Hike # 23, April 22, 2012 Kelso

Hike # 23
Date – April 22, 2012
Location – Map 11, Kelso
Distance – 10.3 km
Total Trail Distance – 223 (671 to go)
Hikers – Steve, Elza, Simon, Jacob, Dean, Marlene, Madeleine and Benjamin
Start – 102.3 Yaremko-Ridley Park
End – 112.6 Appleby Line
Direction – North
Weather – Grey skies, cool temperatures, but some sun near the end, 8 degrees. Too cold for snakes.
Details – We pick up Madeleine at the Burlington GO station and realize, through texting with Steve, that we have eight hikers but only room for seven per vehicle, so he drops off his passengers at the start and we meet at the end point on Appleby Line between 14 Sideroad and Steeles. It’s a very narrow road with no shoulders, and “No Parking” and “No Stopping” signs along the whole stretch. Steve finds a short section of wide, grassy verge about 300 metres south of the trail and we leave his vehicle there.
Elza is nearing the end of her school work and we are delighted that she is able to join us again.
Spring is definitely here. There are trilliums – white, pink, green and burgundy – in bloom, along with other flowers and greenery emerging from the forest floor. From lookout points we can see many shades of green on the trees in the valley below.

Much of the hike is through Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area and we meet at least two large groups of hikers, one of which includes about 40 Chinese-speaking people and a very energetic tour guide named Jacky Hu (I read his name badge).

Much of the pathway is wide and easy going, but there are also places with very deep crevices which Simon, Ben and Jacob enjoy exploring. In fact, they are in one of the narrow caves when we pass them, and near the end of the hike when we text them to find out where they are, they inform us that instead of being ahead of us (as they usually are) they are behind!
We enjoy the Nassagaweya Canyon and the beautiful views into the valley, and surprisingly, both the descent and ascent on the other side. There are many turkey vultures kittling along the cliff face.
Another delightful hike!

Hike #22, April 6, 2012

Hike # 22
Date – April 6, 2012
Location – Map 10, Mount Nemo
Distance – 10.8 km
Total Trail Distance – 212.7 (681.3 to go)
Hikers – Steve, Simon, Robyn, Dean, Marlene, Madeleine, Benjamin, Harold, Janette, Whitney, Jennifer and Erik
Start – 91.5 Mount Nemo Conservation Area
End – 102.3 Yaremko-Ridley Park
Direction – North
Weather – Blue skies and glorious sunshine, 12 degrees.
Details – It’s Good Friday and we’re squeezing in a hike between those who attend church in the morning and those who attend at night. We meet just after noon at the end point in a steep valley on Twiss Road, and drive to the starting point at Mount Nemo Conservation Area. Because it’s a holiday and because the weather is beautiful, the parking lot is packed. We park on the road.

As a special surprise Harold and Janette have brought not one, not two, but three (!) kids along, who all appear to travel light.

The first part of the hike is along a fenced-in section adjacent to Nelson Aggregate’s quarry. We cross Brittania Road and descend a valley to Bronte Creek, which is spanned by a metal bridge of which Jennie approves. We walk through the Village of Kilbride and end on a beautiful stretch through Yaremko-Ridley Park.

Whitney demonstrates a useful hiking technique.

It’s a wonderful day to be out hiking, and we thoroughly enjoy the beautiful scenery, the boardwalks and bridges, the flowers and shoots that are emerging, the good company, and the blessing of being able to hike such a beautiful trail.