On December 21st fourteen hikers enjoyed the Lobb trail on a nice sunny day before the blizzard on Friday hit.
On the Boxing Day outing the snow was typically just over one foot deep, so snowshoes were needed for the three of us out on the Hullett Sugar Bush trails.
Thirteen Trompers enjoyed a walk through the Maitland Woods on December 27th. Some parts of the trail had shrubs and trees covered with snow, making for a beautiful scene. One new sight for me was a pile of seven snail shells next to a small hole under one of the boardwalks. I wonder what creature piled them there.
With the change in temperature after a few days most of the snow on the trails had disappeared so that the New Year’s Day hike at the Falls was snow free. 15 hikers enjoyed the snow free trails and the sight of the high water levels in the Maitland river, flowing over the falls. Thanks to Wendy Hoernig we enjoyed snacks afterwards at her home.
On the Tuesday Tromp on the Sifto loop I was surprised to see fresh mushrooms at the base of an ash tree. We noticed that the Maitland trail chain saw crew had been kept busy clearing many large windfalls. When crossing the Menesetung bridge I counted over 600 Canada geese on or near the golf course .
The bench in the last Trail Talk is on the Lobb trail.
Notes:
Hikers taking part in Maitland Trail events should now sign the 2023 Waiver on the MTA website.
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.
Sunday Jan 22nd 12.30 pm Falls Reserve Ski . Level 2 Moderate pace 1.5 hours The trails wind through reforested areas, along a high bank with spectacular views over the Maitland River, and through open woods. Carpooling is recommended due to limited parking. Please call Con by Sat evening 519-524-8730 to advise you are attending. Bonus option – Come at 11:00 a.m. for a cross country ski lesson – no charge and please register by contacting Con.
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.
