Island Lake, Monday February 2 2026 @ 7:45

Four hikers joined Peter on Groundhog Day for a hike around Island Lake in Orangeville. It was cold, but sunny and there was no wind.

Someone needs to practice selfies

Checking out the hoar frost on a shrub

Hoar frost is a type of feathery frost. It is formed when water vapour hits a very cold surface and immediately forms ice crystals. The crystals grow as more water vapour is frozen.

Apres hike we enjoyed coffee and grilled cheese at the Coywolf.

Oh yeah.....Wiarton Willie is predicting an early spring

DV - Ancaster Mill - Sherman Falls, Mon 2 Feb 2026, 8:45

 Ably led by Nancy, a small band of hardy hikers braved the -12 temps and found themselves in a winter wonderland. As the trees blocked any breeze, it was a very comfortable and scenic walk. 

The winter beauty started in the parking lot

First and only turn -- to Canterbury Falls and onward

Wait?! This is Canterbury Falls?

 

Up to Sherman Falls.

Where are the ice climbers? 

This isn't them! (courtesy Susan Mannella)

PIFF#13, Sat 31 Jan 2026, 7pm

Our 13th annual Pathfinders International Foot Festival was attended by 68 people, a mix of members and guests. We were treated to 4 shows with foot travel as the theme, at least the first two😊: Lake Garda, Italy (Jane Mitchell), Camino (Andrea Kovacs), Arctic Adventure (Carolyn Rumble), and Iceland + (Tom Stephens). And there were more treats at intermission, thanks to members who brought a good supply and nice variety. The Social Committee supplied coffee, tea, and all the necessities for a good break. 

 

Jane helps the crowd work up an appetite -- vicariously. 

Michael and Brian stand guard over the goodie table. 

Shell Park East, Thu 29 Jan 2026, 8:45

 Jane led a brave little band -- 10 after drop-outs -- on a hike that turned out to be much nicer than anticipated, thanks to brilliant sunshine and practically no wind. Conditions were much more pleasant than forecast and even better than the reports of "current conditions" on the internet this morning. There may be a lesson here: trust your eyes! 

The footing provided a workout for the ankles and hips as the hard-packed snow was still a little squishy in places. It was a good introduction for new member Aldis and pretty-new member Joanne. Both were game and we look forward to their return. 

Rosy cheeks and squinty eyes!

Who would know there is an active pipeline under all this pristine snow?

Overlooking the lake, and having a stretch break led by Diane

Several days of -10 and colder mean ice piling up on the shore. 

 

14-Mile Creek North, Thu 22 Jan 2026, 8:45

 A day that promised pleasant winter conditions turned out to have considerable wind in the open spaces (of which there were many). But there were also many protected stretches and lots of blue sky. We managed, even thrived! The packed snow made walking a lot easier than the ice seen on earlier hikes. We welcomed new member Shushil Shah. 

This hike could be called "Down Memory Lane" as it is the same hike assigned long ago as his first hike to Tom Stephens, today's leader, by former hike director Chris Duff. That was many years ago, and Tom was very thankful for the new map created just last month by Ann Giles, handily available with AllTrails. Thanks to Anne Armstrong for the photos. 

 

Should this not be "Merchant's"?

Finding some protection from the wind

The geese found some open water. It may not last through the weekend. 

Kilbride - Yaremko Ridley Property, Thu. Jan 22 2026, 8:15

Leader Christine Golfetto lead us through a scenic winter wonderland.

Eleven hikers struggled with high winds and drifting snow across the open fields at the beginning of the hike, changing lead to break trail through snow drifts.

Soon the wind calmed once we crossed Derry Rd into a more enclosed tree lined trail.

The wind relented for our short break at the halfway point.

We enjoyed some short bursts of much appreciated sun shine.

Mono Cliffs, Monday January 19 @ 7:45

In spite of the snowy, cold forecast 4 hardy hikers joined Richard on a loop hike around Mono Cliffs. Most of the trails were packed powder with no need for icers.  There were some challenges getting up the South Outlier where the steep switchbacks had some ice under the snow and once up there the trail was 'blown in' and required re-breaking. Luckily this was a hard core group with a couple of 'the newbies' showing serious leadership potential! We channeled our inner Michael Agrells!!!! 

