Trail Talk 358 - April 9, 2025

I lead a hike on the Maitland Trail at the Auburn end on Sunday March 30th. I nearly did not go as the only two people that registered had cancelled.  Therefore, I was surprised to see four people ready to hike.   Two of them knew that I hike no matter what the weather other than a blizzard, one person’s response went into my spam file, and one response was 45 minutes before the starting time, which was after I had checked and turned off my computer.  The hike turned out well with no rain, the only problem was part of the trail leading North from the Moore’s cottage road was flooded, so we detoured through the forest.  This was the first time I had seen flooding on this part of the trail.   The next day, I hiked from Sharpes Creek Line to the 24.9 km marker. I had seen that the Maitland River was in full flood mode, so was not surprised to see the trail flooded just before reaching the property boundary.  I had to make a long detour due to the 200m long pond that had formed.

I stopped at Forster’s Bridge to watch a swan which was either a tundra or trumpeter swan in the field there. I find it very difficult to determine the difference between Tundra and Trumpeter swans. The Trumpeter swans are larger, have a longer straighter bill, which is always black at the base. On iNaturalist one person thought it was a Tundra swan but another thought it was a Trumpeter swan. On a Tuesday drive we saw 13 Swans on a small pond in a field just East of Winthrop.  While stopping to look at the swans, we noticed two birds in the field that turned out to be Horned Larks.

            Wednesday forecast was not promising with ice pellets, possibly freezing rain turning to rain.  Six hikers turned out for a hike at Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area trail which we finished just after 10 am before any precipitation.  Four of us also hiked the George G Newton Nature Reserve trail, which we finished just as the ice pellets started falling.

The next day after heavy rain overnight the rivers were in full spring flood mode. When hiking the Mavis Trail, the Bayfield River looked more like a huge pond at Bannockburn. As I expected, the trail was flooded at the end of the bridge, but the river was higher than I’ve ever seen it -  about a foot below the bridge.

NOTES:

Hikers on any Maitland Trail outings are reminded to sign the 2025 Online waiver, even if they signed the 2024 waiver.  

The Menesetung Bridge across the Maitland River at Goderich is planned to be closed to pedestrians and cyclist from mid April for 16 to 20 weeks.

Saturday April 12th 10 a.m.  to 12.00 pm Hike the Naftel’s Creek Conservation area trails with George Cantin.  Option to also hike the George Newton Nature Reserve trails. This is a level 1 moderate pace hike. To pre register and confirm your attendance contact George at Streamside@gmail.com.

Saturday April 19th 10 am BRVTA have an earth day clean up, meet at Clan Gregor Pavilion.

Saturday April 26th   9am -11.30 am the second part of the Maitland End to End from Jenkins to Benmiller This 11 km section of the Maitland Trail has two challenging sections through a variety of forest types including the relatively mature forest of the Morris Tract. We will enjoy a view of the falls at the Falls Reserve Conservation area and a full stop for lunch at the shelter there. Wear sturdy footwear hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, lots of water and bring lunch. For car shuttle arrangements and to confirm your attendance, please contact Con Melady at 519 524-8730. This is a Level 2, moderate pace hike, 3.5+ hours with break and shuttle.

Saturday April 26th 1 pm on the Sawmill trail for those who like a more leisurely pace the BRVTA are holding a

Family Hike called ‘Secrets of the Woods’. Discover the hidden wonders in the woods and along the riverbank of the Bayfield Sawmill Trail. Environmental educators Michele Martin and Janneke Vorsteveld will guide hikers of all ages in searching for the small creatures and plants to be found along this 2 km trail through forests, along the Bayfield River

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 form on the website: 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