Eleven intrepid ramblers decided that no heat would stand in their way as they set off on an adventurous trail along the shores of Purden Lake! The sun was blazing, but one wise rambler had a thermometer stashed in her pack, and it ticked up to 29 degrees Celsius. Thankfully, we caught glimpses of refreshing breeze that kept us cool throughout our journey.

What a magnificent day for hiking! The trail was in pristine condition—no fallen trees to trip over, and lucky us, the far end had been recently cleared just a week prior. We were also pleasantly surprised by the low mosquito count; maybe it was simply too hot even for them!

Exciting news: two new benches have been installed along the path, adding to the comfort of our hike. And at the trail's end, we found a handy pit toilet, ensuring our journey was smooth sailing all the way.

Our adventure covered approximately 13 kilometers, but it felt like a breeze thanks to the scenic views and the thrill of discovery. Along the way, we spotted an array of wildflowers—some familiar, some still a mystery to us. The skunk cabbage was colossal!

Nature's creatures made appearances too: frogs leaped from lily pads, minnows darted through the shallow waters, and even tiny water beetles scurried by. A section of the lake along the trail seemed to be in a pollen party, with the air thick with floral dust.

Our lunch spot was a delightful discovery, where the cool water felt heavenly on our feet. The panoramic view made it hard to leave! Some brave souls even ventured for a refreshing swim once we returned.

A huge thank you to Sylvia for leading us on this enchanting hike and making it possible. Your invaluable volunteering is truly appreciated!

Photos submitted by Shelley Mitchell.