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

Bronte Provincial Park West, Thu 19 Mar 2026, 8:45

We observed the last day of a long winter with near-perfect conditions -- mild enough for comfort but cool enough for the mud to stay frozen. At least until the last bit exiting the park.😁 But hey, we didn't pay to get into the park (walking in is free), and we saw lots of enthusiastic kids enjoying the park's annual maple festival. We even had some samples of new maple syrup ourselves. And we got a mysterious intersection cleared up. Jane did a fine job of leading her 9 charges. 

"Back in my day, we did it like this...."

This magnificent oak is estimated to be about 350 years old. 

Bronte Creek, looking north

Crawford Lake - Twiss Rd, Thur. Mar 19 2026 8:15

Leader : Fran De Brabandere

10 hikers, so eager to set off left their leader as sweep. No worries many were leaders themselves. What's this rumour about getting off trail? The off trail excersion passed by this wonderful chainsaw wooden sculpture depicting an insect landing on a cactus budding flowers. Thanks Nancy for leading us back to the cars.

Come join the group seen here gathered on a wooden bridge passing a creek.

East Bank - Shannon Creek, Thu 12 Mar 2026, 8:45

 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

 

Crooks Hollow - Christie Lake, Monday March 9 2026 @ 7:45

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. 

Icers were required on the north facing slopes 

Water levels were high so a strategically placed rock helped keep feet dry.

DV - Griffin House +, Mon 9 Mar 2026, 8:45

 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?

 

Taplow Creek - Glen Oak, Thu 5 Mar 2026, 8:45

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. :) 

 

Hockley Valley Nature Reserve, Monday March 2 2026 @ 7:45

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.

Apres hike...coffee and dessert sampler at the Black Birch.
The lemon tart was the hands down favourite.

River & Ruins, Mon 2 March 2026, 8:45

 The sunny and cold weather continues -- does this make March a lamb or a lion to start? Michael led and 15 others followed, apparently willingly. Another gorgeous winter day. 

 

Iroquois Shoreline Woods, Thu 27 Feb 2026, 8:45

 It was another day of pleasant surprises -- wintry conditions but no real ice to speak of. Sid led a good turnout of 16 on a very pleasant local hike. 

Some stairs ARE maintained in the winter. Thankfully. 

Urban explorers, playing it safe 

Where next? There seems to be some discussion.

Winter conditions don't get much better than this.