TRAIL TALK 403
Often the conditions on the trails can change as quickly as the weather changes. What was a hard packed trail that was easy to walk on, can quickly turn to a soft trail with the top crust giving way. These conditions usually mean that it is better to use snowshoes. Sometimes after a mild spell it can turn very cold again and then sometimes it means you can explore all over the place on a firm crust without using snowshoes
Having got stuck the car in slushy snow, I am now more cautious about entering places such as the Wildlife Line parking lot. As an extra precaution, I have a shovel and gravel in the car in case I do get stuck.
Friday February 13th was another very cold night and the morning sun lit up the frost covering the trees,for another spectacular display. The weeping willows were magnificent. The one I photographed was at a property on Wildlife Line, but I am sure the ones in the Falls Reserve were equally beautiful.
On Sunday February 15th the Falls Reserve was open to the public at no charge. I was not sure what condition the Maitland Trail would be in, so chose that day to find out. Much of the main trail and blue trail was easy walking. On the part from where there used to be a group camping site to the junction with the blue trail, I needed my snowshoes. I was pleasantly surprised that it was relatively easy to climb the steep hill at the start of the blue trail. I noticed quite a few families were out, some with snowshoes, and others with skis and others just walking on the trails that had been well groomed.
I also checked out part of the Maitland Trail downstream of River Line, some time ago a snow machine had been on the first part and a snowshoer had been on a part later on. I needed my snowshoes and it was heavy going in places so I did not get in much further than the second creek.
Events
Saturday February 28th Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser for the homeless. The main Goderich event is being held in the Goderich square with a check in at 4 pm and start at 5 pm for a 2 or 5 km walk. There are also teams walking in Wingham and Exeter. For a more energetic walk I will lead the team Maitland Trail Hikers at 2 pm on a local trail for one hour to 1 ½ hours depending on the weather. The location will probably be on the Hullett sugar Bush trails Please support one of the teams with a donation to help the homeless.. To see the Goderich teams and how to donate go to https://cnoy.org/location/goderich
Saturday February 28th 11 am 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.
Saturday March 7th 11am BRVTA hike at the Bayfield woodland Trail
Sunday March 15th 10 am Hike Probably on the Maitland Trail heading East from Sharpes Creek Line. Location may change depending on conditions Leader Patrick Capper. To register and confirm your attendance contact Patrick at pcapper99@gamil.com
Saturday March 21st two options Hike with Paula Deering at Exeter 9am ato 10.30 or hike with BRVTA 11am -noon at Bannockburn Conservation Area.
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 pace, striders moving a little faster than the strollers. The hikes now start at 9a.m. and can be joined through One Care.
