The Mighty Bruce Adventures: Hike # 2: Deer!

Hike 2: 20.1 km from Merriton through Short Hills Provincial Park.

We began our second hike exactly where we left off. Parking the car at a plaza not too far from our starting point we were able to stop at a local Starbucks to fuel up on caffeine and use their facilities before heading off. Another spectacular day with warm temperatures and blue skies. In the week since our last hike the leaves have started bud out a little more, there were more flowers open including trilliums, and the whole forest seemed alive.

We were fortunate enough to come upon four deer on the trail. Luckily enough, even after Karen's loud shouts of "deer!, deer !!!" (she was excited), they didn't run too far and we were able to quietly walk closer. They were curious but not didn't seem too worried about us. We also spotted a red tailed hawk but I could not get a good shot. I have considered taking my zoom lens with me but it is an extra weight to carry and it is more important to carry that weight in water*.

We ate our picnic lunch at Morningstar Mill, a beautiful historic spot along the trail. The falls were not running much but the guide told us the water would be let through (controlled by the hydro company) in July. The latter part of our hike took us through some fields and the provincial park of Short Hills - a beautiful spot for day hikers, dog walkers and horseback riding. When at last we were done we made our way (it felt like a long 750 metres) to White Meadow Farms for a treat and a rest while we awaited our taxi back to the car. I will probably never get over how quick the ride back to our starting point is versus our trek on foot.

*Lesson learned this hike is to take more water than you think you might need. I went through all of mine much more quickly than last time, I am sure due to the warmer temperature.