Saturday, 16 March 2019

Niagara - Glen Rd. (53.7km) to Kinsman Park (66.9km) - March 14th, 2019


It was overcast but warm when Michael, Ron, Brian, Ann, Rob, and Steve started this 13.2 km hike.

The trail was relatively bare when we began but it soon became evident icers were necessary.

Twenty Mile Creek was in full flow with spring melt.

The start of the long climb out of the valley and the much needed rest at the top.

A short descent to the small village at the top of Balls Falls.

Mist rising from Balls Falls looking from upstream.

Downstream view with the winter ice build up.

The sun came out as we headed off without our icers again.

The orchards seemed ready for spring.

Ann doing cleanup   What is that?

Ron inspecting the vines.  Apparently all is well.

Our Captain Morgan bridge photo.

Elevensies with a huge vineyard in the background for Ron.


Icers again for the climb up the escarpment.


A spectacular viewpoint with views over the vineyards and the lake beyond.

Old Farmhouse where Michael met his travelling companion.

The trail continued to be rugged as it began to rain and we all expressed a desire for this hike to be done.  And two kilometers later it was!

Saturday, 9 March 2019

Iroquoia Section #5 Artaban Rd. 46.7 km to Sydenham Lookout 60.0 km; March 7, 2019

 We hike from the Sydenham Road Lookout to the Parking lot on Artaban Road. 
We leave the Lookout and head down a tricky slope
 We turn to look at Dyment Falls  ..Ice Falls

 We cross the RR Bridge and get a great view of Dundas Valley.
 Dundas Valley Golf Course .. no one playing today

Todays hikers; Case; Ron; Marleen; Arpi; Fran; Eric; Sandra; 
Annette; Steve our leader; Brian and Karen

 Elevensies at the RR Station

 The Hermitage


The last hill to the cars ...

Friday, 1 March 2019

Jolley Cut 34.km to Sherman Falls/Artaban Rd parking 46.7 km, Thurs Feb 28, 2019


 Today's hikers; Sandra; Fran; Karen; Michael; Arpi; Marleen;  Nancy; 
today's leader, Richard; Brian and Case. Steve our regular leader, 
sunning himself in Costa Rica might take note of the fun he was missing.
 Downtown Hamilton from the Jolly Cut
 The weather was beautiful sunshine and abt -10C.

 In some sections the snow was like walking on a sandy beach
 Elevensies, Michael contemplates completing the 
Bruce Trail on a bicycle in winter.
 We hike along the Rail Trail 
 We stop to admire the Christmas tree
Someone decorates this tree every year.


 Richard shares his lunch with a chickadee.
Richard actually carries bird seed in his backpack.
 The footing under the snow was treacherous
Don't worry it can't get any worse than this ....
 This hill isn't too bad .......... yet
Hey, my icers arn't holding, it's getting steeper and slipperier
 A traffic jamb occurs as no one can get traction ...
 Our intrepid leader ensures everyone makes it to the top 
 Michael, having broken the trail to the top awaits 'till everyone arrives
 "Oh by the way, I forgot to mention ... we now have to go down."

 Arpi losses her footing and slowly slides into Marleen
like bowling pin Marleen topples overtop of her ...

 We are underway again ....
After five hours of challenging hiking we near the cars.