Ahhh wouldn’t it be nice to have a back forty? As a former country mouse turned town mouse I think about all the things I would do if I had a back forty. I’d ski, hike, forage, maybe even have time to plant an orchard. I just think how great my life would be, breathing the country air and living the country life. If only I had a back forty. Oh wait I do have a back forty, well not me personally but not far from my stoop is a provincial park just waiting to be explored. This town mouse can dump all the country chores and enjoy the outdoors straight up.
Way back at the beginning of December my tour guide Mr. F, took the fam on a hike of some of the trails near the gun range at the Eagle Point Provincial Park. It was a natural obstacle course. There were steep ravines, iced covered creek beds, log jams, all under a forested canopy surrounded by bird music. It wasn’t an orchard but it was a feast for the senses.
Back a few years ago the Eagle Point Blue Rapids Parks Council reclaimed some ATV trails in the area, they made heavily used ATV trails into a family friendly route they even installed several eye catching red bridges on creek crossings. These trails are just a few in a large network of trails in the area.
In the summer this area is a go to place for ATV activity but in the winter it is magic. The trails are not overly hiked so seeing anyone else is not impossible but it hasn’t happened yet. You are more likely to see a deer than a human.
These trails are not well marked and so to explain where we were would take gps coordinates. However it doesn’t really matter where we were exactly because the trails are unsigned and so the best way to become familiar is to just start exploring, and remembering where you are so you can find your way back to your car. Two landmarks that make orienteering a little easier is the river to the West and the Buck Creek road to the East.
If you head out to the Park I encourage you to frame your exceptions around the same principles that make a road trip so fun. 1. There is no specific destination 2. Slow down 3. Be spontaneous, with no map, let your curiosity be your trail guide 4. Stop, and check out anything cool that catches your eye 5. Be mindful on the journey.
Over the years the one thing I’ve learned to do is appreciate and learn about the small and up close vegetation and animals you will see. When you hike trails in our region you are not hiking for a destination as there aren’t waterfalls, or mountain sightings. So if it isn’t about the destination it is about the journey.
Along the journey you may encounter birch trees and you may wonder, “What are the health benefits of birch bark tea?” Or “Can I make pancake syrup out of birch tree sap?”. Turns out you can and birch bark has many health properties. You may wonder why the side of the tree facing the sun is a different colour than the North facing side? Getting curious and close to your surroundings on your hike elevates the interest level 100% and because you are not gunning for a destination you can dawdle and still have a good time.
On our back 40 hikes I always come home with more questions than I left with and each time I learn a little more. Journey hiking is a little micro adventure that doesn’t need upkeep, and is always there when you are ready to explore.
This town mouse does enjoy the amenities of living in an urban centre but whenever the country calls we look no further than our back 40.
Winter time at Buck Lake
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Try these DV100 training routes
Just beyond the western borders of Drayton Valley is a series of township roads and secondary highways that creates an amazing training ground for anyone looking to tackle the DV100, DV60 or the DV40, this September.
To market, to market: Shopping downtown Drayton Valley
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Tips for beginner mountain bikers
Rocks, berms, extreme pitches, however you slice it, mountain biking is not for the faint of heart. But with a little can-do attitude and grit it can become a fun pastime during any age or stage of life. This summer Rae and Bell decided that they wanted to try something new. Although they were no strangers to road cycling, the purchase of a e-mountain bike got them off the asphalt onto the trail.
Three trips for your winter wonder list
Snowshoeing is a fun way to get outside, stretch your legs and add a little interest to your snowy winter walks. With the Eagle Point Provincial Park and Provincial Recreation area right on our doorstep there are endless places to explore by snowshoe. But for those of you who are just getting started here are three of my favourite places to get you going.
The rugged and refined in Alder Flats
So I have been telling you to explore your backyard and check out places like Evansburg, Breton and Eagle Point Provincial Park. But what about Alder Flats? What the heck is there to do in Alder Flats? To answer this question I have visited Alder Flats five times since July to have a new experience, discover a new place and give you guys some actionable ideas.
