Blue Mountain - Devil's Glen P.P. (31.7 km) to 9/1 Sideroad Nottawasaga (14.1 km) - August 19th, 2021

We decided to hike from North to South today leaving from the Devil's Glen Provincial Park and descending into the Mad River Valley before climbing back out to the top of the Devil's Glen Ski Hills.  The remainder of the hike wandered through Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area and on to 9/10 Sideroad Nottawasaga for a 17.6 km hike.

It was a perfect hiking day when we started out but the humidity built through the course of the day.  Hikers included Sandra, Ron B., Arpi, Brian, Marleen, Doug (a photographer), Steve, and Ken (a photographer).

The hike begins with a steep descent into the Mad River Valley.

We reached the Mad River successfully.

A short break by the river.

Crossing the mad River with the ski hill in the background.

Orienting ourselves before we begin the long climb out of the Valley.

The top of the climb.

We stopped for elevensies at the half-way point near the Key Hole Side Trail.

After elevensies we descended into the crevices that form the Key Hole Side Trail.

Exiting the Key Hole

Ken describing how narrow it is.

Back on the Main Trail.

The Trail was muddy in sections.

Brian finally finds a piece of trash to use his new "Picker" on.

A brief stop on the Trail.

A fungus full of water for Ron J.

Some one must have found the heat too much and lost their pants.

Passing a barley field.

A short but challenging road walk before the Trail re-enters some fields.

The view over the river valley.

The final climb back to the cars!

Dufferin - 1st Line E and 30th Sideroad (53.9 km) to Prince of Wales and 20th Sideroad (41.7 km) - August 12th, 2021

We parked at a new BT lot on 30th Sideroad and hiked south to Prince of Wales for a 12.2 km hike.  The weather was humid with a heavy cloud cover that threatened rain but didn't deliver.

There were ten hikers today including Doug (photographer), Brian, Arpi, Marleen, Barbara, Annette, Steve and Ken (photographer).  Ron B. was a little late for the group photo and Sara as a guest hiker, took the photo.

We headed West on 30th Sideroad but soon encountered the Trail heading south.

Brian orienting himself as we head down the Trail.

Our Bridge picture with part of the crew.

Elevensies by Black Bank Creek with Arpi serving some of her home made treats.

Annette enjoys a peaceful lunch by the creek.

A steep ascent out of Black Bank Creek Valley.

The top is achieved!

A bit of road walking before the Trail turns into some farmers' fields and the stiles begin.

A brief stop to admire the view.

Corn smut for Ron J.

The final descent to Prince of Wales and our cars.