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~ For people who are passionate about respecting the earth, walking in nature, observing wildlife, local diet, making do, repurposing, organic gardening, foraging for wild plants and fungi, natural health, scrumptious healthy cooking, renovations, DIY, crafting, raising children simply and mindfully, taking time for stillness, and living in harmony with the seasons.

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Category Archives: Pigeon Lake

A brief history of our cabin—built by Gerald and Miriam Hutchinson, and its’ unique relationship to Rundle Mission on Pigeon Lake, Alberta

06 Thursday Jan 2022

Posted by Delena Rose in lake living, local events, Pigeon Lake

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Alberta, cabinorganic, Gerald Hutchinson, Mission Beach, Pigeon Lake, Rundle Mission

I remember the very first time I visited this cabin. It was mid-August 2010. I had recently left my old life in the city behind and was now in search of a new home “in the bush.” I spent many days searching, driving down quiet country roads off the beaten path just waiting for that special gut feeling when I’d know that I had found it. I had explained to a realtor that I was looking for a secluded property surrounded by wilderness and was annoyed with him when he announced that he was showing me yet another cabin on Pigeon Lake. The last time we were out here he had shown me a tiny clapboard cabin on a property the size of a postage stamp with neighbors just a few feet away on both sides. Oh yes, and an asking price that was double my budget. I reminded him that I was not looking for a lake property and that Pigeon Lake was far too expensive for me.

“This one is different.” He replied as he drove us toward the lake.  “It’s a special property. You have to at least take a look.”

We pulled up to a large pan-abode cedar cabin with a huge stone chimney. It was beautiful but my eyes were drawn to the woods beyond it. I got out of the realtor’s car and the first words out of my mouth were, “Show me the land.”

The owner, Terry, was there and I was happy that he was available to answer all of my many questions. As we walked through the property and cabin he told story after story of the local history here and the significance of this special place.

In the 1940s the Freiman’s owned and operated a mill here and many homes built in the city of Leduc (40 minutes away) were built with lumber from this very mill.

But here is where the stories got really interesting. Forty years ago, Reverend Dr. Gerald Hutchinson and his wife, Miriam, retired, bought this land from the Freiman’s, and built this cabin here. Hutchinson had worked in the area as a United Minister since 1949. Being of a deeply curious nature, he had asked the simple question, “Why is this area called Mission Beach?” No one around here really knew the full story and so he spent the next fifty years of his life researching the early contact between the local Aboriginal peoples and Protestant missionaries.

He was particularly interested in Reverend Robert Rundle, chaplain to the Hudson’s Bay Company at Fort Edmonton. Rundle started a mission here with the First Nations people of this area in 1840. Having lived in Banff when I was younger, I was familiar with the famous and picturesque Mount Rundle and was surprised that a man who had had a mountain named after him in the Rockies had also spent time working with Aboriginal peoples, helping them farm the land, right here on the shore of Pigeon Lake. 

For Rundle the good news was showing somebody that they could plant seeds and grow food. He longed for a place to do this. He couldn’t get permission to proceed with that plan because of tensions developing beween James Evans, who was Rundle’s superintendent, and the Company. And as long as Evans was involved, little else would happen in terms of missions. It was only after Evans died in 1846 that the Company would say”okay” [to a mission outside of Company houses]. They sent an assistant out to work with Rundle and in turn, Rundle chose this place to begin the practice of agriculture in this region.

~Gerald Hutchinson, A Mission on Grey Wooded Soil

Very little was known about Rundle and so Hutchinson knocked on doors speaking with local peoples. Then he and Miriam travelled to England and Australia gathering fragments and piecing together the stories and history of Rundle and the time he spent here on Pigeon Lake. He wrote and published three books on this findings, including The Rundle Journals, 1977; The Meeting Place, 1990; and A Mission on Wooded Soil, 2009.

In 1956, he established the Rundle’s Mission Society and two years later, the Rundle’s Mission Lodge was built just a few minutes’ walk up the road from here. In 1965, the Mission was formally recognized as a National Historical Monument. 

