Mary MacArthur

On Sunday six hikers came out to fend off the wild animals along the valley. We started in Camrose and soon turned onto private land that runs along the railway track to Happy Valley.

The Happy Valley hike is the perfect hike in winter or summer. The owner of the Happy Valley land encourages people to walk, bike, run, snowshoe or hike on the trails they maintain.

Throughout the trails are creatures, farm equipment, crooked houses and signs that give hikers encouragement to keep going.

The saskatoons were perfect for picking and we ate our weight in berries as we hiked. We had lunch at the lookout, and on the way back took the bike and ski trails on the other side of the Stoney Creek.

Thanks to Irene for scouting and leading the hike and to the landowner for providing such a fun experience. You can see more photos on Flicker.

Where we’re going next.

The prospect of beautiful weather was the draw needed to bring 24 hikers out on April 30 from Duhamel campground to Rest and Be Thankful Hill.

Along the hike we saw animal carcasses, beaver trails, prairie crocuses, and wild onions. The leaves weren’t out on the trees yet so we could clearly see the trail all the way. It was still in good condition from last fall’s maintenance work.

The big surprise for everyone was the road carved out of the hill about half way along the hike. The new landowners are making changes to the trail and river valley, but we are happy they all encourage us to continue hiking and enjoying the Battle River hills.

Thank you to everyone who came out, to the landowners, and to trail maintenance for clearing the trail. You can find more photos on Flickr.

See where we’re going next.