The Mighty Bruce Adventures: A Twosome on a Side Trail

Post by Valerie Smith

Sadly Allison was ill and unable to join us on our first hike of 2016. Despite her urging us to proceed on our own, Karen and I agreed that we didn't want continue our planned hikes without her, but we were anxious to get into the bush. So we decided to walk one of the many side trails that branch off of the main white-blazed Bruce Trail. Our choice was the Hilton Falls Side Trail, north of Milton on maps 11 (Kelso) and 12 (Speyside). We added about 6 km of main trail, which we've previously walked, in order to form a full loop, about 21.4 kms. The day was beautifully clear. We started our hike at 7:50 and ended at 3:00. We got a close look a turkey vulture perched in a tree, then later tearing at some carrion on the ground, and also a partridge that came banging up from the ground about ten feet from us. We heard some woodpeckers, and were happy to see a couple of mourning cloak butterflies, as well as some tiny little blue ones! We loved the signs of spring. There lots of little white and yellow flowers, which I will leave to Allison to identify from the photos, if possible. Hilton Falls, the site of a former mill, was stunning. At Hilton Falls, a campfire was set up and monitored for hikers to warm up by or cook food on as they reach that point -- so welcoming! Here's hoping Allison is feeling better soon so we can pick up our walks in Mono Mills.

We regret that the pictures I took with my Canon SureShot aren't up to the usual calibre of Allison's photos.

Note: I greatly missed being able to hike yesterday. It was perfect spring weather and throughout the day I thought often of my two hiking mates and how they must have been totally enjoying themselves. I am crossing my fingers that I will be out on the trail as planned next week.