We had a lovely day in Peter Lougheed Park. The weather was mostly sunny, and temperatures ranged from -3 to +3, keeping the snow at a nice temperature.

Most of our route was off-trail, along a partially-open creek. Others had done this route earlier in the season, with a clear trail with 4-6 inches of snow covering the base most of the way. In the more open areas, snow drifts obscured the trail, making it a bit harder going. Thanks to Susan and especially Bill for trail breaking in these toughest areas.

Group at Marl Lake

We enjoyed the views and comfort of a bench for a late morning break at Marl Lake,


Teresa & Cynthia

Susan & Bill at Marl Lake

then carried on to William Watson Lodge where we enjoyed our lunch on its large sunny deck on a real table with comfy chairs.


Lunch on William Watson Lodge Deck

We decided to return on our same route.

Despite the great weather and snow conditions, we saw very few people – a couple of small groups of skiers on the trackset trails in the area and a couple of family groups and a couple of smaller groups of snowshoers in the Marl Lake area, including a pair of Ramblers out on their own short trip.

Thanks to Cynthia, Susan, Bill and Teresa for joining me Barb (c,p,s).