Waskahegan Trail Association

Nine people came out to Kopp Lake to hike the oldest section in the Waskahegan Trail system.

The weather was perfect. At the beginning, it was still quite wet from yesterday’s rain; we needed to watch those slippery roots on the path, but by the time we got to our lunch stop we could sit comfortably in the dry grass. Lots of raspberries along the way.

We did not see the bear that is apparently in the area, but that was probably its scat along the path.

It was great to have one of our guests identify some of the bird calls, especially the elusive Sora (Porzana carolina). There are obviously quite a few along this lake shore.

Thanks to Ilona for the notes and photos. You can view more photos on Flickr.

The ongoing heat wave was no obstacle for the six people who came out to hike the forest trail along the Battle River. The old trees provided a welcome canopy against the beating sun, and we found pockets of cool breezes in between pockets of humidity and mosquitos.

One of the few open areas on this trail is at the top of the land, above the forest. Here is a large pond that has filled in what was once a gravel pit.

This trail had not been used in a few years, and clearing it took some effort. You can read about how a small crew cut through a fallen tree that was more than 100 years old and see the photos here.

The rest of the trail maintenance—mowing, clipping, signing—took place on Saturday with 9 people just the day before the hike.

Lunch was at the Ross Flats Campground (what we used to call Duhamel Campground).

Here we are with the ancient tree. There are more photos on Flickr.