Hike # 29 - km 56.2 to 70.1 in the Beaver Valley.
Hike # 30 - km 70.1 to 80.8 in the Beaver Valley.
Spring is off to a very slow start this year and it seems that we are as well. Our first planned hike of the season was shortened by a few km's due to the conditions (spring snow !) and mud. In the end we were glad of the decision to shorten the hike as the going was slow and slippery causing one of us to take not one but two muddy tumbles (no injuries thankfully).
Day one started where we left off many months ago at Eugenia Falls. The water was roaring over the falls causing a misty spray which was a pretty sight along with the snow that was clinging to the trees. The trail took us up and down through thick cedar and hardwood forests. Peeping through the newly fallen snow we could spot the leaves of the trout lily, trillium, and other spring wildflowers. Spring is coming.. sometime.
We had to cross over a few streams and some waterfalls which were higher and faster than normal due to the recent heavy rain. The crossings were quite tricky and there were some wet feet but everyone managed to stay upright. Our trekking poles certainly came in quite handy!
We were happy enough to take off our muddy boots and clothes and head to our accommodation for a relaxing evening with yummy food, wine and a few games of euchre.
Day two was bright and sunny taking a bit of the chill from the air, melting the snow and putting smiles on our faces. After a delicious breakfast we set off to for the day. It was nice to see more green along the trail this time.
Despite the warmer day it was a still a very muddy hike which took us up and down (and up and down) the hills at Beaver Valley Ski Club. There was still a surprisingly thick layer of snow on the ski slopes. Once up at the top we walked along the ridge for a while before yet again being taken down in the valley. As we go down we are keenly aware that it won't be long before we are climbing again and we were not wrong as we finished the afternoon with a good long climb up up and up. It was good to see the car at the top.
We will be out again in two weeks time with hopes of a bit more warmth and some spring wildflowers in bloom.
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| Day 1 - bundled up |
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| Eugenia Falls |
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| Snowy trail |
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| Lone tree |
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Southern most point of the Beaver Valley Club
section of the Bruce Trail. Now we head north again. |
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| A bridge makes crossing the water much easier |
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| Snack time |
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| Happy to walk along the road for a bit |
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| Leftover leaves |
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| Looking out to the escarpment on the other side |
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| Cold lunch |
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| Doesn't look as scary in the picture as it was in real life |
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| Four sets of hiking boots parked for the night |
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| Sunny morning - poles are ready |
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| Sunny skies and smiles on day two |
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| Cool fungi |
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| At the top of one of the ski hills at Beaver Valley Ski Club |
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| Coming down |
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| Would have been faster to ski |
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| House on top of the waterfall |
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| A stile to climb over |
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| puffy fungi |
