The kids, my mom, and myself packed a picnic lunch, and headed out for our adventure not knowing what to expect. We arrived early enough to enjoy a great hike, and lunch accompanied by (finally) sunny warm weather. First, we hiked the 2 1/2 KM loop which followed descending spring waterfalls, then we relaxed after the hike, by the creek, near the picnic area.
The history and nature of this place, can only summed up by saying..amazing! The entire valley was carved out from the ice age. The only remnants of the ice age are rocky outcroppings once used as buffalo jumps; and marshes, that are now home to a vast variety of migratory and local birds. Since the late 1800's Big Hill Springs, has been a favorite little picnic area for area locals. It was also the site of Alberta's first creamery, and a trout hatchery.
We also learnt a bit of geology. Tufa ( too-fa) is a porous rock formed as a deposit from springs or streams. These formations of rock were everywhere along our hike, as we ascended into the cool shade of the woods. The woods themselves, were filled with wild violets, Alberta wild roses, and wild strawberries in bloom. I kid you not, this place was beautiful!
Here are a few "highlights" which we compiled as we were relaxing in our backyard later today:
- Tufa's
- Water falls
- Sitting next to the creek at lunch
-abundance of wild flowers
- masses of mosquitoes ;)
- climbing the rocky outcrops
- the drive out and back ( we are still so green with all the rain)
- me, being pulled into the creek/waterfall by a hot dog...no injuries to report, just wet runners
So...I'd say, this was a great way to knock off one of our items on our Summer Bucket List. Nevertheless, this is definitely a place we would love to revisit and share with others another time. Enjoy the pictures of our day (and no...there are no pictures of me almost doing a face plant into the water with an overzealous dog)
No comments:
Post a Comment