Waskahegan Trail Association

Twelve people came out to hike Coal Lake under a clear blue sky. Starting at Kjorlein Corner, the group walked south on the freshly groomed trail along the lake and through sections of lush forest and meadows.

The day was probably the hottest we’ve had all summer. As we approached lunchtime, we decided not to push ourselves to go the extra kilometer to our targeted spot. Instead, we stopped at a pleasant breezy setting overlooking the lake and its bobbing pelicans.

So nice to be in the country for a day.

Many thanks to Lee for leading the hike and to trail maintenance for getting the trail in shape. You can see more photos on Flickr.

We have a standing item in our calendar to ensure we hike Stoney Creek every mid-July. That’s when the prickly pear cactus is in bloom. This species is normally confined to southern Alberta, but it finds a perfect home on the slopes of the hoodoos in the McGhee Basin.

This year, we were provided with an extra amount of rain which created a showy abundance of many other kinds of wildflowers, some rarely seen. Nineteen people came out to step around the puddles, explore the field and hillsides, and enjoy great conversation and camaraderie.

Thanks to Elizabeth and Gerry for leading the hike and providing so much fascinating detail on the flowers. You can see more photos on Flickr.