Hoodoos – Tunnel Mountain – Banff. Photo taken 17 May 2013.
Here’s another pic from my (one-day-in-the-nebulous-future-to-be-defunct) blog There is a Light. I did some research on the origins of the word “hoodoo” and got snarled up in a linguistic nightmare – let’s just say the word may or may not be a version of “voodoo,” probably referring to the weird shapes of the spires.
I do love the French names for them, however: Demoiselles coiffées (“Ladies with hairdos”) and Cheminées de fées (“Fairy chimneys”) – so imaginative and beautifully descriptive! And apparently in Blackfoot and Cree traditions, hoodoos were thought to be petrified stone giants that animated in the dark of night to hurl rocks down at unsuspecting passers-by.
Flowery Prose 
Fascinating shapes:) I’ve heard about these hoodoos at Tunnel Mountain but haven’t been there to see them yet. It is a very nice picture!
It’s a quick, easy walk with good views. If I remember correctly, there were a couple of areas to sit and have a picnic.
And do rocks come hurtling down on passers-by?
The tops of the spires looked pretty delicate from where we were standing! 😉
Then don’t risk going for a night-time hike Sheryl! I have never heard the word before, but could use it here as we have lots of huge jagged rocks rising above the river below us too!
LOL I’m so clumsy I couldn’t even imagine hiking in the dark…I’d be more worried about tripping over my own feet than rocks falling on me! 😉 It’s interesting to see how all these rocks have eroded over time.
I love this folkloric background to place names!
It’s fascinating, isn’t it? I love how imaginative some of these stories are.
Earlier this week I had heard that Banff Park had temporarily close the area, there was a bear feeding on a carcass. I am sure the area won’t be closed for long, but you might want to check with the park information before heading out there anytime soon to confirm.
I had heard that too…definitely have to check before going out. The Parks Canada website and the one from Kananaskis are really good for info about bear closures, etc..
My vote goes with fairy chimneys, but whatever the name, they are fascinating. I’ve never heard of them until today on your blog. All the things that can be learned from reading a blog!
I feel like that, too – so many interesting things to learn, from all over the world! A huge perk of blogging! 🙂
Yes, it really is!
I love Hoodoos and how they are formed. The French name is quite cute 🙂
The French names are adorable, aren’t they? – so descriptive!
What is the French for Hoodoos?
The very imaginative Demoiselles coiffées (“Ladies with hairdos”) and Cheminées de fées (“Fairy chimneys”). There may be other names as well.
Haha that IS very descriptive, they are indeed interesting structures. Are there lots of them in Alberta?
Yes, there are quite a few, actually. The best places to see them are in the Badlands of Drumheller and in Dinosaur Provincial Park – they are spectacular!
I love a good hoodoo!
They’re fascinating!
Amazing picture.
Thank you – the scenery is incredible!
Reminds me a bit of the Dakota Badlands – except not as dry.
I’ve always wanted to see the Badlands there. I love that type of landscape. We have Badlands nearby, as well, in Drumheller. Starkly beautiful.
Nicely done, Sheryl. 🙂
Thank you!
Nice. I enjoyed that.
Thank you – I’m glad!
Very interesting! Love the picture.
Jean
Thank you! A really pretty spot to sit and enjoy the view.
Fabulous photo! I love these rock formations. There are other myths around the world containing giants that fling rocks. There is the one about Finn MacCool and the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
Yes – you’re right! I know that particular story about Finn MacCool, but had forgotten it.
Loved the photo. Isn’t folklore a wonderful thing? I like the french word too as well as the idea of fairy chimneys. Stunning area.
The idea of fairy chimneys is so whimsical and fun – it gets the imagination going. 🙂
Wow. Those are super cool. I like the idea of fairy chimneys, since I enjoy planting fairy gardens of my own. What fun.
It is! Very magical. 🙂
🙂
Thanks for doing the research! I’d heard the word and linked it to voodoo in my own mind.
I’ve not been to Banff, but I’ve been dreaming of going for over 30 years. Someday for sure and I will seek these out!
It is an amazing place to visit, I hope you one day get a chance to see it! 🙂
Oh my – just beautiful!
It is a fabulous view, for sure! 🙂
Get this! I had no idea there were Hoodoo’s near Banff at all. True story. We’ve taken an excursion out to Drumheller to see them and actually stayed overnight in a B&B. I wee romantic road trip ‘if you will’.
Next time we’re down Banff way, I’ll be sure to have Mr B take the scenic route. I think the french have quite the sense of humour…..snort, “ladies with big hairdo’s”. But “Cheminées de fées”…….. enchante, oui? While animated, night marauding rock throwers is just downright frightening. Those Cree kiddies had wonderful bedtime stories (Boomdee sarcasm), LOL.
Ha ha – I can’t imagine how the little ones ever slept a wink! 😉
You’ll definitely have to check out the hoodoos in Banff the next time you’re there – the walk is short and the scenery is fantastic!