Friday, 15 July 2022

Hikes 52 & 53 - Lion's Head Lookout

 

June  18, 2022 Hike #52: km 66.4 to km 80.3 Peninsula Section (Ed. 28)

June 19, 2022 Hike #53: km 80.3 to km 86.2  Peninsula Section (Ed. 28)

The views along this section of the trail are nothing short of spectacular.  It seems with every corner there is another view more beautiful than the last.  Of course, it helps that we have had brilliant weather. 

We started out on Saturday morning – cool but bright- the trail crossing a creek in the village of Barrow Bay before heading up the escarpment. The trail provided endless views of Barrow Bay looking out toward Cape Dundas and Barrier Island in the distance.  The trail was not too difficult and mostly on the same level which was a treat.  We did descend to the shoreline at McKays Harbour.  The shore there was an ancient cobblestone “beach” which had a large variety of erratics as well as an abundance of poison ivy. Leaving the beach, we once again ascended to the escarpment where the trail followed the edge providing us with more gorgeous views.

We had hoped to enjoy the vista from the Lion’s Head Lookout but that proved to be a very popular spot for groups of people, many of which displayed some not-so-sound judgement while posing precariously close to the edge (even doing handstands) while taking selfies.  We watched the antics from a secluded spot where we ate our lunch.   After watching all that we could stomach of the dangerous behaviour we set off to complete our hike for the day.  Never have we encountered so many people along any of the sections of the trail we have hiked.  Clearly, these were not hikers, attired as they were in white sneakers or, in some cases, flip flops.  We even saw a few people in bare feet! 

We ended our hike for the day at the very busy McCurdy drive parking lot that had 3 security officers trying to control the chaos of all those wanting to get to the Lookout. Then it was back to Owen Sound for dinner out followed by an evening of card playing.

Our second day of hiking was a very quick and easy one as it took us along Isthmus Bay road.  One of the bonuses of road walking is we are able to stretch our legs and look enjoy the scenery (in this case many cute cottages and homes) instead of looking down all the time; as well as enjoying a chat with some locals along the road.

We will be back in the Autumn to continue on our trek once the tourist season is over.



Day one - heading out from Barrow Bay


Climbing up to the escarpment edge


Views views views!







Luna moth

MacKay's Harbour


Lunch views of the crazy antics on the lookout peak

Lion's Head Lookout






Start of day two - Lion's Head
Lion's Head Harbour




Isthmus Bay


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