JoAnne Burek

Six people came out on a bright warm day to hike the Partridge Hill section of the Waskahegan Trail. This section is known for Ross Creek and its many boardwalks and bridges, some of which are maintained by the landowners themselves.

The trail along the creek is pleasantly shaded, a relief on a hot day.

Here is a view of Walker’s Pond.

A remarkable sight which you would catch only in midsummer is the deep-pink blossoms on the long swaths of swamp smartweed. These tall amphibious plants were growing along the boardwalks as well as in fields along the trail.

Thanks to John for scouting and leading the hike, to trail maintenance for clearing the trail, and to the landowners for continuing permission. As a reminder, hunting season is around the corner, so if you wish to visit this trail, go soon, because it will be closed for hunting season.

You can find more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.

Eleven people came out to hike the North Miquelon section of the trail. In order to get all the way to a favourite lunch spot in under 11 km, we started our hike at the north end of Miquelon Provincial Park—specifically Group 7 campground. After a short walk through the woods the trail opened up to meadows of tall flowers and grasses, with the lake behind.

This is a trail we had not visited in some years because of the high water levels. Here on the prairie, and perhaps this is a Beaver Hills-area phenomenon, water levels seem to fluctuate not year-to-year, but more like decade to decade. It really becomes noticeable when you’re maintaining a trail over a fifty-year stretch.

This year the water had subsided so that just one long boggy patch remained. Trail Maintenance very cleverly covered the path in spruce limbs to make it easier to cross. The other change since we hiked here last was the two small sloughs that we used to walk between, had merged into a small lake. The reroute around this secluded lake brings you very close to the edge and it’s quite stunning.

Here are this week’s beauty shots:

Thanks to Lee for scouting the hike and to Trail Maintenance for their hard work and ingenuity. Thanks also go to the landowners for their continuing permission and to Alberta Parks and Rec and the staff at Miquelon Provincial Park for maintaining a park of sensitivity and great beauty. You can see all the photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.