Iroquoia Spring Hikes 2012 WEEKLY WALKS

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT – Walk for Health and Fun (1.5 hrs at a Fast Pace) Climb the steps and walk the streets and trails of West Hamilton. Meet at 7:10 pm. at the corner of Mohawk and Upper Paradise in the Westcliffe Mall parking lot (near Food Basics). Come along for a brisk, aerobic walk. Hike is cancelled if there is heavy rain. Starting in April (when evening daylight returns), we will start hiking sections of the Bruce Trail as well. Leader: Paul Lewis – (905) 331‐8600 or 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 foot wear and bring water. Sometimes uneven terrain, hike routes to be varied. Optional pub stop after hike. Leader: Carol Taylor 289-566-8657 (before 8 PM please) 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 a brisk walk along Lake Ontario, to the canal and back. Hike is cancelled due to poor weather. Med - 2. Leader: Lorne Carruthers. For information call Paul Lewis at 905-331-8600 or [email protected] GENERAL HIKES Sat. Mar. 3 - War of 1812 Friendship March #1 - 12.4 km. First of many War of 1812 historical hikes revolving around 200 years of friendship between the USA and Canada. Meet at 10:00 am. at Butler’s Barracks in Niagara on the Lake on John St. and car pool to Brock Monument along the General Brock Side Trail. Learn about the great and not so great battles, famous and infamous people who played key roles in the war of 1812. Leader: Bruce Manion - 289-235-9192. E-Mail: [email protected] Sat. Mar. 3 - Devil’s Punch Bowl - Felker’s Falls - 10 km. Meet at 9:00 am. on Leslie Dr. km. 18.7 (right off New Mountain Rd) We will hike through the Devil’s Punch Bowl, and then on to Felker’s Falls and back again. Shutterbugs welcome! Mod -5. Map 6. Leader: Michael McDonald - 905-928-5324 [email protected]

Sat. Mar. 3 - Car Hike Level 11/111. Toronto Section - 22 km./4.5 km/hr. Depart 8:30 am. Limehouse School parking lot on 22 Sdrd. Km. 21.5, Map 12. We car pool to Km 0.0, Map 11 and hike back through Hilton Falls ConservationArea, Speyside and Limehouse Conservation Area. Variable Terrain. No dropout, End to End #1 of 3. Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop after. Leader: Ron Granger - (519) 485-0879 7- 10 pm.

Sun. Mar. 4 - Speyside, North Trails - 10 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at the Peartree Parking Lot on 15th Sideroad, west of Hwy. 25 (Milton). We will complete a circular hike of this rugged area by following the Blue and White Trails of the North Speyside bush. Mod. - 4. Leaders: Kathy and Brian - (905)632- 8934.

Tues. Mar. 6 - Forty Shades of Green #1 - 1.5 - 2 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. in the parking lot of the millstone monument overlooking Albion Falls, on the east side of Mountain Brow Blvd. in east Hamilton for a Red Hill Valley loop hike. Med. - 4. Wear boots. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Sat. Mar. 10 Hilton Falls Conservation Area – 45 minutes Meet at 10 am. in the Hilton Falls Conservation Area parking lot. An individual entry fee will need to be paid or Conservation Area Pass. We will do a loop hike along the Red Oak Trail. Dress in appropriate clothing for the weather. If there is still snow bring icers. There are some hills that may be difficult to ascend without them. Mod. – 1,2. Mostly flat with some hills. Leader: Angela Varghese, [email protected]

Sat. March 10 ­ Breakfast and Waterfall Hike ­ +/­10 km. Meet at 8:20 am. in the Municipal Parking lot beside the Village Theatre on Dundas Road (Hwy 5) in downtown Waterdown From here we will walk to Knox Church on Mill Street and enjoy a world famous breakfast prepared for us by the men of the church. Cost $6.00. Then we will carpool to Smokey Hollow to hike through Waterdown Woods to Kerncliff Park, and back including the McNally and Waterdown Rd. STs to Grindstone Creek if trail conditions are suitable. Bring water and snack. Hiking boots. Icers? Rocky sections. Mod. ‐ 3. Please email (preferred) or phone me by Friday so I can reserve tables. Leader: Connie Rusynyk ‐ 905‐ 689 ‐ 2203 [email protected] Cell at time of hike ‐ 905 ‐520‐6502 Sun. Mar 11 - Hamilton Escarpment - 10 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at the Chedoke Golf Course parking lot. We will car pool to the West end of Greenhill Ave. and hike back on the Rail Trail and/or Bruce Trail. Mod.- 2. Map 7. Leader: Vern Erickson - 905-667-4370, [email protected].

