IROQUOIA SPRING HIKES 2016 WEEKLY HIKES EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT CULHAM TRAIL MISSISSAUGA 1.5 - 2 hrs Brisk pace. Meet at Riverwood Visual Arts Centre in Mississauga. The centre is located just north of Burnhamthorpe Rd. between Mississauga Rd and Creditview Rd on Riverwood Park Lane. We will meet at 6:00 pm. in the parking lot at the top of the hilland hike along the Culham trail. Hike is cancelled if there is heavy rain. Leader: Nancy Stevens [email protected]

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT – Walk for Health and Fun (1.5hrs-2hrs) – Starts again on March 16. Climb the steps and walk the streets and trails of West Hamilton. Meet at 7:00 pm. (Note Earlier Time) at the corner of Mohawk and Upper Paradise in the Westcliffe Mall parking lot (near Food Basics). Starting in April (when evening daylight returns), we will hike sections of the as well as the trails of Iroquoia Heights C.A. There will be weekly walks all summer. Hike is cancelled if there is heavy rain. Medium to fast pace and moderate terrain. Leader: Paul Lewis – (905) 331-8600 or email: [email protected]

NEW - EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING - Hike With Dogs **Note: these hikes end as of March 31, to be resumed in the Fall.** Meet at Kerncliffe Park 9:30 am. We’ll be in the parking lot on the East side of Kerns Rd. just below the escarpment. Remember you can only come up from the South, there’s no access from the North. The hikes will be 1½ hrs at a moderate pace. Dogs must be leashed ! Leader : Lisa Raftis cell:416 829 5053 email: [email protected]

EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT - Grimsby Hikes Thursdays 7:00 pm. 1.5 hours. Meet at Lions Club Pool Parking Lot, off Main St., just west of Mountain St. lights. Hike cancelled in poor weather. Hike Difficulty, Med. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Sometimes uneven terrain, hike routes to be varied. Optional pub stop after hike. Leader: Don Matheson – 905-309-9624 [email protected] (Alternate Contact: Bruce Manion [email protected])

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT - Burlington Waterfront 2 hrs. Meet at 7:30 pm. in the Lakeshore Road parking lot just east of the Waterfront Centre and restaurant for brisk walk along Lake , to the canal and back. Hike cancelled in poor weather. Pace - brisk. Terrain - easy. Leader: Lorne Carruthers. For information call Lorne at 905- 315-8762 or email: [email protected]

SPRING Walking Meditations - last Sunday of the month: March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26th. starting @ 10:00 am. - 11:30 am. Dundas Valley Trail Centre, 650 Governor’s Road, Dundas, Ontario Combine walking with mindfulness Sunday mornings with writer/meditator Kelly Watt. Kelly is the author of Camino Meditations and has studied meditation since she was seventeen and ended out in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Nepal. In 2008, Kelly walked the 800-mile Camino de Santiago in northern Spain, walking in silence every morning. Every month, she will teach you a series of meditations that can be done standing, walking or sitting down. Come learn how to take your practice out of the meditation room and into nature on the glorious Bruce Trail. No experience necessary. Meet at Dundas Valley Trail centre for a 10:00 am. start. Check Bruce Trail website or Facebook site: Camino Meditations, for directions and details. RSVP at [email protected] or phone 905-870-2870.

GENERAL HIKES

Sat. Mar. 5 - Shorter End-to-End/1 of 8 - 9 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at Queenston Heights parking lot (near cairn)(Map1). Carpool to Mewburn Rd. ( Pace: medium. Terrain: Strenuous) Leaders: Bruce Manion 289-235-9192 [email protected] Susan Meinzinger 905-945-7065 [email protected]

Sat. Mar. 5 - Trail, Hamilton East Mountain - 8 km. 3 hours Meet by 9:30 am. at the Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area on Ridge Road, off Upper Centennial Parkway (the former Hwy. 20) in Stoney Creek (see Map 6, BT Reference Guide, Ed. 28). We will car pool to Tenth Road, and hike back. Lunch stop after for those interested. Call or e-mail for additional directions no later than early evening Friday before the hike. Pace: leisurely, Terrain:easy. Leader: Gary Wrathall 905-681-6167 (Burlington) [email protected] Sat. Mar. 5 - Toronto Section - (Maps 11/12) Km 22.0 Depart 8:30 am. Map 12. Km 21.3 Parking at Limehouse School parking area on 22 sideroad. Car shuttle to Km 0.0 Map 11.Hike back through Hilton Falls Conservatins Area and the . Pace: medium. Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs. Pub stop. Leader: Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm. or [email protected] Sat. Mar. 12 - Shorter End to End/2 of 8 - 10 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at train bridge on Mewburn Rd, Niagara Falls (Map 2, 9.0). Carpool to Dorr Rd. St Catharines (Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate) Leaders: Bruce Manion 289-235-9192 [email protected] Susan Meinzinger 905-945-7065 [email protected]

Sat. Mar. 12 - Toronto Section (Maps 12/13/14) - Km 21.0 Depart 8:30 am. Map12. Km 21.3 Parking at Limehouse School parking area on 22 sideroad...Car shuttle to Km 41.3 Map 14 hike back through Terra Cotta and Silvercreek areas. Pace: medium. Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs. Pub stop. Leader: Ron Granger: (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected] Sun. Mar. 13 - Oakville Morrison and McCraney Ravines - 12 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start at Trafalgar Ridge Plaza, 2431 Trafalgar Rd. Look for Home Sense/Winners. Park near the Scotia Bank, facing Trafalgar Rd. This hike takes in two of Oakville’s finest creek ravines. 9km. of trails, 3 km. of footpaths and 4 ponds. Mostly level, only a couple of short, steep hills. Mod-3. Bring snacks. Optional pub stop afterwards. Leader: Phill and Anne Armstrong – 905-337-3937. [email protected] Sun. Mar. 13 - Kerncliff Park to Smokey Hollow, Waterdown - 3 Hours Medium pace, Moderate terrain. Meet for 8:30 am. departure in the parking lot of Kerncliff Park, 2198 Kern’s Rd., below the escarpment. The parking lot is accessible by driving north on Kern’s Rd. from the North Service Rd. We will do a loop hike along the main and side trails to Smokey Hollow in Waterdown and back. Map 9, km 75.9, BT Reference Guide Ed. 28) Dogs welcome. Hike Leaders: Lisa Raftis [email protected]. (416) 829-5053 and Bill Pote [email protected] (289) 772-9490. Sat. Mar. 19 - Spring Tree Hike, Burlington-Waterdown - Approx. 3 hrs. Meet at 9:30 am. in City View Park on Kerns Rd. Take second entrance south of Dundas St. We’ll hike south towards the waterfall and return, stopping occasionally to make the acquaintance of trees. The trees are waking up and expanding their buds, some like the trembling aspen may already be in flower. Trees are already manufacturing sugar from even before their leaves have emerged, we’ll check how they do this. Hike may be shortened in case of rain. Pace: medium when walking. Terrain: moderate. Leader: Peter McSweeney Phone or txt 905-802-0727; [email protected] Sat. Mar. 19 - Shorter End-to-End/3 of 8 - 11.8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at the Dorr Rd (east of Glendale Bridge). Carpool to DeCew House, DeCrew Rd, Thorold (Map 3, 29.8) (Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate). Leaders: Bruce Manion 289-235-9192 [email protected] Susan Meinzinger 905-945-7065 [email protected]

Sun. Mar. 20 - Highway To Highway - 12.5 km Meet at 9:00 am. at the Tim Horton’s parking lot at the corner of Hwy 5 (Dundas Street) and Hwy 6. We will carpool to where the trail crosses Hwy 5 and hike back. Pace: brisk. Terrain: strenuous. Leader: Dan Welsh: 905-659-4957 [email protected]

Sun. Mar. 20 - Guelph Line to Cedar Springs - 3 hours Medium pace, Moderate terrain. Meet for 8:30 am. departure on Guelph Line (north of Dundas St. and south of No. 1 Side Road. ( See Map 9, km 82.3, BT Reference Guide, Ed 28). We will hike out and back from Guelph Line going west to Cedar Springs Road. Dogs welcome. Hike Leaders: Lisa Raftis [email protected] (416) 829-5053 and Bill Pote [email protected] (289) 772-9490.

