Fourteen C hikers and guests started out early for our 8 km walk in sunny Nose Hill Park. Soon after starting on the paved path, leader Dee took us up a more rough and ready path that resembled a small mountain creek, because of the deluges we have had this spring and summer.
At first happy with trees, bushes and wild roses, we were ecstatic when, towards the south, we entered vast fields of wildflowers. Yellow Sweet Clover and purple each other in intersecting swathes. Single Gaillardia blooms were precursors to wide vistas of these distinctive flowers with their button centres. Pale Wild Geraniums, white Asters and mauve Harebells poked out along the pathways, and careful scrutiny revealed that some Wild Roses are white. The contrast of natural lands and the downtown cityscape in wide views reminded us of how lucky we are to have such a large and loved park so close to our homes.
The pond on top of Nose Hill was full of absolutely still water, perfectly reflecting a stand of trees and an old log – a wonderful scene for our morning break. At we settled into long fragrant grass in a small
shady grove. Just before and just after lunch, a few people left; the rest of us gladly walked along, enjoying the sunshine Suddenly, sharp eyes saw bright orange in the waving grassland – Western Wood Lilies! An exhilarating finale to our enchanting walk.
