Iroquoia - Dundas Valley (50.0 km) to Hillcrest Ave. (37.0 km) -
Dec. 23rd, 2021.
The bird's eye view of the journey indicates a primarily linear route from west to east, save for the crossing of Hwy 403...we needed to climb 317 meters to get to where we were going; mostly in incremental amounts....well, except for those stairs...
Our star-studded line up on this crisp, overcast 'Christmas Eve' Eve included myself, Rhonda, Ron B (contributing photographer), Arpi, Barbara, Alex, Marleen, Brian, Michael, Muris, And our leader, Steve. We were prepared to "sleigh" this trail...
With our icer's firmly affixed, we set off on the crunchy, compacted snow into the winter wonderland...
We followed Sulphur Creek for a bit, getting into our stride and warming to the task at hand...
Regardless of whether anyone was there to hear it at the time, this tree definitely made a sound when it splintered in the wind...its wooden spears were quite impressive...
Many small creeks flow through this area...and with creeks usually come...bridges!..my anticipation was heightened...
Michael leads our troop into battle...
No bridge over this water...
Success!..we must have been more "nice" than "naughty" and we are rewarded with a festive, postcard setting for our bridge picture...
The moment is fleeting however, and we push on with the trek...
We reach beautiful Canterbury Falls...
...and time for a short rest ...
Another stream to ford...causing a little back up in traffic...
A bit of a view of Dundas Valley emerges...with the water tower just poking its head out above the tree line...
This week's winner for "biggest house we saw"...
Our footing was a little tricky in spots...definitely a day where icer's and poles came in handy...
"This plaque commemorates the Hatt Mill, also known as the “Red Mill” due to its distinctive colour. The mill, which was located in Ancaster, served both local farmers and those from as far away as Galt, Guelph and Woodstock, and was one of the major mills that operated along the Ancaster Creek. "
(Hamilton Historical Board)
Crossing Old Dundas Road...
The trail was relatively flat through this section...that would soon change...
And then our biggest climbing challenge of the day...several flights of stairs to get us up the escarpment...
A few huffs and puffs later...
...and we are rewarded with a nice view (with another mansion candidate in the distance)...
Another pause to rest before we set off again...
What goes up...often must go down again...such is life on the trail...
Arpi celebrates reaching the bottom safely...as we all did eventually...
Those that have made it down watch as the others take on the challenge...
A couple of hikers try an alternate route with a slightly more forgiving grade...
The view from the other side of Coldwater Creek...
The rest of the troops make their way across the creek...
Arpi holds up a tree while she waits for the group...
And then a left turn onto Graffiti Alley...
Look who I met at the top of the stairs!..an elf hiking in the opposite direction...he was certainly up for a s'elf'ie...
Crossing over Hwy 403...
We enter the Iroquoia Conservation Area..."it must be getting close to Elevensie's" people began to ponder...
And just like that, Arpi scouts out the perfect spot to refuel...
Brian and Alex find a break in the fencing that allows a spectacular 180 degree view looking northward...
An adventurous cyclist braves the elements...
"What the heck is that guy thinking?.."
A nice view of the Hammer...
Today certainly had its wide variety of bridge styles...this one was looking very festive...
And a tunnel as well!..
The Chedoke Stairs are one of the last vertical challenges of the day...a bit tricky with icer's on I have to say...
We reach Hillcrest Ave. and the cars await us...all that's left is to enjoy some of Michael's fresh baked treats and wish each other a Happy Holiday...thanks for viewing and may I take this opportunity to wish everyone all the best for this Christmas season!..
