71.8 km - 81.1 Marker white only
Hike Leader: Peter O’S.
Hikers: Peter K. ,Peter O'S., Manu, Jim, Ann, Shirley, Richard, Bev, John N., John G., Carol and Joanne
We started our hike around 9am at the Mountainview Conservation Centre with a debate about the desirability or otherwise of wearing “ icers”. The temperature being a little below freezing the more cautious opted for them and we started to climb the escarpment. On dry, slightly frozen ground the going was excellent and a few minutes later we stopped to allow for those that had used them, to remove them.
Making very good progress we rapidly arrived at the short road section which led us north towards the Lake. From the point where we re-entered the woods the trail ran along a little below the ridge line.
This sheltered us from the wind and with the temperature gradually rising to above freezing and a cloudless day we had ideal conditions. The Lake was frequently visible and almost looked blue. For a while it appeared, at least to the writer, that with our speed we would reach our destination around noon. However we experienced a few descents where water running down the trail had frozen and passage required caution.
In addition the last couple of kilometres, while in no way difficult, were a little more up and down than the earlier part of the trail.
This sheltered us from the wind and with the temperature gradually rising to above freezing and a cloudless day we had ideal conditions. The Lake was frequently visible and almost looked blue. For a while it appeared, at least to the writer, that with our speed we would reach our destination around noon. However we experienced a few descents where water running down the trail had frozen and passage required caution.
In addition the last couple of kilometres, while in no way difficult, were a little more up and down than the earlier part of the trail.
The longest descent was down towards the bridge over forty mile creek. This bridge separates the Niagara section from the Iroquoia section. We arrived just before 12.30pm and duly took a group photograph on the bridge to prove completion of the later section.
We then adjourned to the refurbished Elm Café, in the shopping centre, where we enjoyed varying snacks and the drivers took time to retrieve their cars from the start point.
We then adjourned to the refurbished Elm Café, in the shopping centre, where we enjoyed varying snacks and the drivers took time to retrieve their cars from the start point.
It is noteworthy that this section of the trail boasts no “blue” so we were on the main trail all the way.
It was an excellent morning’s hike. Would that winter could continue to cooperate!
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| Black Walnut |
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