Sherry Kunkel

Sunday saw a repeat of many of the great aspects of last week’s hike—beautifully warm weather, wide grassy trails, and a similar type of stunning scenery.

In one week’s time, however, there was a marked increase in the volume of golden leaves falling and carpeting the ground.

The dozen people who came out to the Islet Lake portion of the Blackfoot Recreation Area enjoyed approximately 11 of the 170 km system. Once we were through the ungulate fence at Push Lake, we shared the trail with the cattle of the local Grazing Association. (Albertaparks.ca reports that cows are now on the trail system—”please leave gates as you find them”.)

A couple of garter snakes were spotted by some. There were also nicely ripe chokecherries.

After lunch at Lost Lake shelter, we were treated to a very close-range sighting of a small group of sandhill cranes circling directly overhead for several minutes.

These birds are 1 meter tall and have a 2 meter wingspan. They are the most numerous of crane species worldwide (approximately 700,000), and they mostly breed in Canada. Also, they can live 20-30 years.

It was certainly a highlight of our day!

Thanks to Johanna for leading us on this scenic and serene hike. You can find more photos on Flickr.

Find out where we’re going next.

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.

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

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.