Sun. Mar.11 - Waterfall Hike - +/- 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the parking lot closest to the Trail Centre in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area off of Governor’s Rd. in Dundas. We will do a loop hike to take in the beautiful waterfalls in this area. Mod. - 3 /4. Map 8. Bring a lunch. Icers may be necessary. Parking fee ($8) in effect or Conservation Area pass. Leader: Anne Armstrong - 905-337-3937. [email protected] DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS. Sun. Mar. 11 - Car Hike - Stoney Creek - 6.5 km. Meet at 10:00 am. on McDui Drive, km. 15.7. We will shuttle over to Fifty Rd. and then hike back. Mod - 5. Map 6. REMINDER – DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS THIS DAY. Leader: Michael McDonald - 905-928-5324 [email protected]

Tues. Mar. 13 - Forty Shades of Green #2 - 1.5 – 2 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. in the parking lot in front of Christ the King Cathedral on King St. W. in west Hamilton. The church is next to Hwy. 403. We’ll go for a hike along the waterfront and some of the South Shore Trails of Cootes Paradise. Med.- 4. Wear boots. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected] Sat. Mar. 17 - Kerncliff - 13 km. Meet for 9 am. start at Kerncliff park and loop through various trails via Smokey Hollow. Med. - 4 Leader: Peter McSweeney - 905-335-3192, [email protected] Email preferred. Sat. Mar. 17 - Car Hike Level 11/111, Toronto Section - 23 km./4.5 km/hr. Depart 8:30 am, Km. 22.9, Map 2. Merritt Trail parking area on north side of Glendale Ave. We car shuttle to Km 0.0, Map 1 and hike back through Queenston Heights and Woodend Conservation Areas. Variable Terrain. No dropout, End to End #1 of 4, Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop after. Leader: Ron Granger ‐ (519) 485‐ 0879 7‐10 pm. Sun. Mar. 18 - Felkers Falls - 10 km. Meet at 10.00 am. at the Stoney Creek Monument (Battlefield Park) parking lot. We will carpool to Old Mud St. and Pritchard Rd. parking lot and hike back. Mod. - 4. Leaders: Kathy and Brian - (905)632-8934.

Tues. Mar. 20 - Forty Shades of Green #3 - 1.5 - 2 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. in the parking lot of Queensdale Ave. Public School on Queensdale Ave. one block east of Upper James St. in Hamilton for a loop walk above and below the escarpment. Med. - 4. Wear boots. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560- 9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Sat. Mar. 24 - War of 1812 Friendship March #2 - 10 km. War of 1812 historical hike revolving around 200 years of friendship between the USA and Canada. Meet at 10:00 am. at Battlefield Park in Stoney Creek for a car pool to Lewis Rd. and hike back. Learn more about the Battle of Stoney and Billy Green. Leader: Bruce Manion - 289-235-9192. E-Mail [email protected]

Sun. Mar. 25 - Urban Walk Centennial Trail - 10 km. Meet for 1:30 pm. in the plaza parking lot at the northeast corner of Walkers Line and New Street in Burlington. We will walk down to the Brant Street Waterfront and back on the paved trail. Med - 2. Leader: Paul Toffoletti - 905-634-2642

Sun. Mar. 25 - Red Hill Valley - 8/10 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at the Mud Street parking lot near Pritchard Road. We will car-pool to a parking lot at Van Wagner's Beach and hike back on the Red Hill Valley Trail. Mod. - 3. Partly on maps 6-7. Leader: Vern Erickson - 905-667-4370, [email protected].

Sun. Mar. 25 - Lynn Valley Trail - 22 km. Depart at 9:30 am. from Memorial Park, Simcoe. Hwy 24 south through Simcoe to Victoria St. to Woodhouse Ave. to Memorial Park. We will walk from Simcoe to Port Dover on a good rail trail and retrace our steps after lunch, looking for hints of spring. Med - 2. Greg Vincent - 519-579-8210 or [email protected]

Tues. Mar. 27 - Forty Shades of Green #4 - 1.5 - 2 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm.. in the parking lot of Stoney Creek’s Battlefield Park on King St. just east of Centennial Pkwy. (Hwy. 20). We’ll do a loop walk that includes a close up of the Devil’s Punch Bowl from the base of the falls. Wear boots. Med. - 4. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Sat. Mar. 31 - Car Hike, Level 11/111 - Toronto Section - 22 km./4.5 km/hr. Depart 8:30 am, Km. 44.1, Map 14. Parking where the main trail meets Heritage Rd. We shuttle to Km. 21.5, Map 12, and hike back through Scotsdale Farm and Silver Greek Conservation Area. Challenging terrain. No dropout, End to End #2 of 3, Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop after. Leader: Ron Granger‐ (519) 485‐0879 7‐10 pm.

Sun. Apr. 1 - Sherman Falls - 10km. Meet at 10:00 am at the corner of Lower Lions Club Rd. and Old Dundas Rd. (Sherman Falls). We will hike into the Valley and back, passing the many Falls in the area. Mod. - 4. Leaders: Kathy and Brian - (905)63289-34.

Sun. Apr. 1 - Oakville Sixteen Mile Creek Valley - 9 km. A hike in the valley. Meet at 10:00 am. at the southeast corner of Neyagawa Blvd. and River Glen Blvd. From QEW go north on Dorval to Upper Middle Rd. then right to Neyagawa, then north on Neyagawa to River Glen. Optional stop at Tim Hortons for lunch after the hike. Hike cancelled if bad weather. Med - 3. Call for info if needed. 6 - 9 pm., Mon - Fri. Leader: Marie (905) 689-6446.

