We just got back from Florida after spending almost three weeks there escaping the New England winter. The first week, we spent time in Disney and Punta Gorda. The remainder of the time was spent in Sanibel. It was nice and relaxing, although it seems the traffic in Florida seems to be getting worse and worse. It's pretty terrific once you get to your destination, but getting there can be challenging. My visit there also reminded me that, while I love the beach, my heart belongs to the mountains. Pristine glacial lakes surrounded by majestic mountains with hiking trails to explore is my definition of nirvana. When I am in this element, I don't worry about traffic or people everywhere, but rather think about how serene it is when you only have birds and wildlife to contend with. This early morning scene of Waterfowl Lake along the Icefields Parkway (I am literally mere steps from the road) is just what I mean. There was no one to be seen or heard other than my four friends to share this moment with. Don't get me wrong, I will still travel to Florida in the winters and enjoy my time there, but the mountains are always calling me.