Too Many Trails....Not Enough Time!
Date of hike: Sun.Sept. 16, 2012 Duration of hike: approx. 3 hours
Trail and Section: Avon Trail; from 9.4 to 18.6 km—south side of Wildwood Lake Distance: 9.2 km
Trail and Section: Avon Trail; from 9.4 to 18.6 km—south side of Wildwood Lake Distance: 9.2 km
Now that we’ve finished our end-and-back Thames Valley Trail project, we’re free to explore other trails. That is, before we begin tackling the Bruce Trail sometime next year. That being said, I’ve started a new blog on a different server, titled: “Thames Valley Trail Trekking….and Beyond!”. Starting now, check here for posts about a variety of different hikes beyond the Thames Valley Trail, but not including the Bruce.
We thought we’d check out various sections of the Avon and Elgin Trails, as they connect to the TV trail at either end. No set plan as to where we will hike each time, but to keep it interesting, we plan to avoid any sections that travel for long stretches on roadways and/or through fields.
After a busy summer of travelling, we finally got back out on the trails. It was like getting caught up with an old friend that you hadn’t seen in a while, so it didn’t take long to feel like we’d only just been out the previous week. Claus and Mary Rinne, good friends of ours, had given us a call the day before and had suggested we get together for the afternoon.They too enjoy a good hike, so when we suggested that we meet up and do the section of the Avon trail that follows the south side of Wildwood Lake, they were in!
We thought we’d check out various sections of the Avon and Elgin Trails, as they connect to the TV trail at either end. No set plan as to where we will hike each time, but to keep it interesting, we plan to avoid any sections that travel for long stretches on roadways and/or through fields.
After a busy summer of travelling, we finally got back out on the trails. It was like getting caught up with an old friend that you hadn’t seen in a while, so it didn’t take long to feel like we’d only just been out the previous week. Claus and Mary Rinne, good friends of ours, had given us a call the day before and had suggested we get together for the afternoon.They too enjoy a good hike, so when we suggested that we meet up and do the section of the Avon trail that follows the south side of Wildwood Lake, they were in!
Having two cars made it possible to just do an end-to-end.We parked one car at our end point (at the end of Perth Road 117), then drove the other to our starting point (at the bridge on Zorra 29th Line). Then we set off through pine and deciduous forest that skirted the edge of Wildwood Lake. This section of the trail is part of a loop that goes around the lake and is very popular with mountain bikers. But knowing that they’d be coming from behind us, as it was a clock-wise direction day, helped us to keep our eyes and ears open and to be ready to move aside.
We couldn’t have asked for a better day for a hike. Bright sunshine, blue skies, and gentle breezes made the going easy. The trail wasn’t difficult and offered a few rolls here and there to give a little bit of a challenge. Mary is very knowledgeable about various wildflowers and plants and she spotted many different and interesting species. Paul and Claus motored on ahead and would stop and wait patiently for us to catch up.
Once we got back to the first parked car, we drove back to pick up the other one, and then headed into the town of St. Mary’s where we spent time over dinner getting caught up on our summer travel adventures. All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon of hiking and being in the great outdoors, as well as a chance to get together with friends.
Traditions
Date of hike: Mon.Oct. 8, 2012 Weather: 12C, sunny Duration of hike:approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
Trail and Section: Elgin Trail; from 11.5 to 14.4 km and back—Map 5 Distance:5.8 km
Trail and Section: Elgin Trail; from 11.5 to 14.4 km and back—Map 5 Distance:5.8 km
What would Thanksgiving Day weekend be without some sort of hike? Turkey without cranberry sauce and stuffing, pumpkin pie without apple pie to tempt your taste buds as well….you get the idea. So while we would never celebrate Thanksgiving without roasting a turkey, neither would we let the weekend pass without doing some sort of hike; at least not for the last few years. After putting on a Thanksgiving spread the day before, our Monday was free and clear to enjoy the leftovers and to spend our time in the glorious fall surroundings.
The Elgin Trail is shorter (only 41 km) than the Thames Valley Trail but is no less historically significant with regards to the land it cuts through. It travels from the beach in Port Stanley along the Kettle Creek and Dodd Creek valleys which once were rich forest homelands for the Native people of the area. As explorers travelled into the area, they recognized the value of the watershed and its accessibility to the Thames River. The Talbot Road (now Highway 3) soon developed and became a vital artery in linking Fort Niagara and Fort Detroit. The War of 1812 had a major impact as much action was seen in this area, whether it was a battle or just the unfortunate looting and pillaging that affected the local settlers.
