Looking back on 2024, the Tuesday Trompers were out 52 times. A total of 71 hikers took part at least once, the average attendance was 14, and ranged from two to fourteen. The midweek hiker attendance averaged 9 with a range from 2 to16 with 43 hikers taking part.
I personally hiked 566 times, with only one day without a hike when I drove to Sault Ste Marie. I went on 60 different trails, the ones I hiked most often were fairly close to home, with nearly 100 times on the Hullett Sugar Bush Trails and the Front Road Trail, and just over 50 times on the Maitland Trail at Sharpes Creek Line and on the Clinton Conservation Area Trail.
It is always interesting to look at tracks in the snow to see who is using the trails and what creatures have been on or crossed the trails. I have noticed that the tracks of mice or voles are never in a straight line for very long. On the other hand, foxes and coyotes tend to go in straight lines quite often, whereas domestic dogs wander all over the place as they don’t need to worry about where their next meal will be coming from.
I don’t mind the cold weather unless there is a strong wind. It is easy to put on enough warm clothing, and my only problem is getting cold hands, especially when taking photos, which I can usually solve with battery rechargeable hand warmers.
Despite the cold, twelve midweek hikers enjoyed a hike at Hullett Sugar Bush and had some welcome sunshine, as well as trees decorated with snow.
Michelle Young is holding a winter sowing of wildflower seeds, she photographed a Milbert’s Tortoiseshell on a New England Aster. I photographed a Monarch among other butterflies on our New England Asters and a Milbert’s tortoiseshell on a Golden Rod. Red Clover was very popular with Clouded and Orange Sulphurs in the late fall.
Notes
Although not a hike, there are two workshops on winter seed sowing of native plants
Saturday January 18th 9.30-11.30 a.m. and 1.00 to 3.00 pm You will learn and practice the technique of Winter Sowing; then you will take home 2 containers of sown seeds which you'll "plant sit" for the following few months. Then return one or two containers in May. To Register and Save Your Spot, email Michele Young at Wellness4UsAll@gmail.com no later than January 15/25. Please indicate your 1st and 2nd choice for 9:30am or 1pm workshop.
Saturday January 11th 7.30-9.30 pm near Lucknow. Provided there is enough snow this will be a night ski or snowshoe outing.
If there is a recent snowfall and a clear night the scenery can be magical. This area may be a side road not open for vehicle traffic in winter months or a trail close to Lucknow. Ski equipment can be provided if required. The snow conditions will determine where to host the event. For more information and to confirm your attendance and details about location, please contact Donald Andrew 519-530-9019 or Sally Brodie 226-378-1648. This is a level 1, easy pace event, 1.5-2 hours.
Sunday January 19 11 a.m. at Varna This is a Bayfield River Valley Trail Association hike along the Mavis (2.5 km) or Taylor trail (1 km) and will be followed by a chili lunch at the Stanley Complex and Community Centre. (38595 Mill Rd. Varna) The guided hike schedule for 2025 will be available. The hikes are free and open to the public. For mI have noticed that the ore information contact Ralph Blasting at 519-525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com. Hikers are encouraged to join the BRVTA at a cost of $20 for individuals or $30 for families.
Saturday, January 25th 11.00am -12.30 p.m. Menesetung Bridge and Sifto Loop This is a meditative walk. Mindfulness in nature walk, pause and explore mindfulness techniques, walking meditation and forest therapy. Designed for those who want the benefits of meditation but prefer to move! Dress appropriately for moving slowly. Please leave your pets at home (dogs are already very Zen!). Meet at Big Rock at Trail Head - North Harbour Road, Goderich for more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Tanya Macintyre at redroofrecovery@gmail.com or text 519-616-3636. This is a level 1, slow paced, 1.5 hour hike
Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, complete the form on the MTA website.
Midweek hikers meet at 9 a.m. and hike for 1 ½ to 2 hours on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com.
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