Fri. Mar. 25 - Annual Good Friday Hawk Watch 10km Meet at 9:00 am. at Lions Club pool, Grimsby, on Elm St. Hike to Pumphouse and Birds of Prey demo (Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate). Leader: Bruce Manion 289-235-9192 [email protected] Dan Welsh 905-945-7065

Sat. Mar. 26 - Steeltown Stomp (STS) #2 2,000 stairs* and 20 km hike. Approximately 5-6 hours. Meet at 9:00 am. at Chedoke Golf Club parking lot off of Beddoe Drive. This hike will be similar to STS #1 where we will climb all of the sets of stairs (Chedoke, Dundurn, James, Wentworth, Kenilworth and Uli's) and hike in between them but, this time, when we get to the top of Uli's, we will hike back. Bring water and lunch. (Brisk-Strenuous) Leader: Ruth Moffatt, (905)928-7056 [email protected] Leader: Lauren Doig, (905)309-1398 [email protected] Leader: Keith Laushway, [email protected] Sat. Mar. 26 - Burlington – Waterdown - 10 km. 3 hours Meet by 9:30 am. in the south parking lot of City View Park in Burlington off Kern’s Road. Directions: north on Kern’s Road from the North Service Road, or from Tyandaga Park Drive driving west from Brant Street; or drive south from Dundas Street (former Hwy. 5) to the second entrance on the left. A loop hike to the Great Falls at Smokey Hollow in Waterdown and back. Pub stop lunch afterwards for those interested. Call or e-mail for additional directions no than early evening Friday before the hike. Pace: Leisurely, Terrain: Moderate. Leader: Gary Wrathall 905-681-6167 (Burlington) [email protected] Sun. Mar. 28 - Meditation Walks - See article at beginning of schedule for details Sat. Apr. 2 - Shorter End-to-End/4 of 8 - 11 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at DeCew House, DeCew Rd, Thorold (Map 3, 29.8) Carpool to Short Hills, Roland Rd. (Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate). Leaders: Bruce Manion 289-235-9192 [email protected] Susan Meinzinger 905-945-7065 [email protected]

Sun. Apr. 3 - Lowville - 3 hours Medium pace, moderate terrain. ( See Map 10, km. 96.1 BT Reference Guide Ed. 28) Meet for 8:30 am. departure in the parking lot of Lowville Park, close to the pavilion and playground. Directions: north on Guelph Line from Dundas St. , approx. 4 km turn right at the Lowville Bistro and then right into the parking lot. We will hike over to the River & Ruin Side Trail , onto the main trail and back. Dogs welcome. Hike Leaders: Lisa Raftis [email protected] (416) 829-5053 and Bill Pote [email protected] (289) 772-9490. Sun. Apr. 3 - King's Forest - 7-8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. in the Mud Street parking lot near Pritchard Road in East Hamilton Mountain. We will do a 100% loop hike on the King's Forest trails in the Red Hill Valley. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Map 7. Leader: Vern Erickson 905-667- [email protected] Sat. Apr. 9 - Shorter End-to-End/5 of 8 - 9.3 km. Meet at 10:00 am. Short Hills Prov. Park Roland Rd. (Map 3). Carpool to Louth Conservation Area on Staff Rd. (Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate) Leaders: Bruce Manion 289-235-9192 [email protected] Susan Meinzinger 905-945-7065 [email protected]

Sat. Apr. 9 - Toronto and Caledon Hills Section (Maps 14/15) - Km. 18.0 Depart 8:30 am. Map 14, Km 41.2 Roadside parking on Winston Churchill Blvd where trail crosses road. Car shuttle to Km 8.8 Map 15. Hike back through Fork’s of the Credit Provincal Park. Pace: medium> Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs,.Pub stop. Leader: Ron Granger (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected] Sat. Apr. 9 - Toronto Section, Limehouse - 6 km. Introductory. This 6 km loop hike will take approximately 1.5 hours and is at a leisurely pace over easy terrain. There is no dropout point. Map 12 Depart: 10:30 am Ball Park parking lot on Fifth Line south of the village of Limehouse. Directions: From Hwy 401 take Trafalgar Rd north for 10 km to 22 Sideroad just north of where Trafalgar Road merges with highway 7. Turn left onto 22 Sideroad then after about 3 km you will bear left to pass over a narrow bridge over the railway tracks in the village of Limehouse. Continue a short distance on and turn left (south) onto Fifth Line. Continue down fifth line until you see a Recreational Baseball Park on your left (east side). We will meet in the Ball Park parking lot. The hike leader’s car will have a Canadian flag attached to the window behind the driver's door. Hike Description: This hike is designed to give new hikers a sense of what hiking on the Bruce Trail has to offer. We will walk into the Limehouse Conservation Area, down into the valley along the Black Creek side trail and then up the main Bruce Trail to examine the lime kiln restoration. We will then reverse back down the main trail through the interesting "Hole in the Wall" feature and back to the cars in the parking lot. Pre-register for the hike with the hike leader. Since the ground on this hike is uneven and rocky (and may be muddy) in some sections, hiking boots or hiking shoes are preferable but since new hikers may not have access to all equipment, just be sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. The hike is short but you may wish to bring a bottle of water. If you do bring bottled water, snacks or extra clothes, please consider carrying these in a knapsack or fanny pack so your hands are free making walking more comfortable. Please arrive a least 15 minutes before hike departure time. Please pre-register by emailing the hike leader at [email protected] Hike Leader: Robert Gillespie [email protected] Sat. Apr. 9 - Dundas - Woodley Lane Loop - 8 km. 3 hours Meet by 9:30 am. at the Woodley Lane entrance to the Dundas Valley Golf Club, off King Street West in Dundas. We will hike the main Bruce Trail, and one or two loops of the McCormack Trail, depending on the trail conditions. Pace: leisurely. Terrain: moderate. Some hills. Call or e-mail for additional directions no later than early evening Friday before the hike. Leader: Gary Wrathall 905-681-6167 (Burlington) Sun. Apr.10 - West Side Hike #1 - 7-8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. in the parking lot of the Chedoke Golf Club. We will hike up the Radial Trail and do a mainly loop hike in the Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Map 8. Leader: Vern Erickson 905-667- [email protected] Sun. Apr. 10 - Highway To Highway - 12.5 km Meet at 9:00 am. at the Tim Horton’s parking lot at the corner of Hwy 5 (Dundas Street) and Hwy 6. We will carpool to where the trail crosses Hwy 5 and hike back. Pace: medium. Terrain: strenuous. Leader: Dan Welsh: 905-659-4957 [email protected]

Sun. Apr. 10 - Lynn Valley Trail - 24 km. Meet for a 9:30 am. start at Memorial Park in Simcoe. Hwy 24 south through Simcoe to Woodhouse Ave. to Memorial Park. Ask Google Maps and if unsure of the area leave extra time. This trail in Carolinian Canada is one of Ontario’s best following the Lynn River to Lake Erie. We will be on the lookout for signs of Spring as we hike to Port Dover and return to Simcoe. A car is required to access this outing. Pace- medium. Terrain - easy. Leader: Greg Vincent (519) 579-8210 [email protected] hikevincent.wordpress.com Sun. April 10 - Chedoke - 3 hours Medium pace, Moderate terrain. (See Map 7, km 38.5 BT Reference Guide, Ed. 28) Meet for 8:30 am. departure at the Chedoke Golf Course, 563 Aberdeen Ave., Hamilton. We will hike to the main trail and come back along the top of the escarpment along the Scenic Drive Side Trail and will descend the Chedoke Escarpment stairs with the option to do a few repeats of the stairs. Hike Leaders: Lisa Raftis [email protected] (416) 829-5053 and Bill Pote [email protected] (289) 772-9490. Saturday, April 16 - Iroquoia AGM

Sat. Apr. 16 - Shorter End-to-End/6 of 8 - 10.6 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at Louth Cons. on Staff Rd. (Map 3) Carpool to Cherry Ave. (Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate) Leaders: Bruce Manion 289-235-9192 [email protected] Susan Meinzinger 905-945-7065 [email protected]