Tues. Apr. 3 - Forty Shades of Green #5 - 1.5 - 2 hrs Tonight begins a series of five there-and-back hikes covering the length of Hamilton’s Escarpment Rail Trail and the Chippewa Rail Trail from the Corktown Pub on Young St. to Hamilton’s southern boundary near Caledonia. For this first hike, we’ll meet at 7:00 pm. on Mountain Brow Blvd. in Hamilton at the corner of Margate Ave. This spot is at the top of the city-owned stairs to the Escarpment Rail Trail. Med. - 2. Running shoes okay depending on weather. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 p.m. or [email protected]

Fri. Apr.6 - Good Friday Hawk Watch at Beamers - 10 km. Annual Good Friday Hawkwatch Open House at Beamers Conservation Area. Meet at 9:00 am. at Lions Club pool in Grimsby on Main Street. Map 5, near km. 0.0., Hike to the Pumphouse then to Hawkwatch open house. There will be naturalist displays and birds of prey demonstrations. Med - 3 Leaders: Dan Welsh - 905-659-4957 and Bruce Manion - 289-235-9192

Sat. Apr. 7 - Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum Nature Centre - 2 hours Meet at 10:00 am. in the RBG parking lot. An individual entry fee will need to be paid. We will meet at the Nature Centre and do a loop hike. Some hills and a little rocky in some places. Dress in appropriate clothing for the weather. Mod. - 3/4. Leader: Angela Varghese, [email protected] Sat. Apr. 7 - Rattlesnake Point & Crawford Lake - Iroquoia Section A double loop hike of approximately 14 km. we will meet at 9:00 am. in the upper parking lot of Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, trail map 11. Note, that in accordance with Halton Conservation policy, an individual entry fee will need to be paid. From there we will then hike over to Crawford Lake and back, via the Rattlesnake Point Access trail, the Leech Porter Side Trail, Canyon Bypass Trail, and the Main Trail. This is your opportunity for a warm up hike to get the muscles moving for a new season of hiking. Dress in appropriate clothing for the weather Mother Nature has in store for us. Bring something to drink and a snack for lunch. Dogs permitted, but must be leashed, and owners scoop the poop. Leader: Bob Humphreys, 519-883-1840, e-mail [email protected]. Sun. Apr. 8 - Dundas Peak - 5/6 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at the Greensville Optimists' parking lot off Brock Road. We will car- pool to Livingstone Road and hike back over the Dundas Peak (East to West). Mod. - 4. Map 8. Leader: Vern Erickson - 905-667-4370, [email protected].

Sun. Apr. 8 - Mount Nemo - Approx. 8 km. Meet for a 1:30 pm. start in the parking lot of Mount Nemo Conservation Area on the east side of Guelph Line, north of Highway 5. We will do a loop hike of the area. Mod. - 4. Map 10. Bring a snack. Conservation Area fee in effect or Conservation Area Pass. Leader: Anne Armstrong - 905-337-3937. [email protected] Tues. Apr. 10 - Forty Shades of Green #6 - 1.5 – 2 hrs. This is the second hike in an end-to-end of the Hamilton Escarpment Rail Trail and Chippewa Rail Trail. We’ll meet at 7:00 pm. on Mountain Brow Blvd. in Hamilton at the corner of Margate Ave. at the top of the city-owned stairs to the Escarpment Rail Trail. Med. - 2. Running shoes okay depending on weather. Optional pub stop Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Sat. Apr. 14 - Guelph Line to No. 6 - 15 km. Meet for 9:00 am. start at Tim Hortons at Clappison’s Corner, south end. Car pool to Cedar Spring Rd. Difficult, hills and rocky footing. Med. - 6. Leader: Peter McSweeney - 905 - 335-3192, [email protected] Email preferred. Sat. Apr. 14 - Car Level Hike, Niagara, Short Hills - 24 km./4.5 km/hr. Depart 8:30 am. Km. 46.3, Map 3. Rockway Community Centre on Rockway Rd, just east of Wessel Dr. Park on east side of building. We car shuttle to Km. 22.1, Map 2 and hike back through the Short Hills Provincial Park. Variable, challenging terrain. No dropout. End to End #2 of 4, No dogs, Pub stop after. Leader: Ron Granger‐ (519) 485‐0879 7‐10 pm.

Sat. April 14 ­ Breakfast and Waterfall Hike ­ +/­10 km. Meet 8:20 am. in the Municipal Parking lot beside the Village Theatre on Dundas Road (Hwy 5) in downtown Waterdown From here we will walk to Knox Church on Mill Street and enjoy a world famous breakfast prepared for us by the men of the church. Cost $6.00. Then we will carpool to Smokey Hollow to hike through Waterdown Woods to Kerncliff Park, and back including the McNally and Waterdown Rd STs to Grindstone Creek if trail conditions are suitable. Bring water and snack. Hiking boots. Expect mud. Rocky sections. Mod. ‐ 3. Please email (preferred) or phone me by Friday so I can reserve tables. Leader: Connie Rusynyk ‐ 905‐ 689 ‐2203 [email protected] Cell at time of hike ‐ 905‐520‐6502.

Sat. Apr. 14 - Mono Centre to Primrose - Dufferin Highland Section “An Adventure to Tobermory.” Using trail maps 19 & 20, we start the second of three years with a 15 kilometre hike at a moderate pace. Meet at 9:00 am. at km. 15.2, the junction of Highway 89 & Hurontario Street. Take Highway 10 north from Orangeville to Primrose, turn right onto Highway 89 and drive east one kilometre to Hurontario Street and turn right, parking 30 metres south of the junction. From there we will shuttle to the start and hike back. There are some potentially muddy sections on this hike. Wear hiking boots, bring a snack lunch and plenty of drinking water. No dogs permitted and no dropout points. Leader: Bob Humphreys - 519-883-1840, 7-10 pm, e-mail [email protected] Sun. Apr. 15 - East Hamilton Escarpment - 7/8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at the Mud Street parking lot near Pritchard Road. We will car-pool to Battlefield Park and hike back on the Bruce Trail and its access trails. Mod. - 3. Maps 6-7. Leader: Vern Erickson 905-667-4370, [email protected].