In his university days, Hutchinson had studied agriculture at Olds College. Having grown up on a farm in Duhamel, Alberta, he had a lifelong passion for the grey wooded soil of this area as well as a deep desire to help the farmers and Aboriginal peoples who lived on this land. Gerald and Miriam lived here in this cabin for thirty years until Miriam needed to be closer to the city for medical reasons. They sold this property to Terry who was a close friend and board member at the Rundle Mission Society. He and his family had owned it for ten years but were now moving west and wanting to sell it to the right person.

The property for sale was only 1.7 acres but it was backing onto 150 acres of protected land (220 acres in total if you count land across a highway), which were donated by Gerald and Miriam to the Conservancy of Canada.

As we continued to walk the land and tour the cabin things just felt right. I loved everything about this place, the ramshackle greenhouse made of reclaimed window panes, the huge slabs of stone and petrified wood that Rev. Hutchinson had singlehandedly hauled back from Jasper on a homemade wooden trailer behind his Volkswagen Beetle, the botanical fossils in the grand fireplace, and all of the other interesting rocks that he left behind here. I loved the eleven huge spruce trees (I call them “Grandmothers and Grandfathers”) who stand in a protective line behind the cabin (Miriam made Terry promise that he would never cut those down) and the way that the property was so interesting with its sloped land and the absence of any straight lines. I love the way the property was edged by two small canyons and surrounded on three sides by the protected land and the lake on the other side (across the road and behind some trees).  

As Terry and I talked, I shared my Metis background, that I also was a writer, educator, and gardener; and that I also had a deep love of the land. Terry was warm and friendly but as I was leaving he let me know that his asking price was firm and that he could not go a penny less. My best possible offer was considerably lower and I was amazed when it was accepted! Terry told me later that he knew I was “the one” the moment I got out of the car and said, “Show me the land.” He really could not imagine selling Gerry’s cabin and land to someone who was just looking for a recreational lake property and said that he had actually turned down a few offers already. After spending time with me he knew that I would love Gerry and Miriam’s cabin and land as much as they did and that I would take very good care of it. He also thought it was right that after all of the work Gerry had done with Aboriginal peoples that this place would now be owned by a Metis woman who could appreciate the scope and significance of Gerry’s work.

Six weeks later, on September 30th, I finally took possession of the cabin and arrived in the late afternoon with the key and a U-Haul truck full of my possessions. The sun was shining brightly and it was as hot as a summer day despite being early Autumn. The sky was a vivid blue and the trees had all gone bright yellow and orange. A breeze was teasing the leaves out of the trees and they fell like a gentle, swirling rain. I sat alone on the front deck of this beautiful cabin watching the indescribable beauty of the falling leaves for a long time. The beauty of surrender, letting go…  I realized that I was in a mild state of shock and not fully able to understand how it was possible that I was even sitting here… That after waiting for years—decades—in the city that this gorgeous cabin and land were my new home… 

As I continued to sit and marvel at the beauty of the falling leaves the sun began to sink lower in the sky. Suddenly the light shifted and everything was now bathed in a rich golden light. The sky was now golden, my bare arms and legs looked golden, I am sure that my red hair must have looked like it was on fire, and the leaves that continued to fall and swirl were also pure gold. A few landed on me and I did not brush them away, but instead, completely surrendered to the medicine and magic of this place. 

I spent that first night sleeping on an air mattress in the living room. When I awoke I opened the living room curtains and was amazed to see a huge Great Horned Owl sitting on the arbor about 15 feet away. I held my breath as I watched it for a few minutes, then it swooped down to the base of a large apple tree where it effortlessly caught a mouse and then flew away. A few days later I saw the owl again in the back yard. 

A year later, I had the honour of having Gerry, his son, Ken, and Ken’s late wife, Jean, over for a visit here. We also attended his huge 100th birthday party at the Mission where he gave a delightful speech and received a plaque from the Queen. 

Rev. Dr. Gerald Hutchinson passed away a year later on April 14, 2015 (Miriam passed away in 2010 at 94 years of age). Gerry and Miriam’s ashes were mingled and their gravestone in Fisherton Community Cemetery located behind Rundle Mission reads, Together forever in the land they loved. 

