Saturday, October 13, 2007: (Evening)
he Friday, October 12 astronomy event was postponed due to a cloudy sky. On this evening, Saturday, three Nats drove to Mel DeAnna trailhead [viewpoint] to meet Brian d’Eon for a viewing session. Brian had already set up his telescope when we arrived. The various stars, constellations, galaxies and nebulae were pointed out by a laser light and explained. Unfortunately, Jupiter had already set and Saturn was not in viewing position. After about half an hour, we ended the session as the night proved too cold for us. Thanks to Brian for a memorable night.
Mary Martin

Saturday, October 27, 2007:
Our leader, Webb, drove three other Nats right to the Violin Lake gate, and from there we walked on crunchy golden leaves, admiring a canopy of fall colours above us. It was a perfect autumn day. Cambridge Pond had enough water in it to reflect the many colours on its shore. Margo was busy taking memorable pictures. As we walked toward Violin Lake, we remarked on the magnificent tall pines and cedars. The lake was a shimmering jewel, set among high cliffs on the west and a rocky shore on the east. We sighted winter wrens and grouse, and heard pine siskins and squirrels. This was our annual Fall Stakeholders’ hike, and it is important for the Nats to keep a presence there so that, hopefully, it will remain in its pristine state.
Pat Thomson
[Using this gate as our trailhead cuts off about 4 km (round trip) of unnecessary hiking, and will be the designated trailhead for future hikes. This will enable more participation for those that prefer a shorter, easier walk]

Saturday, November 3, 2007:
We convened in Montrose on a chilly and damp autumn day. Were warmly greeted by Mayor Benzer and received Montrose pins to add to our collections. We were led by Pamella up the Antenna Trail as it wound through trees that still had some remaining but falling autumn leaves, to overlooks that provided sweeping vistas of the Columbia and the valley below. Each rest point was provided with park benches where one could enjoy the breathtaking views and the glimpses of town and industry from our quiet walk with nature and the wilderness. Points of interest include Blizzard Mountain, a dairy farm and the highway from Canadian Tire into town. As we followed the brand new trail to the bluff, we could see the Canadian flag unfurling against the sky some distance above us. We did not trek to the peak due to the overcast and cold, but returned to our days renewed and refreshed from fresh air and good company, looking forward to our next visit to this lovely trail.
Isabella Thorn

Saturday, November 24, 2007:
Six Nats carpooled up Sheep Creek Road, east of Salmo, about 14 km, in snow. The road was not nearly as icy as last year, luckily. We found that the Curtis Creek Bridge had been removed, so continued on the main road to almost the 4300’ elevation. A bit further and we would have been at the ford, but decided to turn around as it had started to snow. The large, wet, heavy flakes hustled us back to eat lunch in the vehicles. On the way back down, John indulged Margo’s photo fetish, and we found some amazing falls – small and large – coated in ice, to admire. This trip just gets better every time!
Margo Saunders

Saturday, December 8, 2007:
Ten well dressed hikers gathered at Beaver Creek Park entrance for probably the last hike of the year. The weather was frosty and cold but in the sunshine it was fine. There was no wind. We hiked along the river and noticed a few golden eye ducks and mergansers. There were two fairly large groups of [Giant?] Canada Geese. I think they will stay the winter. After the hike we were invited to Vince and Margaritas home for hot drinks and snacks. This was a great way to end our hike.
Audrey Mann Missing reports: Sept 15, Sept 22, Oct 20

This will be advertised in detail in the next issue of The Osprey, but we wanted to give everyone a heads-up, so that you can plan ahead. The backpacking trip, always scheduled on the week in August beginning with the BC Day holiday, is this year going up to the Lake of the Hanging Glacier in the East Kootenay (before, Heaven forbid, we have to look at gondola towers on the skyline), and then we will drive to the next watershed north, and hike up to the Welsh Lakes group. Each is a short trip, and will involve minimal backpacking. The planners and the hikers that have attended previous trips are anxiously awaiting this trip, and hope that you will consider joining us.