Last week, 22 members came out for our annual late spring hike and barbecue at Wanisan Stopover. We started with a hike on the Waskahegan Trail past the beaver dams and almost up to the ungulate fence at the border of Blackfoot Recreation Area.

Coming back, we explored the blue trail all the way to its end point at the shore of Wanisan lake. This point gives you a totally different view of the lake—one that you can’t get from any other part of the trail.

The blue trail, which is marked by blue diamonds, is a short deviation that we often pass by—perhaps because we’re usually headed to a longer hike in the park. But it’s definitely worth taking, and we’re glad that Trail Maintenance keeps it in such good shape.

Thanks to Lee for scouting and leading the hike, to Scott for the fire, and to Trail Maintenance for the fine work on keeping the shelter and the trails in great shape. You can see all the photos on Flickr.

Twenty-three people came out to hike the Ministik Bird Sanctuary to Horseshoe Lake. It’s a very popular hike: the path is wide and easy to walk and it winds between gentle forests, ponds, and lakes.

Spring is especially beautiful here—with the trees still mostly leafless, the views are wide open. And the frogs never stop croaking…

where you could get up close to interesting plants like these…

Thanks to Helen for scouting and leading the hike. You can find these photos and more on Flickr.