Hike Report: Blue Mountains 4a Pretty River Access Trail, Pretty River Side Trail, John Haigh Side Trail, Petun Side Trail, Russ McConnell Side Trail AND an unmarked bicycle trail

Section :Blue Mountains 4a – 46.1 to 57.5 including Pretty River Access Trail, Pretty River Side Trail, John Haigh Side Trail, Petun Side Trail, Russ McConnell Side Trail AND an unmarked bicycle trail recommended by a friendly cyclist – total 15.7 km of which 13.7 km was planned (loop hike)

Hike Leader : John N

Hikers: John N, Joanne, Ann, Anita, Tom and “Oprah”

Five hikers congregated at Pete’s Donuts (Hwy 10 and 89) for coffee departing shortly after 8 AM for the Pretty River valley roadside parking at which point, both cars were abandoned as we donned our hiking gear.  The weather was cool and sunny, starting at 6 deg.C and a predicted high of 13, and the trail was mostly dry with good traction underfoot.  We struck off uphill at 9:15 am and proceeded to climb uphill for about 3 km to the highest point on the Bruce Trail at 540 Meters above sea level.

   This section was quite strenuous, with one brief downhill stretch towards one of three ponds marked on the trail guide, and covered the Pretty river access and side trails, and the start of the John Haigh Side trail, as well as connecting parts of the main trail.  A brief stop with pictures and liquids permitted us to continue, having completed this section in one hour.  The trees were largely in full leaf, providing shade and sun protection, however limiting the views from vantage points overlooking Georgian Bay. The section following the ‘highest point’ was mostly flat until we reached the 2nd line near the end of the John Haigh Side Trail/start of the Petun Side trail. At two parking points we met several trail hikers, as Oprah made acquaintances with three other trail companions.

The 2nd line marked the start of the descent down from the escarpment with several views of Georgian Bay exhibiting various shades of blue off into the distance.  Very clear views to the east shore of Georgian Bay made it difficult to distinguish between the water, shoreline and sky on the horizon.  

 

 The gradual downhill became at times steep, with roadside running water from springs.  The Petun Side trail met the main trail again at Grey Road 19, the lowest point since leaving the cars (approximately 390 Meters ASL). Then, guess what! In true Bruce Trail fashion, what goes down must come back up; so we started our second major ascent continuing on the Petun Side trail to the top of Osler Bluff (and the private ski club by the same name). As you may be well aware, when on uphill, John has a Mission with head down ...and Oprah and he made the summit well ahead of the remainder of the crew. 

Once reaching the 490 Meter ASL contour, the trail again leveled out in mature forest, with many examples of ferns.  Two in particular were pointed out ... the Hart’s Tongue fern exhibiting long, wide ‘tongue like’ leaves in a cluster, and the Christmas fern, an evergreen of dark green colour (similar to the Northern Holly fern but with distinctive leaf shape).

  A vantage point with view over Georgian Bay (and a cool breeze) provided an opportunity for more pictures and a break for lunch.  

A few of us collected some wild leek leaves to add to our sandwiches, and subsequently, we managed to slow John down to allow him to collect additional leaves to add to salad on the home front. 
On the main trail again, we met a friendly cyclist (who also did hiking in the area), and he recommended a ‘cycling’ side trail as an alternative route back to our cars.  Not taking much stock in the suggestion at the time, we continued, expecting our travers of the Russ McConnell Side trail might bypass the cycle route. 

 Exiting the largely flat side trail, back onto the main trail, we again met the cyclist at the junction of the recommended cycle trail.  A study of the trail guide, and with the clue “to ‘proceed downhill’ and ‘in a southerly’ direction and you can’t get lost”, we expected there to be minimal added distance, and different ‘views’ with this exploratory route.  OOPS ... this trail did have a spectacular descent from the 490 M contour, but unexpectedly, the trail started northwards quite a distance ...adding 2 km to the planned hike. 

This trail did pass through a section of fallen birch trees and a couple of groves of Hemlock as advertised. But, we did persevere, stayed together, and found after circling all three ponds, made it back onto the Pretty River side trail, before reaching the main trail again and back to the cars at 3:15pm.  Hats off to the team for persevering, and completing effectively 16 km of some of the largest ascent/descent sections of Bruce Trail. Lessons have been learned by Tom and John ... but Oprah loved it, 

and celebrated by finding the blackest, dirtiest mud pond in which to cool off, just prior to arriving at the cars. 
Restorative sweets and coffee were awaiting us at Pete’s, after Tom detoured (followed his nose again) and toured the Pretty River Provincial Park, and the town of Rob Roy in transit.