We reversed direction today and started at the north end of the trail and hiked 10.4 km south to Winston Churchill. The trail has been rerouted to take advantage of some land acquired by the BT Club which reduced the road walking and added a new climb.
Eight of us began the hike on this mild overcast day with Catherine, Eric, Annette, Rhonda, short Rob, Nancy, Arpi, and Steve the photographer. This was Rhonda, Rob, and Arpi's last hike in the Toronto Section to earn another badge! Let's hope they make it.
Off down the hill we went to the Cheltenham Badlands.
Our first bridge picture within the Badland area.
After a few kilometers of road walking we approached the forest once again.
Up and down the hills we went.
The stream crossings were tricky with a mix of ice and free flowing water.
Ice on the rocks made this descent tricky as well.
A second bridge picture because you can't have too many bridge pictures.
Piles of waste from an old quarry line the Trail route.
A final climb of the escarpment.
A flat path without rocks at last!
Up a gentle hill.
Through a Pine forest.
Just before the end of the hike, the Trail passes through an area where a massive cut of Ash trees has occurred.
After reaching the cars we rewarded ourselves with a Holiday lunch at the Spirit Tree Cidery. Great food, great cider and great people! Happy Holidays to everyone!
