Crawford Lake, Mon 24 Nov 2025, 8:45

 Perfect weather promised a pleasant hike for our group of 15 and we were not disappointed -- except that the boardwalk around the now-famous lake was off limits and under repair. But Conservation Halton made up for it with a new set of chainsaw carvings that are detailed and very impressive. 

 

                         Stopping to admire one of the new sculptures

 

The trails were smooth and easily managed ...

                      ... until they weren't. Rock-hopping called for care in placing feet and poles. 

            

Taking a break at the lookout. There were no vultures to be seen, so we must not have looked too far gone. 

Mysterious rock piles that look quite unnatural: what were they for?

Coote's Paradise N, Mon Nov 17 2025, 8:15

Sid Cebrowski confidently lead us on a fun day out on the the North trail at RBG.

Here we see the group gathered on fall Oak litter yet with green foliage in the backgound woods. Karen, an important member of the club executive is somewhat hidden.

The group was in good spirit right immediately on gathering at the JCC and this persisted right the way through. "We had a lot of laughts ...".

Thank you Tom for gathering all the group members onto the photo.

Barb's Bench (modified), Thu 13 Nov 2025, 8:45

The Barb's Bench hike honours Barbara Laird, who was a hike leader and veritable den mother to the Pathfinders; Barb died in 2006. The bench has a plaque to honour her and the hike around Remembrance Day is an annual occasion to remember Pathfinders who died during the year. This year was exceptional as it is the first time since 2012 that no active or recent hikers died. Brian, as leader, took the occasion to remind the 19 assembled hikers of the history of Barb's Bench. 

Starting out, at Barb's Bench just off Westoak Trails Blvd

 

 

Our favourite staircase was undergoing repairs, so the route was modified.

 

We came here to walk on pavement?!

 

 

 

Sixteen-Mile Creek, past the peak of colour but still looking good. 

Iroquoia Heights - Scenic Drive. Mon 10 Nov 2025, 8:45

 Like the posties who deliver in all kinds of weather, Pathfinders get out there despite a record early snowfall the day before. Hamilton reported 11 cm of snow, but it was the best kind: light and fluffy while the roads were clear. 

The trails themselves were buried in fresh snow but the BTC markers were always visible. 
 

photo by John Burgers

 There wasn't much flow in the Lower Princess Falls, but it will probably increase once the snow melts. 

 Michael led a band of 15 through a veritable wonderland of beauty, with lots of leaves still on the trees due to the relatively early date for the snowfall.

 

Caledon: 5 Sideroad to Hockley Valley, Mon Nov 10 2025, 7:45

 The trails were transformed into a winter scene with the first snow fall of the season.

A blanket of white on the ground, crisp cold air and the loveliness of the landscape.  What more could you ask for on a Monday morning hike!

Andrea is getting really good at selfies

The first of many stiles 

Nothing prettier than the trees after a snowfall

A hike wouldn't be complete without an apres hike snack, this time at Timmies.

Roberts and Irwin Quarry Side Trails, Thurs Nov 6 2025, 8:15

Another beautiful day for a hike on a Pathfinder favourite trail. Seven Pathfinders joined Hubert on this sometime strenuous, sometime 'walk in the woods' hike. 

A blog wouldn't be complete without a bridge picture

Who's the stray?

 

Great Esker Side Trail, Mon Nov 3 8:45

Leader : John Burgers

A picturesque hike in very light rain.

The group which also included Tom the photographer ...,

... underway,

in the wonderland of colour.

Karen will eventually lead ...,

after the hill.

The group at half way,

and in no rush to excape the drizzle at completion.