Tag Archives: North Saskatchewan River

Perfect Summer Day

July 17, 2022

Gorgeous late afternoon walk with Tom through Whitemud Ravine North from Rainbow Valley Road to the river. We left at 3:30 to beat the heat and for the most part, it was not too bad (in the shade). Not even that hot compared to last year’s sweltering summer.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been in this part of Whitemud. For one thing, I was avoiding the green leafroller caterpillar infestation of June, and also, I have less time for walks like this, at least during the week. It was supposed to be my ‘Donna solo walk day’, but since we were going to Sharon’s, I invited him along and we both had a great time.

*The old utility bridge in Whitemud Ravine north*

Although the creek seemed low in places, the foliage was full on jungle. All the rain we got in May/June helped. We could use some rain again.

*Whitemud Ravine Creek looking rather sun-browned and bubbly*

24C/3:45-5:30 pm.

Meet Up in Hawrelak

February 20, 2021

Wow what a gorgeous day! It feels like spring.

Walked to an absolutely packed Hawrelak Park for a socially distanced but affectionately close weenie roast with Janna, Grace, Colleen, Lisa, and Kate. With the exception of Lisa (Colleen’s partner) and Barb, who was not there, these are the wonderful gals I spent my birthday with in Scottsdale in 2013.

The park was absolutely packed. I’m not sure if there was an event, but I think the combination of the warm weather, blue skies, and covid lockdown drove folks to the park, and particularly the lake (for skating). I’m glad I walked down there because there wasn’t a parking spot to be found.

*This was taken from a video, which I can’t seem to upload*

It was fantastic to see my friends again…in person. It takes a lot of coordination to share meals with people outside your bubble these days. Lots of separate containers, disinfectant and personal utensils, so thanks to Colleen and Lisa for the major set up, including the weenies and the fire.

The last couple of times I’ve been around a wood stove or bonfire, it starts out feeling great, but then later it’s like I’ve been in the backseat of a car with two heavy smokers (you know, like every car trip of my childhood). It takes 24 hours for me to lose that slightly sick feeling. I never used to be that sensitive to smoke, but I am now. Hopefully soon we will be able to gather indoors.

5C, 13,512 steps.

A Walk with Sharon and Stella

January 19, 2021

Nice walk with Sharon and Stella today in the newly reopened Whitemud Ravine north, east of the Snow Valley ski hill.

Sharon brought some seed for the chickadees, who happily obliged. Met Wayne, the resident birdwatcher in full camouflage taking photos of a pine grosbeak. Should have brought my binoculars.

Overcast but warm(ish).

November Sunset

November 15, 2020

A sunset walk to Tom’s and then back to my place. Beautiful skies, nice crunch underfoot.

The sun sets around 4:36 p.m. so if I’m walking to his place after work, or today (Sunday) I have to leave a little earlier than I would prefer. Gone are the days, at least for now, when I could leave at 5 or 5:30 in full daylight! This is the worst part of winter for me, the darkness. Well, the darkness and the ice.

Still, a lovely walk under clear(ish) skies and not too cold.

-6C, 4:15 to 5:30 pm.

Golden Gorgeousness

November 6, 2020

Yeah, I know I keep posting this particular scene at the old provincial museum, but I think it just really captures the season, whatever the season. Monet had his haystacks, I have this trail. Or something like that.

*Groat Road looking south, around 4:15 pm.*

I was out at lunch and it was cold and overcast. After work, it was cold and sunny, in a twilighty sort of way. This is probably the last snowless day for a long, long time. -1C.

Addendum to this post: we got about 25cm of snow between Saturday, November 7 to Monday, November the 9th. It’s full winter now. It happens just like that in this part of the world.

Lunchtime Walk

November 2, 2020

Beautiful lunch time walk today with Tom. I drove over and we walked his usual route from Glenora to MacKinnon Ravine and Laurier.

I could only go so far because I had to go back to work, but Tom carried on for another couple of hours. I went down into MacKinnon Ravine and was met with a damp, empty trail. It was a bit eerie. Once I got to the open part of the trail next to the river, there were more people.

The colour in the sky today, even though it was overcast, was quite Friedrichian – greys and yellows. Some blue sky but mostly a mottled grey.

13C, about 90 minutes.

Donna's River Valley

A Walker's Observations