Calgary Parklands - Western Headworks Canal Pathway, Chestermere

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Summer came to welcome our out-of-city venture in Chestermere by the irrigation canal. We met for a brisk walk in this prairie environment.

The fields shone golden, and the cloudless sky reflected blue in the canal along our path. The water level was low, before the snow melt in the mountains fills the irrigation system later in the year. Thus, the bright orange booms before and after the dangerous weir seemed to be redundant, although signs warned sternly about portage.

At first, birds were elusive. A trio of horses substituted interest. At last, we spied a Canada Goose tromping about in the stubble of a grain field. Then, we noticed a pair of ducks well-camouflaged amongst the muddy rocks in the canal.

As usual, with time winding towards noon, cyclists and other walkers passed us. Happily, on their way back, crossing us again, they greeted us as friends. Our warm morning ended in a large circle for lunch, as we brainstormed a whole summer’s worth of hikes beyond the city limits.

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Photos

Trestle bridge over the irrigation canal
Graphic in the full sunlight

Canal in the Western Headworks System
The stillest of water

Boom across the canal
Beauty in safety

Trestle bridge over canal
Appreciated by walkers

Tumbleweed in the canal
Very shallow before the snow melt

Canada Goose and Magpie
in conversation?

Ducks enjoying a slough
Shallow waters for nesting

Mallards congregate on a slough
More the merrier apparently

Chestermere by the irrigation canal
Ever expanding residential city

Aspen grove
Swelling leaf buds

Comments

[Isabel Gibson]

Boy, another still day! Great shots of reflections in places many would not notice. Love the shot of the Canada goose and magpie, and the over-your-head shot of the aspens. And, of course, bridges . . . :-)

[beentouring]

Day in Chestermere
Glad you like the overhead shot. I like those. And one just wants to know what the goose said to the magpie.