16 for 15 km

This bit here is a celebration of sorts. Many of you know that I organize a Meetup group for parents who like to hike with their infants. Usually, the woodland hikes have an attendance of 3 or 4 parents; a good sized group considering most of us do not own hiking carriers for babies. But, last week, 8 parents came out with their babes.  I was really impressed with the turn-out and thought it would be great to highlight it.  Most of the babes were young toddlers, but we had a new 20month old come along to join the fun.  There were 8 parents, 7 babies, and one dog in all. 



Downhill after the Mast ridge

We hiked the Vista, Mast, Orchard and Cedar Trails.  Usually things get tough around the 3 km mark when we hike up to the Mast Trail ridge.  We all passed with flying colours.

The trip north toward the lunch spot was filled with the usual chatter and catching up.  One of the best things about the Meetup group is that many of us have formed friendships along the trails having walked together so many times and shared our parenting ups and downs.

Along the way we met a few walkers, including the regular Wednesday group of Rouge Park Walkers – the Rouge Park Volunteers lead members of the public on interpretative hikes.  We like meeting up with them, as they are a cheery bunch.  That day, Terry, one of the regulars has us listening very quietly for a catbird amongst the trees –the squawk sounds just like a cat.  Not a meow, but more like a cat trying to escape a hungry dog.  Neat-oh!

Bumping into the Rouge Park Volunteers on the Trail Wednesday group
There are Kathy and Bruce in their volunteer shirts.

 

Lunch at the 10-km mark is always welcome on this walk as it comes right after a steep uphill on the Orchard Trail and offers a view of the Beare Wetlands.

 

 

 

The walk continued after lunch with a 5-km return walk on the Cedar Trail past the wetlands and toward the north end of Meadowvale (a bit anti-climactic but a nice challenge with the 2 staircases). 

Chatting up a storm while catching our breaths

I will surely miss this walk and all that the excellent company has to offer come September when so many of us return to work.  Meeting up on weekends will be tough for most of us, what with life being as busy as it is.  But, it will also be a welcome respite and happy reunion for many of us who can make it out.