Gwynne Section & Chickadee Trail

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 status and will gradually restart our hikes, with some obvious protocol changes listed at the bottom.

This week’s outing includes two hikes: a first one that is 7 round-trip kilometres, and an optional second one of no more than 3 round-trip.

The huge valley starting at Gwynne and containing the Battle River as it flows eastward across Alberta, was created in a few days. At the end of the last ice age, glacier water trapped by ice formed huge Lake Edmonton. The water finally broke through the ice at Gwynne and the whole lake emptied, creating the magnificent valley we will overlook on our first hike.

Upon returning to our cars, some hikers may opt to head for home. The rest of us will visit the nearby Chickadee Trail. For decades, this trail has offered chickadees birdhouses and feeders made just for them. The tiny birds are not shy, and there are plenty of them to be seen. This trail passes through woods, with up-close views of a creek and, if we’re lucky, of a freight train as it rumbles west towards Wetaskiwin or east along the Battle River towards Camrose. The pictures from September 15th, 2019.

The hike will leave from A57 on Highway 822 at about 9:45 a.m.. Participants should proceed there directly on their own, but should check the website prior to departure in case of a change.

If you are new to WTA hikes, then you should visit the Guided Hikes webpage for essential information. For further information specific to this hike, refer to The Waskahegan Trail Guide Book, pages 46-47 (Gwynne Section) & 115 (Chickadee Trail), or contact the Hike Leader Oscar Z at 780-435-1197.

Initial protocol changes due to COVID-19:

• using public trails, in/near the city (not the WTA Trail as virtually all of the trail is on private land and we do not want to impact the landowners);
  
• meeting at the trailhead, no car pooling (so the start time reflects driving to the trailhead from the city rather than a 9am meeting point at Century Park or Belvedere Park & Ride);
  
• the hike leader will fill out all forms (e.g., signup sheet) & please use the online waver (to minimize what we all touch);
  
• Government of Alberta – Guidance on outdoor activities;
  
• recommending wearing a face mask (Government of Alberta – Guidance for wearing non-medical face masks);
  
• only attend if you are feeling well & comfortable being with the group.