What you may not know, is that a small portion of their ashes were reserved and sprinkled under a patch of wild blueberries at the edge of this property by their three children, Ken, Beth and Rob. Nowhere on earth will you find blueberries that taste quite like this. They are shockingly sweet, grow in wooded soil, and belong to this land.

This is my tenth year of living in this cabin and I never forget that I am living in a very special place with a very special story. Although I am 50 years old now the stories of this place never grow old. My son (who also attended Gerald’s 100th birthday party as a baby) is eight years old and he loves living here. He can show you on a globe the exact location of Pigeon Lake, Alberta (he once claimed he could see our cabin on the globe). As he grows, I tell him the story of two very special people, Gerald and Miriam Hutchinson, and how they dedicated their lives to telling the story of this area of Pigeon Lake, our tiny spot on the globe, known as Mission Beach.

Click here for more information on Rundle Mission on Pigeon Lake, Alberta.

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A magical evening spent with Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides—a fundraising event with the Pigeon Lake Watershed Association

02 Sunday Jan 2022

Posted by Delena Rose in Pigeon Lake

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Tags

horse drawn rides, horses, New Years, New Years fun, Pigeon Lake, pigeon lake events, pigeon lake wagon rides, pigeon lake watershed association, wagon rides, winter, winter fun

Yesterday evening, we enjoyed the first day of the year in a magical way—on a sleigh ride, through the woods, in the dark, through miles (and miles— two exactly) of twinkling Christmas lights.

The sleigh ride event was offered by the Pigeon Lake Watershed Association who partnered with Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides as a fundraising event to support programs for a healthy lake and watershed. We were gifted with tickets by some good friends (Thank you!) and we made a donation to the Association to add to the fundraising pot. We were very excited! Although we had been on a handful of wagon rides (usually at the Village during Christmas or on visits to Fort Edmonton Park) we had never been on a sleigh ride through the snow.

The weather miraculously cooperated. After extreme cold warnings for over a week (-40*C with windchill) it suddenly warmed up to 8*C that evening! We dressed warm up for the 30-minute ride and when we arrived, we were greeted by Catherine (of the PLWA) with hot chocolate and a cozy fire.

The ride was truly magical. That really is the best word to describe it. Maybe because it was the first day of the New Year filled with promises of new adventures… Maybe because it was dark and the fire and Christmas lights glowed so brightly… Maybe because the ride was long enough that you felt immersed in the nocturnal world of the woods… Or maybe it was that hit of Baileys in the hot chocolate combined with the heady scent of horse and hay…

Regardless, Pete and Tug (two extremely large and handsome Belgian horses) pulled our heavy sleigh through the deep snow like we were feathers. Our teamster, Rus, made sure we all were comfortable and kept us laughing. He also gave Chayton (eight years old) a few impromptu lessons on how to be a teamster, letting him hold the reigns, steer, and even stopping and starting the horses. “Step up!”  (That was an experience Chayton will always remember! Thank you, Rus!) A handful of small downhills on the trail made Chayton scream with delight (“We’re on a rollercoaster!!!”) and he enjoyed trying to touch the miles of strings of Christmas lights, which were always just out of reach.

Click here to see a video of the Christmas Light Night Ride on the Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides website.

Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides has been serving central Aberta for over 5 years. Owned and operated by Mike Patterson and Karen Sterling, they offer many services throughout the year, including:

  • Christmas Light Night Ride
  • Daytime Sleigh Ride
  • Birthday Party Wagon Ride
  • Romantic Ride
  • Fireside Roast
  • Weddings
  • Photography (in partnership with Sterling Photography and Marketing)

They have a variety of wagons and sleighs, including a carriage, oak wagon, hitch wagon, bobsled, and sleigh (comfortable seating up to 3 passengers).

They also offer Horsemanship and Pony Exposure. 

“Our little teams of miniature horses are quiet and gentle. They provide to opportunity to learn about horses. Pony Exposure allows you to handle these little guys in a fun and less intimating way then the big horses. Highly recommended for people of all ages.”

~Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides

Located close to Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, include Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides in your travel plans. Come out for the day and enjoy the horses and our beautiful Pigeon Lake Watershed!

My mission is to help folks create lasting memories with the use of my horses and the beautiful province we live in. 

~Michael Patterson

Thank you to Michael for taking the picture of us last night (we forgot to bring our phone). Also, all photos on this page have been “borrowed” from the Pigeon Lake Horse Drawn Rides website (it was dark when we were there). Please visit their website for more excellent photos and video!

For more information, please contact Michael and Karen through the contact form on their website https://www.albertahorsedrawnrides.com or call 780-878-1054.

Pigeon Lake Watershed Association (PLWA) is a charitable, not-for-profit environmental advocacy group made up of people who live, work and play in Pigeon Lake and its watershed. Our mission is to enhance, preserve and protect Pigeon Lake and its watershed as a healthy and environmentally sustainable ecosystem for current and future generations.

https://www.plwa.ca

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learning to skate on the lake

16 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by Delena Rose in family, lake living, more about us, Pigeon Lake, winter fun

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boy skating, ice, lake ice, learning to skate, skating on ice, skating on lake ice, sled on ice

IMG_0680.jpg

In case you missed this post, click here to read it on red feather smooth stone.

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a cache for Mitch and Erin

26 Saturday Jan 2013

Posted by Delena Rose in cabin living, handmade, make it, Pigeon Lake

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Band Aides, bug spray, cache, camo paint can, carabiners, fort, geocache, Gorilla Glue, paint can project, spray paint, sunblock, survival kit, work gloves

camo paint can11

Over Christmas holidays I went sledding two days in a row with my favorite lake family. On the second day, we spent four fun-filled hours vigorously sledding through Battle River territory, through a beautiful canyon and up  what we call “Battle Mountain”. When we reach the top of the mountain and were taking a break to enjoy the view, one of the men started talking about the cache that was hidden there. I had no idea what a cache was, so one of the girls crawled under a large spruce tree and came out with a metal box, looking a hundred years old and painted in ‘camo’ colors. Apparently geocaching is a very popular sport among people who love treasure hunts and who regularly travel through wilderness areas around the globe via sleds, quads, jeeps, skis, horseback, by foot, etc.  One is given the geographic coordinates of the cache and then must use all of their orientation skills (and/or a good GPS) to find the hidden cache. Once you find the cache, you can open it and can take anything out of it as long as you leave something of equal or greater value. (Our cache had a few hot wheel cars still in the packaging and a cigarette in a ziplock bag.) Of course the main reward is the satisfaction of the finding.

I loved the idea of a cache hidden away with treasures stored within… I had already begun Christmas shopping for little gifts for Mitch and Erin, mainly for practical things that they can use at their fort. I decided to create a cache tin for each of them to hide at the fort. That way they can store their treasures and supplies in a way that is safe from weather and animals, and is easily hidden.

I started with a brand new, empty paint can. You can buy these in a variety of sizes at your local hardware store for under $5 in the paint section. I also bought 3 different colors of ‘camo’ Tremclad (for metal) spray paint. I began with a few coats of the light green.

camo paint can

As it is winter, I had to do this project indoors in my craft room. To minimize the vapors, I sprayed each can in it’s own cardboard box. Instead of a stencil, I randomly cut out small rounded shapes out of newspaper and taped this around each paint can. I also used a round piece for the top.
camo paint can1
I repeated the same process using the light beige paint and then the dark brown. Then I stenciled their first names on the can using a bright red Tremclad paint (for metal).
camo paint can2
camo paint can3
The fun part was filling and sealing the cans!
camo paint can8
Both cans contained OFF bug spray, Band-Aids, sunblock and hand sanitizer.
camo paint can5
Mitch’s can contained work gloves, a variety of carabiners, a paint brush, Gorilla Glue, a sanding block, a small clamp, padlock hardware and a small, but sturdy pair of pliers.
camo paint can6
He also received a thermometer, a set of journals and some snacks.
camo paint can7
Erin’s can also contained the same snacks as well as a small can of chalkboard paint, chalk, a paintbrush, work gloves, a sanding black and a roll of pink twine.
camo paint can9
She also received a variety of stickers, rubber stamps, a mini office kit, a note pad and a leather journal, funky, paper clips, animal post it tabs and Burt’s Bees chap-stick and cuticle cream.
camo paint can10
Both cans came with a “key”: a paint can opener and I threw in one mini hammer to close and seal the cans.
camo paint can4
It was so delightful watching my friends open their Christmas caches. Both Mitch and Erin were really happy with their gifts. They actually just opened them today which is why this post is so late as I did not want to spoil the surprise! It’s going to be fun visiting the fort this summer and seeing the many innovative ways that Mitch and Erin have made use of their cache!

