On January 24th, I snowshoed the Hullett Sugar Bush Trails. I was surprised to see a deer as it was around 9.30 a.m. When I returned to the parking lot on Wildlife Line, I discovered a car stuck in the entrance to the lot. The plow had cleared not only the lane but also part of the shoulder, so the car had sunk down on the passenger side on the soft shoulder. The occupants were very grateful that I had a shovel. With some digging and use of some coarse gravel we managed to get the car out. It is a good reminder that unless you have a four-wheel drive vehicle it is advisable to carry a shovel in the vehicle in winter. I also carry some coarse gravel which is often also useful. I got stuck the previous week when I went too far on the east side of Front Road, which also required digging out, some gravel, and a push from a passing truck driver.
In the Toronto Star January 26th Insight section, there were summaries of studies that showed the various factors effecting life expectancy. They suggest only 20% to 30% is from heredity. Nutrition was a key factor; ultra processed foods should be avoided. Exercise is also an important factor and following the Canadian 24 hour Movement guidelines for adults is recommended. These are preforming a variety of types and intensities of physical activities which include: moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activities for at least 150 minutes per week, muscle strengthening at least twice per week and several hours of light physical activities including standing. Therefore, try to get out and hike, snowshoe, swim, or cycle for at least 2 ½ hours per week, preferably in a natural environment and experience the healing power of nature.
Several of us found out what hard work it is to break a trail on snowshoes where no one had already made a track. The snow is often about 18 inches deep, and where drifting has occurred even more than that. It is one reason that I have done a lot of snowshoeing on the Hullett Sugar Bush Trails where there is a well packed base to several trails. I was happy that Yanes have replaced my broken snowshoe for the cost of shipping ($22.60). The replacement has some minor improvements on my older one.
On January 30th we hiked the Varna Trails which were better than I had expected with very few parts with snow drifts. At the Clinton Conservation Area, despite the low flow of the river, there was some overflow of the culverts, because many of them were plugged with debris. A mallard duck was swimming on the small patch of open water.
Notes:
Hikers on any Maitland Trail outing are reminded to sign the 2025 Online waiver, even if they signed the 2024 waiver.
Saturday February 15th 10 am hike the Varna trails with the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association.
Saturday February 15th 6.30-8.30 pm Candlelight walk in the Maitland Woods Note change of date.
Thursday February 20th 2 pm hike a trail to raise funds for the Coldest Night of Year in support for the hurt, hungry and homeless in the area. Leader Patrick capper at pcapper99@gmail.com. If you cannot hike on this day or on Saturday with another team,please sponsor a member of a team.
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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