Sun Apr. 17 - STEPS, STEPS, STEPS, STEPS! - 3.5 to 4.5 hrs. Meet at 9:00 am. at the top of the Chedoke Stairs on Scenic Drive at Upper Paradise on the West Mountain. We will carpool to the parking lot near Albion Falls and hike back. We will do all 7 sets of escarpment stairs, including the Kenilworth stairs and Uli’s stairs. In between the sets of stairs we will hike parts of the Bruce Trail and the Rail Trails. Hike cancelled, if there is heavy rain. (Rain Date will be Sunday April 24th) Brisk pace and strenuous terrain. Directions: From Garth Street take Scenic Drive west to Upper Paradise. The parking lot is on your right (across from the start of Upper Paradise) If there is no room in the parking lot you can park on the street. From the 403, take the Linc to Golf Links and turn left on Golf Links that becomes Mohawk. Then turn left (north) on to Upper Paradise until the end at Scenic Drive (parking lot will be straight ahead) Leader: Paul Lewis (905) 331-8600, or email: [email protected] Sun. Apr.17 - West Side Hike #2 - 7-8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. behind the Shoppers Drugmart in the University Plaza on Osler Drive, Dundas. We will do a mainly loop hike on or near the Eastern part of the Monarch Trail. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Map 8. Leader: Vern Erickson 905-667- [email protected] Sun. Apr. 17 - Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail - 20 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. departure from the Rail Trail parking just south of Cambridge on Hwy 24 (Water Street) beside the Petro Canada gas station. This is it, my favourite Rail Trail! We will car shuttle to Paris and walk beside the Grand River to Cambridge, a great walk through Carolinian Canada with Spring underway. You can tell family and friends you have been to Paris this Spring! A car shuttle will be required at the start and end of the hike. All participate. Pace - medium. Terrain - easy. Leader Greg Vincent (519) 579- 8210 [email protected] hikevincent.wordpress.com Mon. Apr. 18 - East Burlington Evening Walk - 1.5 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. at SW corner of Appleby Mall parking lot on New St and Appleby Line. (Near The Beer Store) Hike various streets and trails including the bike path and Sherwood Forest Park. Optional après hike stop for ice cream or chicken wings. Hike cancelled, if there is heavy rain. Medium pace and easy terrain. Leader: Paul Lewis 905-331-8600 or email: [email protected] Sat. Apr. 23 - Dufferin Hi-Lands Section (Map 20/21) - Km 19.0 Depart 8:30 am. Map 21. Km 41.7 Roadside parking on Mulmur- Nottawasaga 550 m east of Lavender Hills Rd. at the cemetery. Car shuttle to Km 37.7 Map 20. Hike back through forests and country side. Pace: medium. Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs. Pub stop. Leader: Ron Granger: (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected] Sat. Apr. 23 - Guelph Line-Dundas St. - 11 km. Meet at 9:30 am at Km 82.3 , where trail crosses Guelph Line. Hike to Dundas St. and return, including a small loop on the return leg. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Leader: Peter McSweeney Phone or txt 905-802-0727; [email protected] Sun. Apr. 24 - West Side Hike #3 - 7-8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. along Upper Lions Club Road near Old Dundas Road (next to ). We will do a mainly loop hike on several trails East of Artaban Road. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Map 8. Leader: Vern Erickson 905-667- [email protected] Sun. Apr. 24 - Kissing Bridge Trailway - 20 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. departure where the rail trail crosses Regional Road 21/Arthur St., 500 metres north of the main intersection in Elmira. Ask Google Maps and if unsure of the area leave extra time. Today we hike from outside of Guelph to Elmira. Good views of rich Ontario farmland. We should see Spring Flowers along the way. A car shuttle will be required at the start and end of the hike. All participate. Pace –- medium. Terrain - easy. Leader: Greg Vincent (519) 579-8210 [email protected] hikevincent.wordpress.com Sun. Apr. 24 - Hilton Falls/Halton Agreement Forest - Approx. 14 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the parking lot of Hilton Falls Conservation Area on No. 5 Sideroad (also Campbellville Rd. and Regional Rd. 9). Map 11. We will explore the trails of the Conservation Area and Halton Agreement Forest. The loop will include the Falls twice and the Five Bridges trail . Pace: leisurely. Terrain: moderate.. Parking fee in effect or Conservation Area pass. Bring a lunch. Optional pub stop afterwards. Leaders: Phill and Anne Armstrong 905-337-3937 [email protected]

Sun. Apr. 24 - Meditation Walks - See beginning of schedule for details.

Tues. Apr. 26 - Tyandaga Evening Walk - 1.5 to 2 hours. Meet at 7:00 pm. in then parking lot for Kerncliff Park, the east side of Kerns Road, below the escarpment in Burlington. We will hike various trails in Kerncliff Park including portions of the Bruce Trail. Come and enjoy the longer evening daylight! Optional apres hike pub stop. Hike cancelled if there is heavy rain. Medium pace and moderate terrain. Directions: Take Brant St north to North Service Rd, left on North Service Rd. to Kerns Rd., right on Kerns, then north to the parking lot, which will be on the right just past where the houses end. (We are meeting in the Kerncliff Park parking lot, not the one for the lookout.) (Also there is now no access from Dundas Street) Leader: Paul Lewis (905) 331-8600, or email: [email protected]

Sat. Apr. 30 - Iroquoia E2E #1 of 7 - Grimsby to Devil’s Punch Bowl - 19.4 km. Meet 9:00 am. at Devil’s Punch Bowl Conservation Area south of km. 19.4, Map 6. Car shuttle to Grimsby Lion’s Community Pool, Elm Street, Grimsby north of km. 0.0, Map 5. Hike back through Beamer, Woolverton, Winona, and Vinemount conservation areas. Pace: medium. Terrain: strenuous. Directions to meeting place: from Upper Centennial Parkway in Hamilton/Stoney Creek take Ridge Road for 1.5 km. to Devil’s Punch Bowl Conservation Area on the left. Parking fee in effect or Conservation Area pass. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen and bug spray. Leader: Douglas Boyce [email protected]

Sat. Apr. 30 - Lowville area in north Burlington - 6 km. 3 hours Meet by 9:30 am. in the parking lot of Lowville Park, 6207 Lowville Park Road, off Guelph Line, 10 km. north of Dundas Street (former Hwy. 5). We will hike around the park, the River & Ruin Side Trail, & part of the main Bruce Trail in the Lowville valley. Pub stop lunch after for those interested. Pace: leisurely. Terrain: moderate. Call or e- mail for additional directions no later than early evening Friday before the hike. Leader: Gary Wrathall 905-681-6167 (Burlington) Sat. Apr. 30 - Shorter End-to-End /8 of 8 - 9.3km Meet at 10:00 am. at Lions Club Community Pool parking lot, Elm St Grimsby (Map 5, 80.4) Carpool to Mountainview Conservation parking lot. (Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate.) Leaders Bruce Manion 289-235-9192 bamontrails@ cogeco.ca Susan Meinzinger 905-945-7065 [email protected]

Sun. May 1 - West Side Hike #4 - 8-10 km. Meet at 10;00 am. in the Sanctuary Park parking lot in Pleasant Valley, Dundas. We will do a 100% loop hike on several trails in the Dundas Valley. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Map 8. Leader: Vern Erickson [email protected] Sun. May 1 - Kissing Bridge Trailway - 15 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. departure where the rail trail crosses Regional Road 21/Arthur St., 500 metres north of the main intersection in Elmira. Ask Google Maps and if unsure of the area leave extra time. Today we hike from Linwood to Elmira. Good views of rich Ontario farmland. We should see Spring Flowers along the way. A car shuttle will be required at the start and end of the hike. All participate. Pace - medium. Terrain - easy. Leader: Greg Vincent (519) 579-8210 [email protected] hikevincent.wordpress.com Sun. May 1 – Iroquoia E2E #2 of 7 – Devil’s Punch Bowl to Chedoke – 19.1 km. Meet 9:00 a.m. at parking lot underneath escarpment, Chedoke Golf Club, km. 38.5, Map 7. Car shuttle to Devil’s Punch Bowl, km. 19.4, Map 6. Hike back via Felker’s Falls, King’s Forest and the Escarpment Rail Trail. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Directions to meeting place: from Hwy #403, Hamilton take Aberdeen Ave, right on Studholme Rd. and left on Beddoe Dr. to parking lot. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen and bug spray. Leader: Douglas Boyce [email protected]

Sat. May 7 - Sydenham Section/1 of 8 End to End (Maps 28-29) - Km 22.0 Depart 8:30 am. Map 28. Km 0.0 Roadside parking in Blantyre on County Road 12, north of County 40. Car shuttle to Km 22.1 Map 29. Hike back by Big Head River, Walters Falls and Rocklin Creek Management Areas. Pace: medium. Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs. Leader: Ron Granger (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected] Sat. May 7 Battlefield Park – Red Hill Valley 10 km. 3 hours Meet by 9:30 am. on Hamilton’s east mountain, on Old Mud Street at Pritchard Road, approx. 1 km. east of Albion Falls. We will car pool to the historic War of 1812 Battlefield Park on King Street in Stoney Creek, and hike back. Pub stop lunch after for those interested. Pace: leisurely. Terrain: Some rocky areas & steep hills. Call or e-mail for additional directions no later than early evening Friday before the hike. Leader: Gary Wrathall 905-681-6167 (Burlington) Sun. May 8 Sydenham Section /2 of 8 End to End (Maps 29-30) - Km 22. Depart 8:30 am. Map 29 Km 22..Roadside parking on Sideroad 3, east of 6 Concessions. Car shuttle to Map 30, Km 44.4. Hike through Bognor Marsh and Massie Management Areas. Pace: medium. Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs. Leader: Ron Granger (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected] Sun. May 8 - Gentle Hike at Hilton Falls - +/- 4 km Meet at 10:30 am. at Hilton Falls Conservation Area, Map 11. Halton Conservation Area pass or entrance fee applies. This is a loop walk suitable for all ages. Bring water and snack. No dogs please. Some rocky sections. Leisurely, moderate. Leader: Valerie Dobson 905-828-1729 [email protected].

