Hike # 48 & 49: On the trail again

May 14, 2022 Hike #48: km 21.0 to 31.6 Peninsula Section (Ed. 28)

May 15, 2022 Hike #49: km 31.6 to 42.6 Peninsula Section (Ed. 28)

After what felt like an endless Winter  - with snow still falling in late April - Spring decided to make an appearance, and we were more than ready to hit the trails again!  With all the Covid restrictions over the past two years, we were long overdue to get back on the trail. We are in the last section making our way toward the end point in Tobermory.  The Peninsula section holds the promise of some of the most spectacular scenery yet.  

Having driven up from home the night before to stay close by in Wiarton, we were able to get an early start.  The day was sunny and warm, without a whisper of a breeze and by mid-day the temperature had soared to 30 °C with a humidex of 38 °C.  Luckily enough the bugs found it too hot to make an appearance, even though we were well prepared with bug spray and bug nets.

The trilliums (millions and millions of them) were in full glorious bloom, carpeting the forest, along with many varieties of ferns.  The light canopy of newly emerging leaves offered little in the way of shade on such a warm day.  The views of the water were so tempting even though we knew how icy the it would be.  When we reached the end of our first day of hiking near Cape Croker Neyaashiinigmiing I was happy to soak my feet in the (numbing) water.  Our second day ended in picturesque Hope Bay and once again we were happy to wade in and cool our feet off at the beach there.

Along our route we encountered some very challenging sections to climb and descend, one of which  required us to climb down steep a very steep ladder set into the face of the escarpment.   Looking down that ladder gave me pause as I considered whether or not I had another option for a route down (no).  I "let" Karen and Valerie go first 😆. 

One of the most joyful things about hiking is our never ending wonder at the sheer beauty that surrounds us at every turn.  We marvel over the wildflowers, the mushrooms, the birdsong and the breeze (when there is one), the shimmering light that dances on the water far below our vantage point where the turkey vultures soar at the same height where we stand.  For those hours we "forget" the difficulties of the past two years and the atrocities happening in the world. The forest is a gift for which we are very grateful.

A blanket of trilliums

Above the tree tops

Hike #40 & 41: Summer in November

November 7, 2020 Hike #40: km 91.5 to 101.3 Sydenham (Ed. 28)

November 8, 2020 Hike #41: km 101.3 to 115.00 Sydenham (Ed. 28)

We were all smiles as we set out on the first of our two days of hiking.  Our first view in the morning was of the beautiful Inglis Falls.  The weather on this weekend was a gift we do not often get in November.  The summer like temperatures were quite a contrast to the weather we "enjoyed" two weeks prior.

This part of the trail runs parallel to the outskirts of Owen Sound, offering some views of the town from high up on the escarpment.  We happened upon quite a few spots where it looked like local youth partake in some partying.  I recall there were a few of those in Muskoka where I grew up.  This section of the trail offered me some time to work on my fear of heights.  There were many deep crevices to walk over - some of them wide enough that a long step "jump" was necessary.  I only froze once, briefly (I think).  There will be plenty of opportunity to work past this fear as we hike further up the Bruce Peninsula.

Our first day of hiking was over early enough that we had time to head into town and poke around some of the few local shops. We had fun visiting The Artist's Co-op;  and Barebirch among others and had an absolutely scrumptious take out dinner from Casero's.

Sunday dawned even more lovely that the day before and after caffeinating ourselves we eagerly set off to our starting point at the Pottawatomi Conservation area.  A long time friend met us there bearing gifts of cinnamon buns and apples from the farmers market.  After a few kilometers in the conservation area we walked along the road for a stretch and then the rail trail.  We met several lovely dogs (and their humans) along the way and had the good fortune of meeting a young lady and her horse Annie.  

All too soon our hike was over.  Feeling refreshed and relaxed after two days of nature, exercise and fresh air, we made our way back home to the suburbs.  Most likely we will not see the trails again until springtime.  Hopefully by then there might be some return of normality to our lives.  We are grateful for our time on the trails and the respite it provides from the pandemic.

Keep well, keep safe and most of all, stay positive.

Looking out from Inglis Falls at the start of day 1

Pears

A view of Owen Sound in the distance

Thankful for the help of a ladder and steps

At the start of day 2 

This was high up -
the photos never quite show the drop

hang on to that tree!

happy group

Nancy enjoying the vista from the edge of the escarpment

Does anyone else see a face in that rock?

"There is just one apple on the tree" ~ Sarah Harmer

A beautiful horse named Annie

"wild"life

A clear path

Through the escarpment rocks