HOSPITAL NEEDS HELP

Hello hikers... we got this request from Norah

Anyone who has flat cotton sheets that we can make isolation gowns for the hospital please let me know and I can pick them up.Call me at 7056908402

Thks Norah

VTA OFFICIAL NOTICE 2020 03 26

' As COVID-19 continues to quickly evolve, the Voyageur Trail Association (VTA) is taking steps to ensure public safety and the well-being of our members and trail users. As such, the VTA has temporarily suspended all Association led and coordinated group hikes and activities, including trail maintenance. Members are advised that sections of the trail are remote, and in need of maintenance following winter trail use and winter environmental conditions. Due to COVID-19, our regular seasonal maintenance is not possible at this time.  

If you plan on using the Voyageur trail, you do so at your own risk, acknowledging the lack of recent trail maintenance, that sections of the trail are defined as single-track trails, and that parking lots, trail heads and trail features may be high traffic areas which pose risks to public safety and human health and that gatherings at such places are in contravention to Health Canada's advisory against public gatherings and the need for social and physical distancing. Furthermore, you acknowledge that sites like hand rails, bathrooms and other high contact surfaces along the Voyageur Trail are not currently being maintained nor are they being sanitized. If you choose to use the trail, at your own risk, please respect that Ontario Parks and Parks Canada sites, amenities, and trails have been closed to the public until April 30, 2020 and follow the advice from public health agencies regarding social and physical distancing, as per the link below: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html?topic=tilelink  

 

This is forwarded by Pres David. Who also notes All Nations Road is fine for walking today 

VTA NOTICE

We got the following from the VTA.

'The VTA has temporarily suspended group hikes, activities and maintanance, if you plan on using trails please follow the advice that we are getting from public health agencies regarding social and physical distancing. 

 sent to member groups today 25th March

cheers

UPDATE ON BUS TRIP MONEY

We have set up a system ( keeping distance ) to return everyone’s money which was paid for the bus trip.   Bill and or Bonnie will drop your money off outside your house.  This will happen over the next few days and you will be notified by email or phone as to the approximate time the drop will be made.  There will be NO contact.

Hope this works

Bill

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Hello everyone, As President, I feel we should cancel our hikes and meetings for the foreseeable future.... you all know why...   when the experts give the go ahead for public gatherings again, we will pick up again.... Astrid has offered to use emails, to her, to fill in the hike leaders for the next month or so... I do plan to go out on my own or with a very few others to keep in hiking trim but as McD's is closed I don't see the point....

this is an ad hoc idea and I have no real authority to cancel but I think it is for the best... I can be over ruled...

cheers 

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD JAN 21

Coureurs de Bois

Minutes of January 21st/2020 Meeting

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by David N.

Previous minutes of November 19/2019 were approved by Phill B, and second by Pam.  Carried.

Financial Report was appoved by CJ. And second by Astrid. Carried.

Presidents' Report

Christmas cookout on Horne Island was another great event, and thanks to all who worked to prepare

the site, purchase food etc.  We appreciate your hard work.

Report on the Christmas Party at the Moose Lodge.  It was a fun event with good attendance.  The Lodge has been booked again for 2020.  Thanks to Sheila H., and all that help to organize.

Trail Masters Report- we are trying to get another Chainsaw course organized for those who have not yet taken it.

The city has new forms for taking out equipment if we wish to use it. 

We are still trying to clarify the citys' position with respect to our clearing of city trails with respect to the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).  Ongoing with the city.  

New measures for trail clearing are coming from the VTA.  They are trying to change the trail rating system to match that of the parks.

We would like to ask the ATV and Snowmobile Club for maps of their trails.

New Business-

A discussion to change the name of the Sears Parking Lot was made, as it no longer is there.

Winterfest is scheduled for February 29th/2020.  Forms are available for volunteers to sign.

Next highway clean-up TBA.

Meeting adjourned @ 8 pm.

Next meeting on March 24th @ 7pm at the Clubhouse.

Hike Leaders Meeting scheduled for March 31st @ 2pm at the Clubhouse.

Minutes recorder by Marty T., and prepared by Jackie Schuknecht

DAY TRIP CANCELLATION

The bus trip scheduled for April 20 unfortunately has to be cancelled in light of the provincial restrictions of late.   Bonnie DeBortoli will return any prepaid money over the next little while.  She will get to you so please give her a little time to get that big job done.

Bloggers comment ... thanks so much Bonnie for your efforts in these tough times.

TRAIL CLEARING CANCELLATION

The trail masters have asked that we postpone the trail clearing for Thursday this week.  This is in light of the Covid19 spread and the suggestion that group activities cease for now.

On the calendar that date will return to a TBA

Thanks everyone ... difficult times for sure.

CANCELLATION

Unfortunately, our hike this morning is cancelled due to the now-hidden, slippery conditions. A road walk was planned and checked out yesterday. While there were many icy places, there was an almost continuous path that could be chosen that offered reasonable footing. However, the overnight light snowfall has hidden the safe footing making this quite dangerous. I apologize for this cancellation but don’t want to see anyone fall and be injured. For those reasons, our hike this morning is cancelled.

STEVE 

BOBS TRAIL 2020 03 16

Sue led the group of 11 from the arena to the ski hill and beyond on the snowmobile route.  It started out windy and quite cold but settled down nicely and ended far more pleasant.  It was great conditions for a Monday hike as it was easy walking and not too far.  We paused for a bit to watch the down hill skiers and then the ice fishermen on Horne lake.  Most choose not to go to McDonalds in light of the Covid19 business but there was lots of chatter and laughter during the walk.

Commentary by Bill and pics by Ginette, Louise and Bill

PHOTOS