What an exceptional weekend! John headed out early to secure a spot at the ever popular Elkwood Campground. He ended up being in one of two sites occupied that Thursday night. We thank him for the effort in finding a most enjoyable site. After the closing assembly at Emily and Gabrielle’s school the remaining Veenstra family members headed out and were welcomed by Darryl Darwent and John at campsite #89 (not 29 or 45). The camping weekend began with a great meal and as every camping weekend should, a rousing interpretive show on the Park’s birds (Gabrielle contributing as one of the osprey chicks) and smores by the fire.
We were joined by our fellow hikers, Ruby and Dick Klumpenhower the next morning at the campsite. The hike we decided on was Rawson Lake, familiar to all group members except Darryl. This spectacular, fairly vertical hike (2 km) leads to a wonderfully peaceful lake, and in this early season, snow covered the trails at the top. 
To our great surprise and delight, near the beginning of the hike Edith heard her name being called by another hiker and was greeted by Cheryl Barnard (Emily’s Grade 7 teacher). She had planned on joining us at the campground but after navigating unfamiliar roads to arrive in Kananaskis and not remembering the site #, she also chose Rawson Lake Trail to do solo! By God’s hand we met at the start of the hike and were able to enjoy the day together. With the help of our 2 way radio game, we climbed to trails end and enjoyed our feast at the the side of the lake gazing at the spectacular view. At day’s end, we gathered around the campsite and shared a great meal and humorous conversation. Sunday brought yet another sunny day and Starbuck’s coffee once again. The weekend was capped by a scoop of ice cream from the Boulton Creek Camp store. This weekend kindled the excitement for yet more adventures to come this summer!
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This is a wonderful webpage and I enjoy
all of the beautiful pictures! I really
love going hiking, especially when I am
with this group of people!
Emily
Comment by Emily Veenstra July 9, 2007 @ 8:02 pmI think one thing that was remarkable about this hike is the look-back. That is the moment when you return to the parking lot, and you look back to where you have been. In this case when I peered up at the ridge that I knew we had crossed there and back, in the shadow of a snow-covered Mt. Sarrail, I was in awe. Not of my own achievement. But, that we had been there, and no matter how many times we returned, it would always be different. I don”t know how much sense that makes to anyone else. However, I owe it to the glory of God for creating such a special place, and providing me with the event of getting there and back again, and lastly, to treasure it.
Darryl
Comment by godsgreenearthhikers July 10, 2007 @ 12:39 amWow – some fantastic pictures and great commentary… quite amusing I must say. I was glad to join you guys that day and hope to join you again! Tried a hike in Waterton yesterday and came upon three bears only 2m away! Yikes. That was a fast backtrack to the parking lot! Thanks again for welcoming me and the great great hike. It does give you a sense of awe doesn’t it – the Master – the Creator of the Universe – and such spectacular scenery – Loves ME – knows the number of strands of hair on my head, and delights in me.
Comment by Cheryl July 11, 2007 @ 4:44 am