Cochrane is one of the fastest growing towns in Canada with a current population of around 37,000. For perspective, twenty years ago it was only 14,000.
Cochrane is located about a half hour west of Calgary towards the Rocky Mountains and only an hour drive from Banff National Park.
First, we wandered around the downtown area...
Mosaic of the Grandather Tree.
It turns out we would see the real grandfather tree later on during our walk.
Interesting how all of these little random photos fit together to make the mosaic.
Headed for historic downtown.
In this part of the world, "historic" dates back to the town's beginnings in 1902!
Lots of flowers.
The old Rockyview Hotel.
Just outside of town, you can see the Rocky Mountains in the distance.
Zoomed in on the mountains.
Alison and Kevin at the Grandfather Tree.
The tree is estimated to be 300 years old.
Alison and Ruth on the trail.
Lots of pretty views.
We came across mother deer and her two little ones.
They were not very afraid of us!
On the left of this picture you can see a dark brown building.
That's the Cochrane Ranch House Conference Center.
We had seen a helicopter parked there. We met some people along the trail who suggested that it was pretty interesting and we should make a detour over there to see it, so we did.
It turns out that this is a STARS helicopter.
STARS stands for Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service.
There are eight of these ambulance helicopters stationed throughout Western Canada. This one was on display due to a fundraiser happening in the area. We were lucky that their pubic relations person Nathalie was there, along with pilot Chris and they spent some time with us telling about how things work.
Each STARS Air Ambulance is a mobile intensive care unit.
Pretty high tech where the pilots sit.
A STARS helicopter can be ready and in the air approximately 10 minutes after the call is accepted by dispatch.
Each STARS helicopter mission consists of a minimum of four crew members, including two pilots, a paramedic, and a nurse. A transport physician oversees and supports all missions from the ground and is available to be on board if needed.
Pilot Chris with Kevin.
Chris and Nathalie answered all our questions.
Interesting stuff. I think if I had to do it all over again, I would become a helicopter pilot!
Viewpoint over Cochrane.
Looking west.
A nice walk around a nice town. I can understand why she moved here.
Today, we are headed out to the mountains to do some real hiking!
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