Moving to http://hikingbootsbigandsmall.wordpress.com/

Hi All,

I wanted to let you all know that I have moved all my blog data and will continue to blog via http://hikingbootsbigandsmall.wordpress.com/ . 

I've changed the name of the blog to reflect the inevitable (Lil Chica will someday be out of a carrier).  As well, I have learnt that Google (who owns Blogger) would own all my blog info and photos.  With Wordpress, I own my stuff.

I hope you choose to follow me on Wordpress and that you continue to read up on out hiking adventures.

This might be my last post via Blogger.  See you at http://hikingbootsbigandsmall.wordpress.com/

Marie

Summer Legs Gone

Meeting up Parent #3 at Whitevale

Good fun last weekend with my Meetup crew  (http://www.meetup.com/Pickering-Parents-Hiking-Group/), including my hiker buddy T'ana.  We really like to pump up the jam for a good few hours when we get out, so we decided on a 15km-Seaton Trail stint last Sunday morning.  The plan was to go northbound for 4.5 km whereupon we'd meet up with another parent, continue northward for 3 km, rest, then return south to drop off the parent and stop at our parking spot -- 15 km in total.


It was really good to be out on the trail with her familiar face, especially as we had not hiked together for over 2 months; a far cry from the almost daily walks while we were on mat leave together.  I think that the last time we hiked together was on the Bruce Trail in August.  With lots to catch up on, we chatted for a good long while about Halloween, family, day care, work, housing prices (ugh!) and life in general



Stop pulling my hair on the steps :-)  Too cute.

After a good hour or so, we met up with another Meetup parent and continued on to Green River where we rested, stretched and ate.  High spirits kept up even on our way back ... until we were at about the 12-km mark -- the mostly up-hill part... ZOIX!  Trying to keep up our old summertime pace was a challenge as our legs were feeling the burn and tightness.  Was it the increased weight on our backs... heavier babies?  Was it the thinning air as we walked up-slope?  Nah, it wasn't like it was Mount Kilamanjaro.  The one comment that rang true was:  "My summer legs are gone."  I won't tell you which one of us said it.  But, suffice it to say that we both thought it.

Looking forward to our next leg-burn.

Glen, the Rouge and Missing Mittens

The day started out really well -- not too cool for early November; joining up with my fellow volunteer, Glen, who was leading a hike that morning on Rouge history; a 10k hike starting out on the Mast Trail.  We met up at 9:30 a.m. -- not too early and just enough time to eat breakfast and play for a bit at home.  Not too late -- we'd be done well before noon and on schedule for the afternoon nap.

Glen (in green), his dog Les Paul, and some guest walkers

Glen had about 4 guest walkers on his hike that morning, so it was okay for me to join in without having signed up for it.  We walked at a slowish pace and learnt about camping in the park during the 1950's when Glen was just a wee lad.  Neat-o!  After almost 3 km, at their turnaround point, we pressed on for about 2 km more until we stopped for a snack and stretch at the wetlands.  Not too much going on there, but I did notice that the clouds were getting thicker.  Hmm... our half-way point meant rest time, so rest we did.  Off with the mittens -- snack time!

After about 15 minutes, Lil Chica started to fuss a bit so I decided to pack up.  Hmm... her hands were colder too.  I got her gloves back on, got her in the carrier, and off we went -- 5km still to go get to the car. 



Lil Chica WITH gloves still on

After about 1km or so, she had started complaining again.  I looked back and realized that ... oh no! ... mittens missing.  With a good 4km still to go, I had to head back to find them.  Some people we met on the way back said that they saw the pink Minnie Mouse mitts on the trail, so I felt good knowing that we 'd see them soon.  Almost 10 minutes later and very close to the wetlands where we snacked, there they were.  I took off the carrier, made Lil Chica even more agitated, put the gloves back on, and headed back to where we just came from.  Seemingly in higher spirits now that the gloves were back on, Lil Chica ensued in a game of hit-mummy-on-the-head while laughing out loud.

We made tracks for a good 20 minutes in high spirits until I realized that the mitts were off again. What?  Really?  Back track again?  Darn!  It was that hit-mummy-on-the-head game.  As soon as I turned around, still a good 2.5 km from the car, Lil Chica started to cry.  The sky was still thick with clouds and it was indeed colder.  Man oh man, I knew that she was feeling the chill now.  After about 5 minutes, I gave up.  It was just about noon and we were both tired.  I called for back up.