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Saskatoon jam

13 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by Delena Rose in cook, Pigeon Lake, preserve, wild berries

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

berries, jam, picking berries, preserves, Saskatoon Berries, Saskatoon jam, wild berries

This year the Saskatoon berries in my backyard are huge and plump! B and I got on ladders yesterday and picked three full basketfuls. I froze them for smoothies and pies and made a small batch of tarts for immediate enjoyment. I like to freeze the berries one layer at a time on cookie sheets and then place the frozen berries in large ziplock bags. This way they don’t stick together or freeze into one large lump and I can easily reach in for a handful of berries any time for smoothies. Last weekend I picked Saskatoon berries at one of our many beaches here on Pigeon Lake. There were many ripe berries and as these ones were a little smaller in size, I decided to make this jam with them.

Saskatoon Berry Jam

4 cups Saskatoon berries

3 cups raw cane sugar (less if, like me, you prefer the jam a little less sweet)

1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh or bottled

Place Saskatoon berries in a large pot, add the lemon juice and cover with the sugar. Heat on medium-high heat and stir until the mixture begins to bubble. Allow mixture to boil hard for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Pour into hot, sterilized jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Yield: 2 half pints and 1 small jar.

Serve on toast, pancakes, crepes and waffles. Enjoy!

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it’s beginning to look a lot like…. Christmas?

05 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Delena Rose in appreciate the seasons, Pigeon Lake

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April, Easter, snow, spring, spring-cleaning

So there I was yesterday, enjoying the reasonably warming temperatures so welcomed in April… In the mood for some spring-cleaning chores, I tidied and swept out the garage, then washed and vacuumed the interior of my truck. I kept eyeing the herb and tea garden in the front as it was entirely free of snow but as I had other projects to attend to, I decided to save it for another day. There was a spring in my step as I daydreamed about this year’s garden and all of the exciting plans we have for it…

Then… this morning, I awoke to THIS:

Actually, it’s all good! In central Alberta, Canada this is quite normal (we’ve even had snow in July in the past!) and I am happy for more moisture. I’ll start some seeds indoors soon and that will give me something to grow while I wait for the weather to catch up.

Happy Easter, everyone! Keep warm!

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Pigeon Lake Sled Dog Classic

18 Saturday Feb 2012

Posted by Delena Rose in Pigeon Lake

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

community event, dogs, horses, mushing, Pigeon Lake, Pigeon Lake Sled Dog Race, skijoring, Sled Dogs



Today I dropped in on the Pigeon Lake Sled Dog Classic, an annual event since 2007! I had such a great time mingling with community people, meeting new friends, warming myself by the gigantic fire pit while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, watching the teams prepare for their race and especially seeing the dogs, so full of excitement and vigor, ready to take on the race!

There are a few different races, including a 4-dog open and a 4-dog purebred; a 6-dog open and a 6-dog purebred; skijoring (people on skis being pulled by dogs or horses) and a junior competition. There are $1000 worth of cash prizes ($100 at the junior level) divided amongst the first seven competitors in each race.

There is also a banquet each year for both competitors and spectators, which costs $20. Thanks to the community volunteers and sponsors, this event has been a great success each year.

This Classic Race is promoted as a Fun Race, where new Mushers can mingle, learn and race along side the more seasoned veteran Mushers.

