The "G to G" is a former rail line that has intrigued us for some years. We covered the part from the outskirts of Guelph to Elmira in the spring about 4 years ago. August 16 to 18, 2022 was an opportunity to cover most of the rest. We booked 2 nights at a BnB in a century home in Goderich and cycled the first and second days.
May 23, 2022
Although we had done this hike before in the fall, we chose it again as we were looking for something high and dry. We headed south from Woodford on an out and back route that ended at the Waisberg side trail.
Highlights were the ferns, red and white trillium, and rose-breasted grossbeaks. We encountered two enhtusiastic couples who were hiking together and were knowledgeable of the flora. The trails were much greener than they were just a few weeks earlier.
We did this hike the first week in May, aiming to cover some new territory in the Sydenham section while avoiding road walks. These two side trails were easy to find and combine. We started with Clearview which was nice but quite muddy in the low areas. A pretty stream ran through the bottom of the valley.
We encountered a rubber boot clad walker with a large muddy dog. They were surprised to see us. The Pine trail was drier and included the stone remnants of a settler's barn. No leaves on the trees yet, making the layers of rock more evident. We found a log to sit on for lunch and stopped at the Dairy Queen in Meaford on the way home. A good first hike for 2022.
