Iroquois Ridge, Thu 23 Apr 2026, 8:45

Leader Sid really arranged the weather for this one, and 21 hikers signed up as a result. And most turned up for the actual hike! It was not only a perfect day, but we also had one new hiker (Joanne) and two back from a winter absence (Denise and Cliff). Welcome! As a bonus, some Spring ephemerals (flowers, not hikers) appeared in the woods while many large pink magnolias were getting ready to put on a show. Thanks to Jane for the flower pix and Karen for the group shot. 

Who would dare run this gauntlet?

   

A surprise early Trillium -- one of only two we spotted

The trout lilies were much more advanced and numerous

Iroquoia Heights - Scenic Drive, Mon April 20, 2026 8:45am

Leader : Peter Issariotis

The group of 19 hikers joined Peter on his first experience leading the Monday morning late hike. Well Done!. Although into spring weather the temperature was colder than expected - some light snow fell at one point. Some fingers were cold but being in nature yields no complaints. This small Falls appears on climbing the bed of an old railway climbint the escarpment face after a bend where the grade become steeper.

Peeking through the wood a second falls is seen.

After climbing the escarpment on a side trail we decend again along the Bruce trail, The group is crossing a meadow watching for ground animals near streams and puddles.

Finally, we arrive in our comfort zone of a wooded area, although somewhat muddy. In this wood we passed a happy tribe on a Kindergarten outing who joyfully called out to us.

Seen here the lead hikers emerged from the wooded section of the Bruce main trail only to ...

... stumble on surprised Coyote. Naturally we dropped a small group to alert the Kindergarten tribe.

Confident on settling the safety of children, the hikers are ready to continue.

The group is photographed here just before the stair decending the escarpment to the Chedoke Golf course where the hike ended.

Congratulations to Peter and hearty thank you to the photographers !

Boyne Valley, Mon April 20 2026 @ 7:45

 Three hikers joined Brian on this cold, but sunny, spring day. Some of us did the 12.5 km version. Others did 14. The story is that they were distracted and started following a rafter of wild turkeys, although no evidence has been provided. Hmm.... 

Did we mention it was cold? 

I really need to take selfie lessons from Ken!

Climbing Mt Murphy! Whose idea was it to take the shortcut up?

Interesting ice formation, Tamarack flower, Scarlet Elf Cup

If you're ever in Primrose, make sure you stop at Super Burger!

Lakeshore Road cleanup (not your average hike), Thu 16 Apr 2026, 8:45

Maintaining a noble tradition that goes back many years, 13 Pathfinders turned out on a drizzly, foggy day to clean up the shoulders of Lakeshore Rd, from JCC to Fourth Line. Many bags of debris were collected, although the construction sites were not as messy as in some past years. Ann made two major contributions by bringing new pickers (big improvement over the old set) and -- in true Ann style -- bringing a box of tasty rewards for the end of the route.  We skipped the extra hike around the Appleby grounds as the weather started to deteriorate. 

 

Dianne and Sorrel were our picker newbies and they learned fast. 

Tom had a major burdock attack but Ann came to the rescue. 

Bloodroot apparently like oak leaves.

Cookies on the left, cook on the right, happy pickers in between. 

Devil's Punchbowl, Mon April 13 @ 7:45

Ten hikers joined Hubert for a hike along the Dofasco 2000 trail and back to the cars on the Bruce Trail. It was about 12 degrees and Hubert assured us that it never rains on his hikes!! Welcome back to Marleen who did really well on her first early Monday hike since November!!!!

On the Dofasco Trail - note the rain gear.

We encountered a few obstacles and some mud on the Bruce Trail

The spring ephemerals were starting to emerge. As well as bloodroot (this one has a bee in it), we saw blue cohosh and Siberian squill (scilla). 

Snake Road - Hwy 6, April 9 2026 8:15am

Leader : John Burgers

10 hikers enjoyed the relatively warm 8 Celsius start on this workout trail along the escaprment face on the Waterdown side of Highway 6. It travels along the Bruce trail from the Snake Road access to the Highway 6 pedestrian via duct and returns. Nothing like a water break to garner smiles on this group photo.

