Mary MacArthur

It was 10 minutes before the hike was to start at 10 a.m. Elizabeth and Mary were alone at the trailhead, wondering if anyone else would show up. Neither of us wanted to hike if there were just the two of us. At five minutes to 10, Bonnie and Karl arrived and we knew the hike was a go. At three minutes to 10, Johanna and Eric arrived. Now we had a real hike.

The drizzly weather earlier in the morning had convinced most people not to come. But the rain had quit by the start of the hike, and the weather became glorious.

We did not see any crocuses — they showed up two weeks ago and disappeared back into the grass. We did see buffalo beans, new growth on willows, porcupine eaten branches, red tailed hawks — mad because we were walking through their area. And we had a great view of the Battle River valley.

Thanks to everyone who came, to trail maintenance for their work on the trail last fall, and to the landowners for their continuing permission. There are more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.

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.