Bronte Provincial Park West, Thu 19 Mar 2026, 8:45

We observed the last day of a long winter with near-perfect conditions -- mild enough for comfort but cool enough for the mud to stay frozen. At least until the last bit exiting the park.😁 But hey, we didn't pay to get into the park (walking in is free), and we saw lots of enthusiastic kids enjoying the park's annual maple festival. We even had some samples of new maple syrup ourselves. And we got a mysterious intersection cleared up. Jane did a fine job of leading her 9 charges. 

"Back in my day, we did it like this...."

This magnificent oak is estimated to be about 350 years old. 

Bronte Creek, looking north

East Bank - Shannon Creek, Thu 12 Mar 2026, 8:45

 Perfect late-winter weather brought out a good-sized group of hikers for this hike along a part of Sixteen Mile Creek. Jane took us on a short detour to see a hitherto-unknown "cascade" on Shannon Creek, enlivened by the recent heavy rain. 

Sixteen Mile Creek was flowing like we seldom see. 

A perfect late-winter day

 

Crooks Hollow - Christie Lake, Monday March 9 2026 @ 7:45

And it was another great day for a hike. Seven hikers joined Brian for this walk from Webster's Falls, along Spencer Creek and around Christie Lake. It was cold enough that the expected mud was still fairly firm.

The bridge picture

Webster's Falls was roaring and there was an occasional rainbow sighting in the mist. 

Icers were required on the north facing slopes 

Water levels were high so a strategically placed rock helped keep feet dry.

DV - Griffin House +, Mon 9 Mar 2026, 8:45

 We hit the sweet spot today: blue skies, warm breezes, soft ice, and little mud (yet). Sid set a gentle pace for the 15 hikers, and treated the hills and hikers with great respect. Finally, there appears to be serous work underway on Griffin House -- if being wrapped securely in tarps is any indication. 

 

Headed up yet another hill, as seen by Susan M. 

"You are here."

Soft ice and sunshine

At the Hermitage

Will there be a test?

 

Taplow Creek - Glen Oak, Thu 5 Mar 2026, 8:45

Sixteen Pathfinders registered for this hike and 13 showed up, a sign of the weather. While yesterday was sunny and warm, today was blustery and cool -- some would say cold. It must be Spring! Regardless, Hattie did a fine job of leading -- from the front, middle and rear -- and safely marshalled us across many streets. 

Some parts of the path were bare, but for the most part it was soft snow. We decided that was worth 1.5 x the nominal distance. 

Taplow Creek, or maybe it was another of Oakville's numerous creeks.... Can you spot 4 mallards here?

Hattie appeared to be taking attendance at every road crossing. She finished the hike well within the 10% loss allowed to all Pathfinder leaders. :) 

 

Hockley Valley Nature Reserve, Monday March 2 2026 @ 7:45

It was a spectacular day for a hike. This is arguably one of the toughest Pathfinder hikes, but we took our time and stopped often to enjoy the sights and catch our breath.

Practicing the selfies...glad to have glasses on this sunny day.

The trails were perfect...hard-packed snow

Clearing off the bench for elevenses.
Note the depth of the snow around the bench.

Apres hike...coffee and dessert sampler at the Black Birch.
The lemon tart was the hands down favourite.

River & Ruins, Mon 2 March 2026, 8:45

 The sunny and cold weather continues -- does this make March a lamb or a lion to start? Michael led and 15 others followed, apparently willingly. Another gorgeous winter day. 

 

Iroquois Shoreline Woods, Thu 27 Feb 2026, 8:45

 It was another day of pleasant surprises -- wintry conditions but no real ice to speak of. Sid led a good turnout of 16 on a very pleasant local hike. 

Some stairs ARE maintained in the winter. Thankfully. 

Urban explorers, playing it safe 

Where next? There seems to be some discussion.

Winter conditions don't get much better than this.