May 13 - 16 inclusive - Rideau Trail End to End These are the dates of the first four hikes of The Rideau Trail End-to-End. In the course of these four days, to be considered as a block, we'll be covering 61 km. from Kingston City Hall to the entrance of Frontenac Provincial Park. Details will be shared by e-mail only with registered members of the group. For information about how to register, please refer to the article entitled In the Footsteps of Lieutenant-Colonel John By: The Rideau Trail End-to-End which appears elsewhere in the present issue of The Iroquoian.

May 14 Beaver Valley End to End This is the first of three weekends to hike the Beaver Valley section; May 14 and 15, June 4 and 5, June 25 and 26. To receive full details on all six days send request to [email protected] The last day includes an optional short hike to obtain the Waterfall Badge Hike. Pre-registration welcomed, not required. Day hikers are welcome to join us. Sat. May 14 - Day 1: Beaver Valley End to End - 21.3 km. Meet for 8:30 am. departure from parking area at Blantyre at 113.8 km on Map 28. We will shuttle cars to the Epping Lookout parking lot on No. 7 Eric Winkler Parkway just north of 19 Sideroad at 92.5 km on Map 27. Terrain - moderate. Pace - medium 4 km/hr. Pub lunch to follow. Leader: Cynthia Archer cell/txt 416 573 4236 Sun. May 15 - Beaver Valley End to End Day 2 - +/- 19 km. Meet for 8:30 am. departure from the Epping Lookout parking lot on No. 7 Eric Winkler Parkway, just north of 19 Sideroad at 92.5 km on Map 27. We will shuttle cars to the parking area on the 12th Concession east of Vandeleur at 72.6 km on Map 26. Terrain - difficult. Pace - medium 4 km/hr. Leader: Cynthia Archer cell/txt 416 573 4236 Sun. May 15 - West Side Hike #5 - 7-8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. on Woodley's Lane off King Street in Dundas. We'll do a there-and- back hike on the Bruce Trail and a loop hike on the McCormack Trail. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate Map 8. Leader: Vern Erickson [email protected] Sun. May 15 - Scotsdale Loop Farm - Approx. 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the parking lot of Scotsdale Farm, on the east side of Trafalgar Rd., north of Georgetown. Map 13. Look for the signs on your right; it’s easy to miss. We will do a loop hike of the area using main and blue sidetrails. Pace: leisurely. Terrain: moderate Bring water and a lunch. Optional pub stop after. Leaders: Phill and Anne Armstrong- 905-337-3937 [email protected]

Thurs. May 19 - Tiffany’s Falls / Sherman’s Falls Evening Walk in the Spring - 1.5 to 2 hours. Meet at 7:00 pm. at the parking lot at Tiffany Falls on Wilson (old Highway 2).We will hike various trails in the area, including a portion of the Bruce Trail, past Tiffany’s Falls and Sherman’s Falls. Come and see the waterfalls when the water flow is still high! Optional après hike pub stop in Ancaster. Hike cancelled, if there is heavy rain. Note: Please display Bruce Trail Membership card for free parking at Tiffany Falls parking lot. Medium pace and moderate terrain. Directions: Take Main St. West past McMaster and then turn left to stay on Main West (old Highway 2) This road becomes Wilson. The parking lot is on the left halfway up the escarpment. From the Mountain, take Rousseaux and then turn right on Wilson and the Tiffany Falls Parking Lot is on your right. Leader: Paul Lewis (905) 331-8600, or email: [email protected] Fri. to Mon. May 20-23 Victoria Day Weekend in the Lower Bruce Peninsula - 15km/day The Spring wildflowers will welcome us to the trails of the Lower Bruce Peninsula. We stay and have our meals at a comfortable lodge at Red Bay. Each day we will hike the Bruce Trail and its side trails to form loops with great views of Georgian Bay. The carpet of trilliums is the best along the length of the Bruce Trail. This outing is restricted to those joining us at Wildwood Resort for the weekend. You will need a car to access this outing. Pace - medium. Terrain - moderate. Leader and for more information Greg Vincent (519)579-8210 [email protected] hikevincent.wordpress.com Sat. May 21 - Iroquoia Section/Dundas Valley - 9 km./Approx. 4 hours Introductory/ Map 8 This 9 km shuttle hike will take approximately 4 hours and is at a leisurely pace over moderate terrain. There is a dropout point after 1 km. No dogs please. There will be a refreshment/pub stop afterwards. Depart: 10:00 am. Map 8, km 45 - Tiffany Falls parking Directions: Take Hwy 403 to Hamilton. At exit 64 take Mohawk Rd (becomes Rousseaux). After 2 km turn right at Wilson and follow for 2 km to parking on right at Tiffany Falls. Free parking with BTC membership card on dash or Hamilton Conservation Area pass. Hike Description: One of the series of introductory hikes for new members, prospective members or long-time members organized by Caledon Hills Club. Leader: Peter Leeney [email protected] 905-822-1877 Sat. May 21 - Sydenham Section /2 of 8 End to End (Maps 30) - Km 22.0 Meet at 8:30 am. at Km. 45. Roadside parking on St Vincent- Sydenham Townline. Car shuttle to Km 60.6 Map 30. Hike back through. Bayview Escarpment Provincial Nature Reserve. Pace: medium. Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs Leader:Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected] Sat. May 21 - Iroquoia E2E #3 of 7 - Chedoke to Woodley Lane - 16.7 km. Meet 9:00 a.m. on Woodley Lane at King St. W., Dundas, km. 55.2, Map 8. Car shuttle to parking lot underneath escarpment, Chedoke Golf Club, km. 38.5, Map 8. Hike back via Iroquoia Heights, Tiffany Falls, and Dundas Valley. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Directions to meeting place: from the centre of Dundas, take King St. West to Woodley Lane on the left, at the entrance to Dundas Golf and Curling Club. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen and bug spray. Leader: Douglas Boyce [email protected]

Sun. May 22 - Sydenham Section/4 of 8 End to End (Maps 30-31) - Km 20.0 Depart 8:30 am. Map 30. Km 60.6. Roadside parking on 2nd Concession N and :joint 24. Car shuttle to Km 80.7 Map 31. Hike back through Sydenham Forest East. Pace medium. Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs. Leader: Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected]

Sun. May 22 - West Side Hike #6 - 8-10 km. Meet at 10:00 am. in the Lion Club pool parking lot on Jerseyville Road in Ancaster. We will do a mainly loop hike on several trails in the Western part of the Dundas Valley. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Map: Dundas Valley Trail Map. Leader: Vern Erickson [email protected] Sun. May 22 - Iroquoia E2E #4 of 7 - Woodley Lane to City View Park - 20.5 km. Meet 9:00 am. at City View Park, north of trail between km. 75.1 and km 75.7, Map 9. Car shuttle to Woodley Lane, km. 55.2, Map 8. Hike back via Borer’s Falls, Grindstone Creek and Waterdown Woods. Pace: medium. Terrain: strenuous. Directions to meeting place: City View Park is located at 2500 Kerns Rd., at the corner of Kerns Rd. and Dundas St. #5. Meet in the South parking lot: from Dundas St. proceed south on Kerns and use the second entrance on your left. Note that Kerns Rd. is closed south of City View Park and must be accessed from Dundas St. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen and bug spray. Leader: Douglas Boyce [email protected]

