Friday 2 April 2021

Niagara - Ball's Falls (57.9 km) to Quarry Rd (67.9 km) - Apr. 1st, 2021

We started our hike today at Ball's Falls Conservation Area and hiked 10 km west to Quarry Road.  Part of the group returned along the Trail to Ball's Falls, while the rest returned 7 km on Fly Rd.

It was a bright sunny day when we started but cold for this time of year with sub zero temperatures. Hikers were, Catherine, Sandra, Arpi, Doug, Ken, Brian, Barbara, Annette, Marleen, Michael, Steve, and our shadow, Ann.  Special thanks to Ken for additional photos and Brian and Ann for sweeping on the outbound portion and leading on the return Trail hike.

The Trail crosses a field above the Falls.

The river and Falls were in full flow this morning.

The Trail continues along the crest of the Escarpment.

Looking back across the gorge that Ball's Falls has created.



Spring flowers along the way despite the frigid temperature.

The chickens didn't seem to mind the cold.

The Trail crosses Victoria Ave and our first glimpse of Lake Ontario and Toronto in the distance.


After crossing a field we headed back into the forest and up the Escarpment.


 


Our Bridge picture with part of the group.

The Trail follows along some Vineyards on the top of the Escarpment.

Just as we reach the top, the Trail turns back down the Escarpment and then follows along the bottom in a mature forest.



The Trail is next to Vineyards at the bottom as well.

More spring flowers.

Climbing to the top one last time we hope.


The Trail follows along the top of the Escarpment.  



Elevensies huddled out of the wind at Quarry Road.  Those white smudges are large snow flakes been blown by fierce winds.  We split into two groups for the return hike with thankfully the wind at our backs for most of the hike.

The bleak return on Fly road with snow on the ground and social distancing in the extreme being practiced.