Despite the ominous forecast, 12 hikers were fortunate to enjoy a rain free hike at Limehouse. Sadly, the 'Hole in the Wall' was still closed.
There was some mud and ice, but otherwise the trail conditions were good.
Group photo in front of the lime kiln Dolostone was used to make lime which is used in the manufacture of steel and building products. The powder magazine stored the blasting powder that was required to break up the large chunks of dolostone. Learning more about Limehouse
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| Between seasons -- note the mix of toques and ball caps |
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| Most of the trail was bare, but we still needed icers in a couple of sections. At this stage of the hike, the toques have disappeared! |
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| One of the fancier bluebird houses along the trail |
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| Our hike leader, reunited with her poles!!!! It was a good day. |
Michael led an excellent turnout of 22, including some new members, all treated with care and consideration for a group who don't generally exceed 8.0 km! It may have been overcast, but hiking conditions were otherwise fine -- no mud and little ice. But it's a very swampy location and a good one to avoid in mozzy and black fly season!
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| Contemplating our next move |
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| "Jeez, it would be nice to get a signal!" |
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| Michael, nicely portrayed by Christine |
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| Early Spring patterns |
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| A sure sign of in-between seasons |
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| "Back in my day, we did it like this...." |
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| This magnificent oak is estimated to be about 350 years old. |
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| Bronte Creek, looking north |
Perfect late-winter weather brought out a good-sized group of hikers for this hike along a part of Sixteen Mile Creek. Jane took us on a short detour to see a hitherto-unknown "cascade" on Shannon Creek, enlivened by the recent heavy rain.
Sixteen Mile Creek was flowing like we seldom see. 
A perfect late-winter day
And it was another great day for a hike. Seven hikers joined Brian for this walk from Webster's Falls, along Spencer Creek and around Christie Lake. It was cold enough that the expected mud was still fairly firm.
The bridge picture Webster's Falls was roaring and there was an occasional rainbow sighting in the mist.
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| Icers were required on the north facing slopes |
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| Water levels were high so a strategically placed rock helped keep feet dry. |
We hit the sweet spot today: blue skies, warm breezes, soft ice, and little mud (yet). Sid set a gentle pace for the 15 hikers, and treated the hills and hikers with great respect. Finally, there appears to be serous work underway on Griffin House -- if being wrapped securely in tarps is any indication.
Headed up yet another hill, as seen by Susan M. 
"You are here." 
Soft ice and sunshine 
At the Hermitage 
Will there be a test?
Sixteen Pathfinders registered for this hike and 13 showed up, a sign of the weather. While yesterday was sunny and warm, today was blustery and cool -- some would say cold. It must be Spring! Regardless, Hattie did a fine job of leading -- from the front, middle and rear -- and safely marshalled us across many streets.
Some parts of the path were bare, but for the most part it was soft snow. We decided that was worth 1.5 x the nominal distance. 
Taplow Creek, or maybe it was another of Oakville's numerous creeks.... Can you spot 4 mallards here? 
Hattie appeared to be taking attendance at every road crossing. She finished the hike well within the 10% loss allowed to all Pathfinder leaders. :)
It was a spectacular day for a hike. This is arguably one of the toughest Pathfinder hikes, but we took our time and stopped often to enjoy the sights and catch our breath.
Practicing the selfies...glad to have glasses on this sunny day. The trails were perfect...hard-packed snow Clearing off the bench for elevenses.
Note the depth of the snow around the bench.
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| Apres hike...coffee and dessert sampler at the Black Birch. The lemon tart was the hands down favourite. |