I called home to get my better half to pick us up.  The house was only 5 minutes away from where I had parked the car and then another 5-minute drive to get us on a nearby road. 

After less than a 10-minute wait, Lil Chica's dad arrived to save us.  We got into the car and were soon warmed up.  Glove #2 would have to wait for later in the day when we got L'il Chica home and fed.

Lessons Learnt: # 1 -- Find a better way to keep gloves on. #2 --Go for shorter hikes as the weather gets cooler.

Well... we gave it a good shot.  We'll be on the trail this coming weekend.  I think it'll be sunny.



 

Fall Hikes ... almost gone

Part of what I do when I get out on the trail is lead and interpret hikes for the Rouge Park and the Altona Forest.  This month, my fall hikes will be on fall colours -- why and how leaves change.

A couple Saturdays ago, I led a public hike in the Altona Forest.  It's a small forest that backs onto our yard.  The fam came out with me to this one for moral support, so L'il Chica hung out with her dad as I spoke to members of the public about carotenes, tannins, and anthocyanins.  I'm not a schooled or official naturalist, but I do like finding out about trees and other plants, bees and ants.  Then, I share what I find out.



Lil Chica and her dad came out for moral support

The crowd on these public hikes are usually a mixed bunch.  Depending on how well prepped I am on the topic and depending on who shows up, they can be really good hikes.  Some people are inexperienced hikers to the extent that they ask questions about the non-existent bears that might be lurking and ready to chomp them down like dinner.  Some walkers are very knowledgeable about the interpretation topics and I like to learn from them.  Some walkers seem to enjoy challenging the interpreter's (my) knowledge.  These folks can sometimes be unpleasant, but I grin an bear it like a good hike leader repping the conservation groups.  I always state my amateur yet eager-to-learn status as an interpreter and am the first one to claim ignorance if I do not know.  But, those who come out to ask questions simply to claim superiority bug the hell out of me.

Most walkers, though, usually come out to enjoy nature.  Me too!  Fall colours are awesome!  For the most brilliant colours, head out on a sunny day after a cool night.  Head out soon before they are all gone.

Ten Reasons to Hike with your Young'uns

I love hiking.  I think I've liked it ever since I was a little girl in Trinidad and stomped thorough the bush on adventures with my cousin Terry.  We were really close and would go on what seemed like adventures on our extended families' properties that stretched for acres and acres.  We would 'go missing' for hours and hours, eat what we picked off of trees, discover 'stuff', make our own paths and just... well... have fun becoming exhausted.

This freedom to roam the land led to me being who I am, at least in part.  I know that there are a few life-long values that I got out of it -- a sense of adventure, a bit of fearlessness, a love of gardening --  and I would love that for Lil Chica, too.  So, now, I present to you, what I think are the 'Top Ten Reasons to Hike with your Young'uns':



Checking out pebbles at Rivière-des-Prairies near Montreal

1.  It's cheaper than an amusement park.  All you need is a carrier and good hiking boots for you.  Once your little one starts to hike with you, they'll need some walking shoes (inexpensive ones as they'll likely grow out of them before they wear them out).  More long-lasting gear comes later.

2.  They learn to love the outdoors -- and to depend on it for life, love and entertainment. My hope is that L'il Chica's first go-to spot for a good time will be the forest, the hills, and anywhere else that nature hails.

3.  They can learn about loving nature to the extent that they will fight to keep it healthy. 

4.  They will develop strong muscles, a naturally fit body, and a super-fit mind.

5.  They will learn to create their own entertainment as opposed to waiting to be entertained by an Ipod or something on a rectangular screen (like the one I am looking at as I type this).

6.  You will learn to slow down and appreciate once more the child in you -- bend down at your child's level and play in the leaves, pick dandelions, or turn over rocks to look for worms. 

7.  More fresh air and the bumpity bumps in a carrier have always meant a calm temper and an extra nap.  Careful with later afternoon hikes, though; a later nap always meant a later sleep come night time, staring sleepily at the child who wants to play and play and play ... and it's 10:30 p.m.

8.  You get a good workout -- with a carrier, it's cardio and weights at the same time.

9.  They'll hopefully end up liking hiking as much as you do.  Think of the umpteen years of hiking together and loving it together.