Plans to explore the new Third Outlier Side Trail were shelved until a nice spring day. Just as well, or there might have been a mutiny.

They definitely earned their Timmies stop.

Still smiling - 5 intrepid Pathfinders set out on a loop hike around Mono Cliffs

Breaking trail on the South Outlier
                                                                             

Enjoying the view of the canyon....or plotting a mutiny.

 

Bronte Creek East, Jan 19 2026, 8:45

Leader : John Burgers with 17 hikers participating

We welcomed Susan M on her first hike with Pathfinders. Susan you are sure to enjoy many more!

The recent snow covered what would othewise have been an icy trail. The temaperature dip hardened the surface, some would say it was a bit slippery in spots.

The initial berm chanllenged our footng which most hikers conquered with their crampons and poles.

Our trail cut through a very popular off leash dog area. The dogs were quite social.

A group photo at the last rest stop with all eager to continue.

We noted this electrical utility pole has a deep radial crack from ground to the wires above. Is it a sign of age, or was it the cold weather?

Crooks Hollow, Mon 12 Jan 2026, 8:45

 Unlike the earlier group who found some cushiony snow at Hilton Falls, we found ice. And puddles. And some bare patches. Icers were essential and effective, as none of our group of 18 took a spill. The extension to the parking lot at Spencer Falls was a scenic and welcome addition to our usual route. 

This was not Spencer Creek but a sign of heavy recent rain. 

The long and winding road...

Spencer Falls in full flood -- unusual for this time of year 

Mary and Kathy making good use of their icers.

The group shot at the dam -- unusual as all faces are visible!

 

Hilton Falls - North and South, Jan 12 2026 @ 7:45

 The thermometer may have read 0, but the wind made it seem colder.  The trails were hard-packed snow with lots of icy bits, especially on the hills. We did meet a group of Bruce Trail hikers who were doing the Toronto Side Trails.

The obligatory group shot
Photo Credit - Josie

Focussing on foot placement

Navigating a downhill section - thank goodness for icers!

Elevenses at Hilton Falls. Sadly, no one had built a fire for us.

Local post-AGM hike, Thu 8 Jan 2026

 How wise to wait a week after the usual meeting date! Today's weather was sunny and mild (~8C) with none of the usual wind. After an efficient and well-attended AGM at QEPCCC, 27 members followed Brian as he did a good job of improvising a safe route. While sidewalks were clear and mostly dry, the intended Donovan Bailey trail was a skating rink. Not being the Pathfinders Skating Group, we stuck to the sidewalks and had a good outing. Did we work up sufficient appetite for the lunch at Mo's that followed? Judging by the leftovers and the number of take-out boxes carried away from Mo's, maybe not. 

 

Bronte Creek West - Creekside, Thurs Jan 1 2026 @ 9:00

 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

Work on the farm is never done

Shannon Creek - Munn's Creek Trails, Mon 22 Dec 2025, 8:45

 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.

 

Halton Regional Forest Extended, Mon Dec 22 2025 @ 7:45

 
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! 

Exploring at Hilton Falls--there's always someone who has to test the ice!
Thankfully there were no wet feet today.

Glen Abbey Trails, Thu 18 Dec 2025, 8:45

 Hattie led her merry band of 12 on a day that provided a sunny and mild break from recent wintry weather. 

 

Plank Restobar & Coronation Park Christmas Lights Walk, Dec 17, 2025

After meeting at the Boathouse parking lot, 19 of us headed to the Plank Restobar where we shared a variety of seasonal small plates and Pizza, then we walked to JCC to meet the group who opted to join us after dinner for a walk. Unfortunately they had already left but we were lucky to catch up with them once we got to Coronation park. The City of Oakville created a wonderful christmas tree environment. We even got to see Santa before ending a great evening!