Toronto #1 Section: Kelso Parking Lot to Speyside; March 28, 2019

 We hiked this section from Pear Tree parking lot back to Kelso

The temp was good, just 4-5 C and encountered a few sparse showers.

 Today's hikers; Case; Brian; Annette; Fran; Marleen; Eric; Michael; Sandra 
and our leader Steve.

 50 meters into the hike ... icers required

 "See any bobcats down there Brian ?

 To hazy today to see Toronto

 We cross the bridge at Dufferin Aggregates, Milton Quarry.

 Keep moving Sandra, it's just a dead tree ...

 Last year I took a picture of the Hiker's Guardian Angel

Unfortunately she never made it through the winter.

 This was to be our 'Bridge Picture'... 

not everyone had confidence in the bridge's ability to hold more than one.

We head under the 401 towards the cars in the Kelso parking lot

Iroquoia #10 Crawford Lake 105.5 km to Kelso Cons Area 120.1* km; Mar 21, 2019

* Today's hike went along the 'Detour' route since the Kelso Cons. Area was closed 
due to tree cutting and the ski lopes still being open. We hiked approx 10 km.

 Today's hikers; Case; Eric; John; Annette; Sandra; Marleen;

 Nancy; our leader Steve; Michael; Brian; Rob and Stefan.

 The weather was foggy, but no actual rain and about +3C

 There was still a lot of ice but it was getting soft.

 At a Scenic Lookout ??

 Some one asked what would make those big holes in the tree?

A Pileated Woodpecker. Compare his size to the Downie Woodpecker.

After this we had about 2.5 km of road walking to the parking lot.

Niagara - Glen Rd. (53.7km) to Kinsman Park (66.9km) - March 14th, 2019

It was overcast but warm when Michael, Ron, Brian, Ann, Rob, and Steve started this 13.2 km hike.

The trail was relatively bare when we began but it soon became evident icers were necessary.

Twenty Mile Creek was in full flow with spring melt.

The start of the long climb out of the valley and the much needed rest at the top.

A short descent to the small village at the top of Balls Falls.

Mist rising from Balls Falls looking from upstream.

Downstream view with the winter ice build up.

The sun came out as we headed off without our icers again.

The orchards seemed ready for spring.

Ann doing cleanup   What is that?

Ron inspecting the vines.  Apparently all is well.

Our Captain Morgan bridge photo.

Elevensies with a huge vineyard in the background for Ron.

Icers again for the climb up the escarpment.

A spectacular viewpoint with views over the vineyards and the lake beyond.

Old Farmhouse where Michael met his travelling companion.

The trail continued to be rugged as it began to rain and we all expressed a desire for this hike to be done.  And two kilometers later it was!