While in attendance at the Race you will see the beautiful traditional Siberian Huskys, Malamutes and the cross bred hounds known as Alaskan Huskys, thoroughbreds of the Sled Dog World

There’s another full day of races tomorrow for anyone interested. The first races starts at 9 am and there is a new race hourly until 1:50 pm.  Prizes will be awarded at 2:20 pm. To view the schedule or more information and links to other dog sledding events, click here to visit the Pigeon Lake Dog Race.

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the ECOcafe at the Village on Pigeon Lake

09 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by Delena Rose in buy local, eco-living, Pigeon Lake

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cafe, eco-friendly dining, ECOcafe, local foods, Pigeon Lake, restaurant, supporting local rural farmers

If you enjoy delicious high quality food and are committed to supporting local foods and “independent local farmers who share our vision about the environment and the philosophy of eating healthy safe foods” then I highly recommend the ECOcafe.~Delena

Residents of Pigeon Lake, Alberta and the surrounding area are extremely lucky to have the ECOcafe in our neighborhood. The ECOcafe has been offering a unique and ethically-conscious dining experience since it opened its doors in 1997. Believing in “Food as Community”, this locally-owned restaurant is committed to serving naturally-raised foods and promoting local rural sustainability. Each of the items on their menu is a wholesome and tasty adventure and also includes a wide variety of choices for vegetarians.

The ECOcafe also offers items to buy and enjoy at home, including breads, desserts, and meat and fruit pies. Below are pictures I took this afternoon of their famous Elk Pie that I bought frozen a few weeks ago and then baked at home today for lunch.

The ECOcafe has been featured in many newspapers, magazines and even on television. Click here to find out more. Aside of the delicious food, another thing that impresses me and inspires my loyal patronage is the ECOcafe’s commitment to the community. According to their website:

The ECOcafé has worked with University students participating in mentorship’s and internships, as well as school lunch programs, cooking classes, complimentary yoga classes, speaking engagements, volunteer programs, fundraising and a host of other programs, directly and indirectly.

Even when the cottagers and tourists have left at the end of summer, there always seems to be something exciting going on at the café throughout the entire year. For example, there are monthly wine tastings, ‘open-mike’ nights, and on the first Saturday of every month they feature the cuisine of another country. Sunday mornings showcase an Eggs Benedict brunch, on Monday afternoons you can get an Intuitive Reading, and if you enjoy seafood, be sure to pop in on Friday evening for the Chef’s fabulous seafood creation. There are also special one-of-a-kind gatherings, such as last month’s Conversations with Marg.

Here is a picture of the restaurant as seen on their website:

I love dining at the ECOcafe.  Not only have I met some great new friends there but I feel good supporting a local business that in turn supports my local community in many different ways. I always leave feeling nourished, both in body and in spirit. ~Delena

Located in the Village on Pigeon Lake, Alberta. Click here for a map and directions.

For Your Unique Dining Experience
Contact ECOcafe At:
#10 Village Drive, R.R.#2
Westerose, Alberta
T0C 2V0
Rest. 780.586.2627
Office 780.586.2623
Fax 780.586.2625
info@ECOcafepigeonlake.ca

Regular hours

8 am-8 pm  Sunday through Thursday

8 am-9 pm Friday through Saturday

Summer hours

8 am-9 pm Sunday through Thursday

8 am-10 am Friday through Saturday

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the joy of a perfectly groomed ski trail

09 Friday Dec 2011

Posted by Delena Rose in Pigeon Lake, play

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

cross country ski, groomed ski trails, Pigeon Lake, Pigeon Lake Nordic Ski Club, Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, Rundle Mission, ski, ski Alberta, trail groomer, Trax Unlimited

This morning I had the privilege of being the first to ski the newly groomed Rundle Mission ski trails (these are the trails that I walk or ski everyday, all year round). An avid skier, I must admit that I am very spoiled living right next to the Rundle Mission, who find funding (and continue to accept donations) to maintain these wonderful trails for general public use.