Sun. Apr. 15 - Toronto, Hilton Falls - 16 km. Meet at 9:00 am. Map 12, km 11.2. Pear Tree parking lot on 15th Sideroad. We will hike the Hilton Falls Sidetrail and the main trail. There is an admission fee of approx. $6.25 at Hilton Falls. Hiking boots recommended. Med. - 5. Leader: David Peddle – 905-829- 1157.

Sun. Apr. 15 ­ STEPS, STEPS, STEPS, STEPS! ­ (3 ­ 4 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 5 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. After the hike, we will have an optional lunch stop at a Pub on Upper James where they have 16 flavours of chicken wings! Med. – 5. 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 onto Golf Links that becomes Mohawk. Then turn right (north) on to Upper Paradise until the end at Scenic Drive (parking lot will be straight ahead). Leader: Paul Lewis – 905‐331‐8600 or e‐mail: [email protected]

Sun. April 15 – Toronto Section, Limehouse – 9 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start at the Ball Park on Fifth Line near km. 20.5, Map 12. From Hwy 401 take Trafalgar Rd (exit 328) north for 10 km. to 15th Side Road. Turn left, go 3 km. to Fifth Line. Turn right, follow for 3 km. and watch for Ball Park on right. This will be an easy pace outing for new hikers that will follow the Black Creek Side Trail to the village of Limehouse. On the way we will visit the lime kiln structures. We will do a loop north of the village, then return on the Main Trail through the interesting “Hole in the Wall” feature. Bring a snack. Mod. – 3. Leaders: Peter and Judy Leeney, 905‐822‐1877.

Sun. Apr. 15 - Burlington Lakefront - 9 km. Meet at 10 am. at Second Cup at the corner of Lakeshore Rd. and Brant St. We will hike various streets and along the Lake to the pier and return. Free parking in the area. Optional stop at Second Cup after the hike for lunch. Hike cancelled if bad weather. Med - 2. Leader: Marie - (905) 689-6446.

Tues. Apr. 17 - Forty Shades of Green #7 - 1.5 - 2 hrs. This is the third hike of an end-to-end of the Hamilton Escarpment Rail Trail and Chippewa Rail Trail. Meet at 7:00 pm. in the Rona parking lot on Rymal Rd. at the corner of Nebo Rd. in Hamilton’s southeast mountain area. Med. - 2. Running shoes okay depending on weather. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Tues. Apr. 17 – East Burlington Evening Walk ­ 1.5 hrs. Meet at 7:00pm 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. Mod.– 2. Leader: Paul Lewis ‐ 905‐331‐8600 or email: [email protected]

APRIL 20 ­ SUMMER HIKE SUBMISSIONS DUE

Sat. Apr. 21 - Iroquoia History - 9 km. Meet for 1:30 pm. in the Lowville Park parking lot just off Guelph Line for this car pool hike. Come and hear about a special event that occurred in our section on this day. Med. - 5. Leader: Paul Toffoletti - 905-634-2642

Sat. Apr. 21 - Crawford Lake Family Walk - +/- 4km. Meet at 10:30 am. at Crawford Lake Conservation Area in the first (lower) parking area. Halton Conservation Area pass or entrance fee applies. This is a loop walk using side trails and some main trail to make the loop. Suitable for all ages. No dogs please. Slow - 2. Leader: Valerie Dobson - 905-828-1729 VMDhiker@gmail.

Sat. Apr. 21 - Blue Mountains - 17 km. Depart at 9:00 am. at Scenic Caves Road Parking at the north end of Mission Road Side Trail, map 24. Directions from Ravenna on Grey Rd. 2 - coming from the south on Grey Rd 2 into Ravenna turn right, east, on Sideroad 15 and follow it 7.8 km, turn left, north, on Scenic Caves Rd. for about 1 km. where the main trail enters a Blue Mtn. Resort parking lot. More directions and map on Greg's website. Ask Google for Greg Vincent's Hiking Site. Starting east of Ravenna north to and around the Len Gertler Memorial Forest along the top of the escarpment with good views into Georgian Bay. Mod. - 5. Greg Vincent - 519-579-8210 or [email protected]

Sun. Apr. 22 - Dundas Valley - Loop 15 km Meet and be ready to hike at 9:30 am. in the main parking lot. Exit at Dundas Valley Conservation parking lot, Governor’s Road, Dundas. Map 8, km. 50.4. Parking fee per car (which supports the good work done by the conservation authority). Hike some trails in the beautiful Dundas Valley. Wear appropriate hiking gear and be prepared for muddy conditions. . Med. - 4. Hilly. Bring a lunch and plenty of water. Contact Gayle Laws at [email protected]. Will not proceed if raining. Sun. Apr. 22 - Heritage Falls - 10 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at Sanctuary Park in Dundas. We will hike into the beautiful Dundas Valley C.A. to Heritage Falls and then back along the Rail Trail. Mod. - 4. Leaders: Kathy and Brian - (905)632-8934.

Sun. Apr. 22 - Raptorfest Hike - 1.5 hrs. Meet at the Peach King Centre on Livingston Ave. in Grimsby at 10:00 am. for a loop hike to Beamers CA to see the migrating hawks soar high above Grimsby. Check on line at www.Raptorfestival.Ca for full program at the Peach King Centre. Leaders: Dan - 905- 659-4957 or Bruce 289-235-9192.

