There was a lot of packing up to do after Christmas but I couldn't help but push it all aside and take advantage of the beautiful weather.  The tree and the ornaments could stay up another couple of days.  That decision allowed me the time to make two trips to Elk Island National Park.

The first was on New Year's Day.  What a great way to celebrate a new year.  I drove to the Amisk Wuche trail.  It is my favorite short hike, just 2.5km.  It winds through the forest, up hill and down.  It's a good work out if you are limited for time and a great snowshoe trail when there is lots of snow.  There was no need for the snowshoes this time as the few centimeters of snow on the trail was hard-packed. I did wear my hiking cleats to provide better traction. I love using them in winter and summer to provide more secure footing.

The parking lot is usually empty but I found five other vehicles there when I arrived.  It was nice to see others enjoying the fresh air and the sunshine. 

The sky was clear and the sun shone between the bare tree trunks, casting long shadows across the trail.  A light breeze rustled the dead leaves on the cat tails as I crossed the boardwalk.  Tracks in the snow criss-crossed the surface of the pond.  That open expanse of snow was telling me to bring snowshoes or skis on the next outing.

My hike was quieter than usual.  Most times I hear the chickadees or the blue jays.  I often hear the woodpeckers tapping at the snags in the forest but today was silent.  There was not a bird call to be heard.  When I stopped walking and stood to listen there was only silence.  It was pure bliss.

I chose a different trail for my second day out.  To get to the trail head, I had to drive past the parking lot at Astotin Lake.  A number of deer were grazing in the area of the beaver pond.  The bucks sported some nice looking antlers.  I had to shake my head as vehicles drove past; totally oblivious to the fact that these beautiful creatures were there.  Most passengers had their eyes glued to their mobile devices; missing what they probably wanted to see in the first place.

The Lakeview Trail winds through the forest on the north side of Astotin Lake for 3.5km.  Part of the trail runs along the shoreline.  Two people on their x-country skis were making their way across the lake surface.  It was another clear day with the sun shining brightly.  It was hard to believe that the temperature was +4C on January 2.


The snow on this trail was hard packed.  The hike was not as quiet as the previous day.  Squirrels chased each other up and down tree trunks; chattering back and forth.  A boreal chickadee called from a tall spruce.  Magpies squawked as I walked beneath the branch that they were perched on.  This trail offers three different locations where one can sit and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds along the way.  My favorite is the last one where three benches are situated beneath some towering spruce.

When I left the trail head I watched for the deer.  They were still in the same area but all were resting in the tall grass and the vehicles were still driving right on by.  On the drive out of the park I saw two coyotes loping across a snow-covered pond.  There were no bison or elk in sight. 

It was another glorious day and I was glad to be on the trails for two days in a row. I better pack up Christmas 2015 while it is dark out so when the next opportunity presents itself to enjoy the fresh air, I'll be ready.

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