The C Hikers met at Elliston Park under gathering dark clouds. As Wendy remarked, a few chinks of blue sky shone through. Our mood was cheery when Sylvia led us part way around Elliston Lake, up to 17 Avenue, and onto the Calgary Greenway. Spreading out along the groomed path, we found our pace. Because this part of the Greenway is along Stoney Trail, we had the weird sensation of looking one way to see thundering goods trucks and the other way to see the wildness of our prairie landscape.
As the route moved slightly up hill and down, wildflowers took over from long grasses. Goldenrod and Vetch spread in broad swathes, a background for Oxeye Daisies and Yellow Toadflax. Red and white clover formed a natural herbaceous border. Rusty red Dockleaf spears poked their accents above the spectacular displays. This part of the Greenway was built on disturbed land, attracting flowers that elsewhere would be considered weeds. Some Wild Roses and cattail reeds flourished amongst their less reputable neighbours.
Returning to the park, we strolled around the rest of the Lake. Although at first we walked close to the shore, Calgarys frequent thunderstorms had raised the Lakes level over the path,
fulfilling its role as a Startled by having to climb up a significant hill, we rejoiced in the sudden embrace of woodlands. Finally, out in the open we had a magnificent view of the park and the lake - an excellent place for lunch.
