Hikes

Twenty-three people came out to hike the trail in Ministik Bird Sanctuary from Spilstead Road south to Currie Pasture. For this hike, we were delighted to be joined by another avid hiking group, the Red Deer Ramblers. For most of them, it was a 2 hour drive. They hike every second week, often in David Thompson Country or beyond.

We had fine weather the whole day. The sun sparkling on the lakes made the views exceptionally interesting.

This was a hike we hadn’t done since 2016, so for almost everyone, it was a new event. We observed the rows of caragana trees while we were still in the sanctuary, evidence of an old homestead. Of course, we spent a lot of time at the old Marsh Mitchell cabin.

Next to the trail we found a nearly-intact deer skeleton, and next to it were pieces of hide in “winter coat” (i.e. thick and heavy) condition.

The flowers are just taking off. We saw early blue violets, Canada violets, saskatoons and chokecherries in bloom, and one bluebell.

Lunch was on the slope of the hill in Currie Pasture, overlooking the lake.

Thanks to Helen and Johanna for scouting and leading the hike, to our fellow hikers, Red Deer Ramblers, for coming out with us, to Trail Maintenance for the fine work, and to the landowners for their permissions. You can see all the photos on Flickr.

Where we’re hiking next.

Last week, 22 members came out for our annual late spring hike and barbecue at Wanisan Stopover. We started with a hike on the Waskahegan Trail past the beaver dams and almost up to the ungulate fence at the border of Blackfoot Recreation Area.

Coming back, we explored the blue trail all the way to its end point at the shore of Wanisan lake. This point gives you a totally different view of the lake—one that you can’t get from any other part of the trail.

The blue trail, which is marked by blue diamonds, is a short deviation that we often pass by—perhaps because we’re usually headed to a longer hike in the park. But it’s definitely worth taking, and we’re glad that Trail Maintenance keeps it in such good shape.

Thanks to Lee for scouting and leading the hike, to Scott for the fire, and to Trail Maintenance for the fine work on keeping the shelter and the trails in great shape. You can see all the photos on Flickr.