10 hikers joined in on this the first sunny and hot day of 2026 to stroll the 4 km path along Van Wagner's Beach starting a Lakeland pool to Greys Road. Here the group is seen at the turn around point. A jolly cyclist, who has a sense for photography offered to take the photo.
A couple of hikers recalled having been to the beach on seeing the restaurants we passed.
Thankfully this hike is rated easy and the wind was slightly off the cooler lake water.
There was an unusual twist to this 8km M-N hike led by Hattie: for the first portion, we were accompanied by Craig from Cogeco TV. Thinking we were actually newsworthy, the poor man lugged his AV gear up hill and down dale to catch us at play. The rest of us had a great hike! Thanks to Patricia and John for the photos.
 |
| Kathy & Michele |
John, David and Tom -- post-interview
10 hikers, one guest roaming journalist
Kathy is interviewed by Craig. 
Rita, Marleen and Nancy seem to be checking on Hattie's navigation
With a few drops on the windshield as we headed out, we persevered and had a beautiful day for a Spring hike by the time we got to Kilbride. This was a hike that we had not done for a while, as a landowner near Kilbride had withdrawn permission to cross their land, but the Bruce Trail folks created a bypass and all is good now. David led 16 hikers into the woods to Twiss Rd and back -- a total of 6.7 km, on a mix of rock to stumble over and soft pine/spruce needles that would be at hone on an Oakville trail.
 |
| Marsh marigolds in fine form |
 |
| The swamp near the turn-around point |
 |
| A few trilliums were hanging on |
 |
| Herb-Robert |
 |
| Wild ginger |
This is an easy, 5.5 km loop hike, dedicated to Anita Roth. Anita was a longtime hike leader and enthusiastic event planner for the Pathfinders. She loved flowers, especially the trilliums in the spring. Turnout was good, as the picture shows -- 19 or was it 20?
There is always a question about the best timing for viewing trilliums and this year, the scheduling worked out perfectly. So did the weather. Thanks to leader Tom for organizing both! 😂 And to Jane for the photos.
A beautiful day for Michael to lead 20 hikers -- warm, sunny, magnolia & cherry trees blossoming. Even if the cherries were past their prime, the hikers were not! Pix by Sid.
Despite the uncertain forecast, 15 hikers turned up for the hike. To their credit, all persevered through the light rain experienced on the way to the trail head. And it turned out to be worthwhile, although there was not much on display in the way of Spring ephemerals. Since we had done this hike only a month before, Tom opted for high adventure and did the route ... backwards!! Even the pictures here are in reverse order....
 |
| If dandelions did not reappear throughout the summer, would they be spring ephemerals?? |
 |
| In the home stretch, there were a few drops and the skies were threatening |
 |
| A recent casualty of a windstorm |
 |
| Sue & Kathryn setting the pace |
 |
| A fine profile |
 |
| There are various means of tackling obstacles |
 |
| Bronte Creek -- a view quite different from a month ago. Compare the post from 19 March. |
It was another classic Spring day -- moderate temps, lots of sunshine, mud that was avoidable, no bugs, ephemerals. No wonder there was a big turnout. Nancy led 24 hikers including Jay on a trial, and he says he's coming back. Nice work, Nancy!
One of the few tricky bits on this hike 
Nancy and her charges at the top of the escarpment. Do NOT back up!
 |
| A crowd of Mayapples |
 |
| A conveniently placed mountain-bike ramp |
 |
| Christine & Jim power up one of the few slopes |
Six hikers joined Ann on this sunny spring day. It had been a couple of years since this hike was last done, so most had forgotten about the many hills!!
 |
| The last hill? |
 |
| Where's Waldo....can you spot the goose laying her eggs? a turtle? |
 |
| There was much discussion about identifying spring ephemerals...clockwise from top left....bloodroot, hepatica (5-12 petals and lobed leaves that some think resemble a liver), another hepatica, and spring beauties (striped petals and long thin leaves) |
 |
| Gelato at Four Corners in East Caledon |