I had an interesting week. On Friday January 10th, while snowshoeing on the Front Road Trail, my Yane’s snowshoe came apart. The back two thirds separated from the front third. I hiked back to the car without any problem and on inspection found that the rivets holding the two parts together had broken. I later drilled and bolted the parts back together.
On Sunday afternoon hiking in the Maitland Woods at 3 p.m., I saw a rabbit lying on its side on the trail and a couple of other hikers coming the other way said a weasel had got it. I then saw the short tailed weasel, also known as an ermine. By the time I got my camera out, the rabbit had recovered enough to disappear.
This was the first time I have seen a weasel. The one I saw was definitely a North American Ermine (Mustela Erminea) as it was white with a black tip to its tail. It is also known as a shorttail weasel or a stoat. Two other weasels live in our area, the Longtail weasel which is about 1 and a half times the size of the ermine, while the Least weasel is much smaller and quite rare. All three may turn white in the winter, but only the ermine has a tail with a black tip. They eat mice, some birds, and the two larger weasels also eat young rabbits. The rabbit I saw was much larger than the ermine, and may not have suffered a fatal injury.
On Wednesday January 15th, we hiked the Taylor and Mavis Trails and found the trails were well covered with fresh snow of several inches and deeper where the snow had drifted. When we went on to Bannockburn Conservation area, four of us decided that it was worthwhile to put on snowshoes, and we found the snow on the boardwalks and bridges was over six inches deep so made the hike much easier using snowshoes.
Notes
Saturday January 25th 11am to 12.30 pm Menesetung Bridge and Sifto Loop.
This is a meditative walk, Mindfulness in nature, pause and explore mindfulness techniques. Dress appropriately for moving slowly. Meet at the Big rock on 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.
Saturday January 25 and Sunday January 26th 1.30-3pm ski John Goldie reserve.
This area near Benmiller has lovely trails that wind through forested areas, along a high bank with spectacular views over the Maitland River. For more information contact Con melady at 519-524-8730 to pre register and for details about car pooling. This a level 2 moderate pace outing.
Sunday February 2nd 1pm to 3pm Snowshoe or hike the Maitland Trail. Meet at or near 80965 Sharpes Creek Line and we will hike or snowshoe the Maitland Trail and nature Conservancy trails.
Saturday February 15th 6.30-8.30 pm Candlelight Walk in the Maitland Woods Note change of date.
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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