JoAnne Burek

Spring Hike to Rest and Be Thankful Hill

by

The hike in the East Battle River to Rest and Be Thankful Hill is traditionally our first hike of the summer season. Eighteen people, five of them hiking with us for the first time, came out to enjoy the 9.8 km walk under clear blue skies.

Along the way, we discovered this deer skeleton. If the head looks odd, that’s because this wasn’t the original position of the jawbone. We moved it there to “complete” the skeleton, but it’s probably not in a realistic position. We didn’t touch anything else.

This beautiful prairie crocus (Anemone patens) is the reason why we visit the trail at this time of year.

At the end of the trail we made our way up Rest and Be Thankful Hill. It’s the perfect spot for lunch.

Thanks go to Mary for scouting the hike, to Elizabeth for assisting, and to the landowners for their continuing generosity. You can find these photos and more on Flickr.

Here’s where we’re hiking next

A mid-April hike at South Saunders Lake

by

It was a bright Easter Sunday morning, and the blanket of snow that had fallen over central Alberta had already melted away. Ten people gathered at the south end of Saunders Lake to hike along the shore.

As we walked along, the clouds rolled in. Along with the ice on the lake that was just starting to open up, it created a dramatic sight. Adding to the drama, we heard loud rumblings coming from the lake. We theorized on what would make that sound. Ice shifting? Methane bubbles rising?

One of the outstanding sights in this landscape are the occasional trees at the lake’s edge. Without the leaves, they can look particularly gnarly.

There were geese, ducks, and seagulls, often standing on ice, sometimes finding a bit of water to sit in.

Lunch was on a grassy hill in full view of the lake. All of the land is quite dry and perfect for hiking now.

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

Where we’re hiking next.