Queenston Cairn (0.0 km) to Woodend (15.2 km) - January 9th. 2020

Thirteen hikers braved the cold for a 16.7 km hike with a pose in front of the Cairn: Eric, Isaac, Marleen, Ron J., Ron B., Michael, Arpi, Brian, Annette, Sandra, Ken, Catherine, and Steve the photographer.

Ken, Arpi, and Brian wait for the others' pre-hike bio-break with Brock Monument in the background.

Off we go though Queenston Heights Park.  

Niagara river in the background below the Queenston Heights.  The Heights are the Lake Iroquois shoreline a predecessor to Lake Ontario.

Everyone checked it out but nobody knows what it is.

The Trail descends the Escarpment though a series of challenging switchbacks.

Our Bridge Picture

Back on the Trail

At km 7 the Trail has been re-routed on the old Fireman's Side Trail which adds about 1.5 km to the hike.

The re-routed Trail passes some vineyards.

The re-route crosses the railroad tracks via a new bridge.

Looking east down the tracks.

Lunch was later today given the long hike.

Off we go again.

Crossing the QEW

The Screaming Tunnel!

A boot Tree.

One final descent of the Escarpment.

The end is in sight.

Iroquoia - Crawford Lake (106.7 km) to Mt. Nemo (93.0 km) - December 19th, 2019

Nine hardy hikers set off from Crawford Lake being Brian, Ron J., Isaac, Arpi, Madge, Annette, Ron B., Eric and Steve the photographer.  It was supposed to be -20 degrees with the wind chill when we started so we were all bundled up.  Luckily we didn't have much wind.

The streams weren't frozen over but it quickly became apparent that Icers were required.

Our Bridge Picture.  Ten photos taken and not a one where everyone was looking at the camera.

A tricky descent with all the snow.

Crossing Twiss Road

This tree has been ravaged by the woodpeckers with the trunk almost eaten through in the middle.

A brief stop on the trail.

Off down the trail again.

Down a slippery hill.

and back up again.

Finally elevensies!  Our leader needs a new watch.

Another tree that has been ravaged by the woodpeckers.

We begin the descent into the Bronte Creek Valley.

We reach the Valley floor and cross a marsh.

Crossing Bronte Creek

and my camera battery died so no more photos today but we all completed the next 5 km.

Dufferin - Hwy #86 15.2 km to BTC Parking 29.4 km - Dec 6, 2019

 Today's hikers, Arpi, Ron B, Ron J, Catherine, Brian, 

Steve our fearless leader and Case.

 It was like a winter wounderland

 

 There were a few challenging hills

 On the open fields we encountered blowing snow

 The two Ronnies ... sampling wild grapes

Catherine provided us with a "Rogues Gallery"