JoAnne Burek

Eleven people came out to hike the trail in the Ministik Bird Sanctuary to the Old Fire Tower. This was the second time we hiked here this year. The previous time was in the summer in the rain.

The trail starts out on the road to the University of Alberta’s research station. Our first stop was at the lookout point at Williams Lake.

The sign that points the turn-off to the Waskahegan Trail is prominent. The well-marked path takes you along a few hay fields and through forests up to the old fire tower and beyond.

At this time of year, the erratics stand out. These are large stones that were carried from the Rockies and left here by the glacier many thousands of years ago.

Thanks to Lee for leading the hike and to Trail Maintenance for clearing and signing the trail. You can find more photos on Flickr.

Ten people came out to hike Saunders Lake starting from the north end. The air was pleasantly cool and the sky was rather dark at the beginning. However, by mid-day it was warm and the sky was blue with white splashes of wispy clouds.

Wildlife sightings included a mule deer, a green frog, and flocks and flocks of ducks, geese, and coots, probably passing through on their way south

Thanks to Stella for scouting and leading the hike and to trail maintenance for their work in clearing the trail. You can find more photos on Flickr.