For our August walk, we drove to Ralph and Tina’s place in Walnut Grove to drop off contributions for later. Then we carpooled to the start of the trail, at 96th Avenue and Billy Brown Road. It was a day when anyone with a convertible might put the top down — and one of our number did. Although there was some confusion as to the numbers, we are fairly sure the walkers totalled 15.

It was a perfect day for checking out the trails, pleasantly warm but a little overcast for the morning and early afternoon. Our leader, Jon, had described the walk as two squished loops. (This was later corrected to “a sort of dog bone shape.” The map will show you that neither description is borne out by the track. Suggestions for descriptions of the shape may be included in the comments, but there will be no prizes.)

The first section took us along the Salmon River Natural Area and through memory groves of trees. Depending on the area, these included Red Oaks, Garry Oaks, Sitka Spruces, Black Pines, Douglas-fir, Raywood Ash, Nootka Cypresses, and maples, with maps showing the dedications and donor names.

Our next section was along part of the Fort to Fort Trail. Luscious early blackberries were a feature of the landscape. Michael, Official Purveyor of Ripe Blackberries to the Loopers, was able to reach the best ones on the high branches and he dispensed them more generously than the image would suggest.

We then crossed the bridge to McMillan Island and walked through Brae Island Regional Park. Lunch break was on a section of beach looking out over the Fraser River to Albion. It was calm and scenic, although leaning on the opposite shore we could make out the remains of the McBarge, originally the floating McDonalds from Expo 86. 

Returning along a section of the beach was proposed, and even attempted — logs were scaled in athletic fashion — but there was mud, and our leader was wearing fine new walking sandals, so the regular path eventually won out. Speaking of the path, the group appreciated the very walkable trails with yielding surfaces. 

We returned to the bridge and stopped in Fort Langley to look at the CN station exhibit, complete with model railway, mannequins with railway uniforms, and displays showing the elegance of train journeys early in the past century. Then we took the simply named Back Trail that led us through some quiet streets of houses with verandas and flower-filled gardens. After a short section of trail, we were back at the cars.

We returned to Walnut Grove, stopping only for a train.

Section II of the day began back at Walnut Grove, where people relaxed and snacked (chilled cucumber! pistachio cheddar shortbread!). Jon lit the barbecue and took his accustomed place in front of it. Ralph played musical requests. The sun came out and sensible people set up chairs under the shade of the garden trees.

Chicken, roast beef, and impossible burgers were enjoyed with various sides. (Special recognition to Kathy, who drove a 100 km round trip to bring us noodle salad while not feeling well!)

And then a plethora of desserts appeared. Enough said. 

Well fed, we thanked our hosts and Chef Jon before dispersing to our various homes.

Photos: Angela, Diane, Jean, Jon, Michael