City View Park - Smokey Hollow, Monday April 6, 8:45am

Leader Fran De Brabandere

We enjoyed a beautiful morning with highlights, of course, being the beauty of Grindstone Creek/Smoky Hollow.

Much to our surprise there was no snow, no ice and very few muddy sections....and warm temperatures as was witnessed by everyone shedding layers ...great conversation throughout.

Patricia had never hiked this section before and was thrilled to capture all the highlights, especially this Waterfall photo.

As usual on this hike i like to keep the Ian Reid Side Trail till the end of our hike which gives us the option to either head back to our cars or complete the extra 2km.

By popular vote all but Sandy, who drove separately, headed back to our car. Sandy spent the last few months on an island and was eager to stretch his legs further. However, checking in he commented "Walked for 2 km more and by the time I crawled back up the escarpment I was beat and my legs didn't seem to want to work anymore. "

Ken particularly enjoyed the Eric Best trail when he tangled with a fallen tree...survived with a small - well bandaged - cut , and a goose egg on his forehead (photo of a smiling hiker not included).

A tribute to the advanced hiking trails and the hikers of Pathfinders early Monday morning offering !