Trail Talk 364 - May 21, 2025

One of the joys of getting out into nature is that you never know what you might see.  I was listening to an avid birder talk about a rare sighting that drew hoards of other birdwatchers to view the uncommon bird.  I am sure that there are rare sightings of dragonflies, butterflies and plants, but I have not heard of rare sightings of these drawing large flocks of observers.   I keep a “Huron County” list of bird, butterfly and dragon fly species I have seen.  I saw a Beaverpond Baskettail dragonfly.   Although this is not rare, I was surprised to see that the only nearby iNaturalist sightings were in Grand Bend and Stratford.  I did another Butterfly Transect on May 16th on the Hullett Sugar Bush Trails but only saw two N Azures, however there were about 100 dragonflies out.  Most of the ones I could photograph were Dot-tailed Whiteface and Chalk Fronted Corporals. Only the males have the white markings that give the dragonfly its name.  I also saw a Groundhog, the first I have seen in the Sugar Bush.

This year I saw an American Lady on May 11th ( cf May 4, 2024), a Milbert’s Tortoiseshell on May 10th (cf  Aug 10, 2024) and a Northern Crescent on May 16th (cf  June 11, 2024).  This year I have yet to see a Red Admiral, but last year by May 11th I had seen 18! 

 Five of us enjoyed a bike ride at Point Farms Provincial Park. According to the Goderich Illustrated Signal Star of March 1889, “The Point Farm hotel was a favourite tourist destination in the late 1800s.  It first opened in 1871 with accommodation for 60 people, it was burnt down in that year and rebuilt with rooms for 200 guests and a dining room 100 ft x 40 ft which could seat 300 persons.  The hotel was described as being delightfully situated on a high bluff overlooking Lake Huron. As far as possible the natural woods have not been disturbed and seated in one of its numerous summer houses within sound of the musical splash of the waves and not a house in sight it is easy to imagine oneself entirely out of reach of civilization.”  An illustration shows people arriving by horse and carriage.

Species of spring flowers that can now be seen include Blue Phlox (just off the Maitland Trail near Auburn), blue-eyed grass, Spotted Geranium, False Solomon Seal and Starry False Solomon Seal.   

Hikers on any Maitland Trail outing are reminded to sign the 2025 Online waiver.

The Menesetung Bridge across the Maitland River at Goderich is now closed to pedestrians and cyclists for 16 to 20 weeks.

Spring turkey hunt is from April 25th to May 31st.       

Friday, May 23, 2025  10 a.m – 12 p.m. Cycle Event: Wallenstein to Silver Creek Trailhead on G2G Rail Trail 53km

Phase # 4 Our Maitland Trail Association 50 Year Anniversary Goal is to cycle the trail from Goderich to Guelph in 4 Phases. We will start at the G2G parking area in Wallenstein G2G 125 km to Goderich Trail marker and cycle to Silver Creek Road Trailhead and then back to Wallenstein. Please pre-register with Donald Andrew 519-530-9019 call or text. Difficulty – Beginner technical skills, crushed gravel trail Highlights: Bragging rights to completing the G2G Trail from Goderich to edge of Guelph

Sunday, June 1, 2025 9-11a.m. Benmiller to Morris Tract Meet at the Morris Tract Provincial Nature Reserve, 36833 Londesboro Road to carpool to Benmiller. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Anne Melady at jamelady@hotmail.com. This is a Level 2, easy pace, 2 hours.

Saturday, June 7, 2025  9.30 am to 12.30 pm Cycle: Point Clark Light House to Bruce Beach Road

For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Donald Andrew at 519 530-9019 by calling or texting. This is a level 1, easy ride. Difficulty – Beginner, crushed gravel, some pavement, some off-road trails. Bring water. The distance is approximately 14 kms one way. After a rest then head back to the start.

June 14th 6:30 pm Maitland Trail Association 50th Anniversary Dinner Event at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The speaker is Adam Shoalts, a professional adventurer and best-selling author. Limited tickets remaining until May 31st. Visit maitlandtrail.ca for more details.

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.