JoAnne Burek

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.

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),

Where we’re going next.

Twelve hikers came out on a sunny spring day to hike the South Saunders Lake section. The wind was blowing hard and constant at the start, but it subsided within minutes as we got closer to the shore and past some trees.

The path is dry and very easy to walk, as always. It was still too early to see signs of new growth. But the birds are there. Several times we would turn a bend in the lake and startle a flock of bufflehead ducks. Overhead, a hawk soared and screeched at us.

It was great to be walking in the country again. Thanks to Stella for scouting and leading the hike, to trail maintenance for their work, and to the landowners for their continuing permission. There are more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.