The Maitland Trail is regularly closed for the deer gun hunting weeks, this year on Nov 4th to 10th and December 2nd to 8th. The planned closure from October 15th to 27th for turkey shotgun hunting has been rescinded, but hikers should wear bright clothing. These closures do not apply to areas where hunting is not allowed, which include the Falls Reserve, the Maitland Woods, Sifto Loop, Millennium trail and the G2G.
On Sunday October 13th I hiked the Sifto Loop in the early afternoon. It is getting to be a problem to find a parking spot on North Harbour Road, with many people visiting the Menesetung Bridge. I noticed a magnificent Hornets nest near the side of the trail, but there was no hornet activity at the time. Also noticeable were the many red oak acorns on many parts of the trail. When oaks produce a bumper crop of acorns, it is known as a mast year. When a large crop of acorns is produced, the squirrels and mice can’t eat them all, so it increases the chances of new oak trees occurring. When driving to the trails there are quite a few fields that have been planted with a cover crop of Sunflowers and oats, which results in a beautiful sight, especially when the edge of the field has colourful maple trees.
The cooler weather means that I usually see only Clouded or Orange Sulphur butterflies, and then only when the sun peeks out from the clouds. The last time I saw a dragonfly was an Autumn Meadowhawk on October 7th.
The lack of rain means that the trails continue to be much drier than usual, though some wet spots can still be found, and both the Maitland River and Bayfield River are as low as I ever recall seeing them.
When Thyra was digging out the compost, she found a cluster of snake eggs. These are probably from a milk snake which lays eggs, unlike a garter snake that gives birth to live young.
Notes:
Saturday, October 26th 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Meditative Walk on Naftel’s Creek trails (note change from Millennium trial)
This is a meditative walk on the trail – pause and explore mindfulness techniques, walking meditation and forest therapy. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Tanya MacIntyre at redroofrecovery@gmail.com or text 519 616-3636. This is a level 1, slow pace, 1 1/2 hour walk.
Saturday, October 26th 11:00 a.m. The BRVTA have a guided group hike followed by soup and fellowship at the Pavilion at the Varna Nature Trails. Please bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Bayfield Food Bank. Participants are asked to meet at the Stanley Community Centre parking lot (38572 Mill Road). Dogs on leash are welcome.
Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, complete the waiver and form on the MTA website: https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/tuesday-trompers
Midweek hikers meet at 9 a.m. and hike for 1 ½ to 2 hours on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com
Comments