10.  They can develop a sense of adventure and independence as they roam through the bush -- something that too few people do nowadays.

There are, for sure, tens of more reasons to hike with your children.  Feel free to share your ideas here.

 

Kiss! Car! Arbre!

One of the fun things about raising a baby to speak more than one language is that you get to see which words the babe says in French and which she says in English (if her Pati were here, I'd add Tamil to that make it three languages).

When we are walking on the street, I might see a car coming and say, "Auto!" as a car is passing.  Without fail, L'il Chica will shout out, "Caaaar!".  Hmm... her dad also takes her for walks along our street.  When we are at home, I'll ask, "bisou?"  Inevitably, she'll say "kiiiss"!  And, I'll get a peck on the cheek.  A lovely disappointment, but then everyone of her anglo connection asks her for a kiss. 

But, when we go hiking (only with me), she will always imitate me when I say to her, "arbre".  She'll reach out from the carrier to touch a tree and say "aaarbre."  I've got at least one for the French team.  At the least, I know I am raising a future tree-hugger.

The tree hugger says, "Arbre!"

 

Oh Bruce! Oh Carlita!

This is a bit about my second time hiking on the Bruce Trail.  My hiker buddy this round was my sis, Carlita!  She's a trooper, if ever I met one. 


The 401 bridge at the Toronto and Iroquois
 border of the Bruce Trail

Waking up L'il Chica on Sunday morning at 6:30 was not an easy task.  She had a tough night (waking up for a good hour at 3 o'clock in the a.m. ever since we started with day-care).  She slept through the wake-up and car drive to pick up my sister about 30 minutes away.  All well so far.  Once we were on our way to our hiking spot, we were in high spirits.  L'il Chica was happily having her breakfast bottle and the 401 was traffic-free (even on a Sunday a.m., one never knows).  The drive toward the Niagara Escarpment was a treat -- the fall colours were brilliant and we could see the hills upon which we would soon hike.

Hopping the fence!  Oh, what fun!

We parked at the Kelso Conservation Area and set out on our planned 15-km hike.  With blood pumping through our veins and with a good 40 lbs on my back, we reached our first hurdle -- a ladder!  In fact, it would be one of four ladders.  How in tarnation was I supposed to balance my way over a ladder with a stacked carrier?  And, why was there a ladder there in the first place?  The answer is that the Bruce Trail crosses into fenced private property from time to time -- chicken and barbed wire fence at that.  Unless one breaks down the fence, the only option is to climb over it.  Thank goodness for that ladder -- I guess I wouldn't want to fall on a barbed wire fence.  Ouch!

Onward to Hilton Falls!

Chatting with my sis in the fresh fall morning air was good fun -- she's in good shape.  A gym junkie who also jogs, she likes a physical challenge.  The whole 'footing' thing was the only real adjustment -- she now has a new respect for hiker and trail runners. 

Our hike crossed from the Toronto section and into the Iroquois section of the Bruce Trail.  The first 6 km northbound went up to and along the escarpment -- lots of slippery limestone covered in moss and leaves.  Footing alert!  No slips yet, though.  Once we got to the Dufferein Quarry Bridge (what a view!), we turned back as we still had a good 9 km to go.  Heading south now, L'il Chica was still doing well -- she was having fun stretching her arms trying to touch the nearby trees.  Soon enough, she'll get sleepy -- as is usually the case with infants, movement, and fresh air.  My plan was to get us to Hilton Falls and give L'il Chica a walking break -- a bit of a stretch for her in the carrier, but all was going well so far.  We were looking forward to one of the many waterfalls we had heard of on the Bruce Trail.  Forward march!


The hike plan, highlighted in yellow.  Please ignore any green smudges -- L'il Chica's artwork.

