TRAIL TALK 398
I have found big differences in the local trails, both changes along a trail and the difference between trails in the Northern part of Huron county, which generally have a lot more snow than those further South and close to Lake Huron.
Both the Bayfield and Maitland rivers were in full flood mode on January 10th and I am sure that they were flooding parts of the Maitland trail. e.g. in the Falls Reserve and the Northern end in the John and MaryLo Graham Nature Conservancy. Generally I have not needed to use my snowshoes.
While hiking the Maitland trail extension West of Sharpes Creek Line I saw two deer, the first I have seen for several weeks. Although I saw a pileated woodpecker a couple of weeks ago, I was not able to take a photo, however a relative had one at her feeder on January 10th.
Friday January 9th was the first time I had been on the Menesetung bridge since it was reopened in December. The most notable difference was the lining of the drain on the West side of the trail leading up to the bridge. The garden by the large rock has disappeared , and there are timbers in place at the west side where I expect a new garden will be planted. On that day a major portion of the Menesetung trail was under water due to the river being in flood mode.
On Saturday January 10th a group of us hiked the Sugar Bush trails, and were glad to see that the parking lot on Wildlife Line was in good condition.
Our Thursday hike on January 14th was a bit of a challenge due to a Northerly wind and -13 oC but five of us braved the cold weather, but changed our planned route to stay mostly in a wooded area where we were out of the wind. This gave me a chance to test out my heated mittens that can be recharged and last longer than a couple of hours. I hope this will be the end of using rechargeable hand warmers that last less than one hour.
With the return of below freezing, there are now times when icers are needed to avoid slipping on the ice. I usually find that the parking lots are where there is the most slippery ice.
Notes:
Saturday January 24th and Sunday January 25th 1.30 p.m. ski the trails at the Maitland Cemetery. NOTE THE CHANGE OF VENUE This area near Goderich has lovely trails that wind through reforested areas,. Carpooling is suggested for this event. If the snow conditions are not good for skiing, we will hike. For more information, please contact Con Melady at 519 – 524-8730 to pre-register and for details about location and carpooling. This is a Level 2, moderate pace, 1.5 hours hike or ski.
Saturday January 31st 11 a.m. Mindfulness Walk. Meet at the Millennium Trail in Goderich, Nelson Street East entrance. Designed for those who want the benefits of meditation but prefer to move. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Tanya at redroofrecovery@gmail.com or text 519-616-3636.
These walks are at 11am on the last Saturday of every month.
Friday Febuary 6th 7.30pm -8.30 pm Candlelight Walk in the Maitland Woods A one and one-half kilometer portion of the trail in the Maitland Woods will be transformed by the flickering beauty of candlelight. Participants can set out from the trail entrance at the east end of the Columbus Centre parking lot (Parson’s Court) anytime between 7:00 and 8:30 pm and trail closes at 9 pm.
Saturday February 7th 9 a.m. Hike or Snowshoe Maitland Trail loop from Benmiller through Falls Reserve Conservation area and back. A scenic hike through Falls Reserve Conservation Area and along the Maitland River. Meet at the roadside pullover on Benmiller Line immediately northeast of the bridge over the river. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Susan Ethelston at susan.ethelston@gmail.com. This is a Level 2, some hilly sections and moderate pace, expect to take 1 ½ – 2 hours.
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 the strollers. The hikes now start at 9a.m. and can be joined through One Care.
