JoAnne Burek

Nine of us came out to hike the north section of Saunders Lake. After the week of hot weather and especially since the smoke had been drifting in from the BC wildfires, we were looking forward to hiking in cooler temperatures…even though the forecast called for rain.

As you know, we’re not “fair-weather” hikers. A long as there’s no lightening or high winds, or continuous downpour—and we’re dressed for it—we don’t mind a little rain.

We were sitting on the hill across from that spot where an eagle-pair makes its nest, finishing our lunch, when the drizzle began. We put on our ponchos and rain gear and headed back…while enjoying the finest walk in the rain that anyone could have on a Sunday afternoon.

Thanks to Stella for leading the hike.

You’ll find more pictures on Flickr.

The ongoing heat wave was no obstacle for the six people who came out to hike the forest trail along the Battle River. The old trees provided a welcome canopy against the beating sun, and we found pockets of cool breezes in between pockets of humidity and mosquitos.

One of the few open areas on this trail is at the top of the land, above the forest. Here is a large pond that has filled in what was once a gravel pit.

This trail had not been used in a few years, and clearing it took some effort. You can read about how a small crew cut through a fallen tree that was more than 100 years old and see the photos here.

The rest of the trail maintenance—mowing, clipping, signing—took place on Saturday with 9 people just the day before the hike.

Lunch was at the Ross Flats Campground (what we used to call Duhamel Campground).

Here we are with the ancient tree. There are more photos on Flickr.