JoAnne Burek

Last Sunday’s hike is definite proof that you should never, ever, hold out for “better weather on another day,” when you can hike the “Source of the Blackmud” in the middle of May.

For if you did postpone, you would miss the cool fresh air on your face…the excitement of swallows shooting in and out of nest boxes…and the dazzle of emerging green foliage, early blue violets, and yellow buttercups.

Twelve hardy people participated in the hike. It was a pleasant day out for all of us.

Lunch was spent on a lovely hill overlooking the north end of North Coal Lake.

Twenty-one hikers came out to discover the famous features of the East Battle River section of the trail.

At the base of the plateau, we stumbled upon the cacti. After scrambling to the top of the plateau, we enjoyed the sweeping vistas and stepped around the prairie crocuses (Anemone patens).

Just as famous as the crocuses is the hill, “Rest and Be Thankful” where we climbed straight up to have our lunch, and actually rest.

On our return, we examined an animal spine and skull, and almost stepped on a garter snake.

Total distance was around 9 km.

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