Back at a time when Spring was faking us out, I drove down to the mature suburb of Aspen Gardens in Riverbend.  It was 6-7c that day, and children and adults alike were out strolling in the streets.  Aside from the weather, I didn’t think I’d find much to take pictures of, but then I forgot that I was in a neighbourhood that was on the edge of the Whitemud Ravine…

Aspen Gardens, a suburb constructed in the 60’s and the 70’s, is bounded on the north and west by the Whitemud Ravine, the East by 122 Street, and the south by the neighbouring community of Westbrook Estates.

There were many nice houses in Aspen Gardens, but I quickly figured out that my best chance for interesting pictures would be to head to the communities’ frontage on Whitemud Creek.  This is the park (pictured above) fronting the ravine.

 I hiked down into the ravine via a narrow trail, enjoying the warmth of the early Spring sun.  The payoff was amazing, as I ended up at the top edge of Whitemud Creek, 10-15 feet above the water!  Great views, both at the river and at the ravine edge.

Aspen Gardens may be in the suburbs, but a view of a nearby high-rise gives you enough of a reminder that you are in the city.  Overall though, there are not very many services that can be easily accessed on foot;  like many communities in South Edmonton though, car rides to essential services are seldom far away!  Far and away, access to the Whitemud Nature Reserve and its relative quietness are its strongest assets!