Blue Mountain - Devil's Glen - Km 13.8 to 30.1 - August 18, 2016

Hikers: David Annette, Eric, Andy, and Steve (Leader)
Weather: Somewhat cooler than our last few hikes but still steamy at times.

After parking the cars we started off up a gentle climb though old farmland.

We soon entered a mixed forest as we climbed the escarpment.

After some discussion of the attractiveness of a blue trail shortcut we continued on the main trail.

We soon passed a wheat field that to my untrained eye looked ready to be harvested.

After crossing a wet patch we re-entered the forest which was very humid.

After a stretch of rocky trail at the base of the escarpment we had a brief break at a rather weathered picnic table.

We stopped briefly to review the map and literature prior to going on the Keyhole Side Trail.  (Note the fancy photo effects  achieved by a lack of photographic skills in this shot).

Entering the Keyhole Side Trail.

After a strategic wrong-turn by our leader to see this dramatic crevasse, we returned to the Keyhole ST.

and finally through the Keyhole.

and back to our starting point on the main trail.

The trail follows along the top of the escarpment for several kilometers through a mixed forest

and adjacent to abandoned farmland of goldenrod ....

A clover field ...

and Soybeans?

We soon came upon the Devil's Glen ski hill and after a brief side trip to see the view (some might suggest we made a wrong turn)....

We returned to the main trail.

and began our descent following cross country ski trails.  

No mud this time!

And finally the Mad River came into view ...

followed by a steep climb with our car waiting at the end...

and an explanatory plaque captured here for those who didn't read it after climbing for what seemed like forever up that final slope!

After doing the car shuffle we were off to Timmy's and home.

Iroquoia - Sydenham Rd. to Snake Rd.Km 58.6 to 67.6 August 11, 2016

Hikers: David, Andy, Christine,  Ann, Helgy, and Steve (Leader)
Weather:  Hot, sunny and muggy

Given the weather we got an early start, hitting the trail by 8:45.    We were all wondering where the name Sydenham came from so David undertook to research this with the following result:

"Lord Sydenham: Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada between 1839–1840 and Governor General of the Province of Canada 1840-1841.  [The Province of Canada was the union of Upper Canada and Lower Canada]

Sydenham introduced a vast expansion of the Province of Canada state apparatus through the introduction of municipal government. Areas not already governed through civic corporations or police boards would be governed through centrally controlled District Councils with authority over roads, schools, and local policing."

After a brief look at the spectacular view from the lookout we began the hike.

The trail is luckily largely in the shade as the direct sun was steamy as this photo of Hamilton harbor in the distance indicates.

A brief early stop to admire the view and read the info markers.

Our next stop was to stand at the top of Borer's falls which had disappeared!

And an alternative view of the "Falls".

Hamilton Harbor still looking hot.

We soon began the descent down the escarpment....

and into a mature forest on a series of hills and creek valleys.

A brief water break and respite from the heat was enjoyed as we crossed yet another dry creek bed.

We didn't stop to read this plaque so I include it for your reading pleasure.

Caledon Km 61.6 to Km 72.3 - 4 August, 2016

Hikers: David, Mark (Guest hiker), and Steve (leader)
Weather:  The usual sunny, warm and humid weather typical of this summer.

Our numbers were limited today given the expected warm weather but as it was only a 10 km hike, we got a little later start at 9 am anticipating being done by noon before the weather got really warm.

The trail rises quickly out of Hockley Valley with great views back towards the Hockley Valley resort.

The trail continued to rise though a young forest but soon descended through a more mature glade.

We stopped briefly at an old car to see if we could scavenge any parts but to no avail.

We crossed a series of creeks, both dry and flowing.  Our hikers had become camera shy and refused to show their faces.  I guess we need more hikers.

Of course what comes down, must go back up and so the trail rose quickly out of the valley.

After a long steep climb we hiked down to the bottom of another creek valley with a questionable bridge that swayed on the two poles supporting it.

We soon came across an old dead birch with multiple holes and its top branches somehow were holding on.

Sometimes improvisation make the best bridges.

We finally left the forest behind and began climbing out of the valley into old farm land.

After a short hike along the road we climbed back up the escarpment.  Finally a face on photo.

After a short hike along the top of the escarpment we began the steep decline to the road below.

Upon reaching the road it was less than a kilometer back to the the car and from there we were off home having completed the hike by noon as planned.