Dorothy invited our group to gather at her home. Each of us chose one of three walks: Ranching Country, Woodlands and Mountain Views.
To the south of Lower Springbank Road was the Alberta Ranch Habitat – Open Space Zone. Bright sun illuminated the rolling landscape from the grassy fields to the shining mountains. A classic barn and stood out in the verdant spring growth. Warmth and calm led us along the gravel road, leading to the homestead of the historic Colpitts Ranches , established in 1921. While no people were about, a horse in a far field heard us and in a curious, perhaps challenging pose. Birds twittered everywhere, yet we only saw a few – fluttering quickly from post to grass, keeping out of sight of a hawk soaring in the thermals.
With even more beautiful mountain views, fresh with new snow, Embankment Road led east out of the valley to the heights behind, a bit of unusual elevation. stunning photos almost captured themselves in the clear light of the skys dome. In the scattering of bushes and low trees, a posed momentarily, delighting the walkers.
those not afraid to get their boots muddy in the stream across the path. (As it happened, the stream was low and mud mostly dried.) Glades dappled by fluttering leaves lowered our eyes to the tiny scenes of nature. Happily, Dee had brought her cheerful dog, Toby, who bounced and ran – an unselfconscious source of laughter for all.
On a shady patch of Dorothys lawn, we spaced our lawn chairs and munched on sandwiches and her moist berry cake – glad for our time of community.
