Hikes

Last week 12 people came out to hike the Pipestone Creek section eastward from Highway 814 to the skinny pasture in the field past the bridge. It was another warm sunny day, much like we’ve had all of September.

The trail passes through a few different types of forest. We strolled through shady dark forests with swatches of mossy undergrowth. And we stepped through dappled forests of tall poplar and birch, set among bushes and bogs and patches of horsetails and coral striped orchids. Pick any forest – they all look rich and lush from this year’s supply of abundant and frequent rainfall.

Thanks to Lee for scouting and leading the hike and to trail maintenance for all their efforts, and to the landowners for their continuing permission. You can find all the photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.

The Shoreline trail at Elk Island was new to many of the ten hikers that came out on Sunday. With an almost flat, paved road this was an easy stroll compared to the typical paths that form the Waskahegan Trail.

Shoreline’s 3km length was added on to by taking several offshoots: a viewpoint, the Beaver Bay picnic area, and the walk across what appears to be a long dam that circumnavigates Elk Island itself. With a further bit of exploration, not including the boardwalk (under water), but including the park theatre and a replica of an old Ukrainian house, our hike was brought us to just under our goal of 10km.

Most of the hikers saw the bison herd on their way in to the park. We also saw two small frogs and lots of various waterfowl.

The hiking conditions were perfect for this very leisurely day out at the national park.

Thanks to everyone who came out to hike with us on this day. You can see all the photos on Flickr.