West Battle Hike to Schnee Hill via A58

Seven hikers enjoyed a hike that began on the heights overlooking the Gwynne Valley above Pipestone Creek, led down to the banks of the Battle River and then up again, to the heights overlooking the Battle River.

Battle River Valley

early blue violets
Early Blue Violets

We were accompanied by blue skies and a fairly constant wind that kept mosquitoes and other small flying creatures at bay. We passed spring flowers in bloom, including buffalo beans, crocus, and violets.

We were lucky to see an eagle circling overhead. One of the hikers recalled that eagles were spotted in the same area last year.

On the way back, the crashing of undergrowth alerted us to spot the back of a deer disappearing into the woods.

A thank you to the maintenance crew that prepared the trail last Wednesday and to the landowners who graciously allow us to walk on and share in the beauty of their land.

Photos by Irene Malcolm. You can view them all on Flickr.

Waskahegan Hikers

Waskahegan Family Members Find Adventure on East Battle River

The guided hike last Sunday was at East Battle River and Rest and Be Thankful Hill, following the first Trail Maintenance of the season.

Just one day before the hike, Waskahegan member Ryan Mannear took advantage of the newly-cleared trail with his son.

Ryan reported back as follows:

Hey Guys,

I just hiked that section from highway 21 to Rest Hill.  My son and I just had to walk the ditch past the water and pop in on the north end of the valley 🙂
Saw 2 snakes, 8 Deer and a muskrat 🙂

Photo by Ryan Mannear

And this guy

Photo by Ryan Mannear

What a great a memory this will be for father and son Mannear. Thanks, Ryan for passing on these photos.