Kerncliff McNally Side Trail, Mon 25 Apr 2022, 8:45

Once again, we beat the forecast of rain and had a pleasant dry hike -- although it was warmer than expected and the result was much stripping of clothes. There was evidence of new growth and also wildlife at work, from chewed trees to a honeycomb apparently abandoned by a hairy-footed digger bee (so says the app Seek) to a Dekay's brownsnake (also Seek). And of course, there were lots of Homo sapiens at play. 

There were many clumps of bloodroot in their glory

More rock than mud

Some critter had done a thorough job here

Our leader Karen takes a break

Gathering round

Abandoned honeycomb

RBG North Shore Extended, Mon 23 April 2022, 8:00

 17C and the predicted rain never materialized. 10 hikers joined Richard for an awesome wildlife day: three snakes, five deer, two frogs, a turtle and birds galore! 

On the boardwalk

Richard regales us with one of his jokes
"....... and give him a $"

Some of the wildlife our sharp-eyed hikers spotted.

Capturing the first magnolia blossoms of the season.

Indian Ridge - Taplow Creek, Thurs 21 Apr 2022, 9:00

 It was about 10C and many of us questioned our decision to hike as the rain came down on the drive to the trailhead, but as is often the case, the rain stopped as we emerged from our cars. 

 

"We finally found something older than us"

We were a little early for the spring flowers.

Rain ponchos made for a colourful group.

Crawford Lake, Mon 18 April 2022, 8:45

 On a sunny, breezy morning that gave little hint of the crummy afternoon to follow, our band of 15 enjoyed visiting Crawford Lake for the first time since we stopped carpooling. It was so nice that Sid led us around the lake twice! Some new tree carvings were a special treat to see.

Hikers and friend

A bored walk Not at all! But a break for the ankles after the escarpment edge. 

Nassagaweya Canyon -- after we scared off the turkey vultures

Wild ginger

One of the new carvings near the lake

Halton Agreement Forest - Extended, Mon 18 Apr 2022, 8:00

Ten hikers came out to explore some of the bike trails in the Halton Agreement Forest north of Hilton Falls CA. The trails were dry and there was lots of hepatica, colt's foot, and wild leek. The blue cohosh, bloodroot, and trilliums were just starting to make an appearance.

Taking a break

Climbing Gnome Rock

Hilton Falls from the other side

 

Iroquois Shoreline Woods, Thu 14 April 2022, 8:45

 Karen led her merry band through the woods in dry comfort -- despite the rain happening in other parts of town.😄

Kerncliff/Ian Reid/King ST, Thurs 14 Apr 2022, 8:30

The skies were gray at 8:30, but by the time we got the parking figured out, the threatening skies had cleared up.

Ian's first time-delay photo on a cellphone.
He's not even out of breath!!

Adding a splash of colour to an otherwise dull day.

 

This turkey tail mushroom got a lot of attention.

Great Esker Side Trail (mod 1), Mon 11 Apr 2022, 8:45

 This is a trail that many of us had not visited for years, and it was worth the hour's drive: great scenery, company, and an informative lecture on eskers. It was suggested that a Fall repeat would be worthwhile. A bit of rain did not dampen our spirits, but the news that the bake shop in Georgetown is closed on Mondays did not go down well...!

L-R: Liz, Anita, Sue S, Ann, Carol, Sue

Detouring around the mud

                                            Undaunted by some light rain

At the junction with the Great Esker ST (really!)

The esker lecture

A happy group for the mandatory bridge photo

A novel pair!

DV Valley - Rail South, Mon 11 April 2022, 8:00

 

The big climb

The group checks out Sherman Falls.
Looks like Arpi is timing them!

The very supportive gallery waits for the big splash as Carol crosses the stream.

Lakeshore Road clean-up, Thu 7 Apr 2022, 8:45 (pix by Annette and Tom)

 Officially rated as E-E, the rating may have to be reviewed as it does not take into account the schlepping of many bags of debris, not to mention how the hills have grown at Appleby. Nevertheless, 16 happy pickers enjoyed the outing. As always, Bill equipped and inspired us. 

The Trashmeister and his tools

Bill equips Lesley while others look on in ... horror?

Tom: "I wonder if there's any good stuff in here?"

"Actually, Diane, this was a light year."

Pickers and their haul

A pleasant stroll on the Appleby Campus after all that work

Scotsdale Farm, Eric Bennett and Maureen Smith Side Trails, Thu 7 Apr 2022, 8:15 (pix by Annette)

 7 of us enjoyed a beautiful day, hiking through a variety of conditions: from dry, to mud, to standing water, and along a rocky section. 

The obligatory bridge photo is always a must! 

Helgy, Carol, Christine, Carolyn, Anita, Karen (and Annette behind the camera)

Griffin House etc., Mon 4 April 2022, 8:45

Another fine day, carefully selected by the Hike Director for its guarantee of near-absent ice and mud. After the fourth hill, our 15 hikers readily agreed to upgrade the rating on this from E-N to M-N. 

At the Hermitage - sans permit. Wild and crazy seniors!

Uh ... where  to now??

Fungus season is back!