JoAnne Burek

Thirteen people came out to hike North Hastings Lake and the Allen Nature Trail. The day was perfect for picture-taking — as you’ll see in the 41 photos in our Flickr album.

When we arrived at the first open field, we saw two young moose in the distance, grazing nonchalantly.

Then we watched a flock of colourful chickens moseying along the edge of the road. They were still there when we got back. Although they had crossed to the other side, for some reason.

When we reached the cove off the Allen Nature Trail, there was a batch of cattails freshly cut for our taking, courtesy of the landowner.

St. Margaret’s Church was opened up for us and we learned about the history of the church and how it operates today. By the way, On Sunday, August 25, there will be a mass at the church. This happens on the last Sunday in August every year, if they can arrange for a priest.

Our host also identified which pews are original to the church.

Thanks to Johanna for scouting and leading the hike, to trail maintenance for clearing the trail, to the caretakers of St. Margaret’s church, to Marja for the cattails and all the landowners for their generosity. Here’s the Flickr album.

Where we’re going next.

Ten people came out to hike the North Saunders Lake trail under a clear blue sky. The day was full of midsummer treats.

As we walked along the lake we saw pelicans floating leisurely at a distance. And whenever we came around the edge of cattails and bushes at the shoreline, we watched whole families of ducks and their ducklings hurry away from us toward the centre of the lake.

The midsummer flowers are less common now, as more plants have moved on to their seed and berry stage. In the sunny open stretches we saw lots of huge burdock plants. Some unusual sights were stiff goldenrod, wild black currant, and this funnel spider web.

At the end of the hike, we stopped in at Rig Hand Distillery, only 300 meters from the trail head, for craft beer and mocktails. We are definitely looking forward to coming back here again when we hike in this area.

Thanks to Stella for scouting and leading the hike, to Trail Maintenance for clearing the trails, to the landowners for their generous permission, and to Jeff and the staff at Rig Hand Distillery for their hospitality. You can see all the photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.