Hikes

Fort Ethier – Bigstone Creek Hike

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Eleven brave souls came out to hike this popular but challenging hike. It was a hot day under a clear blue sky—a day that will be remembered as the beginning of a record-setting heat wave engulfing western Canada.

The trail is challenging enough for its many ups and downs. We were grateful that Trail Maintenance came through about 10 days before. They mowed a nice path along the planted fields and installed a lot of new rope to help us get up and down the slopes.

The trail has many scenic views, but also some nice surprises, including western wood lilies and a patch of yellow lady-slipper orchids.

  • Lady Slipper Orchid
  • Heart-leaved Alexander
  • Western Red Lily
  • Leafy Spurge

Other flowers seen today were Canada anemone, bunchberry, and a wild geranium.

Thanks to Lee for leading the hike and to Trail Maintenance for their fine work. You can find more photos on Flickr.

Ministik Bird Sanctuary Hike

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Nineteen people came out to hike in the always-popular Ministik Bird Sanctuary. We started at the Ball property, which is now managed by the Nature Conservancy. The vegetation was lush, green, and up close, with occasional breaks over boardwalks and at the lookouts over the ponds and lakes.

Exiting at the south edge of the property, we  crossed the road and continued on the University’s land on an old wide road. We stopped for lunch at the lookout on Williams Lake.

Flowers seen today include bluebells (Tall Lungwort), Coral Root Orchid, White Cockle, Pink Wintergreen, Canada Violet, Canada Anemone, Cow Parsnip, Cinquefoil, Twining Honeysuckle, Black Snakeroot, Spreading Dogbane, Meadow Rue, Beaked Hazelnut, and lots of wildrose bushes.

  • Cow Parsnip
  • Coral Root Orchid

Thanks to Lee for scouting and leading the hike. You can find all our photos on Flickr.