Hike Report – Niagara 8

59.12 KM to 71.87 Marker: , No Blue trails today
Leader: John N.

Hikers: John N., Karen N., Peter, Jim, Rudi, Margaret, Karen B., Joanne, Ann and Bev  

It was amazing to be hiking in January with temperatures above freezing and no snow on the ground.  It was overcast as we started out our hike from Vineland Estates Winery. The Winery was kind enough to open its office facilities to let us use the washrooms before starting out.

The two thoughts that keep passing through my mind as we walked was mud, mud and more mud, and the song “Slip sliding away”.  With the absence of snow and the mild temperatures it wasn't long before our boots and pants were covered in mud. No “icers” were required today.

We started out heading into the valley and before long found ourselves making an arduous climb back out of it.  We had beautiful vistas of the many, many vineyards, that at one time were once orchards. We saw a Hercules aircraft overhead a couple of times – presumably on a training run. 

 At the crest of the Escarpment we covered several kilometres walking on moss covered “Osteoporosis” rocks (or commonly known as dolostone). 

It was quite an uneven terrain. Along the trail we stopped to be in awe of the periwinkle already in bloom.

 
 There was also an interesting hole in a rock that was joked to be the headfirst option for going over the edge of the escarpment. We had numerous crossing of stream beds which proved to be a challenge as they were not frozen and very muddy.  

 Often we were having to balance on slippery logs or find a way to bypass the usual creek crossing.  We stopped to view an interesting cropping of large rock formations that looked like they were caves.  Occasionally we saw some Indian snow ( apache here, apache there – okay I was told that one by a guide in West Yellowstone).  

We passed Kinsmen Community Park, but decided to keep going before stopping for lunch n an area after the trail left Leonard Crescent. We continued along the trail, passing a Christmas Tree Farm, down into a valley and back up before coming out at East Dell Winery. The Winery is soon to be opened as Mike Weir Winery.  We followed along the road, past Fielding Winery (a favourite of mine) and Organized Crime Winery (who's owner is quite a character). 

By the time we got back to the waiting cars, we were tired and very muddy, but grateful for a very enjoyable hike.