Seasons change so quickly here. Everything seems accelerated. This past summer has been chilly and inclement, with hints of an upcoming winter competing with fall.

With our days in Canada dwindling, we lassoed up the pups and took a hike up Heart Creek Trail to take in some fall color. Bonus — it’s located just outside of Canmore, which makes it a great spur-of-the-moment activity.

The hike out and back was about three miles. In the summer, the creek is a popular picnic area with plenty of icy water to splash in. It is also a popular climbing and bouldering area — an adventure for children of all ages.

But this time, it was all about the ASPEN.

The dogs loved it. Once we got to the creek, there were a series of narrow bridges to cross. That was interesting. Luci crept across the first log, keeping as close to it as possible. With her long legs, that was a tall order. Dota preferred to skip the bridge altogether, choosing the rock crossing method. That worked until she got stuck in the middle of the stream, and came out of it drenched.

We had the trail mostly to ourselves for most of the morning. It wasn’t until our return that we passed a large group of students heading up — an adoration moment for Dota and Luci.

Heart Creek was our last hike in Canmore for the summer. It was bittersweet. But the packing for Arizona is almost complete, and the forecast calls for snow. It’s just about time to get out of here.