I am starting to get a little tired of all the snow and cold weather we have been getting. It seems that no sooner than I packed a trail with show shoes and left it for a few days to set up (so I can walk on it without breaking through the crust), there is another significant snowfall, and I have to start all over again. For example, the Hullett Sugar Bush Trails have a solid base, but the predicted snowfall of around 20 cm on the night of February 12th means they will need to be packed again. I have also been snow shoeing the Front Road, the Maitland Trail at 80965 and 80918 Sharpes Creek Line and the Clinton Conservation Area Trail. The trails at Varna and Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area also seem well used, though I don’t go to them very often.
On Monday February 3rd, Doug, Susan and I managed to pack a snowshoe trail from Bishop’s Road to a Property boundary on the Maitland Trail, but our track is now well covered. Not surprisingly, we came upon a windfall across the trail, which was not a problem to by-pass. There was also a windfall on the Maitland Trail in the 31-32 km section, which was an easy one to step over. Do not be surprised to find windfalls which will probably stay there until the spring when the volunteer maintenance crew can get out to cut them.
The LIFE hikers are now back to weekly hikes for about 1 ½ hours on Friday mornings. Those who enjoy a slower pace, join the Strollers or for a faster pace, join the Strider. For details, contact Cheryl Phillips at cphillips@onecaresupport.ca.
I am leading a Coldest Night of the Year hike a few days early on Thursday afternoon February 20th as I am planning a week in the warmth and sun. I expect the hike will be on the Maitland Trail at Bishop’s Road. Three of us packed most of that route on Thursday February 13th. The forecast is for little to no snow on the preceding week, so I expect we can hike the trail for about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Hikers must preregister and donors to the Maitland Trail Hikers CNOY project are invited back for supper. Email pcapper99@gmail.com for details.
Notes:
Hikers on any Maitland Trail outing are reminded to sign the 2025 Online waiver, even if they signed the 2024 waiver.
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. I am leader of the Maitland Trail Hikers (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. See cnoy.org/Goderich, where there at present there are 43 teams and 215 walkers or cnoy.org/wingham where there are at present 18 teams and over 60 walkers.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 11 am to 12.30 pm. This is a meditative walk at Menesetung Bridge and Sifto Loop. 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 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.
Saturday March 8th 10 a.m. BRVTA International Women’s Day hike walk on the Heritage trail, meet at the Clan Gregor Square Pavilion.
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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