Many hikers have been out on the trails in the Holiday season. Eight Tuesday Trompers were on the Maitland Woods trails on Christmas Eve. Several hikers enjoyed a hike at Point Farms on Christmas day, and 17 hikers hiked the Hullett Sugar Bush Trails on Boxing Day. Soon afterwards, there was rain and a thaw which caused high water levels on the Maitland and Bayfield rivers, resulting in some flooding across the Maitland Trail. The mild weather continued into New Year’s Day which resulted in 25 hikers taking part, a record number. Perhaps the lure of treats and drinks at Wendy and Heinz Hoernig’s place was the added incentive to lure so many hikers out. The mild weather has also resulted in some grey fungi appearing, which I believe are Grey Knights. The mild weather and gusty winds caused several windfalls across the trails, and water on the trail, so don’t be surprised if you come across some windfalls and wet areas.
On Thursday January 2nd 13 hikers were out on the Maitland Trail at the Auburn end. As we hiked down Bridge Road, a Huron County employee in a truck informed us that we could not park at the edge of County road 25, so we had to move the cars to the edge of Nile Road. The snow was a little deeper than expected, so it was a pleasant surprise when coming out onto Pinery Line to find that a tractor had just cleared a path down the road. No doubt the weather will soon be below freezing which will result in icy parts of the trails which are better hiked when wearing some form of icers.
Notes
Saturday January 11th 7.30-9.30 pm near Lucknow. Provided there is enough snow this will be a night ski or snowshoe outing.
If there is a recent snowfall and a clear night the scenery can be magical. This area may be a side road not open for vehicle traffic in winter months or a trail close to Lucknow. Ski equipment can be provided if required. The snow conditions will determine where to host the event. For more information and to confirm your attendance and details about location, please contact Donald Andrew 519-530-9019 or Sally Brodie 226-378-1648. This is a level 1, easy pace event, 1.5-2 hours.
Sunday January 19th 11 a.m. at Varna This is a Bayfield River Valley Trail Association hike along the Mavis (2.5 km) or Taylor trail (1 km) and will be followed by a chili lunch at the Stanley Complex and Community Centre. (38595 Mill Rd. Varna) The guided hike schedule for 2025 will be available. The hikes are free and open to the public. For more information contact Ralph Blasting at 519-525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com. Hikers are encouraged to join the BRVTA at a cost of $20 for individuals or $30 for families.
Saturday, January 25th 11.00am -12.30 p.m. Menesetung Bridge and Sifto Loop This is a meditative walk. Mindfulness in nature walk, pause and explore mindfulness techniques, walking meditation and forest therapy. Designed for those who want the benefits of meditation but prefer to move! Dress appropriately for moving slowly. Please leave your pets at home (dogs are already very Zen!). Meet at Big Rock at Trail Head - North Harbour Road, Goderich. 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 paced, 1.5 hour hike
Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, send an email to mta@maitlandtrail.ca
Midweek hikers meet at 9 a.m. and hike for 1 ½ to 2 hours on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com
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