Hikes

An impromptu hike was enjoyed by 8 hikers first with a loop on and near Big Lake where two younger moose eluded our cameras.

After lunch at the Lois Hole park shelter, we set out to the old growth spruce forest abundant with birds including an eagle that we startled when we were very close to it. Except for chickadees, blue jays, and a woodpecker, only we humans seemed to pose for picture taking.

Nature was a delightful sunny companion  as we wound our way through the trees. Definitely a hike to add to the winter menu.

You can see all the photos on Flickr.

Seven people came out to hike Bunchberry Meadows after the extended bout of extreme cold weather.

For in Alberta, even when the temperature is -20 Celsius, if the sun is shining on you, it’s nothing to take off the mitts to eat lunch.

The day was refreshing for everyone. Thanks to Carissa for leading the hike.

You can find more photos on Flickr.

After the bitter temperatures and dark, grey days of the preceding week, we were overjoyed to be on the trails of the Blackfoot Staging Area under a clear blue sky. Even as the day warmed up, the snow was still cold and crisp, making it especially fine for cross country skiers.

Eight of us arrived at the Waskehegan Staging Area—seven hikers and one skier as the tail-ender. We managed to keep together for the whole 12 km, with the hikers stepping carefully around or between the set tracks, and Brad, the skier, timing his swoops downhill.

We didn’t know it, but the park was celebrating Snow Day. We were lucky to be able to have our lunch in Meadow Shelter, which was heated by a crackling fire in the wood stove. And at the end of the hike, we were even more grateful that we had gone the whole distance, so that we could reward ourselves with hot chocolate at the parking lot.

Thanks to John for leading the hike.

You can find more pictures on Flickr.