Trail Talk 359 - April 16, 2025

We seem to have an on-again off-again type of Spring.  On Tuesday April 6th I saw wild leeks coming up, and then on the 9th they were covered in snow.  On April 10th I saw my first spring hepatica with white buds.  The single swan was still swimming at Forster’s Bridge, which I now know is a Tundra Swan after looking at a better photograph. On our Sugar bush hike, there was an interesting pattern of small mounds of snow on a frozen pond.  On the Sugar Bush Blue Trail, I was glad to see that wire mesh was being installed on the bridge. This was fastened down with fence staples and I think it is the best way to prevent boardwalks from becoming slippery.  The usual way in our area is to nail roofing shingles on to boards, which works well, but when they have spent a long time in the sun, they often become loose and need to be picked up and replaced with new ones.  The other option, which you can see at a few places such as a bridge on a Maitland Trail property, is plastic strips. Unfortunately, plastic will eventually break down into small pieces which is not good for the environment.  Wire will eventually break down into rust (iron oxide) which occurs naturally in the environment.

When showering, I noticed I had a tick biting me near my armpit. I removed it with tweezers, saved it, and took it to the Huron County Health Unit. They identified it as a black legged tick (deer tick), that is known to transmit Lyme disease. Unfortunately, the health Unit no longer sends ticks away to determine if they have Lyme disease.  I just hope that this one is not a Lyme disease carrier.  This is the second time I have ever been bitten by tick, but the first by a deer tick.

Notes:

Hikers on any Maitland Trail outing are reminded to sign the 2025 Online waiver, even if they signed the 2024 waiver.   

NOTES

The Menesetung bridge across the Maitland River at Goderich will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists from April 21st for 16 to 20 weeks.                     

Saturday April 19th 10 am BRVTA have an earth day clean up, meet at Clan Gregor Pavilion.

Saturday April 26th   9am -11.30 am the second part of the Maitland End to End from Jenkins to Benmiller. This 11 km section of the Maitland Trail has two challenging sections through a variety of forest types including the relatively mature forest of the Morris Tract. We will enjoy a view of the falls at the Falls Reserve Conservation area and a full stop lunch at the shelter there. Wear sturdy footwear, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent – bring lots of water and a lunch. For car shuttle arrangements and to confirm your attendance, please contact Con Melady at 519 524-8730. This is a Level 2, moderate pace hike, 3.5+ hours with break and shuttle.

Saturday April 26th 1 pm on the Sawmill trail   For those who like a more leisurely pace, the BRVTA are holding a

Family Hike called ‘Secrets of the Woods’. Discover the hidden wonders in the woods and along the riverbank of the Bayfield Sawmill Trail. Environmental educators Michele Martin and Janneke Vorsteveld will guide hikers of all ages in searching for the small creatures and plants to be found along this 2 km trail through forests, along the Bayfield River.

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 Tuesday Trompers Form on the MTA website – maitlandtrail.ca

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.