Landowner Rights & Trail User Responsibilities

The Waskahegan Trail is a unique resource that exists only because of the generosity of landowners. Before you set foot on the trail:

  1. Know the landowner rights and the trail user responsibilities.
  2. Check the trail conditions

Stoney Creek Hike

by

Seventeen people came out to hike the full length of the Stoney Creek trail. The fine breezes made conditions perfect for walking through the McGhee Basin. We were not troubled by mosquitos in any way.

There are many instances of cactus here.

Down on the path, you have to look hard and tread carefully to avoid stepping on these.

And above us on the hills there are large patches of opuntia cactus just starting to bloom.

Here are some more unique wildflowers.

Gaillardia

We finished the hike by walking into town and carpooling the drivers back to their cars.

Thanks to Elizabeth for scouting and leading the hike, to the landowners for their continuing permissions, and to the municipality and sports groups of Camrose for keeping the trail in good condition. You can find more photos on Flickr.

Where we’re going next.

Coal Lake Hikes to Point Cooperation

by

In June, we had two hikes a week apart to Point Cooperation on Coal Lake. The landmark takes its name from Project Cooperation, a 1975 summer project funded by the Alberta provincial government and the Waskahegan Trail Association. In this project, a group of six 15- and 16-year olds cleared the section for the trail. The landmark is not marked except on the guidebook’s trail map, and in the heads of trail maintenance and hike leaders .

southern section
northern section

In the two recent hikes, we did not quite make it all the way. Both times, we had come to a wide open spot overlooking the lake, with warm sun, gentle breezes, and views of pelicans. We decided it would be just fine to have our lunches there. Perhaps next year we will go all the way.

A highlight of the first hike, which started at Kjorlein Corner, was the Yellow Lady Slipper Orchid. It was in an open field overlooking the trail.

This particular plant had blooms that were larger than usual, which may be a sign of ideal growing conditions.

On the second hike, which went from north to south starting at a road allowance, we encountered patches of wild strawberries and lots of saskatoons just coming into ripeness. It looks like it will be a great year for berries.

Thanks to Johanna for scouting and leading these hikes, to trail maintenance for all their hard work, and to the landowners for their generous permissions. You can find more photos on Flickr (June 22
 and June 29),

southern section hikers
northern section hikers

Where we’re going next.