Here we see a typical climb in this hilly terrain. We are starting to feel over clothed under the exertion. A few remember Tom's coaching about staying on trail in soft footing.

The terrain has a way of fencing us on trail. Beautiful trail isn't it.

Notice how the moss is taking off in early spring and buds give the trees a hint of green. Okay now we're warming up.

East Bank - Inner Valley, April 6, 2026 8:45am

Leader : Nancy Lam

21 hikers enjoyed the good trail conditions with Spring arrival yet still comfortable temperatures. Can you tell this hike, like the Thursday late hike is a favourite? Quite social. The trees are coming into bud, and bulb plants emerging.

City View Park - Smokey Hollow, Monday April 6, 8:45am

Leader Fran De Brabandere

We enjoyed a beautiful morning with highlights, of course, being the beauty of Grindstone Creek/Smoky Hollow.

Much to our surprise there was no snow, no ice and very few muddy sections....and warm temperatures as was witnessed by everyone shedding layers ...great conversation throughout.

Patricia had never hiked this section before and was thrilled to capture all the highlights, especially this Waterfall photo.

As usual on this hike i like to keep the Ian Reid Side Trail till the end of our hike which gives us the option to either head back to our cars or complete the extra 2km.

By popular vote all but Sandy, who drove separately, headed back to our car. Sandy spent the last few months on an island and was eager to stretch his legs further. However, checking in he commented "Walked for 2 km more and by the time I crawled back up the escarpment I was beat and my legs didn't seem to want to work anymore. "

Ken particularly enjoyed the Eric Best trail when he tangled with a fallen tree...survived with a small - well bandaged - cut , and a goose egg on his forehead (photo of a smiling hiker not included).

A tribute to the advanced hiking trails and the hikers of Pathfinders early Monday morning offering !

Limehouse, Thurs April 2 2026 @ 8:15

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

Scotsdale - Duff Pit, Monday March 30 @ 7:45

Eight hikers joined Andrea on this very spring-like day. With temperatures climbing to 15, it didn't take long to start shedding layers.

Between seasons -- note the mix of toques and ball caps

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!

One of the fancier bluebird houses along the trail

Our hike leader, reunited with her poles!!!!
It was a good day.

Ray Lowes - Borer's Falls, Thu March 26 2006 8:15am

Leader : Fiona Nisbet

The group of 12 hikers were eager to get an early start to successfully finish before the forcast rain. No worries it never rains on a Pathfinders Hike. We finished just as rain drops began to sprinkle

A cluster of snowdrops are one of the first bulbed plants to appear in Spring.

The trail is relatively easy with good footing, except for this climb up the escarpment face toward Borer's Falls.

Borer's Falls seen from it's lookout presents beautifully with spring melt flows.

The hikers were happy to arrive at the Falls which is about 2/3 along the trail, which continues along the escarpment looking outward over the city of Hamilton.

Halton Forest, Mon 23 Mar 2026, 8:45

 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!

 

Contemplating our next move

"Jeez, it would be nice to get a signal!"

Michael, nicely portrayed by Christine

Early Spring patterns

A sure sign of in-between seasons

Forks of the Credit, Mon March 23, 2026

Leader Peter Issariotis

A total of seven people went on the 12 km hike. It was accurately described in the hike schedule as technically difficult. Crampons, aka "icers" were definitely required.

The waterfalls and credit river were spectacular due to all the rainfall and melted snow.

We had a number of challenging conditions, including steep slopes that required holding onto the chains or cables to go up steep climbs. Much of the trail was icy due to the melted snow on the previous day. The weather was below freezing, so most of the trail was frozen.

The path meanders the Bruce main trail and many named trails, Mill Pond Side Trail, Dominion Trail, Trans-Canada Trail and, Meadow Trail.

This photo depicts the nature.

After the hike, we stopped into Coyewolf cafe for delicious coffee and sandwiches. The great conversations as well as the scenic trails at comfortable pace, made for many miles of smiles. Another memorable hike with the Pathfinders