In June, we had two hikes a week apart to Point Cooperation on Coal Lake. The landmark takes its name from Project Cooperation, a 1975 summer project funded by the Alberta provincial government and the Waskahegan Trail Association. In this project, a group of six 15- and 16-year olds cleared the section for the trail. The landmark is not marked except on the guidebook’s trail map, and in the heads of trail maintenance and hike leaders .
In the two recent hikes, we did not quite make it all the way. Both times, we had come to a wide open spot overlooking the lake, with warm sun, gentle breezes, and views of pelicans. We decided it would be just fine to have our lunches there. Perhaps next year we will go all the way.
A highlight of the first hike, which started at Kjorlein Corner, was the Yellow Lady Slipper Orchid. It was in an open field overlooking the trail.
This particular plant had blooms that were larger than usual, which may be a sign of ideal growing conditions.
On the second hike, which went from north to south starting at a road allowance, we encountered patches of wild strawberries and lots of saskatoons just coming into ripeness. It looks like it will be a great year for berries.
Thanks to Johanna for scouting and leading these hikes, to trail maintenance for all their hard work, and to the landowners for their generous permissions. You can find more photos on Flickr (June 22
and June 29),
