Hikes

One thing you can say about our annual guided hike in Stoney Creek—no two hikes have been alike. This was especially true this year.

Eight people came out to Camrose for the experience. Because the city is remaking the ski trails on the other side of the creek, we were forced to stay on the right bank. And so we continued on the trail to the second train trestle. Crossing under the trestle, you enter Happy Valley—private land that is open to responsible visitors.

Happy Valley has surprises for all ages. What really appealed to our group was the antique car and the old tractor and wagon. They were easy to approach safely, and although they’re rusting, they are not decrepit and abandoned. They’re simply beautiful in their setting. The owner has put a lot of thought into their placement.

Another thing you can say about Stoney Creek—the area has the widest variety of plant life. There are species here that we’ve never found on any other part of the Waskahegan Trail, such as scarlet gaura, scarlet mallow, and a purple coneflower.

Thanks to Elizabeth for scouting and leading the hike and to the landowner of Happy Valley. You can see all the photos (there are over 40!) on Flickr.

Where we’re hiking next.

Sixteen people came out on a beautiful sunny day for a hike starting just north of where Pipestone Creek flows into Coal Lake. Eight people took the hike along Coal Lake, from the access north of the Water Treatment Plant, and northward to Hughston Stopover.

The other eight took a shorter hike in the Pipestone Creek Conservation Lands, an area owned and managed by Edmonton Area Land Trust (EALT).

The hikes were full of delights for both groups. The landscape is as rich and green as can be, due to all the rain of the last several weeks. Besides the variety of wildflowers at their peak, the ripening saskatoons are promising to be very succulent this year.

And then there were the oddities. A giant puffball, and a very long garter snake.

Flowers seen were heart-leafed Alexander, common pink wintergreen, flax, buttercups, Canada anemone, western wood lily, Canada violet, goatsbeard, wild rose, strawberries, and at least three patches of milkweed, the favourite food of monarch butterflies.

Thanks to Lee for scouting and leading the Coal Lake hike, to Grant for guiding the Pipestone hike, to Trail Maintenance and EALT for all their hard work, and to the landowners for their permissions and support.

You can find more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re hiking next.