Sun. May 22 - Gentle hike at Mountsberg Conservation Area - +/- 4km Meet at 10:30 am. at Mountsberg Conservation Area in the parking area. From Highway 6 or Guelph Line follow Campbellville Road to Milburough Line and then go north for 1 km to park entrance. Halton Conservation Area pass or entrance fee applies. This is a loop walk. Bring water and snack. Suitable for all ages. No dogs please. Leisurely, easy. Leader: Valerie Dobson 905-828-1729 [email protected]. Mon. May 23 - Sydenham Section/5 of 8 End to End (Maps 31-32) - Km 20 Depart 8:30 am. Map 31. Km 80.7. Roadside parking on 10th Concession S. Car shuttle to Km 103. Map 32. Hike back through Pottawatomi and Inglis Falls Conservation Areas East. Pace: medium. Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs. Leader: Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected] Sun. May 23 - Meditation Walks - See beginning of schedule for details. Mon. May 23 – Iroquoia E2E #5 of 7 – City View Park to Mount Nemo – 16.0 km. Meet 9:00 am. at Mount Nemo Conservation Area, km. 91.7, Map 10. Car shuttle to City View Park, north of trail between km. 75.1 and km. 75.7, Map 9. Hike back to Mount Nemo. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Directions to meeting place: Mount Nemo Conservation Area is located at 5317 Guelph Line southeast of Lowville. Parking fee in effect or Conservation Area pass. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen and bug spray. Leader: Douglas Boyce [email protected] Future hikes, #6 and #7: June 11 and 12.

Mon. May 23 - Sydenham Section/5 of 8 End to End (Maps 31-32) - Km 20 Depart 8:30 am. Map 31. Km 80.7. Roadside parking on 10th Concession S. Car shuttle to Km 103 Map 32. Hike back through Pottawatomi and Inglis Falls Conservation Areas East. Pace: medium. Terrain: variable and challenging. No dropout, hiking boots, no dogs. Leader: Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected]

Sat. May 28 - Dundas Valley - 10 km. 3 hours Meet by 9:30 am. in the parking lot for Sanctuary Park , on Sanctuary Drive, off Pleasant Drive and Old Dundas Road, in Dundas. A loop hike from there on the Spring Creek Trail to the Dundas Valley Trail Centre, then back on the Dundas - Brantford Rail Trail. Pub stop lunch after for those interested. Pace: leisurely. Terrain: moderate. Call or e- mail for additional directions no later than early evening Friday before the hike. Leader: Gary Wrathall 905-681-6167 (Burlington) Sun. May 29 - West Side Hike #7 - 7-8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. along York Road near the Hopkins entrance to the Ray Lowes Trail in Dundas. We will do a mainly loop hike on the R.B.G. North Shore trails. Pace: medium. terrain: moderate. Map 8. Leader: Vern Erickson [email protected]

Tues. May 31 - STONEY CREEK Extended Evening Walk - 2.5 – 3 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. at the parking lot in Battlefield Park. We will hike the Bruce Trail to Dewitt Road. We will return on various streets, as it will be getting dark on the return journey. Enjoy the long evening daylight! Optonal apres hike stop for great Pizza! (They have pizza specials on Tuesday nights!) Hike cancelled if there is heavy rain. Directions: Take Centennial Parkway to King Street (Last traffic light before climbing the escarpment). Go East on King Street. Turn immediately right into the driveway for Battlefield Park. (Sign at bottom of driveway on King Street). Meet in parking lot. Medium pace and moderate terrain. Leader: Paul Lewis (905) 331-8600, or email: [email protected]

**Advance Notice**

Fri. to Sun. June 17-19 - 14th Annual Excellent Orchid Adventure - 10km/day Please join us as we explore the the Tip o’ the Bruce, Tobermory, in search of orchids and other flowers. Our search will extend to Flower Pot Island (cost approx. $45.00 for the glass bottom boat and Parks Canada fee). The wild flowers in the Tobermory area at this time of year are wonderful and our slow paced walks will focus on these flowers and the area’s great views. We stay and have our meals in a comfortable hotel overlooking Little Tub Harbour. This outing is restricted to those joining us at the Princess Hotel in Tobermory for the weekend. You will need a car to access this outing. Pace - leisurely. Terrain - moderate. Leader and for more information Greg Vincent (519) 579-8210 [email protected] hikevincent.wordpress.com

HAPPY WANDERERS

Bring lunch, lots of water, sun and bug protection. Wear clothing suited to the weather and proper hiking boots. Icers may be needed for some of the earlier hikes.Notify leader if you are attending as sometimes circumstances dictate that the hike be cancelled or changed.

Mon. Mar. 7 - Agreement Forest (north) - +/- 13 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. exit from the Government Parking lot off Reid SR, just below Hwy. 401, Guelph Line, Campbellville. Due to extremely limited parking at hike start (5 cars max) we will car pool to the start on 4th Line east of Guelph Line. A loop hike will be done in the north area of the Agreement Forest. Easy hike, with no hills, lunch on the trail unless too cold. Have proper footwear (may need icers, poles), snack/lunch, water. No dogs. Pace: medium. Terrain: easy. Leader: Charlotte Stewart. [email protected] 905 628 0509. Cell morning of hike - 905 906 0519.

Mon. Mar. 14 - Speyside to Limehouse Loop Hike - +/-15 km Meet for 9:00 am exit at 401/Trafalgar Rd Car Shuttle Parking Lot (NE Side). We will then shuttle some cars to 17 SR Parking, east off Hwy 25, just north of Speyside. We will hike the Vanderleck, Canada Goose and Black Creek ST, returning on the Main Trail. Some road walking (22SR). Those choosing to drive directly to the hike start should be there no later than 9:30 am. Pack water and lunch. Icers may be required if winter trail conditions persist. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Leader: Keith Barber Email: [email protected] Home Phone: 289-878-2299

Mon. Mar. 21 - Dundas Valley Trails LOOP HIKE - +/-15 km Meet for 9:00 am exit at Dundas Valley Conservation Parking Lot off Governors Rd , Dundas, Map 8, km 50.6. Hike some trails in the Conservation Area, Loop Hike, hiking boots, no dogs. Icers may be required. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate, some hills Parking fee required or conservation area pass. Leader: Wayne & Roxanne Riley email: [email protected] Home phone: 905-628- 8362

Monday, March 28 - NO HIKE - EASTER

Mon. Apr. 4 - Kilbride to Crawford Lake (In and Out) - +/- 14 km Meet for 9:00 am. start in the parking lot behind Kilbride school, Map 10 (98.5 Km). We will hike to Crawford Lake Visitor's Centre and back enjoying the spring wildflowers. Some rocky, hilly sections. No dogs. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, bug spray. Pace: medium; Terrain: moderate. Leader: Charlotte Stewart [email protected] 905 628 0509 Cell on morning of hike - 905 906 0519.

Mon. Apr. 11 - Silver Creek Loop Hike - +/-14 km Meet for 9:00 am exit at 401/Trafalgar Rd Car Shuttle Parking Lot (NE Side). We will then shuttle some cars to 8th line trail access parking (Lat. 43.68, Long. -79.966). We will hike Great Esker, Bennett Heritage ST and interconnecting parts of the Main Trail. Those choosing to drive directly to the hike start should be there no later than 9:30 am. Pack water and lunch. Icers may be required if winter trail conditions persist. Pace: medium. Terrain: strenuous Leader: Keith Barber Email: [email protected] Home Phone: 289-878-2299

Mon. Apr. 18 - Toronto, Vander Leck ST, LOOP HIKE - +/-16 km Meet for 9:00 am exit at parking Lot St. Helena Rd/Hy25, north of Milton. Map 12, Km 8.6 Scotch Block. Hike Main Trail, VanDerleck ST, Hilton Falls ST. Loop hike, hiking boots, no dogs. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate, rocky Leader: Wayne & Roxanne Riley email: [email protected] Home phone: 905-628- 8362

Mon. Apr. 25 - Culham Trail, Loop Hike, Mississauga - +/-15 km Meet for 9:00 am exit at Riverwood Park Parking Lot (entry on north side of Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. after crossing over the Credit River). We will then hike the Culham Trail, Sawmill Creek Trail, and then head north through the neighbourhood trails and Mississauga Rd to Barbertown Rd, just south of Streetsville, returning back on the east side of the river trail. Some road walking. Pack water and lunch. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Leader: Keith Barber Email: [email protected] Home Phone: 289-878-2299

Mon. May 2 - Crawford Lake to Rattlesnake Point - +/- 15 km Meet for a 9:00 am start at Crawford Lake. Hike to Rattlesnake point and return, using the main trail and side trails. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the wildflowers at Crawford Lake. Conservation pass or parking fee applies. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, bug spray. No dogs. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Leader: Charlotte Stewart. [email protected] 905 628 0509. Cell morning of hike - 905 906 0519.

