Sherry Kunkel

Members’ Barbecue at Miquelon

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Sunday, September 25 was the WTA Annual Membership Barbecue at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park. We were graced with summer-like weather—minus the mosquitoes!—and the beginning of leaves turning colour. As there were lots of geese and ducks still in evidence, it bodes well for continuing warm conditions.

Beaver Lodge at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park

The morning hike wound through lovely scenery: gently undulating hills and ponds (also called knob and kettle terrain) where  beavers have been busy.

tiger salamander
Tiger Salamander

Several of the two dozen hikers were fortunate to catch a glimpse of a tiger salamander, a very rare sighting, given its threatened species status.

The trails here are grass-covered and as wide as a road. This allows for easy walking, as well as conversation with acquaintances new and old.

The socializing continued over lunch at the fireside and picnic tables.  

After the  barbecue, a few members stayed on to read, do some sketching, or go for another walk. We took full advantage of being out in the wonderful, peaceful setting.

Thanks to Anita for all the preparation she did for lunch, to Scotty for fire-tending, and to Irene for leading the hike. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day. You can see all the photos on Flickr.

Fort Ethier and Bigstone Creek Hike

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Sunday’s weather was lovely and warm, which only added to the enjoyment of the seven hikers who clambered along the Bigstone Creek.

This trail offers some of the most picturesque scenery anywhere on the Waskahegan Trail. As it has the most rope-assisted uphill segments, it also qualifies as one of the most challenging trail sections. The efforts to maintain these parts—which are intensive—were all done by Brad. Accordingly, we noted and appreciated this work, as we really needed all the assistance we could get, especially with each successive climb!

At the end of the hike, while we cooled down from the heat of the trip, the landowner Mrs. Lucas gave an intriguing and educational talk about the origins of the fort and her husband’s family’s involvement with it. What a pleasure it was to learn about the fort first-hand from people related to the original family.

Thanks to John for scouting and leading the hike, to Trail Maintenance for clearing the trail, and to all the landowners of this trail section for their continuing permission. You can find more photos on Flickr.

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