JoAnne Burek

Sixteen people came out to hike the West Battle River section from the highway out of Gwynne all the way to the grassy meadow that forms the top of Schnee Hill. Most of this hike was a repeat of a hike we did in August, only this time we went all the way. Holding off until the end of wasp season was just the trick to make this a totally enjoyable hike end to end.

This depth of shadow in this photo makes it look like the sun has just come up. Look closely and you’ll see the pattern of icy glaze on the water.

Thanks to Lee for scouting and leading the hike and to the landowners for their continuing permission. You’ll find more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.

Last week 12 people came out to hike the Pipestone Creek section eastward from Highway 814 to the skinny pasture in the field past the bridge. It was another warm sunny day, much like we’ve had all of September.

The trail passes through a few different types of forest. We strolled through shady dark forests with swatches of mossy undergrowth. And we stepped through dappled forests of tall poplar and birch, set among bushes and bogs and patches of horsetails and coral striped orchids. Pick any forest – they all look rich and lush from this year’s supply of abundant and frequent rainfall.

Thanks to Lee for scouting and leading the hike and to trail maintenance for all their efforts, and to the landowners for their continuing permission. You can find all the photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.