JoAnne Burek

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.

Last Sunday, five people came out to hike the Middle Battle River part of the trail starting at Peter Fidler’s monument and going west. The day was warm and humid, with some occasional cooling breezes on the open slopes.

This is a trail that puts you right in the heart of agriculture. Much of the forested path runs alongside yellow canola fields and waving green fields of oats—a happy reminder of our food sovereignty fortune.

On a poplar-lined path along the bottom of a slope, we discovered a small herd of black cattle lying in the cooling shade. There was no way around these large creatures without “cornering” them against the fence. So, we approached gently, and they got to their feet and cleared out, allowing us to pass through safely. On the way back, we found the cattle had returned and this time there were even more of them. Who could blame them? It really is a choice spot.

Our lunch was at the site of the “old house”, which is now just a few concrete steps in a grassy field with a great view of the green and gold valley.

Thanks to Lee for scouting and leading the hike and to Trail Maintenance for mowing and clearing the path, and to the landowners for their continuing support. You can find more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next