Mon. May 9 - Oakville Trails West Loop Hike - +/-12 km Meet for 9:00 am exit at west end of Walmart Parking Lot, west of Trafalgar Rd and just south of Dundas St. (Hays Blvd.) We will hike through Oak Park to join the Nipegon, Mc Craney Valley and Morrison Creek Trails. Pack water and lunch. Pace: Medium. Terrain: moderate. Leader: Keith Barber Email: [email protected] Home Phone: 289-878-2299

Mon. May 16 - Iroquoia, WebsterFalls, Tews Falls, Christie Conservation Areas LOOP HIKE - +/- 14k

Meet for 9:00 am exit at Websters Falls parking lot, Map 8. Hike to Tews Falls, Websters Falls, Christie Conservation Area and wilderness area . Loop hike, hiking boots, no dogs. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Leader: Wayne & Roxanne Riley email: [email protected] Home phone: 905-628- 8362 Mon May 23 - NO HIKE - VICTORIA DAY

Mon. May 30 - Hilton Falls Loop Hike - +/-15 km. Meet for 9:00 am exit at 401/Trafalgar Rd Car Shuttle Parking Lot (NE Side). We will then shuttle some cars to 6th line Nassagaweya Parking (Lat. 43.5414, Long. - 79.98513, where Hilton Falls ST crosses the road). We will hike the Beaver Dam, Hilton Falls ST, Red Oak, Bent Rim and return to 6th line. There is limited parking (5 cars) at this location so recommend meeting at the initial shuttle location. Pack water and lunch. Pace: medium. Terrain: moderate. Leader: Keith Barber Email: [email protected] Home Phone: 289-878-2299

TUESDAYS WITH BILL

Gentle hikes followed by lunch. Leader: Bill Fulton – 905-627-9718 (Home) Cell – 289-253-4397

Tues. April 26 - Dundas Peak - Approx. 6 km. Meet at 10:00 am. in the Websters Falls parking lot for a hike to the Dundas Peak and back. Lunch will be at the Winchester Arms in Dundas.

TUESDAY MORNING HIKERS

Formerly, we were called the Tuesday Evening Walkers, but now with so many old hikers having difficulty with night vision, balance, visual hallucinations, and head- on collisions with trees, I have been gently pressured with baseball bats into switching to the full light of day. From now on, our starting time will be 10:00 a.m. The duration time will be about 2 (+ or -) hours. The hikes are local and yet all over the area: Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Greensville, Waterdown, Stoney Creek, Binbrook, Caledonia, Burlington, and Grimsby. Please bring water, footwear appropriate for the terrain, and clothing appropriate for the season and the weather. The pace varies from medium to brisk according to temperature and terrain. Each hike ends with a sociable but optional lunch stop. For more information (directions?) contact Richard Reble (formerly known as the Prince of Darkness) at 905-945-0536 or [email protected]

Tues. Mar. 1 At this alternately muddy and icy time of year, we'll start spring with a five-part end-to- end of the Chippawa Trail (not muddy) from downtown Hamilton to Caledonia. Our first leg follows the Escarpment Rail Trail (an add-on to the Chippawa) from Wentworth St. to the mountain stairway that connects the rail trail to Margate Ave. up top. Our meeting place is Mountain Park Ave., in the first parking lot east of top of the Wentworth St. Stairs, a literal stone's throw away. Lunch stop: Squire's for a bowl of hot soup or a bucket of cold beer or both. Tues. Mar. 8 This is the second leg of a five-part end-to-end of Hamilton's Chippawa Trail. (If you're new, see the Mar. 1 listing for the part you have missed.) We'll meet on Margate Ave. at the corner of Mountain Brow Blvd. on Hamilton's east mountain. We'll follow the Escarpment Rail Trail (an add-on to the Chippawa) from Margate to Rymal Rd. and back. Lunch stop: the Brown Barrel on Upper Ottawa. Tues. Mar. 15 This is the third leg of the Chippawa Trail. (If you're new, see the Mar. 1 and 8 listings for the parts you have missed.) We'll meet in the parking lot of Rona Cashway at the corner of Rymal Rd. and Nebo Rd. in Hamilton's south mountain area. We'll follow the Chippawa from Rymal Rd. to Twenty Mile Creek and back. Lunch stop: the Brown Barrel on Upper Ottawa. Tues. Mar. 22 This is the fourth leg of the Chippawa Trail. (If you're new, see the Mar. 1, 8, and 15 listings for the parts you have missed.) We'll meet on Airport Rd. where the Chippawa Trail crosses. Drive south on Nebo Rd. from Rymal Rd. in Hamilton to Airport Rd. Turn right on Airport Rd. and go about 1.2 or 1.3 km to the trail crossing. We'll hike from Twenty Mile Creek to White Church Rd. and back. Lunch stop: the Bin in Binbrook. Tues. Mar. 29 This is the fifth and final leg of the Chippawa Trail. (If you're new, see the Mar. 1, 8, 15. and 22 listings for the parts you have missed.) We'll meet on the northwest corner of White Church Rd. and Miles Rd. where there's ample roadside parking, and then we'll hike from White Church Rd. to the outskirts of Caledonia and back. Lunch stop: Frankie's Bar and Grill on Homestead Dr. in Mount Hope. (Johnny lives just around the corner on Airport Rd. and we're hoping he'll meet us for lunch at Frankie's.) Tues. Apr. 5 Meet in the Foodland parking lot on Hamilton's Greenhill Ave. at Mount Albion Rd. for a loop walk in and around Red Hill Valley. We park on the east side of the grocery store facing Mt. Albion Rd. Lunch stop: Rankin's on Main St. E. one block east of Delta Secondary School. Tues. Apr. 12 Meet on Upper Lion's Club Rd at the corner of Old Dundas Rd. in Ancaster. This is the corner beside Sherman Falls, We'll do a Dundas Valley loop walk. Lunch stop: the Coach and Lantern on Wilson St. in Ancaster.

Tues. Apr. 19 I've "discovered" a new loop walk in the woods between Quarry Rd. and Cherry Ave. in the Beamsville - Vineland area. Meet in the roadside parking lot beside the Bruce Trail crossing at the edge of the mountain on Quarry Rd. Quarry runs off King St. (Old Hwy. 8) between Beamsville and Vineland. Lunch stop: TBA. Tues. April 26 Meet in the front parking lot of Hamilton['s Christ the King Cathedral on King St. W. next to the on-ramp to Hwy. 403 eastbound. As you approach the cathedral on King St. E. from Dundurn St., keep in the right lane of King so you can turn right onto Breadalbane St. before you're forced into the on-ramp to Hwy. 403. Once on Breadalbane, take the first turn left to enter the church parking lot at the front of the cathedral. We'll be doing a loop route in the area of . Lunch stop: West Town Tavern on Locke St. S. in Hamilton. Tues. May 3 Meet on the wide shoulder of Ridge Road beside the Devil's Punch Bowl in Upper Stoney Creek for loop walk that includes the Dofasco Recreational Trail and the Bruce Trail. Lunch stop: TBA. Tues. May 10 Meet in the parking lot at the back of the RBG Administration Building on Plains Rd. W. in Burlington's Aldershot neighbourhood for a loop walk in the area of the Grindstone Creek marsh. We park at the back of the lot beside a retaining wall next to the street. In part, the route runs through two cemeteries, so if you're a wannabe horror/thriller writer, the ambiance might suggest plots, lots of them. Lunch stop: West Town Tavern on Locke St. S. in west Hamilton. Tues. May 17 Meet in the parking lot of the Lion's Club Outdoor Pool on Jerseyville Rd. in Ancaster, one km. west of Fiddler's Green for a loop walk in Ancaster. The driveway to the pool will be on your right, a ball diamond on your left. The pool driveway dips down into a bit of a hollow. We'll do a loop hike in upper Dundas Valley. Lunch stop: the Coach and Lantern on Wilson St. in Ancaster. Tues. May 24 Meet on the wide shoulder of Snake Road at the Bruce Trail crossing just south of Waterdown for a loop hike along Grindstone Creek. Lunch stop: America Hotel in Waterdown. Tues. May 31 Meet on the wide shoulder of Fifty Rd. at the top edge of the escarpment for a loop hike on the Bruce Trail. Fifty Road is in between Stoney Creek and Grimsby. You can reach the parking lot at the top of Fifty from either King St. (Old Hwy. 8) or Ridge Rd. on the mountain. Lunch stop: the Innsville on King St. (Old Highway 8)

