Trail Talk 404
The 30th Maitland Trail Association Candlelight walk on February 6th had a relatively good turnout of 200 people. It operated during a blizzard with winds projected to reach 80 Km/hr so it was too windy for lighting lanterns, outdoor hospitality or for a walk in the woods … but not too windy for a great event! The late addition of the snow field labyrinth by Howes Landscaping saved the event. The snow mountains by Goderich Landscaping were popular as ever. We continued to offer extended access for two hours which was well received as were the indoor games, music and hospitality. The kids, families and all attending loved it all.
Thirty volunteers contributed to the potluck volunteer dinner, providing indoor hospitality to attendees, tending the fireside, welcoming attendees, recognizing donors, cleaning up, reconditioning and storing lanterns . Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the night a special event, a great success and a jewel of the MTA and Goderich calendar of events! Special thanks to the individuals who made art lanterns and to Ms Lagace and her Grade 3/4 class at St. Mary’s School for their collaborative installation on the labyrinth.
The Maitland Woods trail is maintained by MTA volunteers on Town of Goderich owned land. We are grateful to the Town Council for their cooperation in allowing and supporting the trail on their land. It was a special night of comradery and fun in a natural setting, one that is available to every resident and visitor.
Below freezing conditions have persisted for most of the time in February. Warm weather is now expected but this creates problems due to what was previously a firm packed trail becomes soft. When not wearing snowshoes you are likely to break through the crust and leave holes in the trail. These holes when filled with snow can leave a trap for unsuspecting walkers.
Three of us hiked at Bannockburn on Feb 19th. The trails were hard packed and easy walking and Bannockburn creek had a good flow of water after the previous mild spell. If there is a long hot spring the creek can rise up so high that water overflows the bridge, which is hard to imagine when the creek is so small at present.
On Tuesday February 24th while driving back from a hike at Hullett on Wildlife Line I saw two deer crossing the road, a doe and a fawn. Later that day in the Maitland woods I was surprised to see quite a few skunk cabbages coming up in the wet areas at #4,5, and 6 boardwalks. According to Wikipedia skunk cabbage belongs to a select group of thermogenic plants for its capacity to create temperatures of up to 15–35 °C (27–63 °F) above air temperature through cyanide-resistant cellular respiration (via alternative oxidase) in order to melt its way through frozen ground.
On Wednesday February 25th nine of us snowshoed or hiked the Hullett Sugar Bush trails. There were several inches of new snow, and I am hoping the trail will still be in good shape for the Saturday CNOY hike.
Irene, John, Richard, Rick ,Susan and Doug on the Hullett purple trail
On Thursday on the Front road trail I noticed that apart from the part near Front road, there were deer tracks along most of the rest of the trail. Normally I only see a few deer tracks on the trail with most tracks going across the trail towards the Bayfield river.
Events
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 to 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.
