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Derek Ryder

@ryderda.bsky.social
341 followers 122 following 974 posts

Skier, hiker, traveler, Former Director - Friends of Kananaskis, K-Country Bear Team member, Sunshine SnowHost, Wildlife Ambassador, and retired.

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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 8h
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
On a crisp, chilly fall day, a broad river flows out of the mountains. Some mountains in the background are snow capped. Foliage along the blue water is pale greens and golds of willows and grasses, in contrast to the dark green conifers on the mountains. The sky is rich blue with a few puffy white clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
@paulisci.bsky.social Headline of the year nominee. torontosun.com/news/world/a...
torontosun.com
Alleged masturbating bartender rubs fellow airline passengers the wrong way
Inzer reportedly told cops that she could not recall what had occurred during the flight “because she fell asleep.” Read on.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
Looking across an alpine lake (into the sun) at mountains rising in the distance, under a blue sky with some puffy clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
How incredibly stupid
A map showing North American time zones. As just one examples of utter stupidity, Pensacola Florida will be in the same timezone as Inuvik. In case that means nothing to you, NWT (Inuvik is west of California)
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
A clear mountain river flows over gravel in the foreground. Yellow willows and aspens line the far river bank. In the distance, rugged rocky mountains rise, with conifer forests leading up to treeline, and the sheer rock cliffs above. And all of this is under a stunning, cloudless blue sky.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I love the smell of P-Tex in the morning. It smells like... ski season.
Inside a messy garage, a single Nordica Enforcer downhill ski sits on a work bench. Short, well used P-Tex candles, used to repair the ski's base, sit on the messy bench. A ski iron and ski wax are on the bench as well. Shaved off wax and P-Tex are on the floor and workbench.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Today’s lunch view while out volunteering was in the same place as yesterday. So I tried for a different perspective.
Under a stunning blue sky, in the foreground, aspens are changing in fall colours to yellows. Behind them, rolling conifer covered hills give way to rugged gray mountains in the distance
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I'm late. Yesterday's lunch view while out volunteering.
Under a stunningly blue, cloudless sky, some fall colours are starting to show in the aspen forest in the foreground valley, while a sea of conifer-covered rolling hills lead to dramatic rocky mountain peaks in the background.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
Looking out across a fireguard cutblock in a forest. On the other side of the valley, mountains rise, their tops enshrouded in clouds. The sky is overcast, and it happens to be drizzling, too.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering was in the exact same place as yesterday, but with radically different weather: cold, windy, overcast and some drizzle.
Rolling hills covered with conifers lead to rugged grey mountains in the distance, most of which are engulfed with puffy grey clouds, all under an overcast sky.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering. Stay tuned, though, for post #2 (multiple media typed are not supported).
Trees (mostly conifers) cover the rolling hills in front of towering, rugged mountains in the distance, under a mostly blue sky with some high cirrus clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Strange things I saw while out volunteering today: a 70 year old radio sitting on a tree stump in the wilderness. Feel free to Google "Hammarlund Model SP-600" to find out about it. I did; it's kinda interesting.
A rusted out, 70 year old radio receiver sitting on a cut off tree in the middle of nowhere. The manufacturer's name (Hammerland Model SP-600) is clearly visible.The insides of said radio look... interesting.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
In the foreground, a large meadow with plants regrowing after tree clearing for forest fire protection. Beyond the meadow lies a conifer forest. In the background, rugged mountains rise, partially obscured by a bit of forest fire smoke haze. The blue sky is full of puffy white clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering. It's possible you know where this is. I consider myself very privileged to be able to go here. I do not take the ability for granted, and am thankful to the folks who let me do so.
Sitting on the top of a high alpine ridge meadow, looking across to incredibly rugged mountains rising in the distance.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering, and a cute thing I saw along the way.
Beyond the shade of a conifer tree is a muddy mountain lake. On the other side of the lake, a rugged mountain rises majestically, all under a sunny blue sky.A Snowshoe Hare, still in its brown summer colour, munches on grass in the middle of a trail.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Today’s lunch view while out volunteering.
