On Sunday January 29th Sally Brodie led an impromptu snowshoe on the Falls Reserve Maitland trails. The snow was typically four to six inches deep as we packed the trails. The fresh snow made the bush quite beautiful, which was a pleasant change from early January without any snow. As well as seeing a lot of Canada geese on the river, there was also a medium sized flock of mallards enjoying the river with only small pans of ice. On Wednesday coming back from our hike at the Falls Reserve I stopped at Forsters bridge and photographed over 300 geese on the river there. So I suspect that there are over 1000 geese staying in Huron County this winter.
While out hiking I have been looking for patterns, one interesting one was on the roots of a tree near the river on the Lobb trail and there was also a very interesting hollow tree stump at the edge of Bishop’s road.
Notes.
Hikers taking part in Maitland Trail events should now sign the 2023 Waiver on the MTA website.
Saturdays 10 a.m. from Jan 28th to Feb 25th a weekly series of hikes on the Varna trails lead by Ralph Blasting of Bayfield River Valley Trail Association
Sunday February 12th 10 a.m. 1.5 hours leisurely pace. Hike or snowshoe at Naftel’s Creek with Gena Lowe and Paula Deering.
Saturday February 25th 4.45 p.m at the Legion in Goderich. Walkers can choose a two- or five-kilometre route around Courthouse Square. The 2023 Coldest Night of the Year walk is also taking place in Exeter and Wingham as well as in over 180 other communities across Canada. All of the funds raised in Goderich will aid the United Way Perth-Huron’s local work in support of the Huron Homeless Initiative. To register as an individual or team, or to make a donation, visit https://cnoy.org.
Saturday March 4th 10 a.m. International Women’s day hike on the Bayfield Woodland trail. Meet at the David street entrance. Lead by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association
Sunday March 5th 1pm Snowshoe/hike the Maitland trail and John and Marylo Graham Nature Conservancy trails for about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Meet near 80965 Sharpes Creek Line (near Bishop’s Road). For more information and to preregister for the hike, please contact Patrick Capper at 519 606-0016 or pcapper99@gmail.com.
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 This winter the Trompers usually hike in the Maitland Woods and on the Sifto loop/GART.
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.
