Cochrane, possibly due to a low setting sun impairing vision.
Images from the Cochrane Cobras Jr and Senior boys games against Chestermere Jan. 17, 2013. Many more images in the sports gallery from the games
Bikers take advantage of the warm chinook weather and bike as the sun sets January 16, 2013.
A couple of hikers walk through a new development south of the Bow River and below River Heights Jan. 14. The view will eventually disappear as it will be blocked by a huge housing project scheduled for 2013. A worker checks out the exhaust chimney at Jaipur Restaurant.
There is a little boy in all of us as an adult walks along the crest of a hill looking for the perfect run to slide down on Bow Ridge January 13, 2013. A welder works on the front entrance of the Sobeys being built at the new Walmart Plaza, or whatever they are going to call it. Winter's icy fingers have silenced an osprey nest along the power line along Fox Trail. The nest won't see any action until an osprey family move back in April/May later this year. And the western sky seems to go on forever as the same power line stretchs west as far as the eye can see.
Images from the Bow Valley and Cochrane Cobras senior girls basketball games as both teams hosted Jan. 8. More pics from both games in Sports
Skaters at Mitford Ponds take advantage of the warm, chinook-like weather as the eastern sky is set aglow from the sunset Jan 7, 2013. Many Canadians are happey the National Hockey League is back from the lock-out, and many other Canadians are just happy to get out on the ice and skate and play hockey, just for the fun of it
Flics of an oil rig either establishing or servicing a well north of Cochrane January 7, 2013. The rig appeared last week as grazing cattle pay little heed to the large object. A welder works on the steel beams at the entrance of the new Sobey's at the WalMart Plaza that is due to open later in the spring.
Pictures of Rob Hinderman going for a Sunday walk up the long hill along Cochrane Lakes Road January 6, 2013. Also a runner flies by my car Sunday evening after sunset along George Fox Trail. Some people obviously disaagree with the town's decision not to use the Mitford Park's parking lot for a dumping ground for used Christmas trees like we have in the past, as a few people decided to leave their trees regardless of the location change.
Image of Cochrane Generals Jason Labelle getting hit by a Stettler Lightning player, although it never slowed Labelle down. Stettler won the game 4-3. More images from the game on Sports.
Pictures of the Gas Bar/Convenience Store that recently opened on Sunset Drive in Cochrane under another picturesque sunset Jan 3, 2013. It is the first of several commercial businesses that will be popping up in several residential communities surrounding Cochrane in the near future. Some of them,like Sunridge are still under construction.
Five images of the spectacular sunset January 2, 2013. Hay bales sit in a field north of Cochrane as grass stretches towards the big sky. The Cochrane Gas Extraction plant turns on its lights for the night and the mountains appear stark against a flaming sky.
Pictures of how a few people spent New Year's Day around Cochrane. A roofer works on a house in Sunset Ridge and has a spectacular view of the mountains, while teens play shinny in Monterra north of Cochrane. Twilight provides reflection on the houses' windows in GlenEagles as lighter than normal traffic head down the Big Hill.
