Hike # 23 - 15.5 kms (kms 20.4 to kms 35.9 in the Blue Mountains)
After a long hiatus from hiking our quartet took up the trail again today. The weather was in stark contrast to our last hike along this section where in June it was 30 C and bug infested. Today was a chilly 4C, but thankfully bug less. We have all decided that we prefer spring and fall hiking.
We did have plans to do many hikes in the past months, but life throws many a curve ball and best laid plans often go awry. There have been both family emergencies and celebrations (since our last hike Valerie became a Grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter) that have delayed our hiking progress, but we remain determined and excited to continue on and to finish the trail from end to end no matter how long it takes us.
Our hike started out at the Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation area over a smooth, but evidently slippery trail. I somehow ended up on my backside while taking standing still! After a brush off and quick check for injuries we were back on our way. We walked along the high part of the escarpment for a a couple of kilometres leading us to the top of the ski hills at Devil's Glen. After that point the trail became quite tricky and extremely muddy taking us down the hills and alongside the Mad River. Each step had to be carefully placed to avoid a boot full of mud and to avoid slipping and falling. We were happy as we ascended the other side of the ravine that the trail got drier and easier to manoeuvre through.
Coming out at the trail near the last couple km's of our hike we walked along the hilly Concession 10 before reaching our end destination at the Duntroon view side trail. We reached the parking lot muddy and both tired and invigorated at the same time.
Hopefully we can squeeze in one more hike before the snow flies. If not, we will be back at it in the spring of 2018.
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| Just before my graceful fall |
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| Birch lined path |
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| Birches along the ravine |
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| Bits of colour |
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| Looking back toward the ski hills where we had hiked from |
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| View from the top |
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| Mud and clay that covered a good portion of the trail |
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| A deep crevace |
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| Last few km's along the hilly road |
While hiking we caught a few glimpses of Nottawasaga Bay which was a huge milestone!
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