Thirteen people came out on a breezy and cool day under forecast of rain to hike the trail along Battle River westward to Schnee Hill.

As we were gathering at the trail head, we watched a pair of moose in the distance across the river, grazing casually.

Other animals we encountered today seemed just as laid-back.

Part-way along the trail, the path was disrupted with some recent tree-clearing work. But we were able to scramble around it.

We were almost at Schnee Hill when the light rain hit. Instead of exposing ourselves to the elements on the open hilltop, we decided to stay sheltered in the forest. We were happy to have our lunch on the long sturdy logs.

By the time we returned to our cars, the sky had cleared. Every one of us was glad that we came out, despite the prediction of dodgy weather, for the refreshing autumn walk.

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

Where we’re going next.

Fifteen people came out to hike the Ministik Bird Sanctuary. The weather was warm, dry, and perfect for outdoor walks. We are well past the season of wasps and ants.

It’s a unique treat to visit the muskeg area. We do it with great care, and only on the return, because the terrain is sensitive. Here we admired the variety of mosses and the ferns.

Most of the trail is narrow, which forced us to walk in single file as we skirted between ponds and small lakes. On this hike we went a little farther than usual for our lunch spot. We stopped at an open patch of tall dry grasses, and settled into it the way a large animal would—flattening the grasses into a comfy cushion.

The sunlight at this time of year is particularly golden. It makes everything glow.