The Great Esker, October 29, 2026 8:15 am

Richard lead 12 hikers on the Great Esker along the Bruce Trail.

The weather was perfect. A gentle fresh breeze carried falling leaves. An early morning fog had dissipated as the hikers set off. The forest floor was a mat of colourful Fall leaves. The familiar friendly chatter resumed after Hikers learned to be vigilant of leaf covered crevices, preferring to step on exposed rock. The Bruce trail portion presented a couple rocky hill climbs, but also up onto and along the Great Esker. From there the views onto the forest floor below were as much begging us off trail as boasting their beauty. At one point an animal, it's snooze interupted, un-necessarily bolted for cover as it was entirely un-noticed except by one.

Trekking into the woods.

Trekking through the forest.

Occasionally some equipment fails - today it was a boot sole. Hubert applied duct tape and John a cramp-on. With Richard's approval we were back on trail.

Hiking boot repair

Hyrdration break as the ambient approached 20 Celsius

Shall we venture "off trail" onto this colourful carpet?

How many hikers fit onto this bridge?

Thank you to Richard we all had an enjoyable hike.

Wally Nisbet, Thu 29 Oct 2026, 8:45

 The Wally Nisbet hike is named to keep alive the memory of Wally Nisbet, long-time Pathfinder, hike leader, and developer of many of our routes. Like so many Oakville trails, it's a woodsy gem tucked away in the middle of a sub-divison that is barely visible. A near-record 26 hikers turned out to scuff the leaves and intimidate a few local canines. 

Tony and Dave set the pace, approaching one of the gentle little hills.

Lovely autumn light at 9:15 am. Will it still be this nice with Standard Time?

The caption for this could well be "Over here!!"

 

DV - Griffin House, Mon 26 Oct 2026; 8:45

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 Another perfect fall day, another outing in the beautiful Dundas Valley. Leader Dave took us up and down a few hills, flawlessly leading 25 hikers  on the G Donald, Lookout, Reforestation, Headwaters and Main Loop Trails. The route took us by two historic buildings, the Hermitage Ruins and Griffin House.

The Hermitage: its facade was restored some years ago by Hamilton Conservation. 

Michael and David set the pace

Griffin House is a National Historic Site and is now undergoing renovation. For a look inside, go to the Hamilton Museums website: https://hamiltoncivicmuseums.ca/griffin-house-national-historic-site/ 

 

 

 

 

Pear Tree - Speyside, Monday Oct 26 2026 @ 7:45

It was another beautiful day for hiking...17. Nine Pathfinders and newbie, Mark, joined Brian on today's hike. Although there was no elevation, the fallen leaves made it hard to see the treadway. Apres hike, we did some stretching to make getting out of the car at JCC easier

Thanks Hemant!!!

Checking out the ~142 yr old Eastern Hemlock

All eyes were on the ground as we picked our way through the roots and rocks.