HIKERS R US

After the winter months it’s great to enjoy the trails. However there can be surprises in spring (ice, mud, washouts, etc) and icers may still be required. Bring a snack/lunch and water, sunscreen and bug spray, wear hiking boots. Please be sure to notify the hike leader if you plan to attend as sometimes weather or other circumstances mean changes to the meeting spot etc. For a late change in the hike due to inclement weather you will be notified by 7:00 am the morning of the hike so check your email before you leave home. Hike Convenor: Charlotte Stewart [email protected] (905) 628-0509. Map references 28th edition. Wed. Mar. 2 - Waterdown Woods - In and Out - +/- 14 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. departure at the parking area on King Rd. near Mountain Brow Road in Waterdown, in and out hike, 14 km. Map 9 GPS 43.337986, -79.865823 Terrain: moderate. Pace: medium to brisk (4.5 kph) Leader: Louise Langlais [email protected] 519-654-0282 Wed. Mar. 9 - Rattray Marsh Mississauga - +/- 12 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. departure in the south end of Jack Darling Park by the lake for an easy circular walk. The park is located at 1180 Lakeshore Road W., which is between Port Credit and Clarkson. Bring a lunch, water etc. Terrain: easy. Pace: medium. Please confirm attendance. Leader: Norman Young [email protected] 905 845 0939 (905 330 6605 cell) Wed. Mar. 16 - Iroquois Heights - In and Out - +/-11-12 km. Meet for 9:00 am. departure at Chedoke golf course parking lot in Hamilton off Aberdeen Avenue near 403 (Map 8 km 37.7). Hike along rail trail and Iroquois Heights towards Filman Rd (and weather/conditions permitting) towards Tiffany Falls). Pac:e medium. Terrain: moderate. Leader: Ruth Merz [email protected] Wed. Mar. 23 - North Oakville Town Trails - +/- 12 km. Meet for a 9 am. departure in the Oakville Town Hall parking lot (enter on White Oaks Blvd. off Trafalgar north of the QEW). Bring a lunch, water etc. Pace: medium. Terrain: easy. Please confirm attendance. Leader: Norman Young [email protected] 905 845 0939 (905 330 6605 cell) Wed. Mar. 30 - Culham Trail - +/- 12 km. Meet at a 9:00 am. departure at Erindale Park, 1695 Dundas St W. Mississauga (slightly east of the corner of Mississauga Rd/Dundas). Bring a lunch, water etc. Pac: medium. Terrain: mainly easy. Please confirm attendance. Leader: Norman Young [email protected] 905 845 0939 (905 330 6605 cell) Wed. Apr. 6 - Niagara Section - Lunch at Tiffany’s - +/- 15 km. Meet for 9:00 am. departure from the DeCew House parking lot on DeCew Road at 29.8 km on Map 3. This loop hike will take us to Tiffany Falls within Short Hills park just in time for lunch. Terrain: moderate. Pace: medium (4 km/hr.) Leader: Cynthia Archer, Cell/text 416 573-4236. [email protected] Wed. Apr. 13 - Mount Nemo - +/- 12 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. departure in the parking lot at Mount Nemo Conservation area, Guelph Line, Burlington. Map 10. Terrain: moderate. Pace: medium to brisk (4.5 kph) Leader: Louise Langlais [email protected], 519-654-0282 Wed. Apr. 20 - Dundas Valley - +/- 15 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. departure from the second parking lot at the ball diamonds on Martin road just past the Ancaster Community Centre, Jerseyville Road, Ancaster. We will hike the Headwaters Trail, the rail trail, and main loop. Terrain: moderate. Pace: medium. Leader: Charlotte Stewart [email protected] cell/text morning of hike 905 906- 0519 Wed. Apr. 27 - Iroquoia section - Lunch at Crawford Lake - +/- 18 km. Meet for 9:00 am. departure from parking lot in Kilbride, beside school at Panton St and Kilbride St. at 98.8 km Map 10. We will hike to Crawford Lake Conservation Area, take the Crawford Lake Side Trail and return to our cars. You may need bug spray and sun screen. Terrain: difficult with rocky sections. Pace: Medium (4 km/hr) 18+ km. Leader: Cynthia Archer, Cell/text 416 573-4236. [email protected]

Wed. May 4 - Arboretum, University of Guelph - +/- 8 km. Meet at a 9:00 am. departure on a guided hike with a naturalist through the arboretum in Guelph. Relatively flat, Pace: medium (4-4.5 km per hour). The Arboretum, Univ of Guelph, College Ave E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/ Leader: Louise Langlais [email protected], 519-654-0282 Wed. May 11 - BAPS-SHRI-SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR, Toronto Many have been asking for a tour of the temple seen from 427 whose address is 61 Clairville Dr Toronto. Meet at the temple by 10:45 am. for an orientation followed by a service. Then, we can tour the museum, for which a $5.00 charge applies; please have the correct amount to pay me. After that you can view the exterior and courtyard. I strongly advise you visit the web page to find a description, visitor’s code, driving and TTC directions, etc. http://www.baps.org/toronto. Then, if you have questions contact me. We can have a late afternoon lunch or snack of Indian food at Bar Sweets on Islington Ave. If wishing to carpool from the west, meet at Trafalgar Rd and 401 car pool lot for 9:45 departure. Please confirm attendance and meeting place by Monday, May 9th. Leader: Norman Young [email protected] 905 845 0939 (on the day 905 330 6605) Wed. May 18 - Bluebird Walk at Cedar Brook Farm with Dan Welsh. Please meet for a 9:00 am. start at Cedar Brook Farm in Puslinch. The farm is located at 812, 8th Concession Rd. West. This is west of Hwy #6, just north of the traffic lights at Carlisle Rd. On 8th Concession go up a steep hill and down to the bottom of the hill. Turn left at 812 at the Cedarbrook sign. Continue down the laneway to the second house. We will do a nature walk around the farm, discussing Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and many other birds. If you want to feed the farm animals bring carrots. You can check out the Old Irish Home. Bring lunch, water, bug spray, sunscreen. Pace: slow. Terrain: easy. Leader: Dan Welsh, The Bird Man. [email protected], 905- 659-4957 Wed. May 25 - Toronto section - Silvercreek Side Tails - +/-15 km. Meet for 9:00 am. departure at parking lot where Eighth Line Side Trail connects to 33.3 km on Map 13. We will loop our way through the Great Esker, Bennett Heritage, Roberts, and, Irwin Quarry side trails before returning to our cars. Terrain: difficult with hilly sections. Pace: medium (4 km/hr.0 Leader: Cynthia Archer Cell/text 416 573-4236. [email protected]

GOOD COMPANIONS All hikes begin at 10:00 am. unless otherwise noted and are at an easy pace. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear (Icers)for winter conditions), bring water, a snack and a sense of humour. Remember, as in life, it’s the journey that matters, not the destination. Kathy and Brian(905) 632-8934

Wed. March 2 - Mountain Trails - 2 hrs. Meet at the Mud StreetpParking lot near Pritchard Rd. (east Mountain). A circular hike along the trail, passing the beautiful falls and then along the Rail trail. Easy, flat.

Wed. Mar. 9 - Chedoke Falls - 2 hrs. Meet Gary Wrathall at the parking lot for Chedoke Golf Course, off Aberdeen Ave. in West Hamilton. We will hike the Rail Trail to Iroquoia C.A. passing the many falls along the way. Easy.

Wed. Mar. 16 - Hamilton Waterfront - 2 hrs. Meet at the parking lot for . We will walk along the Heights down the stairs and then along the Waterfront Trail. Easy, some hills.

Wed. Mar. 23 - Kerncliff Park - 2 hrs. Meet at the North parking Lot on Kerns Rd. (Cityview Park) We will hike along the White trail to the Stile, and return on the Blue Trail. Easy, flat, some poor footing.

