Hikes

Nine people came out to hike the trail starting at Fort Ethier. The views from far above Bigstone Creek are very stunning.  From on top of a steep, sheer, embankment we looked down upon a forest of tall Spruce trees. The picturesque creek winds through the stand of trees.

The trail switches quickly from being close to the creek, to far above the Bigstone.  It was a warm day for climbing. Thanks to Brad (and whoever helped him) for providing us with ropes on the steepest sections. They were needed for both up and down!

Once again, the most viewed wildlife was mosquitoes, followed closely by ants and their giant hills.

On the way back a herd of cows were very interested in our group.

After the hike we were joined by Mrs. Lucas who told us about the history of the area, of her family, and of Fort Ethier.  They have been on that property since the early 1880s.  

We were welcomed to enter the Blockhouse and check it out. Then off for a quick look at the Alpacas.  Again, Mrs. Lucas treated us to a talk about the history and habits of Alpacas.  We now know a lot about their breeding and mating.  

Thank you to everyone who came out, to trail maintenance for their outstanding work on clearing the trail, and to Mrs. Lucas and the other landowners for their continued permission. You will find more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re hiking next.

Fifteen people—seven from Camrose area and eight from Edmonton area—came out to hike the Middle Battle River from Duhamel. Some of us continued on as far as Fidler’s Monument.

Most of the trail was wooded, giving protection from the sun but not from the mosquitoes!

As we sang Happy Birthday to Darlene, the mosquitoes joined in the celebration by feasting on us…even though we’d put mosquito spray on before starting! How fortunate for the ones who had mosquito head nets. And then there were the few lucky hikers who don’t get itchy from mosquito bites. 

We enjoyed some respite from the mosquitoes when we hiked along the nice gravel pit pond, the gravel road to Fidler’s monument, and while we were eating our lunch at the landowner’s campground. However, the wasps joined some of us for lunch. 

Other natural life seen on this day included a big patch of toad-flax aka butter-and-eggs—a noxious weed in Alberta, as well as an edible mushroom, gaillardia, a snake, a rabbit, a frog, a squirrel and a blue heron.

Also, there were lots of raspberries. But, we didn’t sample many because the mosquitoes kept us moving along. On the return, some of us wanted to walk faster because of the mosquitoes. Peggy and Mary, who were very familiar with the trail, volunteered to stay with the slower ones. Thank you Peggy and Mary.

Thank you to everyone who came out, to trail maintenance for their outstanding work on clearing the trail, and to the landowners for their continued permission. You can find more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re hiking next.