Our Hospitality Crew - Kaylene McKinnon, Sue Curtis, Sue Noort, and Hope Klassen (all pictured here), as well as Sharon Nixon and Lenore DuGas - are making our General Meetings extra-special. They purchase our coffee, tea and snacks, arrive well before doors open, keep the beverages and goodies flowing, and stay late to clean up. All six were new members to our club in 2022. Our meetings wouldn't have been nearly as fun without you ladies, and we appreciate what you do so much!

It was a good turnout yesterday with many happy Peddlers.

With a half metre of fresh snow having fallen over the past few days, it was a wonderland of flocked trees and whipped cream landscapes in Strathcona Park today. After so many years of snowshoe hiking up here, one would think we'd covered it all, but lo and behold Brian (trip coordinated by Anne) led us along Battleship Lake, across Kooso Lake, and through a heretofore unexplored cleft in the land - a secret ravine - to an astonishing view and lunch spot over Lake Helen Mackenzie. 

Our group continued across Lake Helen Mackenzie and again broke trail along a new route that joined the lake to Unnamed Lake on the Helen Mackenzie hiking trail. 4 1/2 hours approximately, and a stellar experience for all!

The Probus Hiking Group met at Mount Washington today and followed a variety of tracks including those of someone skinning up on backcountry skis and skiing back down, plus the occasional tramped trail and then no trail at all.  It was agreed that it was not a very "knolly outing" and even where there might have been a great view, the falling snow obscured our view.  So it was more about the lovely forest views, including the trees that were snapped in the mid-January weather.  We traveled for two and a half hours.

Submitted by group leader Anne Flanagan

Views were incredible today as the Probus Hiking Group snowshoed around the Ramparts. Firm snow conditions made it possible to travel, well, almost anywhere the six of us wished. We travelled for just under 3 hours, counting our lunch break, and covered a bit over 6 kilometers. 

​We're hoping more people come out in the next few weeks to enjoy the beautiful local snowshoe trails with the group.

After becoming the proud owner of a stent on January 19th, we did our first Probus Peddler ride in 2023 on January 28th.   The 20 km ride I call “Around Town” took us from Quality Foods, through Valley View, back through Crown Isle and Highwood before getting to the Goose Spit overlook where the accompanying photo was taken.  Weather continues to be a factor in the frequency of rides we are presently doing.  Let’s hope for more sunshine in the weeks ahead.

Submitted by group leader Willy Van Kemenade

Nina and Susan organized an extra-special Valentine's-themed menu this month that mixed fun (olive penguins appetizer); colour (beet and tomato borscht); elegance (scallops and quinoa, and chicken perfection); and decadence (chocolate fondants). Again, there were lots of smiles and laughter. As Nina said, "What a joyful way to learn new recipes!"

Rosemary Cook and Craig Bassett hosted a very relaxed and enjoyable Appy Mix and Mingle evening this past week. Twelve guests shared lovely appetizers and good company. 

Our General Meeting on January 26th was particularly fun with Ross Moxley, aka The Flying Judge, entertaining us with hilarious anecdotes from his 30 years of travelling in small planes around northern Saskatchewan to carry out his many duties for the Saskatchewan Provincial Court. This talk focused on an unusual part of his career - performing marriages in the tiny communities that dot the vast boreal forest which covers the northern half of that province.
​
The cast of characters enountered along the way could fill a book, as could Ross’ wonderful way of framing a good story!