Sun. Apr. 22 - Sydenham - 16 km. Depart at 9:00 am. at km. 14.5 map 29. Directions from Markdale: Head northwest on Hwy. 10, right onto Artemesia Holland Townline for about 300 m. and veer left on Euphrasia Holland Townline for about 15 km., left onto County Road 40, right onto Concession Road 10 to and across Holland Sydenham Townline onto Concession Road 2. South for about 600 m. More directions and maps on Greg Vincent's Hiking Site. This relatively new main trail involves some road and facilitates the on-going attempt to move the trail to its optimum route. Today we experience a portion of the Spey River Forest East, pass through BTC Managed Land and a high point with good views over the Bighead River Valley. Trekking poles are recommended. Mod.- 5. Greg Vincent 519-579-8210 or [email protected]

Sun. Apr. 22 - Culham Trail - +/- 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the first parking lot of Ernindale Park on the north side of Hihgway 5 (Dundas St.), just east of Mississauga Rd. in Mississauga. We will carpool to Rivergrove Community Centre on River Grove Drive and hike back along the Credit River. We may see some early Spring wildflowers. Mod. - 3. Bring a lunch. Leader: Anne Armstrong - 905-337-3937. [email protected]

Tues. Apr. 24 - Forty Shades of Green #8 - 1.5 – 2 hrs. This is the fourth hike of an end-to-end of the Hamilton Escarpment Rail Trail and Chippewa Rail Trail. Meet at 7:00 p.m. on White Church Rd. at the corner of Miles Rd. in Hamilton’s south mountain area. Med. - 2. Running shoes okay depending on weather. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Thurs. Apr. 26 ­ Tyandaga Evening Walk ­ 1.5 ­ 2 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. at the new parking lot for the new park (old quarry) on Kerns Road, 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 chicken wing stop. Med. – 4. Hike cancelled if there is heavy rain. Directions: Take Brant St. north to North Service Rd., left on to North Service Rd., right on to Kerns, then north to the parking lot, which will be on the right just past where the houses end, but before the parking lot for the lookout. (We are meeting in the new parking lot, not the one for the lookout). Leader: Paul Lewis ‐ 905‐331‐8600 or email: [email protected] Sat. Apr. 28 - Loop in Dundas Area - 12 km. Meet for 9 am. start on Woodley Ln. near King St.West in Dundas for an in-and-out hike. Med. - 4. Leader: Peter McSweeney - 905-335-3192, [email protected] Email preferred. Sat. Apr. 28, - Back To The Future Revisited #3 - 22.4 km. Meet 9:00 am. Map 39, km. 106.7, roadside parking on Cape Chin North Road. Carpool to Map 40, km.129.1 Crane Lake Road, parking at the National Park gate. Wear hiking boots/shoes; bring a lunch and plenty of water. Med - 6. Leaders: Pati Greenwood & Jeff Dowsett - 416-551-2115 (no later than 9 pm.) [email protected]

Sun. Apr. 29 - Mountsberg Conservation Area - Loop 13 km. Meet for 9:30 am at the Mountsberg Conservation Area, Milborough Line, north of Campbellville Road. We will hike a loop including Pioneer Creek Trail, Sugarbush and Lookout Trails. Parking fee in effect or use your Conservation Area Pass (reduced rate for Bruce Trail members). Wear hiking boots and bring lunch/snack and water. Med.-3. Contact Gayle Laws at [email protected]. Will not proceed if raining.

Sun. Apr. 29 - Oakville Sixteen Mile Creek Valley - 9 km. A hike in the valley. Meet at 10:00 am. at the southeast corner of Neyagawa Blvd. and River Glen Blvd. From QEW go north on Dorval to Upper Middle Rd. then right to Neyagawa, then north on Neyagawa to River Glen. Optional stop at Tim Hortons for lunch after the hike. Hike cancelled if bad weather. Med - 3. Call for info if needed. 6 – 9 pm. Mon - Fri. Leader: Marie (905) 689-6446.

Sun. Apr. 29 - Back to The Future Revisited #4 - 19km. Meet 9:00 am. Map 39, km. 87.7, parking at Forty Hills Road parking lot. Carpool to Map 39, km.106.7, roadside parking on Cape Chin North Road. Med - 6. Leaders: Pati Greenwood & Jeff Dowsett - 416-551-2115 (no later than 9 pm) [email protected]

Sun. Apr. 29 - Monarch Trail - 7/8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. in front of East Side Mario's in the University Plaza. We will do a loop hike in the Dundas Valley, on or near the Monarch Trail. Mod. - 3. Map 8. Leader: Vern Erickson - 905-667-4370, [email protected].

