Sydenham #3 Bognor Marsh to River Kwai Side Trail - May 24th, 2017

The hike began at the south parking lot of the Bognor Marsh Conservation Area with the skies gray and threatening but the temperature was mild.  We were hoping the hike would be 14.7 km but would discover due to a trail closure, we had to hike 17. 3 km.

Our hikers today were, Lesley, Fran, Annette, David, Eric, Stefan and Steve the camera guy in the absence of Case and as enhanced by Fran.  The hike began with a crossing of a portion of the marsh on a floating bridge.

The boardwalk was in need of some repair but birds were every where.

The rain soon began but luckily it was only a light rainfall.  Unfortunately previous rains ensured muddy trails through the marsh not surprisingly.

The rain soon stopped and the trilliums were in bloom throughout the hike.

A fungus Ron?

Elevensies was a welcome break.

David found his son-in-laws homestead, maybe.

The trail passes some deep crevices but I couldn't get any volunteers to pose inside.  Where is Richard when you need him.

The trail makes several climbs up and down the escarpment along this route with some spectacular views from the top.

The trail also winds through some interesting crevices.









Some crevices were tougher than others.









Nearing the end of the hike we passed what looked like an old lime kiln.



We soon reached the cars but along the way, despite our best wishes, the Main trail was still on a major diversion so we continued on the road for an additional 2.6 km to the start of the River Kwai Side Trail where we would start the hike the next day.

Caledon - from Innis Lake Road to 5th Line/Hockley Valley Road - May 18th, 2017

The hike started from the parking lot on 5th Line just south of Hockley Valley Road and proceeded south to Innis Lake Road for a 19.8 km hike.  The weather was warm but a strong wind kept us cool and more importantly, the flies away.  We were a small but hardy group of 4 hikers, Fran, Michael, Stefan and Steve the photographer (but the good pictures were taken by Fran).

We started with a steep climb from the parking lot to access the main Bruce trail.

The main trail followed a ridge through a mature forest with the leaves filling in nicely.

The trail passes a small pond that was still visible through the trees.

After another long steep climb we took a much needed water/rest break with some of us needing support.

The trail continued to go up and down over a series of hills and valleys.

The trail soon passes a replanted pine forest as it approaches Airport Road.

After crossing Airport Road the trail heads back into the forest with rolling hills.

At a creek crossing we check the sign about the water quality in the creek and decide despite the hot weather forecast for today, we are going to stay with the water we brought along.

The view over the valley was spectacular from this stile if only Michael was looking the right way.

We came across a make shift shelter that incorporated a tree stump and that someone was using for their home away from home.

We soon passed through a maze of Maple sap lines.

We once again entered another beautiful planted pine forest.

But soon emerged onto 5 Sideroad where some of the hikers felt it necessary to check the map to make sure we were where we were supposed to be.

We passed an area of recently planted trees with what looks like tent caterpillars?

A brief stop to admire the view and catch our breath.

A farm that has been built in a reclaimed gravel pit.

Finally elevensies!

And the spectacular view from our rest stop.

We soon passed a pond and shortly thereafter our first mandatory Bridge shot although the bridge is pretty desperate.

Back into the forest and then out again.

We passed a forest floor that was covered with Horsetail?

Finally lunch time/rest time and this time with the luxury of picnic tables and outhouses!

Soon after a lunch a creek to cross with varying levels of success for our hikers.  Stefan said he wanted to clean the mud off his shoes so that is why he stepped in the creek.

As we emerged onto Innis Lake Road we saw this spectacular blossoming tree.

But the cars were almost in sight so we carried on and beat the forecasted rain and summer like temperatures.  However, the iced water waiting in the car along with A/C were certainly welcome.