Every so often you meet a person who has a significant impact on your life. For me, one of these people is my old colleague and friend Tyler. He gave me my first job as a graphic design intern in my final year of college, which continued onto my first real job as a graphic designer and eLearning developer working on building what he calls a ‘Netflix’ but with healthcare eLearning. I was also fortunate enough to spend time together in friend groups and learning together in small groups throughout my early 20s before I made my move out to Alberta. He’s also responsible for developing my addiction to post-it notes – I recommend his strategies for reducing business stress and anxiety using his amazing post-it note method!

So when Tyler was driving through the Calgary area on his way back to Ontario, I jumped at the opportunity to meet up with him to catch up and sneak a hike in at the same time!

Tyler is one of those people with big ideas and the patience and determination to figure out how to make them come to life in the most effective way possible. While we worked together, I got to learn the ins and outs of building products and online offerings, all within the realm of healthcare training. There would frequently be little nuggets of wisdom he’d share throughout the week. During our hike, it was so fun to listen to how he’s taking some of the same principles he applied back in the day to healthcare training and applying them to new and emerging fields like this creator economy we find ourselves in.

He’s one of those super interesting people I always learn something from and I’m always so inspired and encouraged after our chats. I highly recommend checking him out over on YouTube so you can take in some of the amazing Tyler nuggets too!

The really neat thing is my sister suggested I put ‘catch up with an old friend’ on my 31 x 32 list this year. I’m so grateful the opportunity to catch up with Tyler came up!

Now onto the hike!

Hiking Hoodoo Creek

With my latest obsession being the stunning turquoise waters of Abraham Lake, I suggested we hike somewhere near there, partially so Tyler could see it, but also so I could feed my obsession with this area. After a quick peek at AllTrails, Tyler suggested Hoodoo Creek.

The hike was stunning. I enjoyed glancing over my shoulder and seeing Abraham Lake in the background, as well as the rocky terrain of the trails. It was nice to be hiking through the creek, which was quite low at the time of our hike. I was happy I had on my waterproof hiking boots that I bought back when I went to Iceland. During times when there’s more spring melt, etc., the creek would flow much more, which would increase the difficulty I’m sure. Compared to Siffleur Falls, which was more trail-based hiking, Hoodoo Creek was interesting as you climbed over large rocks and shale.

AllTrails rated this hike as moderate and I would agree with that. It’s a shorter hike, but has some steep sections to it. I’m not the most active or fit I’ve been in the past, (thanks pandemic!) so there were parts of the hike where I was completely out of breath.

I have to say, the best part about the entire hike was heading back down to the bottom – every time you look up you catch a glimpse of Abraham Lake, and man, it is just STUNNING.

10/10.

Would recommend this hike!

Do you have any people in your life you’re so grateful to know? What about them makes them great? I’d also love to hear your thoughts on Hoodoo Creek if you’ve done it before, or hikes you would recommend!