Tues. May 1 - Forty Shades of Green #9 - 1.5 - 2 hrs. This is the fifth and final hike of an end-to-end of the Hamilton Escarpment Rail Trail and Chippewa Rail Trail. Meet at 7:00 pm. on White Church Rd. at the corner of Miles Rd. in Hamilton’s south mountain area. Med. - 2. Running shoes okay. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at - 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Sat. May 5 ‐ Hilton Falls Conservation Area ­ 2.5 hours Meet at 10:00 am. in the Hilton Falls Conservation Area parking lot. An individual entry fee will need to be paid or Conservation Area Pass. We will do a loop hike along the Beaver Dam Trail. Dress in appropriate clothing for the weather. Mod. ‐ 3/4. Bring a snack and water. Leader: Angela Varghese, [email protected] Sat. May 5 - Primrose to Kilgorie - Dufferin Highland Section “An Adventure to Tobermory.” Using trail map 20, we will hike 19 kilometres today at a moderate pace. Meeting time and location is 9:00 am. at km. 34.1 in Kilgorie. Take Highway 10 north from Orangeville to Primrose, go straight across onto Prince of Wales Road, and follow through to River Road. Turn right and follow for 1.5 kilometres to the meeting point in Kilgorie. From there we will shuttle to the start and hike back. There are some potentially muddy sections on this hike. Wear hiking boots, bring a snack lunch and plenty of drinking water. No dogs permitted and no dropout points. Leader: Bob Humphreys, 519-883-1840, 7-10 pm, e-mail [email protected]

Sat. May 5 - Car Level Hike - Toronto Section,Terra Cotta – 24 km./4.5/km/hr. Depart 8:30 am. Km. 44.1, Map 14. Parking where the main trail meets Heritage Rd. We shuttle to Km. 15.0 Map 14, and hike back through the Forks of the Credit and the Terra Cotta Forest. Hilly, challenging terrain. No dropout, End to End #3 of 3, Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop after. Leader: Ron Granger‐ (519) 485‐0879 7‐10 pm.

Sat. May 5 - Toronto Section, Silver Creek - 11 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start at Scotsdale Farm parking lot. From Hwy 401 take Trafalgar Rd. (exit 328) north 17 km. At traffic lights, Trafalgar joins Hwy 7. Follow for four km. and where Hwy 7 curves left continue straight ahead on Trafalgar Rd (to Balinafad). About 2 km. north of 27 Side Road watch for sign for Scotsdale Farm on right opposite a driveway with large stone blocks. This is a two-part hike for new hikers. Part A is 6.6 km in total on the Main Trail and Duff Pit Side Trail returning to the parking lot at Scotsdale Farm. Part B is a 4.1 km loop on the Main Trail and Side Trails. Mod - 3. Leaders: Peter and Judy Leeney, 905-822-1877.

Sun. May 6 - Car Hike - CityView - 12 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at the parking lot of Sam Lawrence Park km. 34.4.We will shuttle to Felker’s Falls and hike back. This is a great chance to see how city and nature co-exist. Mod. - 5. Map 7. Leader: Michael McDonald- 905-928-5324 [email protected]

Sun. May 6 - Niagara - 12 km. Depart at 9:30 am. from the Centre for Conservation parking lot - fee - near km. 56.2, map 4. Directions from the QEW/Niagara (east): Exit 57 toward Victoria Ave/Vineland/County Road 24 right onto Marina Blvd., take the 1st left onto Victoria Ave. for about 5.8 km, left onto 6th Ave/Regional Road 75 for about 0.4km., right into C.A. parking lot. The parking lot is before km. 56.2. More directions and map on Greg Vincent's Hiking Site. Today's relatively short walk takes us through wooded areas, amongst dolostone boulders and along the escarpment with views of the vineyards below before reaching Ball's Falls. Good wildflower hike. Mod.- 5 Greg Vincent 519-579-8210 or [email protected]

Sun. May 6 - Burlington Lakefront - 9 km. Meet at 10 am. at Second Cup at the corner of Lakeshore Rd. and Brant St. We will hike various streets and along the Lake to the pier and return. Free parking in the area. Optional stop at Second Cup after the hike for lunch. Hike cancelled if bad weather. Med - 2. Leader: Marie - (905) 689-6446.

Sun. May 6 - King's Forest - 7/8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at the Mud Street parking lot near Pritchard Road. We will do a loop hike on the King's Forest trails. Mod. - 3, Map 7. Leader: Vern Erickson - 905-667-4370, [email protected].

Tues. May 8 ­ Tew’s Falls / Webster’s Falls Evening Walk ­ (1.5 to 2 hours) Meet at 7:00 pm. at the Greensville School parking lot, located on Harvest Road in Greensville. We will hike various trails in the area, including a portion of the Bruce Trail past Tew’s Falls, Dundas Peak, and Webster’s Falls. Come and see the waterfalls when the water flow is still high! Optional après hike pub stop in Waterdown. Med. ‐ 4. Directions: From Burlington take Highway 5, then turn left on to Syndham Rd. Turn right onto Harvest Road. Follow Harvest Road until you come to the school on your right. Leader: Paul Lewis: 905‐331‐8600, or email: [email protected]

Tues. May 8 - Forty Shades of Green #10 - 1.5 - 2 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. on Ridge Rd. E. at the entrance to the Devil’s Punch Bowl parking lot in upper Stoney Creek. We’ll do a there-and-back walk along the Dofasco Recreational Trail. Med. - 2. Running shoes okay. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905- 560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Thurs. May 10 – Tiffany Falls/Sherman’s Falls Evening Walk (1.5 to 2 hours) Meet at 7:00 pm. at the parking lot at Tiffany Falls on Wilson (old Highway 2). Parking fee may apply. We will hike various trails in the area, including a portion of the Bruce Trail past Tiffany Falls and Sherman Falls. Come and see the waterfalls when the water flow is still high! Optional après hike pub stop in Ancaster. Med. ‐ 4. Directions: Take Main St. West past MacMaster 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] Sat. May 12 - Back to thre Future Revisited #6 - 16 km. Meet 9:00 am. Map 37, km. 52.8, parking in lot on Jackson’s Cove Road. Carpool to Map 38, km. 68.8, parking on Barrow Bay Road. Med - 6. Leaders: Pati Greenwood & Jeff Dowsett - 416-551-2115 (no later than 9 pm.) [email protected]

