Niagara - Kinsmen Park (69.8 km) to Grimsby (83.3 km) - March 24th, 2022

Today's hike was a 13.75 km hike from Kinsmen Park to the end of the Niagara Section in downtown Grimsby.

Eleven of us started the hike on this overcast day that promised to warm over its course.  Hikers included Ron (photographer), Steve, Rhonda, Brian, Frances, Annette, Arpi, Barbara, Marleen, Doug (photographer), and Sara who took this photo amongst others.

It had rained heavily the night before and we soon experienced the consequences, overflowing streams and mud.  Lots of mud.

This is a photo of the same log from two directions.  White fungus from one direction and brown from the other.  What kind of fungus you might ask?  Luckily we have Ron Jackson to draw on his expertise and I quote "The specimen is commonly called Turkey Tail fungus (or Polyporus versicolor for the botanist/mycologist. It is a very common fungus growing on rotting logs.  There are similar species of the genus, but P. versicolor  is the most common. The photos fit its characteristics fully."

And while we had Ron's attention we asked about this emerging specimen

His response "The plant is likely a  young specimen of a Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) but I'm not 100% sure. I cannot think of anything else it might be, in that location and at that stage at this time."

Good enough for me.  Wild Columbine it is!

As we got to higher ground it started to dry up, at least for awhile.

Lots of up and downs on this portion of the Trail.

More creeks to cross and hills to climb.

With a well deserved rest at the top.

Marleen demonstrating walking on water for the rest of us and then we all have go.

We pass a winery and if you look closely you can see the Toronto skyline across Lake Ontario.

More water walking demonstrations.

Rhonda sees a better way!

And with a little help from Brian, water walking is avoided.

Thirty Mile Creek was in full flow but luckily there was a culvert to cross it.

Brian and Barbara sweeping the hike.

The youngster checking her phone while she waits for the mature adults behind.

Finally a creek with a bridge for our picture.

More Turkey Tail Fungus not to be confused with Brian.

A well deserved break for elevensies on some dry logs that Doug found for us.

Onward again to another flooded section of the Trail.  Luckily not that deep and no current.

Up to Ridge Road for a short road walk.

Down the Escarpment again with a great view of Lake Ontario.

More Ash tree damage.

Mini Bridge pictures.

We came across a small garter snake which was sunning itself in the middle of the Trail.  Brian managed to convince it to move off the Trail to preserve its existence.

One last waterfall.

Forty Mile Creek was in full flood as we arrived at the cars.

We celebrated Barbara's completion of the Niagara Section.

The End!