TRAIL TALK 394

Now that winter seems to be here to stay, if icers or snowshoes are on your wish list.  I have a couple of suggestions.  The main problem with icers is that some, especially the cheaper ones are inclined to come off, several hikers have lost icers on the trail without realizing it.  The main problem with snow shoes is the ease of doing up, adjusting and undoing the bindings.  It can especially be the case if you have trouble adjusting the straps in cold weather.  I remember one hiker had a big problem undoing one of his snow shoes, and thought it would be impossible to drive a vehicle with a snowshoe still attached and in the worst case, cutting the bindings might be necessary to be able to drive home.

I thought I was well prepared for problems with ice and snow, as I carry a spade and a container of gravel. However, at the Front Road parking area, I had no problem getting in, but when I went to drive out, the wheels were spinning. I discovered there was ice under the snow, so dug down to the ground and put some gravel down, but still had a problem.  I thought I had finally done enough, when two hunters returned to their vehicles and gave me that little extra push that allowed me to easily get out onto the road.

On Monday December 8^th I hiked the Clinton  Conservation Area trails, and then again on Wednesday December 10^th when I was joined by Richard Stryker.  What a difference two days make, although the trail was pretty on Monday, it was spectacular on Wednesday with the snow coating the trees and shrubs. Snowshoes became a definite asset.

On Tuesday at the Woodlands Arboretum Nature trail, when I snowshoed there, I saw that a couple of skiers had been out enjoying the early snow. Luckily the road into the parking area had been plowed.

I encourage everyone who is able, to get out on a Nature trail this season.  If you don’t have snowshoes, there usually has been enough hikers on the Maitland Woods and Sifto loop trails that you can manage without snowshoes.

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.     

The Menesetung bridge across the Maitland River at Goderich was open again on Wednesday December 10^th

Saturday December 20^th 9 am.  Hike the Maitland Trail and the Robertson Tract trails for about 1 ½ hours. . For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Susan Ethelston at susan.ethelston@gmail.com. This is a Level 1, moderate to brisk paced hike - some uneven surfaces.

Friday December 26^th 1 pm, Hike or snowshoe the Hullett Sugar Bush Trails for about 1 1 /2 hours. Meet at 80602 Wildlife Line. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Patrick at pcapper99@gmail.com

Thursday January 1^st 2026 1pm Falls Reserve Wear off some of the holiday cheer, and clear your head by joining us on our traditional hike/snowshoe depending on the weather at the Falls Reserve Conservation Area. Dress according to the weather conditions. For special parking information and post hike get-together info, registration is required. To confirm your attendance, please contact Faye Ribey at fribey@hurontel.on.ca or 519 524-2070 or Wendy Hoernig at w.hoernig@gmail.com or 519 525-6976.

This is a Level 1-2 hike with some inclines, moderate

Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, send an email to mta@maitlandtrail.ca

Midweek hikers meet at 9 a.m. and hike for 1 ½ to 2 hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com

LIFE hikers meet every Friday for a hike of about 1 1 /2 hours, with a choice of of pace, striders moving a little faster than te strollers.  The hikes now start at 9a.m. and can be joined through One Care.