Toronto & Caledon - Boston Mills Rd to Grange Rd - Nov. 19th 2020

We started on Boston Mills Rd (47.8 km) and hiked to the end of the Toronto Section (49.9 km) and on through the Cheltenham Badlands to Grange Rd (5.1 km) in the Caledon Section.  We then returned to Boston Mills Rd with a stop at the Spirit Tree Cidery for lunch. The total hike was 14.4 km with 7.2 km of Main Trail for the E2Eers.

Hikers included Catherine, Sandra (our sweep), Brian, Ken (contributing photographer), Michael, Doug (contributing photographer), Ron B., Marleen, Arpi, and Steve a photographer.

The route today included a of of road walking (about 50%) and it wasn't until we reached the Caledon Section that we entered a forest.

We took a detour to view the Badlands.

We begin the climb to the top of Chinguacousy Rd.

Some hikers were not impressed by what faced them.

Reaching the top.

and back down the hill.

The Trail largely follows a road allowance for this portion.

Elevensies

Back on the trail after a quick bite.

A bit of road walking back to the Badlands.

Through the forest for the last stretch on the road before lunch at the Spirit Tree Cidery and then the cars and home.

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.