Two hikers joined Ann on this new version of an old hike. The new hike features much less rail trail and road, and more Bruce Trail and side trail.
The temperature hovered around zero with the occasional sun sighting!
The trails were mainly hard-packed snow with some 'sandy' bits.
 |
| Stepping off the hard-packed treadway resulted in a knee-deep posthole. |
 |
| In St Jude's Cemetary photo credit - Karen Nourse |
 |
| Climbing up to the Tannery Hill Beacon. photo credit - Tom Stephens |
 |
| Homecoming Trail in Lakeside Park. Trails were hard-packed snow, no ice. Shortly after this pic was taken, 4 hikers had to leave early for an important appointment. |
 |
Back at the cars, we discovered that the important appointment was with some hot cross buns at Cobs |
The relatively benign weather brought out 18 hikers, led by Liz. Displaying their wild side, most hikers did not wear icers, but managed very nicely on the well-packed snow.
Lake Ontario has a different look after several days of below-zero temperatures.
Lol...it was a slow start, but nine of us finally met up on St Helena Rd!
All of the snow meant that the rocks were not an issue today. Thankfully we did not have to break trail as numerous hikers and bikers had been there before us.
 |
| A break on the trail. |
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?
 | |
| Where are the ice climbers? |
 |
| This isn't them! (courtesy Susan Mannella) |
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.
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.
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.
