East Bank/Shannon Creek, Thu 30 Jul 2026, 8:30

 It was a perfect summer day for winding up July's hikes: 20C to start and not a cloud to be seen. (f there had been the more normal cloud cover, there would be fewer shadows on the faces below, but maybe also fewer smiles.)  

Seventeen hikers turned out to join Richard on a double-barrelled hike: (1) Shannon Creek to start, with Richard doing an admirable job hiking the usual route clockwise and thus "backwards;" (2) nearing the end of this loop, about half the group took up his offer to descend the East Bank to 16-Mile Creek. The catch: they had to come back up.😁And so they did, making for a fine morning for all. How nice to have the choice!

 

The Painted Ladies, Sat July 11 2026 @ 9:00

 On Saturday, six Pathfinders signed up for a Bruce Trail Conservancy hike with Ruth in Grimsby Beach to see the 'Painted Ladies' and learn a bit about the area, it's start as a Methodist camp in the 1850's to amusement park in the early 1900's to quiet cottage neighbourhood from local historian, John. 

Can you spot the Pathfinders?

Just one of the many brightly painted gingerbread cottages

There were lots of quirky decorations and beautiful gardens

Bronte Creek - West, July 9 2026 @ 8:30

It was another warm one with temperatures in the mid 20's feeling like low 30's!!

Twelve hikers joined Nancy on this extra long Bronte Creek hike.

Made it to the top of the hill and still smiling

 

One of many hydration breaks 

Things I learned on the hike....

Summers are warmer. 

I drank 1 L of water prior to hiking and carried .5 L with me and still ran out halfway through. Next time I'll double the water and use electrolytes.

There are some options to help with cooling...a neck fan, cooling scarf, umbrella....all of which I will be trying.

...and watch where you take bio breaks. Poison ivy on the butt is very itchy

Safe hiking, everyone.

Ann

Downtown Oakville Parks, Thurs July 2 2026 @ 8:30

Even though we're in a heat wave, nine courageous hikers came out for the first of our summer hikes. Most bailed after the first half, once we had established that the ice cream shops were closed and not due to open until 11 or 12. Temperatures were in the low 30's, feeling like mid 40's. 

One of several hydration breaks

On the trail