Hidden L 2025 01 16

 Today was as perfect as you could get for a snowshoe hike, weather great lots of snow, everybody laughing, approx 3.25km in a little over 2 hrs... we shall let the pictures tell the story. Thanks to all who were able to make it out and to those who sent in the pics.

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Moose Lodge to Horne L island & back 2025 01 13

 This mild Monday with a brisk South East wind, nine nimble people began a short but challenging hike from the Moose Lodge to Horne Lake Island. A short distance ,but, as Shakespeare said " She be little, but she be fierce!" 

The return trek was 4,5 k.m. The fresh  snow provided a scenic but, sinister cover for patches of glare ice, roots, rocks and missing boards on the boardwalks. 

All in all,  our  nine  nimble ninjas 

 stayed upright as we stealthily climbed up and down and around obstacles... for the most part!

At least 4 of us decided to slide  down in a most dignified fashion, one particularly icy slope. Others navigated a less precipitous path.

Otter,  squirrels,  mice and snowshoe hare tracks were here and there through the bush.

A great way to start the day!

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Helens Trail 2025 01 09

 Today was bright and cold but thankfully no wind, once we got into the bush on Helens trail it was good to go. The path was actually packed down so snowshoes were not needed and though most had crampons on they were only really needed in one section with ice, total hike was around 4.25km and took around 2hrs, made it out to Northspan Lake and back. Thanks to all who were able to come out and support the hike and to those who sent in pics. Thanks to Rowdy Roddy for clearing some blow downs, and Jackie for sweeping

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Club reminder 2025 01 08

 Reminder to all club members, we have a General Mtg on Tues Jan 21st at 7pm at our new location which is the French Club @ 3 Mary Walk. 

There are many important issues to be discussed about how the club moves forward, and we hope you can make the time to attend the mtg.

Mon morn hike 2025 01 06

 Minus 14 C temperatures were not cool enough to daunt 8 Coureurs de Bois hikers.  

T.B.A 

We started from the parking area near the unleashed dog park on Washington Crescent.  A trail along a partially  frozen  creek brought us to the Old Glendon Park ski trail. 

Ice, hard packed snow and frozen bare ground kept us careful as we headed west. Chickadees found us near some home made bird feeders.  Huge green water bottles had been put together to repell squirrels while keeping the birdies fed!

Further along the trail we saw the beaver dam . Behind it was a frozen pond that otters had run and scooted across. 

Snowshoe hare and squirrel tracks crisscrossed among the trees in the Bellingham Bush near the tree stand. We stopped for a brief snack and returned by the same trail. 

4.5 km in total. 

Thanks to Dave A. for sweeping and to Mara K. for being our photographer. 

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Tues Jan 7th hike 2025 01 06

 Spine Road Ski Trail: around 4 km in total. No snowshoes but crampons optional as there's many bare spots with the ground showing. Temperatures of around -13°C or colder expected plus wind chill, so dress accordingly. Bring an extra layer. I'll be wearing a balaclava and goggles and will have a thermos of hot chocolate. 

McCabe Lake snowshoe 2025 01 04

 Eight hardy hikers set out on snow shoes to traverse to McCabe Lake, some for the first time this season.  We all thought it was going to be a cold journey but in actual fact, it was a lovely and sunny hike.

We had a nice little break for a snack before heading UP all those hills.  It is most definitely harder coming out than it was going in!
There was much laughter, tons of animal tracks and I think we sincerely solved some of the world’s problems today.  This leader needed some Ben Gay when she got home.
Thanks to Mara for sweeping twice in a row!

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Red/Yellow Horne L. loop 2025 01 02

A small group of five hikers made their way from the Sherif Creek Wildlife Sanctuary to tackle the Red/ Yellow/ Horne Lake loop.  Trail conditions did not require snowshoes but crampons sure improved our footing on the somewhat icy trails.  From the get-go, it was a very relaxing hike as the group adopted a very civilized pace and did not hesitate to stop and explore our surroundings. The icicles outside the 'cave', the scar twisting up a tree trunk almost from top to bottom, and the dangling tree trunk made for interesting observations.  Conversation, as always, was interesting, intriguing, and some times even enlightening!  Even though the day began with grey skies, the late showing of sunshine made a very delightful hike just perfect!

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Circumnavigation of Little Esten Lake 2024 12 31

 Thanks everyone for your support and input, the hike was A,,OK.

The weather was somewhat sunny with a few clouds and just a touch over freezing when the group of 8 led by Jean Guy started off on their circumnavigation of Little Esten Lake, considering all the warm weather and rain we have had the past week the logging road and trails were not in too bad of shape at all. Spirits were high and the chatter was a buzz, it was a nice hike to end out 2024 and we wish everyone a Happy New Year and all the best for 2025.

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Outside came inside 2024 12 30

 Indoors at Collins Hall

       It was A,,OK.

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