The hike began with some confusion as there was absolutely no parking at our starting point, Snow Valley. A big ski swap sale was happening and it was very well attended, with people waiting in long lines to get in. We moved our start over to Whitemud Park and headed south into the Whitemud Ravine and Whitemud Nature Reserve.

Led by Oscar, we took frequent stops and admired the scenery from various scenic viewpoints. We studied the creek from the many bridge crossings. We appreciated the silence and feeling of being out in the country even though we were in the heart of the ravine.

It was on one of these stops that a hiker spotted a large beaver tucked up on the opposite bank lunching on a branch, or more likely the bark on the branch.

At another stop, we spotted a beaver swimming upstream around a small bend.

We saw both red and grey squirrels and were scolded by some. It appears there are bird lovers that frequent the Ravine and leave birdseed for the birds. The many chickadees we saw were the beneficiaries of their kindness.

Thanks to Oscar for a lovely hike.

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Nine hikers enjoyed the Kopp Lake hike on Sunday.

The trail, located on the hillsides of the Gwynne Valley, winds its way through spruce, aspen and birch forest. It was particularly lovely with all the fall colours.

The day began cloudy but it cleared to blue skies.

We enjoyed a “coffee break” at the beaver lodge. We saw no beavers but admired their work. They have been busy—even since the work party passed through.

We saw two white-tailed deer, a few geese and a squirrel or two. We discovered some flowers blooming—something we didn’t expect in September.