Sat. May 12 - Kilgorie to Lavender - Dufferin Highland Section “An Adventure to Tobermory.” Trail maps 20 & 21, we will hike 20 kilometres today at a moderate pace. Meeting time and location is 9:00 am. at the cemetery in Lavender, km. 54.8. Take Highway 124 north to Redickville, turn east on County Road 21 through Honeywood, turn north on Prince of Wales Road, then east on Mulmur-Nottawasaga Townline to the cemetery 0.5 km. east of Lavender. Do NOT park in the village of Lavender! From there we will shuttle to the start and hike back. Wear hiking boots, bring plenty of drinking water, a snack lunch, and sunscreen. No dogs permitted, and no dropout points. Leader: Bob Humphreys, 519-883-1840, 7-10 pm, e-mail [email protected]

Sat. May 12 - War of 1812 Friendship March #3 - 13.8 km. War of 1812 historical hike revolving around 200 years of friendship between the USA and Canada. Meet at the Grimsby Pump House at the mouth of the Forty Mile Creek and the new War of 1812 Friendship Park. We will car pool to Lewis Rd. and hike back. Learn about the important confrontation with the Americans against the British and the First Nation Iroquoians. Leader: Bruce Manion - 289-235-9192. E-Mail: [email protected]

Sun. May 13 - Coronation Park - 10km. Meet at 10:00 am. at Shell Park on Lakeshore Rd. in Oakville. We will hike through the Trillium filled woods, then along the creek into Bronte and then the Waterfront Trail to Coronation Park and return. Mod. - 2. Leaders: Kathy and Brian - (905)632-8934.

Sun. May 13 - Back to the Future Revisited # 14 - 19.7 km. Meet 9:00 am. Map 32, km. 83.6, parking on 11th Concession at intersection with rail trail. Carpool to Map 32, km. 102.6, Grey Bruce Tourist Information Office Parking Lot. Wear hiking boots/shoes; bring a lunch and plenty of water. Med - 8. Leaders: Pati Greenwood & Jeff Dowsett - 416-551-2115 (no later than 9:00 PM) [email protected]

Tues. May 15 - Forty Shades of Green #11 - 1.5 - 2 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. at the Bruce Trail crossing on Snake Rd. in Waterdown for a hike in Smokey Hollow and along Grindstone Creek. Med. - 4. Wear boots. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Fri. - Mon. May 18-21 - Lower Bruce Peninsula - 15km/day Victoria Day Weekend in the lower Bruce Peninsula. Loop hikes on the main and side trails. Good views and spring flowers. We stay in a comfortable lodge at Red Bay. New to hiking? We will help you. Mod. - 4. Greg Vincent - 519-579-8210 or [email protected]

Sat. May 19 - Car Level Hike Peninsula/Tobermory - 24 km./4.5/km/hr. Depart 8:30 am. Km.143.2, Map 41. Half Dump at the end of Emmett Lake Rd. Parking Fee required. We car shuttle to Tobermory, Km. 167.4, Map 42, and hike past Little Cove, Driftwood Cove and Loon Lake. Variable, challenging terrain. No dropout, End to End #1 of 7, Hiking boots. Leader: Ron Granger‐(519) 485‐0879 7‐10 pm .

Sat. May 19 ­ Breakfast and Waterfall Hike ­ +/­ 10 km. Meet 8:20 am. in the Municipal Parking lot beside the Village Theatre on Dundas Road (Hwy 5) in downtown Waterdown From here we will walk to Knox Church on Mill Street and enjoy a world famous breakfast prepared for us by the men of the church. Cost $6.00. Then we will carpool to Smokey Hollow to hike through Waterdown Woods to Kerncliff Park, and back including the McNally and Waterdown Rd STs to Grindstone Creek if trail conditions are suitable. Bring lots of water and a snack, sunscreen and bugspray. Hiking boots. Expect mud. Rocky sections. Mod. ‐ 3. Please email (preferred) or phone me by Friday so I can reserve tables. Leader: Connie Rusynyk ‐ 905‐689‐2203 [email protected] Cell at time of hike: 905‐ 520‐ 6502.

Sat. May 19 ­ Car Level Hike, Peninsula/Emmett Lake ­ 24 km./4.5km/hr. Depart 8 am. Km.119.5, Map 40. Harkins Rd. at the south end of road. We car shuttle to Km. 143.2, Map 41, and hike back past High Dump and Bruce Peninsula National Park. Variable, challenging terrain. No dropout, End to End #2 of 7, Hiking boots. Leader: Ron Granger‐(519) 485‐0879 7‐10 pm.

