Fifteen of us descended on Whitemud Park to take in the hike to Hawrelak Park. It was a perfect day to be out in the suddenly warm temperatures and enjoying what should be the final weeks of winter.
We started out by heading west to cross the river on the Quesnel bridge. It was here that we saw the earliest sign of spring—a ribbon of open water on the North Saskatchewan River. Although the weather was mild, the ground still had a good cover of packed snow. That made it very easy for walking except on the very steepest of slopes.
We even spotted a few ravens along the way to the footbridge.
At Hawrelak Park, the Silver Skate Festival was in full swing. We ate our lunch at the main pavilion, and noted the synchronized skating teams rehearsing their moves on the patio.
After lunch, we walked up to the ice castle, then turned back and watched the ice sculpturers busy at their work. This year’s theme appears to be Canada’s 150th birthday. Creations included monuments to the voyageurs and the Last Spike.
As we made our way back along the south bank of the river, the sky brightened.
In total, we walked 9.5 km.
Thanks to everybody for coming out and making it such a great day.
Check out our pictures on Flickr
Twenty people from Edmonton, Camrose, and places in between came out for Sunday’s hike. Starting at the Blackfoot Staging Area day use site, Irene led us on a 10km portion of the trails in this vast environmental and recreational treasure.