By the time we were at 9 km, we were feeling the aches.  My hamstring was tightening up, and Carlita was starting to doubt 'this whole hiking thing'.  Yah, it's pretty and all, but why does it have to take forever to get to anywhere?!  A passerby wearing Bruce Trail gear told us we were not far off from Hilton Falls.  So the map said, too.  Why was it taking forever, then?  By the time another walker said to us, "It's just up there.  You're not far at all."  we were reenergized!  Picking up the pace, we listened for the sound of rushing water.  But, where was it?  We kept going, listening for water ... 'not far at all' echoing in my head.  When we got there ... finally... we saw the most... how to put it?  The most ... hmm... the most disappointing sight ever.  A waterfall?  A fall?  Where was it?  There was no water, far less falling water.  There was, though, a hole in the ground -- a big 'maco' hole in the ground... but THAT was all!  It turns out that Hilton Falls USED to be a cascade of sorts thousands of years ago.  What is left behind is a very interesting natural formation in the limestone shield.  A perfectly cylindrical hole in the terra firma... But, no water.  Oh dear!  Oh Carlita!  Sorry about the anti-climactic hike to Hilton FALLS... smh. (All caps are intended -- we were pooped and near exasperation by this point.)

The hole in the wall of limestone... aka Hilton Falls.

The last 5 km were tough.  We fought to keep spirits high, despite the lovely weather and awesome temperature -- 17 degrees C.  At one point, head low, almost unable to look up at the trail ahead, I commented to myself, 'Hey!  At least my pants look clean.  Not even on smudge of dirt.  Good on ya, Marie!'  There was at least one happy note in my exhaustion.  But wait!  Too soon!  I slipped on a small but slippery slope, startling L'il Chica to an outburst.  No worries, though, up again and with no bruises, we trudged along to the parking lot at Kelso.



You call THAT a waterfall!? LOL!

Legs aching, back at the car, and the skies still blue, how should I look upon this 4.5-hr-long Bruce hike?  As a disappointment? Naaah!  I got to hike with my sister -- yay!  I accomplished a good 15-km-plus hike in really good time -- BONUS!  L'il Chica was a trooper as usual -- can't beat that at all.  Amazing weather, fall colours in all their glory, great chatting with my sis, L'il Chica learning the word for 'tree' in French, and, of course, take two for Bruce.  Nothing to complain about, and more Bruce to come.

Oh! And, a bonus today (the morning after) was my sister's text: "... this morning went to the gym now walking like an orangutan lol i would love to do another hike hook me up". Oh Carlita!

Après School Saunter

Altona Trails in the Autumn

 

L'il Chica and her Hiker Momma

Back to work and the days are getting shorter.  Tired once I get home and I have to cook.  It sure is tough to get out... unless I find some way to commit myself to it.  I've decided to get out by committing to a few after-work meetups; that way, I am less likely to stay at home. 


Rochelle and her L'il Hiker

Today, I met up with a meetup buddy and friend who lives in the neighbourhood.  We had a refreshing walk through Altona Forest -- about an hour long.  All of the sugar maples are in their yellow-to-red bloom.  What a treat it is to be so close to a mature forest and only 25 minutes from the city. 

Autumn on the Altona Trails

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving Hike

Sunny Skies were on the bill that morning.

This was the hike I was waiting for since last month.  A good 4-hr hike on the Seaton Trail was just what I needed to brush away the blues.   A recent stint of ‘mid-section expansion’ ... why don’t we call it ‘bloating’ ... had added to my back-to-work blues, and I was just dying to head out on a long trek.

L’il Chica and I set off with high spirits from Clarke’s Hollow just after nine in the morning. We had some snacks, some water, and lots of energy. The skies were blue, and the air was cool and fresh. What could go wrong?

After about an hour – passing by a few happy dog walkers, some with off-leash dogs (grr) – we arrived at the playground in Whitevale.That went well –for about 20 minutes L’il Chica enjoyed the swing, slides and some snacks.

 



Backwards down the slide.  Wheee!



Note the face: the remants of
a near-meltdown before leaving the playground

Getting her back into the carrier was not as much fun.There was an almost-meltdown, but we set out north to Green River anyway. Evidence is in the photo to on the right.  

 

As we walked, her mood turned for the better and we chatted away ... she mimicking what I said as we identified trees, birds, leaves, squirrels and the blue, blue sky.  She’s lots of fun now that she’s so vocal.  One of her favourite words to say is “bow-wow” whenever she sees a dog.  It actually sounds more like “rawr-rawr”.  But, then again, dogs do not actually say the sound of the letter “B” in ‘bow-wow’, do they?

The turn-around at Green River

Within 10 minutes, she was asleep in the carrier.  So, once we made it to Green River, I did not bother to take a lunch break.  That would have just awoken her, and who needs that when you’ve already got well-enough going for you.  At the half-way point at about 11:30, 7.5 km from the start point and with a good 30 lbs on my back, I turned around to enjoy a quiet walk back. 