Looking down at a winding mountain road that disappears into a forest, leading to rugged mountains (with snow patches) rising under a gray sky
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering. It was a bit smoky, so I had to dehaze this pic a bit.
Sitting in a high mountain meadow, looking across a broad valley (with a town in it) to rugged mountains, all under a clear blue sky.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Today’s lunch view while out volunteering.
Looking across a broad alpine meadow, in the distance rugged mountains rise, in a bit oh smoke induced haze, all under a mostly blue sky with some high clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
It was pouring rain at lunch today, so we ate indoors (in front of a fire trying to dry our rain gear). This was the "15 min before lunch" view while out volunteering.
Under a grey sky with low clouds (with rain coming out of them), a verdant green and broad shore leads to a large alpine lake. A mountain, partially obscured by clouds rises, with it's top disappearing into the clouds above.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Was more than a bit smoky at lunch today while out volunteering.
In the distance thru a smoky sky, obscured mountains rise above a large, calm alpine lake
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Today's volunteering was close to my house so that's where I ate lunch. Here's a view from just before lunch.
Looking across a grassy meadow to a wall of conifer trees. Towering above them are rugged mountains, and all are lit up under a brilliant blue sky.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
A forested mountain ridge covered in avalanche paths that cut swaths through said forest.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
In the foreground, a rocky beach with willows, lining a blue-green alpine lake. Mountains tower in the distance, under a blue sky filled with puffy cumulus clouds trying to become thunderstorms.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
I verge on the nearly famous. www.rmoutlook.com/mountain-gui...
rmoutlook.com
Kananaskis Country’s 'first line of defence' looks back on 30 years of trail care, stewardship
The Friends of Kananaskis Country celebrate 30 years of stewardship, trail care and education.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering. My volunteering today was heavily impacted by bears. I was NOT on bear duty, but doing other stuff. However, I saw 9 bears in total. Two of them (technically, 5 of them) required me to adjust my volunteering plans on the fly.
Large rocks in the foreground lead down to a green-blue alpine lake. On the far side of the lake, mountains tower.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering. But I was NOT volunteering on bear work (where I am not allowed to share pics). On my way to my second (not bear) volunteering gig, look who blocked the road. Meet 139 & the 3 cubs. My second volunteering stint involved Pika, so here's one of them, too.
Across a green-blue alpine lake, mountains tower, some still with snow patches, all under a sky filled with dark cumulus clouds.One grizzly bear crosses a road, blocking traffic, to meet up with 3 other Grizzly Bears on the other side of the road.A rock coloured Pika – the world's cutest animal, with perky round ears and a grey potato for a body  – sits in some rocks.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
I was stupid and forgot to take a pic today at lunch while out volunteering. This was about an hour after lunch. My lunch view was similar.
A mostly still but muddy alpine lake is in the foreground, while mountains still retaining snow rise in the distance past forested ridges, all under a blue sky with puffy white clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
On Monday, the Robins (that have been nesting on my shelf attached to my house) fledged. There were 4 of them. Their first landings were miserable crashes (could have something to do with a lack of tail feathers). There are now only 3 as a pair of Crows got one despite the best efforts of mom & dad.
A tail-less fledgling Robin sits still (and somewhat dazed) after their first flight, which would have been better described as a "plummet".A second, tail-less, fledgling Robin sits still (and equally dazed) after their first flight, which would have been better described as a "plummet" to a "crash landing".
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
I've been (and continue to be) very busy, and am, as a result, am getting behind in posting. Yesterday's and today's lunch views while out volunteering.
On the grassy shore of a muddy alpine pond, mountains rise above the pond – some with bits of snow – under a blue sky with cirrus clouds.A moody grey sky sits over a large alpine lake. In the distance, rugged snowy peaks rise.  The shoreline of the lake is rocky and somewhat barren.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
Across a large, yet dead calm, green alpine lake, multiple mountains tower. Some small amounts of snow remain in the alpine. In the brilliant blue sky, cumulus clouds are trying to become thunderstorms.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
I never know what the #birding theme of the day is, and doubt this will fit. But I liked this anyway. #bird #merganser
A Merganser stands on a moss covered rock, looking out over the lake, that has gentle ripples and reflections of clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
Looking across a bit of gravel and grass with some scattered trees, to a broad lake. On the far side of the lake, rugged mountains tower under a brilliantly blue sky with some puffy white clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
Across a large, shimmering, blue alpine lake, a brilliant blue sky above (with wisps of cirrus clouds) illuminates the towering snow capped peaks on the far side of the lake.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
The heinous All Seasons Resort Plan for Fortress was approved with conditions. "They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot"
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
A wide angle shot, taken high on a grassy hillside, looking across a valley at the towering mountains on the other side (some still with snow), under a blue sky filled with puffy white clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering.