We by-passed the first 11 km of the trail, as most of it followed roadways and went along farmer’s fields to connect to the south terminal of the Thames Valley Trail. In exploring some of these trails, our goal is to have an enjoyable hike by taking in the best that the area has to offer and to avoid lengthy sections on roads and fields. Parking the car in a grassy area, just off of Highway 3 where Paynes Mills Road comes out to, we set off into a wood lot and headed along a path that more or less followed Dodd Creek. We climbed up and down along the bank and enjoyed some views of the country side. One area that was close to the water’s edge was a bit overgrown, but nothing too difficult to maneuver.
We by-passed the first 11 km of the trail, as most of it followed roadways and went along farmer’s fields to connect to the south terminal of the Thames Valley Trail. In exploring some of these trails, our goal is to have an enjoyable hike by taking in the best that the area has to offer and to avoid lengthy sections on roads and fields. Parking the car in a grassy area, just off of Highway 3 where Paynes Mills Road comes out to, we set off into a wood lot and headed along a path that more or less followed Dodd Creek. We climbed up and down along the bank and enjoyed some views of the country side. One area that was close to the water’s edge was a bit overgrown, but nothing too difficult to maneuver.
The colours weren’t as vibrant as some areas were showing but I’m guessing that may be due to the type of trees that are in that stretch. We were rewarded with the odd flash of colour with a few fall “stars” thrown in here and there.
An out-and-back route took us to Lyle Road, where the best picture of the day was found. Stopping here for a short break and snack, the colours did not disappoint us!
While out that day, we ran into a few other hikers, enjoying the trail as well. This somewhat surprised us, because this did not seem to be a section of the trail that would see much traffic.
While one would naturally expect to see lots of fellow hikers on the trails through Komoka Provincial Park and Fanshawe Conservation Area, this area was very different, so it was nice to see others taking advantage of the gorgeous day and getting out there as well!
While the Going’s Good
Date of hike: Sun. Nov. 18, 2012 Weather: 7C, sunny; 11C at completion Duration of hike: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
Trail and Section: Elgin Trail; 14.4 km to 19 km and back—Map 6 Distance: 9.2 km
It’s funny how we get out on the trails so less often these days, now that we’ve completed our Thames Valley Trail Project. Not because we don’t want to commune with nature and all, but when the need isn’t as great, the priority of a hike just seems to slip down to the bottom of the list. Nevertheless, it’s always in the back of our minds, to get out there “sometime soon”. Don’t get me wrong….we’re not lazing about being couch potatoes…oh no, not us! The weekends since Thanksgiving have been full and busy with a variety of things. But this particular weekend finally presented itself as being free and everything else seemed to fall into place. Like the gorgeous weather…even for November! When the going’s good, then you’ve got to get going!
Trail and Section: Elgin Trail; 14.4 km to 19 km and back—Map 6 Distance: 9.2 km
It’s funny how we get out on the trails so less often these days, now that we’ve completed our Thames Valley Trail Project. Not because we don’t want to commune with nature and all, but when the need isn’t as great, the priority of a hike just seems to slip down to the bottom of the list. Nevertheless, it’s always in the back of our minds, to get out there “sometime soon”. Don’t get me wrong….we’re not lazing about being couch potatoes…oh no, not us! The weekends since Thanksgiving have been full and busy with a variety of things. But this particular weekend finally presented itself as being free and everything else seemed to fall into place. Like the gorgeous weather…even for November! When the going’s good, then you’ve got to get going!
We continued along the next section of the Elgin Trail, from where we had left off the last time, following Dodd Creek. This was a challenging section, to say the least….a lot of up and down climbs on the moraine that forms on the south side of the creek. But that made it interesting, if not anything else. Challenging terrain while hiking certainly keeps one on their toes; if you trudge along nonchalantly, you may find yourself tumbling down the side of a hill. Dodd Creek is a meandering waterway that sometimes appears as it is appropriately named—a creek. While at other times, it widens and almost takes on a river-like appearance. It seems to be a hidden gem in Elgin County.
At the turn around point, we entered onto a private property which happened to be a horse farm. The gates were clearly marked and requested that we “please close the gates”. We were greeted by some curious equines, but they soon went back to their business and let us return to ours. While passing through, we found a spot to have our picnic lunch, while watching the horses go through some of their antics. Of course we made sure to save an apple from our lunch to share with one lucky fellow!
The weather was unbelievable for a mid-November day. In fact, as I write this, not even one week later, the temperature hovers around the freezing mark and snowsqualls are in the forecast for the next couple of days. It’s true that when in southwestern Ontario, if you don’t like the weather, wait a day…it will change!