Durrance Lake 9/43 weeks

1st meeting of the tree huggers club...Good eye, Marlen.

It seems like a cop out to go on such a short and flat hike for our ninth get away but there was a lot going on for a number of our friends. Last week was a challenging hike, so we decided to hike the loop around Durrance Lake. On this little meander we were joined by Marlen, Wayne, Jeremy, Hillary and Jessica. Even on a slow day the trail that encircles the lake would take a healthy hiker about 30-35 minutes, less as a work out.  Allowing time for conversations, sightseeing and pictures we finished in less than an hour. Durrance Lake is a favorite place among locals for its beauty as well as its location. I love it.

Considering our latitude on the globe, it is an uncharacteristically warm lake in the summer so it attracts those who like to splash, frolic and sunbath. It is almost impossible to find a spot on the shore for hanging out during swimming season. This small lake is part of the larger Gowlland Tod/ Mount Work park and is rumored to be linked by trail to our humble little road that we live on. It is on our agenda to find the linking trail eventually. Not without a compass and an exit plan. This is a densely forested area with hillocks that can confuse hikers not smart enough to equip themselves with GPS devices. That would be me.

Mark and Wayne

Mi Ler Buddha

My regular shot looking up the trees.

Marlen  inside a huge hollow tree

We were going for a group shot here but this picture of Hillary and Marlen was too good to pass up.

 One of the many wonderful attributes of Durrance Lake is the way it serves as a double park. It is accessible trail on one side suitable for any age and mobility. As soon as you pass the earth dam you enter a forest that runs the entire south side of the lake. This wooded area is every bit as dense and beautiful as all of the other trails we have hiked so far. If you are reading this and ever want to hike this little gem just let me know. Im always game for a hike around the lake. Its one of the best parks around.
Next week: Mount Douglas Park