It was just a perfect summer day as we enjoyed a laid-back walk along the lower Kananaskis River on our way to the annual Ramblers BBQ at the Opal picnic area.  Parking at the Barrier Lake visitor centre, we hiked first to the Canoe Meadows area and then to the Widow Maker area, enjoying grazing on just ripe, juicy Saskatoon berries at Canoe Meadows.  We had lunch high above the river.  We saw various viewing platforms and movable gates used for kayak races on the river.  After a coffee stop at the Delta Hotel in the Village we hit Highway 40 for an exciting wildlife sighting, as a large bear (possibly grizzly) bounded across the highway right in front of a large truck, which produced quite a cloud of smoke in the emergency braking operation.  On the return drive we saw four Bighorn rams near Baldy Mountain.  The BBQ was the perfect opportunity to catch up with many Rambler friends. 


Tom, Janet, Enrique, Gerry on viewing platform

Grazing on juicy Saskatoon berries at Canoe Meadows

Lunch on high banks above the Kananaskis River

The Widow Maker rapid on the Kananaskis River

Participants:  Gerry, Tom, Enrique, Janet and Carl, coordinator and scribe.