President's Hike: RBG Hendrie Valley - September 11, 2025

Hike Leader:    Brian O'Heare guided twenty nine hikers, 7.2 km on a trail rated E/N

The President's hike was originaly scheduled for September 4th a tradition symbolizing a fresh start of a new season. But due to rain, it was rescheduled to September 11. A diverse crowd gathered at the trailhead, the air buzzing with excitement of stories of days gone by.

Along the trail, hikers paused to admire the valley's rich biodiversity, towering trees, vibrant wildflowers, and along the Grindstone Creek hoping to catch a glimpse of spawning Salmon. 

The hike concluded with a picnic at the end of the trail where we gathered to continue our stories and promises of hikes to come. See you all on the trail.

Devils Pulpit - September 8 at 7:45 am

This hike is located in the beautiful Caledon Hills section of the Bruce Trail, near the hamlet of Belfountain, Ontario. It's a challenging and scenic "lollipop" loop that descends and ascends the Niagara Escarpment a 10.7 km hike down and up the escarpment with a tour of the fleshpots of Belfountain, the Ring Kiln and the optional Crows Nest Side Trail.

Donovan Baily/Waterfront, 28 Aug 2025

 Jane led 17 hikers and Alex from Nurse Next Door, checking us out to see if anyone needed assistance...😁 Actually, she wanted to know if she should be referring some of her clients our way. Although the threat of rain was ever-present, we persevered (with only one shortcut) and had a good walk to end the summer season. 

Thanks to Colin Lea for developing the summer schedule.  And Colin thanks the summer hike leaders: Jim, Sid, Tom, Liz, Ann G, Jane, Judy and ... Colin. 

Jane astounds the crowd with some moves from years gone by.

 

 

On the waterfront 

14 Mile Creek, July 24 2025, 8:30 am

13 adventurous hikers, set out on a very hot and humid day to conquer the trails, eager to soak in both the sunlit vistas and the refreshing shade beneath the trees. The gentle breeze that accompanied us was a blessing, providing just the right touch of coolness as we trekked along, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Bronte Creek Prov Park East, Thu 3 Jul 2025, 8:30

This was the first of the summer hikes -- once weekly with a start about an hour earlier than usual in hopes of beating the heat. Thanks to Colin Lea for once again putting the schedule together and voluntelling the leaders. 

Fourteen members turned out for this hike, led by Tom Although we had done it only weeks before, it seemed to be a different place with the recent vegetation growth. But the mud that can be a nuisance on this trail was minor and easily avoided. Measured distance was 7.2 km. Hard to believe the elevation gain reported by Alltrails was 53m.

Descending the berm. After that, it was easy!

 

 

Scotsdale - Duff Pit, June 30 2025

Eleven hikers joined Ann on this last hike of the season.

Nice to have some tree cover on a hot day.

Elevensies for us and the mosquitoes!

See you in the fall😊

 

Bronte Creek PP West, Thu 26 June 2025, 8:45

It was a perfect early summer day and John led us on a perfect early summer hike. While the pigs at the farm were less active than the humans, the whitetail deer posed patiently. A good day!

 

Donovan Bailey-Waterfront, Thu 19 Jun 2025, 8:45

Jane led us on a lovely local hike on the last day of Spring. It threatened rain but the morning stayed dry. Rain or shine, this turtle was going to do her thing. Laying eggs on the edge of a ball diamond may not be the best place for survival of the species, but it has to be better than the median of Upper Middle Road, where another laying snapper was spotted recently.... 

 

Starting out in tight formation

Kerncliff - McNally ST, Mon 16 June 2025, 8:45

 With some help from Sid, Hattie led us on a very nice late Spring hike. 

 

Speyside Pear Tree, Mon 16 June 2025, 7:45

 Andrea led a small but merry band through the woods and past some good examples of late Spring plants. No pear trees were spotted, however. 

The group -- less the leader

Mayapple

Flowering Raspberry

 

 

Wally's Walk, Thu 12 Jun 2025, 8:45

 Braving the threat of rain (and even a few drops), Hattie led her band on one of the most demanding walks imaginable -- demanding in terms of the number of unmarked intersections, that is. She did superbly and not a soul was lost. 

 

Kelso Summit, Mon 9 Jun 2025, 8:45

Tom led an enthusiastic group of 15 hikers who enjoyed being back on this scenic trail after a long absence. Trail conditions were good, with no mud to speak of and no bugs. Operationally, it was a superbly timed outing as the rain, which was threatening for some time, held off until the final hundred meters.😁

 

Dame's Rocket is having a good year

And so are the pileated woodpeckers

Crook’s Hollow and Christie Lake, Mon 9 Jun 2025, 7:45

 This hike was enjoyed by 11 hikers lead by Andrea, pix by Josie

 

A 13km hike that starts at Webster Falls

Walking on cobblestone bridge that crosses Spencer Creek

Another view of the Webster Falls

Dame’s rocket covers both sides of the trail

Past-president Brian enjoying his retirement

Along the trail we saw a turtle laying eggs

On our way back, we met a couple securing the turtle eggs that we saw earlier. They said gestation ranges from 45 to 90 days.

The sign needs fixing.

Glen Abbey Trails, Thu 5 Jun 2025, 8:45

Helgy led a diminished but determined band of 13 hikers through the mist and light drizzle that cleared miraculously after the first 5 minutes. It was a great time for spotting wildflowers and other specimens. 

 

Sid, identified by the Seek app as "human." 

Helgy says she believes in leading from the rear. And she means it. 

Oxtail Daisies

 

Solomon's Seal

Poppies

 

Dryad's Saddle -- a good 20 cm across

Dame's Rocket in the distance to distract from the burdock

 

Beauty behind the car dealerships

 Ross & Tom -- "sweeping" or loafing?