Into the Gorge!



My better half, Chandran, can be a real sport when it comes to hiking... at times J  This past Sunday morning, he suggested we go on a day trip somewhere out of town.  I did a few double takes in my mind before I responded, not knowing what exactly the ‘day trip’ would mean.  My brave suggestion “We could hike a bit?” was met with a cheerful-enough “Sure!”  Hmm... ‘Sure’?  What was this about?  ‘Sure’? Maybe I could get away with more than just any old hike.  “What about seeing the Elora Gorge?”  An hour and a half drive to hike a not-so-long trail on a hot summer day?  “Okay.  Sure.”   What? No questions asked?  Waste no time, Marie.   Just get things ready before anyone changes their mind.

Hustle, Marie.  Hustle.  Backpack... check!  Snacks... check!  Change of clothes, camera, first aid... check!  Check!  Check!  Water... check!  Alright!  Woo hoo!  We’re doing this.  Get your boots on.  Get into the car.  We’re going on a family hike to see the Elora Gorge... yay!  Oh yah...L’il Chica... check!

The Old Mill and the Grand River Falls

We headed to Elora and ended up at the Elora Gorge Conservation Area (EGCA).  The maps showed a measly 2 km of trail, disappointing for me as I was expecting a good workout.  Chandran was keen though, so I we made the most of it.  We went off trail a bit and ended up seeing the falls which are actually outside if the EGCA.  

We got good advice to go down into the gorge to meet the Grand River. Well worth it as it offered an extra workout and L’il Chica got to take an impromptu dip.  

 



Appa and L'il Chica with Wet Shoes



L'il Chica Dipping into the Grand

 




















Dipping our Feet into the Cool Waters of the Grand River

 We had no clue that the EGCA would have been this fun.After a bit more hiking, snacking, and peeking at the river, we headed to the other side of the gorge where we could check out the tubing. With L’il Chica, we were out of that kind of luck.But, the water looked so inviting, that we couldn’t resist at least dipping our feet into it. Aaaah... cool and refreshing!

  





 
This measly 2 km of trail wasn’t bad after all.  I even took off my shoes on the trails.  It was good to slow down and enjoy the sights as opposed to plodding through on a workout.



Chandran and L'il Chica in her Carrier

What a great Sunday stroll!  Thanks, Chandran!  And, of course, thanks to L’il Chica for being such a good hiking buddy.