Across a large green-blue alpine lake, snow capped mountains rise under a cloudy sky.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
June 1, and it's snowing where I live near Canmore #ABStorm
A view of a not particularly interesting back yard, with fresh snowfall colouring the grass white.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
I'm late. Friday's lunch view while out volunteering, and Saturday's volunteering lunch view, too.
Under a brilliant blue sky with puffy white clouds, rugged mountains tower in the distance over a large, blue mountain lake.An overcast sky threatens rain and obscures the nearby mountain peaks. A 100 year old iron bridge spans a river running high, fast and muddy with spring run off.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
I was done volunteering before lunch today. Here was my view about 30 min before I finished.
A wide, blue-green river flows past under a brilliant blue sky. The far bank is lined with evergreen trees. In the distance, rugged mountains rise, still with snow on them.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering, and the waterfall I saw not long after lunch.
Across a still, grey lake, under a grey overcast sky, snow capped mountains rise.In a green dense forest, a creek slides over a small sandy rock cliff. The long exposure shows white streams of water radiating out from the base of the falls.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Two Bluebirds seen while out today. #Birds #Birding
A female Western Bluebird with here distinctive blue butt sits in the branches of a conifer tree, with tree covered mountains in the background.A male Mountain Bluebird, back to the camera, sits on a fence post, with deciduous and coniferous trees in the background.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Today's lunch while out volunteering was inside because the weather was... cold and snowy. Here's an example snow squall from later in the afternoon. A little blown away by the people in this pic having a 3:30 pm BBQ by an icy lake.
Looking down over a greenish alpine lake, partially covered in ice. In the foreground: a family at a picnic table with a fire and a BBQ. In the background, snow squalls swirl over the lake which is backed by towering, snow covered peaks.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Today's lunch view, and 10 minutes after lunch after the SNOW shower moved through. Yes, where I live, it snows in May.
A large mountain lake, looking greenish, is enshrouded by low clouds with mixed rain and snow falling, with blue sky peeking through.Mere minutes after the first shot, the lake is now blue, and the towering snow capped mountains on the other side of the lake are visible under mostly blue skies.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
I have been dogsitting for the last few days. Today was "walkies" day. Luigi is now tired.
A brown and white dog stands on a grassy hill under a brilliant blue sky. On the other side of the valley are majestic, snow capped rugged mountains.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Ran across a few Harelequin Ducks while I was out volunteering yesterday. #birds #birding
Two colourful male Harlequin Ducks stand on a rock at the edge of a lake. Both have their faces tucked into their backs.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Yesterday's lunch view while out volunteering.
A large meadow with a pond at the far end, with a sunning backdrop of towering snow capped mountains under a brilliant blue sky with puffy cumulus clouds.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Today’s lunch view while out volunteering.
A deceptively calm lake reflects a snow capped mountain, with more rugged mountains in the right background, all under a sky with some blue, but with lots of puffy clouds trying to cause rain.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Things you occasionally find while out volunteering.
In light brown mud, a grizzly bear's front and rear tracks are preserved – until the next rain wash them away. My foot is in the pic for reference.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Today's lunch view while out volunteering, and the critter I saw right after lunch.
Under a brilliant blue sky with some wispy clouds, snow capped rugged mountains rise above a grassy area.A Hoary Marmot is giving me the side-eye.
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Derek Ryder @ryderda.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
For various reasons, I cannot show my lunch view today while out volunteering. Here's the end of my day, though.
Under a brilliant blue sky, rugged snow capped peaks loom high. Avalanche paths stream through the trees on the mountainsides, with major avalanches down each path.
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