Outdoor café in Whitevale

She was up again by the time we got back to Whitevale, so we stopped there for her leg-stretch.  This time, we skipped the park and chose to rest at a little outdoor café where a local woman sells coffee, soup and fries to passers-by.  It’s a cute little spot in the pretty little hamlet.  I really like these neat things about Whitevale.

By the time we made it back to Clarke’s Hollow, I was bushed and my right foot was a little achy.  L’il Chica was happy to be out of the carrier (only to be put into the car within 10 minutes).   As I write now, my foot is still a bit sore, but I’ll take that anytime if I get it from a hike like today’s hike. 

So, what could go wrong on my hike today?  Not much at all.  There’s way too much to be thankful for, and a little sore foot is likely a blessing in disguise.  What an awesome start to the weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 



Smells like Autumn Spirit!

One of the best things about autumn is the explosion of colour that fills the trees and covers the ground.  The leaves changing this time of year are a breathtaking melange of reds, oranges, yellows, rusty-browns and gold.  As I walked through the Seaton forest today, the smells of fall took me to ... well... ‘my happy place’.  The sweet smell of fallen leaves is like nothing else.  It's invigorating.  When the cool autumn breeze blows, I take a special breath just to take it all in. 

Yellow, Rust and Golden leaves of the walnut trees

Red Maple leaves are especially lovely on the nose :-)

 

Red, Orange and Yellow Maples



White Pine needles also fall during autumn... as do all evergreens.

 

Of course the smell of decay is not left to the leaves alone.  The salmon along Duffin’s Creek have already spawned and, as is the way for salmon, they have given up the ghost.  They too have left not only their bodies, but also their ... ahem... spirits.  It wafted up from the creek every now and then.  But, once the trail moved away from the water, the more pleasant smells of fall took over again.

You'll have to look carefully for the evidence of decaying salmon. 
That too left an extra-special smell on the trail.  Enjoy :-)

I love autumn walks.

One Hour? I'll take that!

One hour after work -- that’s just about all the time I get to hike during the week these days—a far cry from the long hikes we took while on mat leave.  Even with the short time, though, it’s just about the best time of my day.  L’il Chica and I get to spend time together, just like the good old days. 

Climbing Time!

Here’s what we get out of our hour-long Altona hikes:--

1. Brilliant orange, yellow and red fall colours still on the trees

2.  Climbing time on the logs and benches

3.  Playing with cattails near Lacey's Pond... I'll take that!


4.  24 lbs (plus carrier weight) on my back ... that was what the doc said at our last check-up


 5.  Break time for toddler leg stretching
 

        6.  A good get-away after a day with tweens and teens... I’ll take that!


        7.  An afternoon snooze that means a tougher bedtime...  uh... I guess I'd have no choice but to take that.

Out of the Carrier means
boogie time!

        
 8.  A walk that is practically in our backyard – the trail-head is not even a 3-minute walk away.

 9.   Yet another lost hat on the way home.  You know, I COULD use a hat with strings. SMH...
 

     10. Good times all over! You bet, I’ll take that!



Sticks are her weakness.  That and rocks :-)

Cattails for your hair.

Oh no!  She fell asleep.  And, it's almost five in the afternoon!!  And, her hat is gone. Trouble tonight!
 

As happy as I am that we can get out easily and at the spur of the moment for these quickie hike-capades, I am happy that Thanksgiving is coming up.  With an extra day to play with on the long weekend, we’re going on a long hike tomorrow, ... hopefully with some friends. Woo hoo!!! Can’t wait!




Back to Work Blues!

So, it's been 2 weeks since I've been back to work; back to the classroom.  Back to the germ-laden, bacteria-ridden, kiddie-booger-filled classroom.  As such, I am sick with a cold and can not attend my first-scheduled hike in 2 weeks. Imagine ... ME!!  Two weeks without hiking!!!   After a summer filled with hiking all over the GTA and western Québec, this sucks the bucket.  

Ten Reasons I am Having a Crummy Back-to-School

1.  I have less time to hike.  For me, there's nothing worse than seeing a beautiful sunny day pass by and not being able to go out on the trails.  

