Trail Talk September 30th 2026

 

 

On September 19^th and 20^th another successful Maitland Trail Association “Camino”  event was held.  Although 300 hikers originally registered, 30 did not take part due to other commitments.  Many hikers, despite sore muscles and/or blisters managed to complete the 30.6km on Saturday and 19.2 km on Sunday, some hikers opted for shorter hikes.  This whole event would not have been possible without many volunteers in organizing the event, purchasing supplies, manning check points, installing extra signage, checking the trail that no one was left behind. Without the cooperation of many landowners the first day’s hike would have been over 34 km long. I believe I was the oldest hiker having just turned 84 and the youngest participant was a baby in its mother’s backpack. Several hikers asked for a ride to the end or another checkpoint as they had not anticipated how difficult the trail was with its many hills.

What I have noticed recently is how few and far between are the birds.  Even the squirrels are no longer very common.  However until recently there was no shortage of mosquitoes.   This year nearly all the poison ivy leaves have large white patches due to the Poison Ivy Leaf miner moth.  I have also seen a new fungi to me,  the pink Rhodotus reticeps.  This year I have

seen many Common Checkered skippers.  On the Maitland Trail by Sharpes Creek Line, one in our garden and one in Zurich.  On our Exeter hike we saw a Compton Tortoiseshell, which I had not seen since 2022.

Events.

Saturday, October 3, 9am-10.30am (approx.) Migrating Water Birds Hike Walk the dikes around the ponds while looking for migrating water birds. Meeting Location: Parking lot at 40905 Summerhill Road Difficulty: Level 1 Pace: Moderate Annual Waiver: Complete the MTA Annual waiver Pre-register with Laurel Peever at laurelpeever@gmail.com

Sunday, October 4, 9- 11 am   Walk through a delightful private farm property near Dublin, crossing farm fields and railway tracks before reaching the bush and a cabin. The route follows the Bayfield River and passes through old-growth and recently planted woodland. An optional visit to the Dublin Restaurant will follow the hike. Location: 7277 Highway 8, just past St Columban.  Pace Leisurely level 1 difficulty. The many windfalls across the trail caused by the September windstorm have been cleared by the Maitland Trail chain saw crew, so the hike will be held as scheduled.   Contact is Anne Melady at jamelady@icloud.com

Sunday, October 11^th 1.30 -4.00 pm Hike River Line to Sharpes Creek Line. This is a scenic section of the Maitland Trail with several views of the river and a number of significant hills. Participants should be prepared for a challenging outing lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Meeting Location: 80842 Sharpes Creek Line Transportation: Carpool to River Line Difficulty: Level 3 Pace: Moderately fast Terrain: Several significant hills Annual Waiver: Complete the MTA Annual Waiver Pre-register with Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com

Saturday, October 17 1:30 – 3:30 pm CYCLE  Point Farms Provincial Park Cycle Enjoy shaded trails, Lake Huron views and fall colours during this beginner-friendly ride. The route combines paved roads, gravel roads and hard-packed dirt paths. Riders will cycle down to the beach on a paved road and walk their bicycles back up using a dirt path. This is a co-promotion with East Street Cider. Meeting Location: Front entrance, Point Farms Provincial Park, 82491 Bluewater Highway/ Highway 21 Distance: Approximately 10 km, with additional exploring if time allows Difficulty: Beginner Terrain: Mostly level paved, gravel and hard-packed dirt surfaces What to bring: Water Annual Waiver: Complete the MTA Cycling waiver Helmets required. Pre-register by calling/texting Donald Andrew at 519-530-9019

Sunday, October 18, 9 – 10:30 am HIKE  Maitland Trail, Morris Tract and Ross Property Hike the Maitland Trail through the Morris Tract to the beaver pond and return. The route includes flat and hilly sections with uneven footing. Meeting Location: 36833 Londesboro Road Parking: East side of Morris Tract Line; do not block farm fields, laneways or entrances Difficulty: Level 1-2 Pace: Moderate to brisk Terrain: Flat and hilly sections with uneven footing Annual Waiver: Complete the MTA Annual waiver Pre-register with Susan Ethelston at susan.ethelston@gmail.com.

Note that the Maitland Trail between Londesboro road and Little Lakes Road remains closed due to a  landslide.

Duck Hunting starts on September 26^th.

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.