Elk Island Park under beautiful leadership

This time we were really lucky. We did not have just one leader, but two beautiful and sexy lady leaders, our Superwomen,

 Excellent Ela....

...and Terrific Teresa.

They invited us for a hike in Elk Island National Park on Friday, May 14.

We came to the appointed place, but...the access road was closed   

We had to park on the grass and wait for the arrival of our lady leaders.

 

Our wonderful leaders decided to change  the plans slightly  and to go hiking to Lake Astotin instead.

We had a nice size group this time. From left Boris, Andrzej, Beata, Asia, Lukasz, Ela, Basia, Teresa, Jarek and Mike. Also, Andy and Chris (not in the picture/ taking photos)

 

 

We went along the lake on a nice trail and we had an opportunity to enjoy contact with nature

...

and to admire beautiful views of the lake  

...and young forest in the spring bloom...  

 

  

    and to see the beaver lodges that are plentiful in the Park,

  

and to admire these most magnificent animals (from a safe distance, of course)

 

After crossing one or two bridges we came to the end of the trail

 

where we finally reached this little building that some people were eager to get inside and "use the facility". 

 

 

It seems that we all had lots of fun during this trip

 But the best was yet to come... After we got back to the picnic area, there was this wonderful feast that was provided by the participants.  It felt like a birthday party, or even two and half birthday parties!

Including wonderful bratwurst on the barbecue

 

 

But the highlight of the day were, quite obviously, the Pikusie (Little Puppies) served by our beautiful lady leaders!

 I would be amiss if I did not mention, above us the sky was literally black from millions upon million of flying insects, 

 

similar to mosquitos, with the exception that they did not bite.

NB: Some of the photos supplied courtesy of Andy Rutkowski, which is gratefully acknowledged.

(MTA)