Peninsula km 98.1 to km 86.2 - 22nd September, 2016

Date:September 22nd, 2016
Hikers: Christine, Andy, Steve and Richard (Leaders)
Weather: Muggy with light showers (Bruce Mist!)
Start: Cape Chin South Road km 98.1
Finish: Richardson Side Trail km 86.2

We were up with the sun at the Lion's Head Beach Motel.

Lions Head Bay

Sunrise

It was a select group of hikers that set off. Karen's hip had an appointment, Bill had blisters and there was one "Case" of End to End Fatigue! As you can see Richard's "Selfie" technique still needs work!

Hikers: Andy and Christine. Leaders: Richard and Steve

After leaving a car at our end point we were dropped at our start at Cape Chin South Road from where we headed south through the bush emerging shortly at the shore.

I think the geological term is "Mass Slumping"

Steve sees a Raptor!

After a pleasant stroll with the beach in sight, we climbed Smokey Head to the "Fred Binding" Lookout. Fred being an early President of the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club.

Andy at Fred Binding Lookout
The Trail then continued more or less close to the escarpment edge as we proceeded from Smokey head to White Bluff through the Smokey Head and White Bluff Provincial Nature Reserve.

There are various interesting sights along the way

Some flora

Some vista's

Georgian Bay Blue

And some of the natives taking a combined Elevesies and Lunch due to the light rain.

As seems inevitable the trail turns extra rugged for the last few kms.

and once again its time tread a wary path over slippery rocks!

Finally the last kms over broken limestone pavement are successfully negotiated and we are at the car. High fives all around as Richard now has Peninsula under his belt (almost 2 years!).

And so back to Oakville.

Peninsula 98.1 to 114.4 - September 21, 2016

Date: Wednesday September 21st, 2016.
Hikers: Andy, Christine and Richard (leading)
Weather: Warm and muggy.
Start: Km 98.1 Cape Chin South Road
Finish: Km 114.4 Dyers Bay Carpool Parking

We left our breakfast companions to complete Case's final E to E hike and shuttle people and cars.

We left the van and started off into the bush at Cape Chin South Rd hoping the car shuttle elfs had fully understood where it needed to be dropped off!

The trail climbed up the escarpment to Cape Chin Bluff.

The trail then headed in land and skirted a beaver pond.

As we left the pond and associated Marshy Areas where we hit our first stile.

Attempting to skirt this Richard got a shocking lesson in how electricity still works that far north on the Bruce! Yes it was an electric fence, very sneaky!

Time for Elevensies!

A short hike up Cape Chin North Rd and we were back in the bush emerging on the escarpment north of Cape Chin.

With great views up and down Dyers Bay we followed the escarpment edge til turning inland and joining Bouchart rd for 1.4 km.

Once back in the bush we were quickly at the edge again before reaching the Devil's Monument (or Pulpit).

The last few Km were over some very rough terrain but we were rewarded with great lookouts, overhangs and finally the Michiganders Arch. Before staggering into the Dyers bay parking lot.

Cape Chin in the distance

Just another overhang

Bruce Trail Siren in the Michigander Arch

Christine and Andy provide perspective on the Michigander Arch.

Joy of joys the van was there, sore muscles were soon soothed celebrating Case's success in completing his E to E in the parallel hike. 

Sydenham KM 14.5 to KM 29.7 September 14, 2016

This Section starts at the 2nd Concession South and ends at the 

Bogner Marsh Conservation Area South parking lot on County Rd 18.

The weather started out with a threat of rain but it never materialized. 

The temerature hovered around 16 C all day. Goodhiling weather. No bugs!

Todays hikers; Case, Andy, Christine and our fearless leader Richard.

Looking north from our starting point.
This is the highest point in the area and provides a good view over the Bighead River Valley.

We hiked north on the 2nd Concession for 600 m then turned right onto the 
Holland-Sydenham Townline for 2.7 km where it turns right onto the 4th Concession.

On the 4th Con. we head north for 1.1 km crossing the Bighead River.
We then turn left onto a well manicured trail, thanks to the property owner.

There was an abundance of fall wild flowers every where.

The Trail takes a long climb to another high point.

And the corn is as high as an elephant's eye ........

A welcome lunch break along Sideroad 3.

Love those Fungi .......

More road walking (600 m) along the 6th Concession

We turn left off of the 6th Con and hike through a cedar forest emerging out at the 6th Con again.

We follow the 6th Con to the next intersection where we turn left on to the 6th Sideroad

At the old schoolhouse we turn left onto the 4th Concession.

Our car is parked at the end of the road !
Just a bit more road walking.

Wild grapes ... a sure sign of fall.

At the finish Andy felt he needed a BIG rest.
WhenAndy is rested we get into the car, pick up the other car and head for Oakville.