ESTON BOAT LAUNCH 2026 02 10

 Although the skies were gray, seven happy hikers joined the parade down the snowmachine trail to Esten Lake boat launch.  Along the way, one lonely bird chirped and we didn't even see it so we counted 0 - zero!! - wildlife sightings!   However, the conversation kept us moving at a great pace ( contrary to the usual, in my experience ) and in a seeming blink of an eye, we had arrived so it was decided to push on a little farther.  The return trip had it's own contrariness:  conversation STOPPED when we stopped walking  & ...the return trip felt LONGER than the going in!  Despite the overcast day and a feeling that we did, indeed, get a bit of a workout, I think we all would agree that the time spent out in the fresh air with friends made for a PERFECT morning!

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Camp Thompson from Stanrock Road 2026 02 09

 Despite the overcast skies and a brisk wind, five CdeB hikers enjoyed a couple of hours of conversation, laughs and exercise.  Ruth had us all identifying shapes in the snow that clung to the trees and branches around us (can you see the bird in the tree?). 

A variety of animal tracks criss-crossed the trail.  We saw evidence of a healthy rabbit population when we were breaking trail along the small lake on our return to the trailhead.

A little over 2 hours with a short break by the pavilion at Camp Thompson. Beautiful. 

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WINTERFEST FEBURARY 2026

 Thank you so much to all the volunteers who came out to help in this frigid weather.  You are the best!!!

Snowshoe Trail 2026 02 03

 A good group of eight properly packed the "snowshoe trail". We had a satisfying hike.

Go enjoy 

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Sheriff Lake 2026 02 03

Mild temperatures and high humidity made for a and gorgeous freezing fog on tree branches and evergreen boughs.

Groundhog Day was certainly extra special for 11 hikers this am. No snowshoes were needed as we were on the well trodden walking trails from Milliken Minesite to Sherriff Lake.

So many beautiful sights as we started out through the poplar and birches.  Shutterbugs were out in full force to capture the stark beauty.  With every gentle breeze the frost crystals were blown off the tree tops. It felt like we had our own private snowstorm ,  at times.

Otter and fox, squirrel and mice had been out in the fresh snow.

All was calm, almost meditative, as we made our way from the shoreline of Sherriff Lake and back to the main road to our cars. We soon were jarred out of our reverie by the loud whine and engine revs of 7 snowmobiles. 

The snowmobilers  were taking turns driving up a steep hill to the road on which we were walking!!. They saw us waving our arms and our hiking poles. They stopped at the bottom and sat waiting for us to pass! 

Wow.... That excavation was from  a huge gravel pit that the mine used to make roads.

 The two red 

"Danger Excavation Area 

No Trespassing" 

 served as  another clue for the hazard  in that area. 

The smell of the gasoline and oil  hung in the air for a while   as we left the area.

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John Guy's Sunday Hike 2026 02 02

 It was a spectacular day for a nice snowshoe hike. good turnout.

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SUNDAY HIKE 2026 02 01

 Jean Guy will be leading a hike on Sunday, Feb 01. Meet at the bank for 12:30. The hike will be on an old power line off of Denison Mine Rd. This is not on mine property. Gonna be a beautiful day. Snowshoes are a must as the trail has not been broken. The plan is to snowshoe for an hour, have a break and return.

Thursday hike cancelled

 Due to low temps and frigid windchill factors, the Thursday Jan. 29, 2026 regular hike is cancelled.

PORCUPINE 2026 01 27

 

2:03 PM (4 hours ago)

Lower porcupine trail

Cold but doable 

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BURLEY PARK AND BEYOND 2026 01 26

 Burley Park and Beyond

Despite the chilly start to the hike, the sun was shining on three CdeB hikers out to enjoy the trails.  

We left the Burley Park and followed snow machine trails that led us to ATV2. The sun was warm, no wind to chill us, and the trail was well packed. The scenery was beautiful. Signs of otters on both sides of the trail, as well as larger animal tracks. 

We were back in under 2 hours, and very happy that we came out despite the cool temperatures at the start of our hike. 

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