Iroquoia - Hilcrest Ave ST (37.0 km) to Iroquoia Heights ST (42.8 km) - Nov. 12, 2020

We started today's hike at the Chedoke Park by hiking East to the Hillcrest ST and then returning along the Radial Rail Trail which rejoins the Bruce Main Trail until it rejoins the Iroquoia Heights ST.  We then hiked East again along the Radial Rail Trail to the Robert MacLaren ST which follows along the top of the Escarpment until we reached stairs down to where the cars were parked for a total hike of 11 km. The weather was sunny but cool at 4 degrees.

Thirteen of us hiked today including, Brian, Steve, David, Arpi, Marleen, Annette, Catherine, Lesley, Ken, Nancy, and Sandra.  Michael and Ann were off picture. The hike started with a short stair climb that everyone loved.

We were soon onto the Trail which follows along the side of the Escarpment which initially is  fairly rocky but soon smooths out.

Returning along the Rail Trail.

Heading up the grade to the top of the Escarpment.

Our Bridge picture part way up the Rail Trail.

We continue to climb.

The Trail passes through Iroquoia Conservation Area.

Returning on the Iroquoia ST.

Elevesies on the Robert MacLaren ST.

Back on the Trail.

Spectacular views over Hamilton.

The final stairs before the cars!

 

Toronto - Scotsdale Farm (29.7 km) to Terra Cotta Conservation Area (39.4 km) - Nov. 5th, 2020

We started the hike from Scotsdale Farm parking lot along the Bennet Heritage Trail west to pick up the Main Trail at 29.7 km and followed the MT through Silverstone Conservation Area to Terra Cotta Conservation Area at 39.4 km for 9.7 km hike on the MT.  We then returned along the Roberts ST and Bennet Heritage Trail to complete a 17.3 km hike.

We initially started with Ron B., David, Ken, Doug, Arpi, Sandra, Nancy, Marleen and Steve the photographer but Ron J. soon joined us.

The Trail begins through a wooded area that surrounds the farm.

A brief stop for a clothing adjustment.

Back on the Trail

Ron J. informed us that the red berries are deadly nightshade.  Probably not edible I suspect.

Our bridge picture.

Which way are we going?

The climb out of the Valley.

What did he say?

After a step descent the Trail crosses the Valley bottom and by a pond with a swan.

After a short hike up to the Terra Cotta Conservation Area we reversed course back down the hill.

We passed another pond along the Roberts Trail with clear water.

A short road walk in a single file 6 feet apart.

We turned onto the Bennet Heritage Trail for the return to the cars.

The final 100meters around the barn to the parking lot.

Iroquoia - Twiss Road (103.8 km) to Rattlesnake (113.1 km) - Oct. 29th, 2020

We started on Twiss Road and followed the Main Trail through Crawford lake C.A. and through to Rattlesnake Point C.A..  We returned on the Leech Porter ST and Crawford Lake ST to rejoin the main trail back to Twiss Road for a total of 15.3 km hike with 9.3 km being on the Main Trail.

Ten of us started the hike including Arpi, Sandra, Marleen, David, Ken, Doug, Ron, Michael, Brian and Steve the photographer.

The Trail crosses Twiss Road and then rises up to the Escarpment.

Upon reaching the top the Trail winds through the forest until the inevitable decline.

Our Bridge picture.

The view across the valley to Rattlesnake point.

A brief stop to admire the view.

The long trek down the valley.

Elevensies at the top of the Escarpment.

Back on the Trail.

A brief stop on the Leech Porter Trail.

Passing an old stone wall in Crawford lake C.A.

A stop to admire the wood sculptures.

A quick stop at Crawford lake.

A last pause before the final trek to the cars.

We approached the final climb.

The final descent.

Into the woods again and out to the road with the cars in view.