This morning was one of those memorable mornings: mild temperatures (only -5 degrees C), a gorgeous sunrise over the lake just as we were leaving the cabin…

 …freshly groomed ski trails, lots of glide, the warm sun on my face and lighting up the natural world around me, appreciating my health as I glided up and down the slopes, Lucy carefree and happy, and the general feeling of peace and well-being that comes from doing something that I love (playing outside… and skiing!).

It was not a surprise that the trails were groomed today (the first grooming of the season!). Mike, from Trax Unlimited, had stopped by the cabin last night to introduce himself. He had noticed (by my ski tracks) that I frequently skied and wanted to invite me to join the Pigeon Lake Nordic Ski Club, a “loosely organized group of skiers who live in the Pigeon Lake area”. This group sets and maintains 10 kilometers of trail at Pigeon Lake National Park. There are no fees in becoming a member. Simply email Pat or Shirley to get on their mailing list and be notified of special events.

Pat @ 780-586-3574 or evanoffpat@gmail.com
Shirley @ 780-682-3753 or kruetzfeld@xplornet.com

Visit their website to see their blog, photos, trail and area maps, contact information and other helpful links.

TRAX UNLIMITED. I also noticed that Mike offers his services for Professionally Groomed Cross Country Ski Trails for schools, clubs, or holiday gatherings. You can contact him by phone at 780-586-2077 or via email  mblack.trax@gmail.com

So, my fellow cross country skiers out there, there are two great public places to ski on groomed trails here at Pigeon Lake: Rundle Mission and at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park, both just one hour’s drive from Edmonton. Today is a particularly warm, winter’s day… perfect for dusting off those skis… 🙂

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the gift of good conversation with Marg Sanders of Mindsprings

07 Wednesday Dec 2011

Posted by Delena Rose in buy local, healing, mindfulness, Pigeon Lake

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

coaching, coaching conversations, conversation, ECOcafe, good conversation, Hugh Sanders, Marg Sanders, Mindsprings, share stories

Mindsprings ‘magic’ happens when ideas spring from mind to mind in conversation.

Yesterday, it was my privilege and pleasure to spend part of an afternoon with a diverse group of women at the ECOcafe (located at the Village on Pigeon Lake). We had all come in response to an invitation by Marg Sanders of Mindsprings to ‘Remember and Be Remembered at Christmas: Receiving the Gift of Good Conversation’. I had met Marg and her husband, Hugh, last winter at another ECOcafe event and was really looking forward to see her in action.

The event was fun and very meaningful to all who participated. It was refreshing to share my own Christmas story and then hear the personal stories of others. Before we began, Marg gave us time to reflect on a few questions. Then she coached us on active, intentional, nonjudgmental listening– truly a rare quality found in people and a gift that we can give ourselves and others! By the end of the session, each one of us felt enriched by the time we had shared in creative expression and good conversation.

Marg and Hugh of Mindsprings offer conversational coaching, both for individuals as well as for groups. For example, individuals seeking personal growth, or for work groups as team-building or thinking about challenges in new ways, or even at family gatherings to focus on the gifts that each member brings to the group. There are many other applications for coaching conversations and their website is full of information. Both Marg and Hugh are skilled at helping you discover:

  • exactly who you are as an individual or organization – your purpose, talents and objectives
  • clarity about what you want to achieve
  • your power and capacity to move forward
  • a do-able and sustainable action plan

Upcoming Events at Mindsprings:

Weaving and Writing Our Way Through a Good Book

“A unique book club experience that invites story telling and personal journalling into the reading of a good book.”

Making Sense of Our Lives, Story by Story

mindsprings salons

“…good people, good food, and good conversation in a skillfully guided environment at Mindspring’s unique lakeside setting.”
If you would like more information on Mindsprings, or would like to invite a conversation in your area, you can contact marg at: marg@mindsprings.ca or visit their website at www.mindsprings.ca or call 780.586.2551.

We believe that the knowledge you need to achieve your goals is hidden and waiting to be uncovered within you, both as an individual and as an organization.

Even in this short time spent with Marg I have learned (and remembered) so much. During this holiday season, I would like to be remembered as giving the people in my life the gift of good conversation…

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