Iroquoia - Dundas Valley Hermitage Gatehouse (50.6 km) to Huntingwood Ave. and Castlewood Blvd. (56.8 km)

 We're back!..after a weather induced cancellation last week, the Hiking with Friends group got back on the Trail last Thursday to resume our quest of "walking the walk" while "talking the talk...a lot" in the beautiful Dundas Valley Conservation Area. With current "better safe than sorry" car pooling disinclination still in effect, we modified our route to capture a good section (6.2 km) of the main trail, and adopted a loop style return path for a total distance of 11.5 km, originating (and ending as well of course) at the Hermitage Gatehouse parking lot on Sulphur Springs Road.

Our "bird's eye view" of the route with the start/finish point in the lower left corner...we completed the route in just under 3 1/2 hours and climbed about 260 meters in total, a fairly "gentle on the legs" day. Despite early morning conditions of light drizzle and grey skies, it cleared up nicely and turned out to be a fine day for a winter hike.

Our group of 10 is assembled and ready to do this...including myself, Catherine, Barbara, Laura (contributing photographer), Arpi, Marleen, Doug, Sandra, Muris (contributing photographer), and Brian (leading today in Steve's absence). 

A quick left out of the parking lot and a short walk to hook up with the main trail...I should warn you that, starting with the middle shot above, Catherine's beautiful, bright, homemade toque will feature prominently in today's blog...just happened, not by design...(but it is a lovely design!)...

Probably one of the most recognizable (and photographed) edifices on the Bruce Trail, "The Hermitage" was originally built in 1830 by the Reverend George Sheed. Apparently the windows and doors are still on back order due to supply chain issues...

A "snow hiker man" plays sentry to the property as we pass by...

The trail was in great shape (a little icy in spots); the winter snow pack had been well traveled but had held up well during the recent warmer weather.

We approach the Trail Centre area, the hub of this region, where the Bruce Trail and the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail intersect.

All clear!..we cross the tracks...

A quick stop to pause and enjoy a laugh together...

A small stream valley requires a short stair descent...

...but does lead to a bridge!..You can clearly see that our mood is cheerful, and why wouldn't it be?..

...well maybe a little less cheerful after this short climb...(there's that toque again)...

A quick traverse of Governor's Road...

The most photographed horses on the Bruce Trail?..probably...but also a favorite spot to stop and admire these majestic animals.

Meanwhile, our trusty sweep Sandra engages some others in conversation...

Back on the trail...another tree has succumbed to "blaze fatigue" and just about given up any thoughts of remaining vertical...low clearance!

We are approaching the required detour of the main trail due to ongoing construction on King Street West (Hwy 8)...

While it is rumored (well it's a fact, 'cause I was there actually) that a closely affiliated hiking group (hint: rhymes with "Wrath Winders") blatantly ignored this clearly posted sign about a week and a half ago and forged on through to subsequently uncharted pathways...our more disciplined approach, which respects the main trail blazes, maintained proper protocol and veered to the right to explore the here to fore unseen temporary route...what new vistas would it hold for us?..

Well, "I've seen the trail...from both sides now...the old and new...and still somehow...", this reroute has no illusion of being natural...do these residents even appreciate that they are now part of such a historic pathway?..

This temporary, zip tied blaze speaks to the provisional nature of the this segment...

We end up in a small community park, which at least gives the semblance of being on a real trail...

Having left the main trail and crossed back over Governor's Road, we accessed the Conservation Area again at the end of Bridlewood Drive and picked up the Spring Creek Trail...ah, back to nature at its finest...

Optical illusion?..or are their feet actually touching the ground as they float across this bridge?..

Elevensie's by the creek...thanks to Laura for her Panettone bread treat!

A short climb up to the rail trail and we set our sights on the final few kilometres...into the wind unfortunately...

Recognize this place?...we have completed our loop and just need to retrace our steps back on the main trail to finish off today's adventure.

Question: Should hiking be an Olympic sport?..probably not as we are more "cooperative" than "competitive" by nature...these three hikers assume the podium in the spirit of the Games...the bronze medalist appears less than satisfied with her implied 3rd place finish...in my mind, we are all "golden".

The sun is trying to make an appearance as we set off on the Main Loop to return to our cars...

Our day is done...10 set off and 10 returned safely...always a good thing..thanks for spending some time on the trail with us...hope you enjoyed the experience..it truly was a gold medal performance!

The End