Metcalf Rock, Duncan Crevice and Chuck Grant Side Trail

For our first hike of 2023 (except for snowshoe hikes) we chose a loop of about 10k that took us clockwise from North of Metcalf Rock, around the Mill Creek Valley to Pinacle Rock and through the Duncan Crevices.  It was an unusually warm day for April with surprisingly little mud.  Coltsfoot and Bloodroot where the only wild flowers we saw, but there were areas carpeted with trout lilly shoots that will bloom soon.  The trail is very well maintained with a number of solid bridges and boardwalks.  

We enjoyed our lunch on a bench looking across the valley towards Metcalf where we could make out a few hikers but no climbers.  We continued along a fairly flat path towards the parking area on 9th sideroad but turned off to follow the Chuck Grant Sidetrail back to the car.  The side trail starts with a smooth section, but the ascent at the end was a workout.  If we were to bring guests that prefer flat terrain, the section from the 9th sideroad to Pinnacle Rock would be a nice route.

Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail

 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.

Clearview and Pines Side Trails

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.

A keyhole and a tiny bridge

Friday, Oct 29th.

As we drove up to the higher areas away from Georgian Bay, we were enveloped by thick fog.  We decided to keep going and hike anyway even though the viewing opportunities might be limited.

We drove to Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area which is near Singhampton.  The Bruce Trail runs through it and there are several side-trails that allow for loops.  There are also some trails that are maintained by the conservation area.  There are not many steep climbs here but the ground is quite rough in places and, along with the wet leaves, we found it quite slippery in places.  

There are numerous crevices, some of them quite deep.  At one point, the trail goes down one of these crevices and, at first sight, appears to end in a blind alley.  As you get closer to the end, you can find a 'keyhole' through the rock and the trail continues on the other side.  Large people may not fit!

We ended up eating lunch in the car as it was raining lightly and we had not seen any promising lunch spots. 

In the afternoon, we decided to continue our walk along the north part of the Transcarioca Trail where we left off last week.  It's an easy walk through open hardwood forest and some abandoned orchards.  There are a few crevices to look out for.  One of them is spanned by this extremely short bridge: 

There are lots of windfall apples around. Evidently, there were once a lot of orchards around here. In many places, the trail is 'carpeted' with apples:

Cape Chin

We had heard about the BTC purchase of a spectacular property on the Bruce Penninsula north of Lion's Head. We knew that it resulted in the BTC moving a section of the trail to the optimum route.  So we headed there on Friday October 22 not deterred by the chilly, wet weather.

We parked in the designated spot and took the Bard side trail to connect with the main trail at the edge of the escarpment, hiking south towards Cape Chin itself, where we found a large home that was used by the previous owners of the property.  It will be a challenge for the BTC to deal with this building. It's beautiful but remote and in need of repairs. There we found a bench that we positioned out of the wind for our lunch break.  A group of golden-crowned kinglets could be easily viewed in the bushes.  

On this hike we encountered some unique vegetation and geology.  

We returned on the Cape Chin Meadows and Pat Daunt side trails covering about 9 kms.  The weather had improved and we still had energy so we took a side trail to Otter Lake, which was recommended to us.  The quality of the viewing platform impressed us.  I wonder who built it? 

This would be a great spot to watch for birds in the spring.  We hope to return soon.

Transcarioca Friendship Trail south section

This section of the Blue Mountains Bruce Trail is twinned with part of a hiking trail in Brazil.  We covered the lower section and included a piece of the June and George Willis side trail for an 8 km hike with Louise on a day that started out fair but turned rainy mid-hike and then cleared up again.  

The pretty route included a little of everything - some crevices, good views, former pastures and a few streams.  It was easy walking with only a few muddy areas and one boardwalk.  We delayed lunch until the rain stopped, finding a convenient log just before a bridge. 

After the hike we toured Dunedin and Glen Huron, stopping at Hamilton Brothers for birdseed and a jacket for Barb.