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Rocky Mountain Ramblers Association

Trip Report
Trip Date:
14-Nov-2021
Activity:
Trail hike
Trip name:
Merlin View loop
Coordinator:
Ron
Report:

Despite the forecast of overnight snow there was little to be seen on the drive or in the West Bragg parking lot. It was similar for the trails:




The snowiest part of the trail (Braggin' Rights)

It did look blustery to the west beyond Moose Mountain but we had some sun and the serious clouds did not advance eastwards. Bike traffic and a few trail runners were present, taking a late season opportunity to enjoy dry trails. We continued to the end of Merlin View where the wind started to pick up and then continued a short ways along Kestrel to the viewpoint:



Carl & Carolyn just below the high point on Kestrel trail

It was a little too breezy there so we went around the corner in shelter behind some trees but still had a view eastwards towards Calgary. While ensconced on some log seating, Barb spotted a flashing movement that was quickly identified:



weasel ready for winter

It put on quite a show for us, running across logs in front of us from right to left and then coming back from left to right. We thought the show was over, but a few minutes later it entered from stage left and did another speedy traverse to disappear to our right. The weasel will be ready for winter if it snows as forecast tonight.

We returned on the north side of the loop and it was so pleasant in the sun that we took time to stop at the stone bench for some lolling about before finishing the trek back to the parking lot.

Thanks to an enjoyable group of participants for making it a great day: Ron C/S/P, Barbara, Carl, Douglas and Carolyn (ermine photo).
Put cursor on picture below and click at the bottom to start the video: