Iroquoia - Dundas Valley (50.0 km) to Hillcrest Ave. (37.0 km) -
Dec. 23rd, 2021.
Our Ho, Ho, Hike with Friends this holiday week took us from the Sulphur Springs parking lot in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, through the Tiffany Falls and Iroquoia Falls Conservation Areas, and past Chedoke Park to end at Hillcrest Ave. in the Hammer. Our distance covered 13.0 km over a time of just under 4 hours.
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...
...and time for a short rest ...
A bit of a view of Dundas Valley emerges...with the water tower just poking its head out above the tree line...
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...
And then our biggest climbing challenge of the day...several flights of stairs to get us up the escarpment...
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...
These two shots were taken at almost the exact same time...capturing Steve crossing the creek...I'll let you decide which is his best side (correct answer: both!)...
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...
We enter the Iroquoia Conservation Area..."it must be getting close to Elevensie's" people began to ponder...
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...
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!..
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