Sun. May 20 - Oakville Sixteen Mile Creek Valley - 9 km. A hike in the valley. Meet at 10:00 am. at the southeast corner of Neyagawa Blvd. and River Glen Blvd. From QEW go north on Dorval to Upper Middle Rd. then right to Neyagawa, then north on Neyagawa to River Glen. Optional stop at Tim Hortons for lunch after the hike. Hike cancelled if bad weather. Med - 3. Call for info if needed. 6 – 9 pm. Mon - Fri. Leader: Marie (905) 689-6446. Sun. May 20 - Halton Agreement Forest - +/- 10 km. Meet for a 9:30 am. start in the Commuter parking lot on the west side of Guelph Line, south of Highway 401.We will carpool to the start of the hike on the east side of Guelph Line across from Mohawk Raceway. (Please meet at the commuter parking lot as the parking at the hike start is very limited.) We will do a loop hike using the lovely trails of the Agreement Forest. We should see a lot of wildflowers. Mod. - 2. Some rocky, wet sections. Bring a lunch, sunscreen and bug repellent. Leader: Anne Armstrong - 905-337- 3937. [email protected] Sun. May 20 - Rockcliffe Trails - 7/8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. in front of the Waterdown Walmart Supercentre off Dundas Street (Hwy. 5). We will do a loop hike on the Rockcliffe Trails. Mod. - 3, Map 9. Leader: Vern Erickson 905-667-4370, [email protected].

Mon. May 21 - Car Level Hike, Peninsula, Dyer’s Bay - 21 km/4.5 km/hr Depart 8 am. Km. 119.5, Map 40. Harkins Rd. at the south end of road. We car shuttle to Km 98.7, Map 39, and hike back past Dyer's Bay and Cape Chin North. Variable, challenging terrain. No dropout, End to End #3 of 7, Hiking boots. Leader: Ron Granger‐ (519) 485‐0879 7‐10 pm.

Tues. May 22 - Forty Shades of Green #12 - 1.5 - 2 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. in front of East Side Mario’s in University Plaza in Dundas for a loop walk in Dundas Valley. Bring cash for trail user fee. Med. - 4. Wear boots. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected] Sat. May 26 - Noisy River - Blue Mountain Section “An Adventure to Tobermory.” Trail maps 21 & 22, we will hike 21 kilometres today at a moderate pace. Meeting time and location is 9:00 am. at the cemetery in Lavender, km. 54.8. Take Highway 124 north from Shelburne to Redickville, turn east on County Road 21 through Honeywood, turn north on Prince of Wales Road, then east on Mulmur-Nottawasaga Townline to the cemetery 0.5km. east of Lavender. Do NOT park in the village of Lavender! We will shuttle to the start and hike back. Wear hiking boots, bring plenty of drinking water, a snack lunch, and sunscreen. No dogs permitted, and no dropout points. Leader: Bob Humphreys, 519-883-1840, 7-10 pm, e-mail [email protected] Sun. May 27 - Beamers Falls - 7/8 km. Meet at 10:00 am. at the Lions Club pool on Elm Street in Grimsby. We will do a loop hike around Beamers Falls. Mod. – 4. Map 5. Leader: Vern Erickson 905-667-4370, [email protected].

Sun. May 27 - Mt. Nemo - 16 km. Depart at 9:00 am. from km. 82.1 map 10. Directions from Hwy 401: Exit 312, south through Campbellville on Reg. Rd. 1/Guelph Line for about 16.6 km where the trail meets Guelph Line. More directions and map on Greg Vincent's Hiking Site. The hike includes road walking before and after Mt. Nemo. This walk takes us to the top of the Niagara Escarpment at Mount Nemo, a shore feature, formed 450 million years ago by a warm water sea and since etched by glacial and fluvial episodes. Last of the spring wildflowers. Mod. - 5. Greg Vincent 519-579-8210 or [email protected]

Sun. May 27 - River and Ruin Family Walk - +/- 4 km. Meet at 10:30 am. at Lowville Parking lot in Lowville on Guelph Line. See Map 10 just north of Britannia Road. This is a loop walk combining the River and Ruin side trail linked by the Main Trail to make the loop. Suitable for all ages. No dogs please. Slow - 2. Leader: Valerie Dobson - 905-828-1729 [email protected]

Tues. May 29 - Forty Shades of Green #13 - 1.5 - 2 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. in the parking lot of Lake Avenue School at the corner of Lake Ave. and Delawana Dr. for a Stoney Creek mystery hike. Med. - 3. Wear boots. Optional pub stop. Leader: Richard Reble at 905-560-9556 before 9:00 pm. or [email protected]

Tues. May 29 ­ Stoney Creek Extended Evening Walk ­ 2.5 – 3 hrs. Meet at 7:00 pm. at the parking lot in Battlefield Park. We will hike up to the Devil’s Punch Bowl via the Bruce Trail and various side trails. We will return on various streets, as it will be getting dark on the return journey. Enjoy the long evening daylight! Optional apres hike stop for great pizza! (They have pizza specials on Tuesday nights!). Med.– 4. 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. Hike cancelled, if there is heavy rain. Leader: Paul Lewis ‐ 905‐331‐8600 or email: [email protected]

Advance Notice Fri - Sun.Jun 15-17 - Tobermory Orchids - 10 km/day Tenth Annual Excellent Orchid Adventure. The Tobermory area is excellent for orchids and other flowers in the late spring. Our search will take us to Flower Pot Island for a day - cost approx. $35.00 for the glass bottom ferry and Parks Canada entrance fee. We will visit the Singing Sands property, Bruce Alvar Reserve and Larkwhistle Gardens. We stay and have our meals in a good hotel overlooking Little Tub Harbour. Our distances and pace are slow to enjoy the flowers, geology and views. The number of participants is limited to 25, full the past few years. Slow - 2. Greg Vincent - 519-579-8210 or [email protected]