DV- Spring Creek, Thu 14 May 2026, 8:15

 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

10 hikers, one guest roaming journalist

 

Kathy is interviewed by Craig. 

John, David and Tom -- post-interview

Rita, Marleen and Nancy seem to be checking on Hattie's navigation

 

Kilbride-Yaremko-Ridley, Mon 11 May 2026, 8:45

 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 This was a hike that we had not done for a while, as a landowner near Kilbride had withdrawn permission to cross their land, but the Bruce Trail folks created a bypass and all is good now.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

RBG Cootes Paradise NS extended Thur May 11 2026 7:45

Leader : Richard Olley

5 hikers set out along a trail through the Royal Botanical Gardens. Todays route was extended to 12km to take in the enjoyment of the Spring nature. Here we see a deer pairing quietly observing us.

The Thursday early hike crews are well honed at the group selfie photo! They obviously had a wonderful partly sunny day with excellent temperautre for an extended hike including this view of Cootes Paradise.

The following two photos are ornamental tree specimens in the main RBG garden.

And finally, a Robin happily anticipating better things to come in its recovered and refurbished nest.

Anita's Trillium Walk, Thu 7 May 2026, 8:45

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. 

Crawford Lake/ Nassagaweya Thu May 7, 2026 8:15

Leader : Richard Olley

7 hikers enjoyed the exercise this trail offers. The trail is in and out lollipop hike from Twiss Rd to Crawford Lake via Nassagaweya canyon.

Various hand pole technique is always evident on steep decents as depicted in this photo. That has to be our fearless hike director going free of foot.

The Niagara Escaprment offers many a soaring bird to entertain us while on our break .. Shoo, Shoo, fly.

The teddy bear mascot normally eager to lead, is somewhat intimidated by the challenge of this trail.

RBG North, Mon 4 May 2026, 8:45

 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. 

 

Bronte Creek PP west, Thu 30 Apr 2026, 8:45

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. 

Kelso Summit, Mon 27 Apr, 2026, 8:45

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

Albion Hills, Apr 27 2026 @ 7:45

 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

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