On December 16th on the Woodlands Nature trail I saw another fall mushroom on a fallen branch, which was covered with snow a few days later. I could not determine its variety, possibly Turkey tails.
A hiker was surprised to learn that white squirrels are seen outside Exeter. I have seen them in Seaforth, Clinton and on Stone School Line. In the last couple of years we have sometimes seen one near Huronview at our feeder. The photo was taken on December 19th when a white squirrel was next to an Oregon Holly, which I thought was appropriate for the Christmas season. The only time I have seen native holly on our trails is on the Front road trail which has several quite small holly plants.
Our local white squirrels are not albinos which have red or pink eyes, but are white morphs of Eastern grey squirrels. Five cities claim to be home for white squirrels: Exeter, Ontario, Olney, Illinois, Marionville, Missouri, Brevard, N. Carolina and Kenton, Tennessee. Sightings have also been reported in most of the states in the Eastern U.S. A. and also in California and Oregon.
The bench in last week’s Trail Talk is on the Bayfield Sawmill trail hill, the sign on it reads,”Muszyn ski’s bench.”
Wishing all the walkers and hikers a Happy and Safe New Year.
Notes: Hikers taking part in Maitland Trail events should now sign the 2023 Waiver on the MTA website.
January 1st 2 pm Hike or snowshoe the Falls Reserve 1 -1 ½ hours. The annual New Year’s day outing lead by Wendy Hoernig and Faye Ribey. To preregister, please contact Faye Ribey at 519 524-2070 or email fribey@hurontel.on.ca. or Wendy Hoernig at 519 525-6976 or email w.hoernig@gmail.com. This is a Level 1-2 hike with, some long inclines, moderate pace.
Saturday January 14th two choices:
10 a.m. join Hugh McGregor at the Maitland Cemetery Hugh and Colleen McGregor will lead a hike/snowshoe walk at the Maitland Cemetery (Maitland Grove Trails) The hike will last 1.5 hours and be at a leisurely pace but there will be some hills to navigate. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please call or text Hugh McGregor at 519 955-6318. You will need to provide your contact information as the type of hike and exact starting location is weather dependent. This is a Level 1 hike, leisurely pace, 1.5 hours.
11 a.m. join Ralph Blasting at Varna for a BRVTA Winter Walk that kicks off their 2023 hiking season! Breathe fresh air, enjoy the trail, and meet community members as you step into the new year. For questions or more information, contact BRVTA Hike Coordinator Ralph Blasting at rjblastingjr@gmail.com or 519-525-3205
Sunday January 15th at 10 a.m. Sally Brodie will lead hikers on a snowshoeing walk on the Lobb Trail if weather conditions permit. Please dress according to the weather and prepare yourself for a lovely time on this property.
For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Sally Brodie at sallyj.brodie@gmail.com. This is a Level 1, leisurely pace, 1.5 hour.
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 All hikers must sign the waiver, preferably the Online waiver at www.maitland trail.ca
Uneven Hikers hike for 1 ½ to 2 hours on Wednesdays or Thursdays, contact Patrick Capper. Both groups meet at 9 a.m. and are open to non-members provided they sign the MTA on-line waiver.
If you have questions or something of interest for Trail Talk email me Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com