2.  I have less time to hike with L'il Chica.  I sure do miss her... all day.

3.  I have to resort to 'weekend-hiker' status, whereas I used to be a proud 'Hiker Momma' on the trails just about every day.  My hiking boots were getting worn out, too.

4.  My week-day hikes are too short to be considered hikes (in my eyes, at least).  I sometimes rush home, tired yet wanting to get out.  But, a half-hour is about all I can get with L'il Chica.

5.  After being bombarded with kiddie germs, I get to miss the one hike I was looking forward to all week... BOO!!  I was really, really, really looking forward to going out on the Seaton trail with for a good day-long hike, but now... nothing :-(

6.  I miss my meet-up crew of hiking parents and babes.  These women are the best hiking group ever.  The laughs we share about our ins and outs of motherhood are ... well... priceless.

7.  My meet-up crew of hiker parents get to hike without me... how fair is that?  Pout!!!

8.  Even if I take my students on a hike in the forest right near our school, it is not be the same. Managing 25-30 tweens and teens on the trail for a rushed 45-minute hike is no fun.  The complaints about bugs and 'imagined' bears are overbearing.  There's nothing like hiking with a toddler who loves the outdoors.

9.  I am becoming less fit. I can feel my muscles beginning to sag and my lungs start to labour as I tippy-tap.

10.  I have less time to hike.  Pout!

I will not count the number if "I's" in this post.  Needless say, I must look on the brighter side of things.  If I do go out tomorrow, I will not get rid of this despicable cold.  I am planning a few fall hikes on the Bruce Trail though.  Something to look forward to, I guess, once the germs of 180-odd children have run their course through me.

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!

  





 

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.

Meeting up with Bruce



Meeting up with Bruce

I’ve always wanted to hike along the renowned Bruce Trail that stretches a over 800 km from Tobermory to Niagara.  The most daunting part of hiking the Bruce Trail is not the hike itself but that getting to the trail would mean driving across town on the busiest stretch of highway in Canada – the Toronto stretch of the 401 – and trying to avert traffic.  My hiker buddy and I left our homes east of the city at 9:00 a.m., after rush hour, to arrive west of the city at the Rattlesnake Conservation area at 10:00 a.m.  This would leave us about 4.5 hrs of hiking time before the homeward bound rush hour started.  Planning a hike around Toronto rush hour is not fun.

From Rattlesnake Conservation Area we decided to hike to Crawford Lake Conservation Area – the Bruce Trail runs through many conservation areas in this part of town.  This would mean a 14.4 km return hike in some moderate to difficult terrain.  Not bad for 2 mommas with 20-lb toddlers on their backs.



Breathtaking Views of the Canyon form the top of the Escarpment

Take the Blue Trail!

On the first leg, things were easy enough.  Nice fresh legs following the blue markers to the lake.  We met a woman along the way who seemed to know her way around, so we clarified that we were going the right way.  She took one look at our babes on board and assured us that we should not hike the blue – “Follow the orange trail. The blue is going to be too tough with those babies on your backs.”  Hah!  We both gave two internal scoffs at that vote of non-confidence and decided that when we saw the orange trail, we would ignore it.  We needed no more encouragement than someone else's doubt as our extra challenge.  Not too far on we came across the first main intersection ... hmm... blue or orange?  We took the blue.  It was well worth it.  What breathtaking views we got at the lookout points.  The blue trail followed the edge of the escarpment (which we had to climb) so we got great views into the Nassagaweya Canyon -- well worth the detour. 
                                                                                                                                                                                         

Hiker Buddy and L'il O at the Lunch Spot

L'il Chica and Hiker Marie at the Lunch Spot

The whole thing, though, about not following instructions, it that the road to the finish line is not as one might have planned. As we trudged along with high spirits, we realized that our maps stopped making sense. We were well off the planned trail and the blazes did not help much. Confused as we were, we ended up hiking an extra 3.5 km and delaying our arrival to Crawford Lake for a lovely lakeside lunch. In fact, we never did make it to the lake and ended up only at the Crawford Lake visitors centre. We lunched instead along the trail where there are benches built into a boardwalk that crosses Limestone Creek.

At the Visitor Centre before the 7 km walk back to Rattlesnake

Not to worry though, we will return to the trail in the fall when the view into the canyon is a mix of brilliant oranges, yellows and gold.  Keep your eyes peeled for the next meeting with Bruce.