Sydenham - Clearview Crescent (75.1 km) to Centennial Tower (89.2 km) - Oct. 7th, 2021

 

Today we hiked 14.1 km from Bothwell's Corner to Centennial Tower in Owen Sound.

All eleven of us hiked today with Ken (photographer), Boyd, Doug (photographer), Steve, Brian, Mauris, Marleen, Barbara, Sandra, Arpi, and Nancy.

The hike began with 4 km of road walking through farm country.

The Trail finally enters a forest and some fields to follow the escarpment.

Brian leading the way as we approach the base of the escarpment.

The Trail passes through a series of crevices.

Arpi escaping the crevice.

Brian guiding Nancy and Barbara out of the crevice.

Regrouping before we continue on through the forest and fields.

Others were enjoying the day as well.

Another pause to reflect.

Not sure what Barbara saw but I'm sure it was interesting. Perhaps this tree.

Elevensies.

Back on the road for 1.5 km to the finish.

Centennial Tower which was closed as another victim of Covid.

Hike completed, we headed home except a sub-set of hikers that went to the Singhampton caves on their trip home.

Entering the caves.

Previous hikers carved their initials rather professionally into the wall.

Sydenham - Coles Sideroad (154.2 km) to Wiarton (174.4 km) - Oct. 6th, 2021

The 20.25 km hike today was from the intersection of Cape Rd and Coles Sideroad to Wiarton.

Nine of us set out this morning including, Steve, Barbara, Doug (photographer), Arpi, Brian, Marleen, Boyd, Mauris, and Ken our primary photographer.

The Trail heads into the forest and down a gentle hill to Colpoy's range road.

Barbara and Brian climbing up to the top of the escarpment.

The spectacular view from the top.

Watch the edge!

Looking across Colpoy's Bay with escarpment clearly visible on the other side.

Barbara admiring the view from a few steps back.

A pair of chipmunks enjoying themselves as well.

The Trail follows the escarpment edge for several kilometers with spectacular views and relatively easy hiking.

There always seems to be some special fungi for Ron.

Elevensies on a well placed natural bench.

Brian getting a quick after lunch rest.

Back on the Trail through an ancient cedar forest (+1,000 years) supposedly the oldest growth in Eastern North America.

The Trail is more rugged through here but much easier than the previous day's hiking.

We decided to take a 1.2 km detour to visit the Bruce Caves.

Regrouping before we set off again.

A few kilometers of road walking.

Some happy cows along the way.

The Trail turns back up the escarpment towards the Wiarton International Airport.

No hike in October is complete without some empty coffins by the Trail.

The Trail steeply descends the escarpment just on the outskirts of Wiarton.

The final stretch into Wiarton.

Ken celebrating the completion of the hike.  21.4 km including Side Trails.