Beaver Valley - Eugenia Falls (56.2 km) to Kimberley (44.9 km) - May 22nd, 2019

We hiked 14 km from Eugenia Falls to Kimberley to avoid a long climb from Kimberley up to Old Baldy that has been introduced as a result of a trail reroute.

Hikers included Stefan, Ron, Marleen, and Nancy with Steve as photographer.  The weather was cool and grey but nominal rain was in the forecast.

The falls was in full flow but after a brief visit we were off on our hike.

The trail follows up the river and then returns along the other side.

The Trillium's were in full bloom.

A single Trillium growing out of a rock

Surprisingly a number of the creek beds were dry.

While others were still flowing.

Elevensies looking over the Beaver Valley by the surge towers.

Marsh marigolds.

Our bridge picture for the day.

Originally thought to be a rare fungi but proven to be someone's litter.

Cherry blossoms over the Beaver Valley.

4 km of road walking where we passed several farms in various states of repair.

Looking south west towards the Beaver Valley Ski Hill

Admiring the view from a well placed bench.

Looking north west towards Talisman Ski Hill.

More Trilliums!

Looking south down the Valley

The descent from Old Baldy begins.

This bridge appears to have suffered through the winter but it held us all,

Almost to the cars.

We were off for a night in Meaford where Ron, as always, had fun.

and we discovered a fish bait vending machine!

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.

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.

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.