Blue Mountain - km 47.1 to km 66.0 - 13 November, 2014

Hikers: Bob, Helgy, Ann G. and Steve

Leaders:  Karen and Richard

Section and Distance:  Blue Mountain - km 47.1 to km 66.0 (End)

Weather: Coldish with Sun and Cloud and a few ice pellets

Actual Distance hiked:  19.79 km

After positioning the cars, we hiked the .3 km Pretty River Access Trail back to the main trail and turned left.  We crossed the stream several times as we ascended to the top of the escarpment.  We continued climbing onto a ridge, near the edge of the escarpment along the Osler Bluffs where there were several unmarked scenic lookouts.   We turned left to 6th Sideroad for 500 m., where we turned right to follow a dydroelectric corridor and lane for 500 m.  It was here that we had our elevensies.

Elevensies

We continued through a mature forest to the Petun Conservation Area, where there were lichen-encrusted granite boulders moved by  the glaciers when the ice melted.  We gradually descended 500 m.  through broken rock towards 2nd Line.  We crossed the road and ascended the escarpment.  After the short steep climb over rocks we headed through forests and fields to 3rd Line.  We turned right and followed a very wet pathway to a closed road allowance.  We continued to Grey Rd 19.  Turning right we followed the road back to 2nd Line.

We continued along a road allowance to 12th Side Road.  At this point we were redirected to the Mission Road Side Trail, which we followed to Scenic Cave Road.   We turned left on Scenic Cave Road to the Scenic Cave Side Road which we took back to the main trail.  We turned left on a multi-use trail.  There were spectacular views of Georgian Bay and Collingwood just below the escarpment brow.  We continued through a forest to Swiss Meadows Side trail which we took to the end of the hike.

Ontario's first chair lift

The End

This finishes our third section of the Bruce and we celebrated with some bubbly.

We retrieved the other car, stopped for coffee at Tim Hortons and drove home.