Wed. Mar. 30 - Hidden Valley - 2 hrs. Meet Connie Rusynyk at the parking lot for Hidden Valley on Howard Rd in Aldershot. We will follow Grindstone Creek to the Toll Ponds and return. Easy, some poor footing.

Wed. Apr. 6 - Sanctuary Park - 2 hrs. Meet Judy Burke in the parking lot for Sanctuary Park off Pleasant Ave in Dundas. We will hike along the trail to the Station and return. Easy, some hills.

Wed. Apr. 13 - North Agreement Forest - 2 hrs. Meet at the entrance to the parking lot on 4th. Line. Travel North (past Mohawk Raceway) on Guelph Line to #10 Side road. Turn right. It becomes 4th. Line. Turn left the entrance is on the right. Easy, flat.

Wed. Apr. 20 - Felker`s Falls - 2 hrs. Meet Vern Erickson at the Stoney Ceek monument (Battlefield Park) parking lot. We will carpool to the Old Mud St. parking lot and hike back, passing the beautiful falls. Easy, poor footing.

Wed. Apr. 27 - Dundas Valley Rail Trail - 2 ½ hrs Meet Gary Wrathall at the entrance to the Rail Trail on Ofield Rd in West Hamilton. We will hike into the Station and return. Flat, easy.

Wed. May 4 - Calcium Pits - 2 hrs. Meet Valerie Dobson at the rear of the school in Kilbride. North on Brant St. to Kilbride, right at Stop sign, left at next stop sign. You`re there. An old trail with historical connections. Easy with some poor footing.

Wed. May11 - Shell Park - 2 hrs. Meet at the parking lot of Shell Park. We will hike through the woods admiring the hundreds of Trilliums and the follow the Creek to the beach and return. Flat, easy.

Wed. May 18 - Crawford Lake - 2 hrs. Meet Emilie Prue for a wildflower hike in this picturesque area. (Conservation Fees apply). A slow. easy hike observing the Flora and Fauna.

Wed. May 25 - Cootes Paradise - 2 hrs. Meet Connie Rusynyk at the doggy park on York Rd. in Dundas. We will hike the beautiful Northshore Trails and return. Some hills.

MIDWEEK HIKES

Come out and view the signs of spring with other hikers. Trails may still be icy or possibly very muddy so proper boots and who knows… icers, hiking sticks, bugspray, sunscreen? Long pants and long sleeves are recommended due to possibility of deer tics. All hikes begin at 10:00 am unless otherwise stated and are at a moderate pace with the likelihood of hills and rocky footing. Bring a drink, snacks and lunch. No dogs, please. In the event of inclement weather please call the hike leader. Hike co-ordinator is Connie Rusynyk, [email protected]

Thurs. Mar. 3 - Patterson Road to City View Park - 10 km. Meet for a 9:30 am. start (note time change) at City View Park, Burlington (south parking lot). We will car pool to Patterson Road/Highway 6 underpass. Bring water, snack, lunch and icers. Medium pace. Moderate terrain. Leader: Terry Rose. (905) 320-6513. [email protected] Thurs. Mar. 10 - Rattray Marsh Mississauga - 10 km +/- Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the south end of Jack Darling Park by the lake for an easy circular walk. The park is located at 1180 Lakeshore Road W, which is between Port Credit and Clarkson. Bring a snack, lunch, water and possibly icers. Pace-moderate. Terrain-easy. Please confirm attendance. Leader: Norman Young 905 845 0939 Cell:905 330 6605 Thurs. Mar. 17 - Mountain and Mansions - 2 hours (8-9 km) Meet for 10:00 am start at Chedoke Golf Club parking lot (in Hamilton off Aberdeen Street). Loop hike involving the rail trail, the Bruce Trail, and back through some of Hamilton’s Tony Undermount neighbourhoods to the rail trail. An urban hike for a wintery day. We will pass the site of the Mountain View Hotel (1831-1937) and remnants of the James Street incline railway (1892-1932). Hiking boots, icers, snack and water. Easy to moderate terrain, speed medium. Leader: Janina Vanderpost 905-521- 2296 [email protected] Thurs. Mar. 24 - Headwaters Trail, Dundas Valley - Approx. 11 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start at the Hermitage parking lot on Sulphur Springs Road in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. We will do a circular hike of the Headwaters Trail. Bring a lunch and water. (Icers may be necessary). Pace: Leisurely. Terrain: easy, but with hilly sections. Parking fee in effect or Conservation Area pass. Leaders: Anne and Phill Armstrong- 905-337-3937 [email protected] Thurs. Mar. 31 - Dundas - 10-12 k.m Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the Dundas Driving Park located at the end of Cross Street in Dundas. We’ll meet in the east parking lot area We will go up to Dundas Peak, Tews Falls and Websters Falls. Please bring sticks, snack, water, lunch, icers. Hiking boots. NO DOGS. A strenuous hill. Pace - medium. Terrain - moderate. In the event of bad weather conditions the hike will be cancelled. Marion Fletcher - [email protected] Thurs. Apr. 7 - North Oakville town trails - +/- 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am start in the Oakville Town Hall parking lot (enter on White Oaks Blvd. off Trafalgar, north off the QEW). Bring a snack, lunch, water. Icers? Pace- moderate. Terrain-easy. Please confirm attendance. Norman Young 905 845 0939. Cell: 905 330 6605 Thurs. Apr. 14 - RBG Dundas - +/- 8 km. Meet for a 10:00 am start at the former RBG North Shore parking lot on York Rd. in Dundas. Park alongside of York Road or park at the Dog Park near Valley Rd. and walk down to the former parking lot where the group is meeting. Bring snack, water and icers in case needed. Pace: moderate. Terrain: easy but with some hilly sections. Leader: Linda Robinson email [email protected]

Thurs. Apr. 21 Crawford Lake/Rattlesnake Loop - Approx. 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the lower parking lot of Crawford Lake Conservation Area on Guelph Line, north of Derry Rd. We will do a circular hike using conservation area trails and Bruce Trail. Bring water, lunch and a snack, (Icers may be necessary). Map 11. Optional refreshment stop afterwards. Pace: leisurely. Terrain: medium. Parking fee or Conservation Area pass. Leaders: Phill and Anne Armstrong- 905-337-3937 [email protected]

Thurs. Apr. 28 - Morrison Division/Iroquois Ridge trails - 10 km +/- Meet for a I0:00 am. start in the Oakville Town Hall parking lot (enter on White Oaks Blvd. off Trafalgar north of the QEW) . Bring a snack, lunch, water etc.Icers? Pace- moderate Terrain-easy. Please confirm attendance. Norman Young 905 845 0939. Cell: 905 330 6605 Thurs. May 5 - Twiss Road/Crawford Lake Loop - 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start at Twiss Road (Map 10 - north of Derry Road where Main Trail crosses Twiss Road). We will follow the main trail to the lookout and return via side trails. Bring water, snack and lunch. Medium pace. Moderate terrain. Leader: Terry Rose. (905) 320-6513. [email protected] Thurs. May 12 - Waterfalls to Dundas CA - +/- 10 km. Meet for 9:30 am. start at the Dundas Valley CA Trail Centre parking lot off Governor’s Road. We will carpool to the Webster’s Falls parking lot off Fallsview Road. Hike will include Webster’s Falls, Tews Falls, Dundas Peak, Old Dundas Station Side Trail, continuing on the Bruce Trail back to the Dundas Valley CA Trail Centre. Parking fee or Hamilton Conservation Authority pass required at both locations. Bring lunch, water, bug spray. Moderate terrain, speed medium. Leader: Janina Vanderpost 905 521-2296 [email protected]

Thurs. May 19 - Sixteen Mile Creek, Oakville. - Approx. 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the parking lot on the southeast corner of Neyagawa Rd. and River Glen Blvd. in Oakville. (It is right beside a baseball diamond). Neyagawa can be accessed from Highway 5 or Upper Middle Rd. We will hike the trails of the Sixteen Mile Creek Valley. Bring water and a snack. Pace: leisurely. Terrain: easy with some long, gentle hills. Leaders: Phill and Anne Armstrong- 905-337-3937 [email protected]

Thurs. May 26 - Borer’s Falls - +/- 8 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start at the Dundas Dog Park adjacent to Valley Rd. in Dundas. We will hike to Borer’s Falls. If the group wants we can continue on to the Rock Chapel Sanctuary. Bring water, snack, lunch. Pace: moderate. Terrain: medium with hills and some rocky sections. Leader: Linda Robinson email [email protected]

TUESDAYS WITH BILL