Thursday, 16 May 2019

Caledon - Innis lake Rd.(31.6 km) to 7th Line (42.2 km) - May 16th, 2019


Today's hike was 10.6 km from Innis lake Rd. to 7th Line Access Trail through rolling hills and apparently too many steep hills.

Hikers were Eric, Isaac, Marleen, David, Ron, Annette, Nancy and Steve our photographer.

After a brief road walk we entered a forest along a road easement.  The ground was reasonably dry despite all the rain we have seen over the past few days.


Ron demonstrates his nimbleness crossing a creek while we all respectively observe.

We all made it across with dry feet each of us in our own way.

We all rush to see what Ron has discovered.  I believe the technical term for what he discovered was a cup like fungi thingie.

Less excitement from the group for the next discovery.


Our bridge picture without Annette who at this point had joined a group of faster hikers.

Off we go again through an old growth forest.


We had Elevensies in a pine forest just south of Highway #9 as was evident from the sound of trucks climbing a nearby hill.


The BT passes along a field that has been planted with pine trees.

A collection of red trilliums were in bloom along with Dutchman's Britches

Annette found the Iron Throne ideally placed at the top of one of the many large hills that our leader had forgotten about.

One last viewpoint before we turn towards the cars.

Sunday, 12 May 2019

Beaver Valley - Margaret Paull ST (13.3 km) to Maple Lane (0.0 km) - May 10, 2019



It was an overcast, cold (5 degrees) day but there was no rain in the forecast. Although the hike was shorter that yesterday's, it had a lot more elevation and lots of MUD. We started at 9 and finished by 2.
Ron, Marleen, Brian, Nancy, and Eric
and Ann behind the camera
.
Indian Brook, A snail convention in the field
Trying not to step on the snails AND keep feet dry, Flowerpot created by the waves of an ancient glacial lake



The welcoming committee


Can't get bored on this hike....a little water and mud (not sure what's piqued Ron's curiosity), fenceline, road, some road allowance, mud, and more mud

Top picture is for Case
Only two styles today:-), One of four ST on today's hike
Elevensies...enjoying the view of  Nottawasaga Bay from Georgian Peaks Ski Club

The mud made navigating the trail interesting.
Thankfully, no one went down


Spring flowers....red trillium, wild ginger, early meadow rue
wild leek, hepatica, cut-leaved toothwort
wild ginger, trillium, trout lily
The last 4 km....

Boot cleaning time!

We made a quick stop at the Ravenna store for coffee and treats and then it was homeward bound.


Saturday, 11 May 2019

Beaver Valley - Metcalfe Rock (27.5 km) to Margaret Paull ST (13.3 km) - May 9, 2019


Despite the forecast of an all day rain and the many bear sightings in the Kolapore Uplands, 6 of us made the trip up north. We started hiking at 9:30 and finished at 2:30 and only saw 10 minutes of rain and no bears! 12 degrees, minimal mud, and not a lot of elevation today.
Marleen, Nancy, Brian
Ron, Eric
behind the camera...Ann




Liverworts!!!!


Brian had to sample the spring water. Refreshing and no ill effects!


We started at the Metcalfe Crevice ST which goes through a rocky gorge 30m high where huge slabs of dolostone have broken away to form crevices containing several caves. Brian makes his way through the crevice while Eric looks on from the top. There's still some ice!!


The wildflowers were starting to make an appearance
colt's foot, red trillium, blue cohosh
hepatica, marsh marigold, Dutchman's breeches

sedge, trout lily, spring beauty




                              Elevensies                           
Marleen, Nancy, Brian
Eric
Lots of interesting things to see......
Nancy gets a closer look at some hepaticas;-)
After he finished his elaborate lunch, Ron
 had time to take out his magnifying glass. 
       


       Bear sighting....This was one talented bear....his scat actually came out in the shape of a bear!!!!

Message in a bottle
The message--"That one love-sometimes you'd give your last breath just to feel it again. Just BREATHE'"
Hey Brian...first rule in chem class....don't taste the chemicals!!!



Marleen stirring up ants (but no uncles)


                                                                         
Following the blazes

                                           
Stiles, stiles, so many styles 
This is just a small selection of the many stiles we had to climb.
      
           
Are we there yet?

The joys of hiking
About 1.5 km from the end, the skies darkened, the wind came up, hats and capes were in danger of getting blown away, and the rain came pelting down. Thankfully it only lasted for a few minutes.

After the hike it was happy hour at the Comfort Inn in Collingwood (thanks Steve) and dinner at the Smoke.                                 
                                           

                                                       



Thursday, 25 April 2019

Caledon - Willoughby Rd (16.0km) to Innis Lake Rd. (31.6km) - April 25th, 2019

Ten of us hiked 15.6 km from Willoughby Rd. to Innis lake Rd. on a beautiful sunny day.

Our hikers included Eric, Annette (newly back from the Amalfi Coast), Rob, Marleen, Nancy, Isaac, Ron, Sandra, Stefan, and Steve our photographer.

Off we went through an old farm.


We entered the tunnel under Highway #10

We crossed a field of Milkweed.

Today's hike had a lot of road walking but for the most part it had little traffic.

A moment earlier there was the largest Mallard Duck I've ever seen standing on the banks of this pond.

We crossed another farm.

Spring flowers were coming up as well as...
Spring garter snakes.

A fungi collection for Ron.

We make the turn onto scenic Airport Road.  Not much further now.
The cars!

Congratulations to Marleen and Nancy who completed the Caledon Section with this hike!