Iroquoia Km 105.5 to Km 121.7 - 7 April, 2016

This section started at km 105.5 in The Crawford Lake/ Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area and was completed at the parking lot in the Kelso Conservation Area. Currently the Kelso Consevation Area has been closed by the BTC to some on-going work. Also the Hwy 401 underpass on Appleby Line is under construction and not accessible to hikers so at km 114.0 we continued north on Appleby Line and turned right into Kelso where we had parked the cars. The actual length of the hike was about 10 km.

Congratulations to Christine and Andy for completing the Iroquoia Section

The Weather was overcast and the temp was just below 0C.

 Today's hikers; Case; Andy; Anita; Karen, our leader; Annette; Christine; John G; Eric; 

and John Nourse.

 The rain stopped as we left the Crawford Lake Visitor's Center.

 The Trail follows the Conservation Area's Pine Ridges Trail through pine forests, across meadows and into deciduous woods.

 The Trail follows the Escarpment along the rim of the Nassagaweya Canyon 

where in season turkey vultures can be seen.

"Do you see any lunch ?"

"No but let's keep our eye out for a straggler." 

 Lookout across the Nassagaweya Canyon.

 At this point the Trail turns right and makes a short steep descent of the Escarpment

 Although mud was not as prevalent on this hike there was a lot of water on the trail.

 The Trail followed the Walker's Line road allowance and 

then turns left across the Limestone Creek.

 After climbing the east wall of the canyon we stop for elevensies

 The Trail leads out to Appleby Line and we follow the road north to the access to

 Kelso Conservation Area.

 "Hey guys, has anyone seen Karen?"

"I thought she was sweeping."

Iroquoia Km 91.7 to Km 105.5 - 5 April, 2016

Section from the Parking Lot at Mt. Nemo, km 91.7 to the Crawford Lake Side Trail at km 105.5.

Weather was perfect for hiking about -4C, sunny and a couple of cm's of snow on the trail.
SNOW on April 5th ??

 Hikers; Case; Karen, our leader; Christine; Eric; Andy; Stephan and our co-leader Richard.

 We leave the Mt.Nemo Conservation Area parking lot, cross Guelph Line and hike west 
along Colling Road. We turn right on to The Blind Line to Britannian Road where the 
Trail enters an unopened road allowance into the Bronte Creek Valley.

 The Trail crosses the Bronte Creek and we traverse a 100m boardwalk across a swamp.

 We do a steep climb up the north side of the valley and stop for an 'equipment adjustment'

 Lunch break behind the Killbride School

 We hike over a 150m boardwalk and follow the creek bank to Derry Road

 After crossing Twiss Road the Trail passes through rocky outcrops into the 

Crawford Forestry Tract.

 We approach a relatively difficult climb and some of us envision an easier method.

 After crossing Gueph Line the Trail enters the Crawford Lake Conservation Area

 Karen and Richard enjoy the interesting benches and sculptures throughout the area.

Richard, the snake seems to be eyeing you ......

 Richard ... quick,   throw us the car keys !!

On our way to the parking lot we pass more spectacular sculptures.

Iroquoia Km 78.8 to Km 91.7 - 17 March, 2016

Section from where the Fisher Access Trail meets the Bruce Trail at km 78.8 to the 

Mt. Nemo Parking Lot.

The weather was excellent for hiking, sunny, a slight wind and a temperature of +6C.

Today,s hikers; Case, Andy, Christine, Fiona, Eric, Mike, John N. (our leader), Anita, Annette, Steve and Stefan. 

We parked the cars on Springer Crescent and followed the Fisher Access Trail to the 

Bruce Trail and headed east. 

A 'natural bridge' across an unexpected lake. 

We still encounter a fair bit of mud along the trail.

The Trail skirts the north edge of Fisher's Pond. 

The Trail wanders through beautiful woodland until we reach Guelph Line. 

The Trail emerges onto #1 Sideroad which we follow for 1.7 km and turned north on 

Walkers Line. Where Walkers Line meets #2 Sideroad we turn west. 

We follow a road allowance into the Mt. Nemo Conservation Area and work our way 

to the top of the escarpment. 

A view from the top looking east.

Hey, what are you guys looking at? 

I can't see anything ..... is it a bobcat? 

No, silly, its a goose.

Thanks to Andy's picture I can see it now. 

We relax at the Observation platform to enjoy another view. 

We can see the high rises of Mississauga and Toronto in the distance. 

We follow a loop back to the Mt. Nemo car park. 

The rain has held off until we get in the cars and head back to Oakville.

Thanks to Andy for some of his pictures.