Happy New Year!!
The first day of the year was a sunny, cold (-10) one but luckily there was no wind. Ten hikers joined Ann for this hike along Bronte Creek.
No one wanted to do a polar bear dip today!!?? Icers were a definite plus when going up and down the hills
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| Work on the farm is never done |
Sunny conditions prevailed for the 15 hikers who showed up for this hike led by Sid. Originally scheduled for East Bank Inner Valley, the hike was changed due to stair closure and very icy conditions.
Four people joined Ann on the last Pathfinder hike before Christmas. We started at -3. The bike trails were hard-packed snow and we may have done 12 km or 35 km...depends on who you talked to!
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| Exploring at Hilton Falls--there's always someone who has to test the ice! Thankfully there were no wet feet today. |
It was a cold, windy day for Peter's inaugural hike as a leader. He did a great job and came back with everyone that he started with!
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| At William Sinclair Memorial Cross overlooking Stoney Creek |
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| Upper Punchbowl Falls |
Despite it being a sunny day, the announced wind chill of -16 must have put some people off as we were only 8 hikers at the trail head. But as soon as we crossed the road and descended the stairs, it became a lot balmier. Only the footing was a cause for complaint as the ice-snow mix was rough underfoot. But all had icers of various types and they helped a lot (even Ted's that came off in deep snow). Good call, Jane!
Three brave people signed up for this one. -9 and icy sidewalks and driveways in Oakville after yesterday's rain. We arrived at Forks of the Credit and were pleasantly surprised. No icers needed today! This is just a small sampling of the many pictures taken today.
Ankle deep fluffy snow...some trail breaking was required At the kettle lake
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| A well-earned candy cane hot chocolate at the Coywolf |
Six hikers joined Andrea on this cold hike. Thank goodness there was no wind.
On the Vanderleck Side Trail A banquet for a pileated woodpecker
Aptly described by leader Sid as a lollipop route, today's 14 hikers were afraid, at -14, their tongue would get stuck a lollipop on or any other surface they were inclined to lick.😜 With time, the hills and the sun combined with the lack of wind to make a beautiful late Fall day, perfect for a hike and almost acceptable for lollipops.
Strong shadows obscure faces but attest to the bright day. 
Headed downhill on the Main Loop. Which means coming back up the other side.
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| The recent snow and low temperatures overnight made a beautiful wintry scene. |
A great day in Short Hills! It was a little below 0, so the mud was frozen. Seven hikers joined Ann today.
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| No mud on the hills today |
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| A traumatic day. Thank goodness there was a park employee nearby. |
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| Terrace Creek Falls |
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| Found the ideal log for elevensies |
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| Case sale at 13st Street, so we had to do a tasting first. |
This walk was renamed a few years ago to honour Wally Nisbet, long-time Pathfinder leader and organizer of Saturday walks as well. It's a good example of how Oakville has created trails in subdivisions that, with some wandering and a bit of back-tracking, can be turned into an accessible walk of 6km or so.
Jim leads his hardy band of 15. Or was it 18? There were a few dropouts put off by the weather forecast, but it turned out to be a pretty decent Fall morning.
Perfect weather promised a pleasant hike for our group of 15 and we were not disappointed -- except that the boardwalk around the now-famous lake was off limits and under repair. But Conservation Halton made up for it with a new set of chainsaw carvings that are detailed and very impressive.
The trails were smooth and easily managed ...
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| ... until they weren't. Rock-hopping called for care in placing feet and poles. |
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| Taking a break at the lookout. There were no vultures to be seen, so we must not have looked too far gone. |
