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Published: September 27th 2020
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Elliston Lake
A most elegant storm pond The C Hikers met at
Elliston Park under gathering dark clouds. As Wendy remarked, a few “chinks of blue sky” shone through. Our mood was cheery when Sylvia led us part way around Elliston Lake, up to 17 Avenue, and onto the
Calgary Greenway. Spreading out along the groomed path, we found our pace. Because this part of the Greenway is along
Stoney Trail, we had the weird sensation of looking one way to see thundering goods trucks and the other way to see the wildness of our prairie landscape.
As the route moved slightly up hill and down, wildflowers took over from long grasses. Goldenrod and Vetch spread in broad swathes, a background for Oxeye Daisies and Yellow Toadflax. Red and white clover formed a natural herbaceous border. Rusty red Dockleaf spears poked their accents above the spectacular displays. This part of the Greenway was built on disturbed land, attracting flowers that elsewhere would be considered weeds. Some Wild Roses and cattail reeds flourished amongst their less reputable neighbours.
Returning to the park, we strolled around the rest of the Lake. Although at first we walked close to the shore, Calgary’s frequent thunderstorms had raised the Lake’s level over the path,
Yellow Toadflax and Purple Vetch
A most pleasing colour combination fulfilling its role as a storm-runoff-collector. Startled by having to climb up a significant hill, we rejoiced in the sudden embrace of woodlands. Finally, out in the open we had a magnificent view of the park and the lake - an excellent place for lunch.
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Isabel Gibson
non-member comment
I'd never heard of Elliston Park or the Greenway. When I see where it is, I'm not super surprised - the only City quadrant I know even remotely well is the NW. Visiting all these City parks is a great idea for a staycation-style excursion. And it's good to see swathes of the City being left in a more-or-less natural state, threading wildlife corridors through a built-up area.