Serendipity (Sherman) Falls, Mon 31 Jan 2022, 8:45

What a glorious way to end the month and resume hiking in groups of more than 10. The weather was perfect, with not a breath of wind and lots of sunshine. The trails were well-packed snow and footing was good. And best of all: we found a new trail with an out-and-back from the Ancaster Mill to Sherman Falls and back. Thank you, Anita! 

Debbie is in the  lead as we hike along the edge of the escarpment

Is that Anita threatening the paparazzi? Surely not!

Liz, Walter and Ian and good old Sol

Sherman Falls

Our route according to AllTrails: 6.6 km, 134m elevation gain

DV North, Mon 31 Jan 2022, 7:45

It was -7, the sun was shining🌞 and the trails were hard packed snow. A perfect day for hiking. The Hwy 8 road closure meant we got to explore some new trails.

Today's route (thanks Ken)

Deluxe seating for elevensies

On an explore

Fist bumping

 

Iroquois Ridge, Thu 27 Jan 2022, 8:45

Helgy's group, looking pretty happy despite the low temps

Sid captures his group looking VERY happy!

Liz and Walter tackle the last of the 52m elevation gain on this hike (so says AllTrails)

Blue sky, fresh snow, well-packed trails: it does not get much better!

 

Scotsdale - Silver Creek, Mon 24 Jan 2022, 7:45

 A beautiful day for hiking....-7, no wind, and the trails were hard-packed snow with most of the rocks hidden.

Nine hikers came out today.

Some cedars to go over....

and hills to go down (there were no uphills on this one :P).....

Physical distancing on the trail

Sydenham Lookout to Tews Falls, Thu Jan 20, 7:45 (pix by Ian)

Dundas Peak Lookout

Sydenham Falls

All smiles despite the ice and bitter cold

Shell Park South, Thu 20 Jan 2022, 8:45

Fourteen warmly-dressed hikers turned up on this cold morning (-12) but the bright sun and lack of wind made for pleasant conditions. The frozen slush and occasional glare ice mean that everyone earned 2 km for every one across the ground. Great day!

East Bank - Shannon Creek (Colin's group)

East Bank - Shannon Creek, Thu 13 Jan 2022, 8:45

"Who are you people?"

Sid leads the descent: no ice here.

Jim and Ross help with the climb back up.

Sixteen Mile Creek on a misty morning with a fine mist in the air

 

Culham & Riverwood, Mon 10 Jan 2022, 8:45

Back to the old reliable Culham & Riverwood: lots of parking and not too much driving for these non-carpooling times. No surprise: the track along the river is as rutted as ever -- but more ice-covered. The trail in the woods was generally a lot better. We were 18 in all, leaving in two groups. Thanks to Sid for taking a bunch. 

 

The 'high road' is less susceptible to flooding and ice than the lower track.

The Credit was rushing with slush and ice. It looked cold!

17 Sideroad to Limehouse, Mon 10 Jan 2022, 7:45

A total of 10 hikers came out on this cold and windy day: -8, feeling like -17!! 

We arrived at the trailhead to find a car hauler truck running and with the doors open!!  Ken called it in to the police while our Crime Scene Investigator, Marleen, declared that there were "no bodies to be found in the tractor." Apparently the truck had been stolen the previous evening.

It was a pretty walk in the woods, although we had to watch our footing for a lot of the hike.

It was a cold walk along the fencelines and on the road.

We had elevensies in a sheltered spot by the old Powder House. 

Donovan Bailey - Waterfront post-AGM, Thu 6 Jan 2022

 

Who's says these stairs are closed in the winter?

Sid finds the Snowy Owl

Helgy and Ann -- a gathering of Presidents

Colin's group: not lost, just misplaced for awhile!

Kerncliff - McNally ST, Mon 3 Jan 2022, 8:45

 It was a sparkling and brisk day to start the new year: -12 but no wind, so pretty comfortable, really. The mud churned up the the fat-tire bikes on the weekend was now frozen. It was a workout for the ankles and hip joints, but still quite lovely. Thanks to Sid for some people pix. 

At the turnaround: Liz and others

Ian, Karen, and Walter

A lovely day in the woods

Karen, our fearless leader of 13

A panorama looking south

Fresh snow is so much better than mud!

Forks of the Credit - Crows Nest, Mon 3 Jan 2022, 7:45

It was -15 at the beginning and a balmy -7 by the time we finished at 1:00. Thankfully there was no wind. Thanks for the great hike, Brian.

Descending the escarpment

A good day for snow-making at the Caledon Ski Club

On the Trimble Side Trail

Bronte Creek & Shell Park, Thu 30 Dec 2021, 8:45

 Due to ongoing difficulties accessing the scheduled trail (RBG North), Anita pivoted (that word again!) and led us from the "spiffy" new parking lot near Sovereign House up the Creek and back along the lake shore. There was some mud, for sure, and squishy ground, but this was easily avoided. A nice way to end a year of often-disrupted hiking. 

Margaret considers dipping her toe...

But apparently she doesn't want to be identified with such an idea!

The normally pristine beach has accumulated a lot of flotsam.

A tranquil day on Lake Ontario -- unusual!