The weather turned out perfect today as 6 hikers drove up to the trailhead and then ascended upon Bolger Mtn. It was the first for 3 of our hikers and Bolger Mtn did not disappoint! right from the get go our leg muscles were put into use as we began the long and steady climb up to Bolger lake, it was then that the group turned to the right and saw the real challenge that laid ahead, lol... but the group was more than willing and approx 50min later we reached the top.

 A well deserved rest was taken and the beautiful vistas were enjoyed, then we started to make our way back down and thankfully all made it back to the vehicles in fine shape, a good morning was enjoyed by all....thanks to those who were able to make it out and for sharing your pics.

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Mt Baldy scout+trail marking 2024 07 23

 Todays hiking adventure actually began last year around this time. Sue and Don went by Seadoo to scout out what condition the Mt Baldy trail system was in, they were able to do the first half of the trail but bugs and poor trail markings prevented any further explorations, and so it was back to Mt Baldy today ( 1 yr later ) to attempt to properly mark the trail from start to finish. 

We arrived at the Flack lake boat launch and were on the water by about 9:20am, 1 hour later we had covered the 5km boat ride in Don's canoe and found an area to pull the canoe up and tie it off. This part of the trail was marked fairly well and despite a few blowdowns and a creek crossing we were soon making our way up to the summit. This trail is definitely an intermediate trail with a few harder areas here and there, there is a lot of vertical hiking in the first km. Once at the top you are rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains valleys and lakes. On our way back down the trail was hit and miss and we needed to rely on the Gaia gpx track to work our way down, many of the trail markers were missing or on downed trees so we marked the trails with tape and made it back down to the main trail. It started to rain pretty good on our canoe ride back but the lake was calm and we made it back to the boat launch without any troubles. We are hoping to make it back to Mt Baldy for a group hike before the end of Aug so keep an eye out for info on that, if that sounds like something you would be interested in checking out.

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To be Ascended 2024 07 23

 It was marked as a TBA Hike on the Club Calendar.  And it was a TBA hike : 

To Be Ascended!!!!! 

The Jackrabbit Trails called to us today under foreboding clouds!

Six of us ascended the Firetower Rd hill to the bench for a brief rest!! Then we took the Green entrance to the Jackrabbit Trails, past several Red Trail markers that were marked only for experts. 

We continued on the Blue Trail which  ascended and descended sharply on Double Black expert trails  until we got to the picnic table at the erratic. 

 A brief break for refreshments and we continued towards the  Fuddle Duddle Trail veering right on Blue Trail extension back to the Firetower Rd and the cars.

Our distance was 4 km! A good time. Not too many bugs. Lots of different colored mushrooms  sprouted along the trail.

Rain held off during our hike.

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The best laid plans... 2024 07 22

 Four hikers went out into the woods today with the intention of hiking to Camp Thompson following an ATV trail off Hwy 108 at Stanrock Road.  Well, the best laid plans sometimes get sidetracked by Mother Nature and muddy tire ruts.

We started out in great form, chatting, enjoying the beautiful day, and staying mindful of the loose rocks on the trail. We made the right turn toward Camp Thompson but were soon stymied by very large puddles across the trail with no clear way around.  This happy group had no problem turning around and retracing our steps back to the main trail, to try an alternate route.  Unfortunately, the alternate route was also under water close to the lake with no clear path around.  Again, this agreeable group turned back, retracing our steps to the main ATV trail.

We continued along the main trail, and all the way to South Bay Road, where we stopped briefly before going back to our cars. In spite of the double whammy with the flooded sections of the trail, and not getting to Camp Thompson, we enjoyed a very pleasant hike, on a beautiful day with amazing company.  

P.S. The hike leader compared this hike with a previous hike recorded on GAIA, and realized that veering left before we reached the first water hazard would have gotten us back on the trail to Camp Thompson.  Sincere apologies to our group, and many thanks for being so easygoing and agreeable.

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"Le tour des trois lacs" 2024 07 20

 Our hike started at Washington Snow Dump under very  dark gray skies. The rain held off until our return . During our time on the trail sunny patches lit our way, at times. 

Our path took us from Washington Snow Dump through the Woodpecker Trail System to the shore of Angel Lake. After admiring  the calmness of the water we took the Halo Trail around to the portage between Angel Lake and Crystal Lake. Along this  shoreline we saw how clear the bush was under the thick canopy of cedar and hemlock trees.

At different points we could stop and see the huge smooth rock at the end of Crystal Lake. We also saw  some pitcher plants growing on logs on the shoreline.

Our snackbreak was  at a campsite on an access point for skidoos to the lake.  

We returned by way of the Frame / Esten ATV trail back through the Woodpecker Trail  and our cars.

Many thanks to the eleven energetic hikers, and to those who were able to share their photos. 

Distance was about 5.7 km.

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Sat July 20th hike 2024 07 20

  Today's hike will happen.  Rain not expected till early afternoon.

See you there.

Saturday July 20 Hike

 July 20th Hike will be "Le tour des trois lacs".

We will see Angel, Crystal and Slipper Lakes. Depending on the weather, we might even hike to Esten Lake! 

Weather report calls for 40% chance of rain on Saturday. Read the blog at 8 am to see if the hike is "a go" or "no go". 

Thanks

Emily

Boom Camp Trails 2024-07-180

Four like minded folks drove to Boom Camp and hiked for 4.3 kms - gorgeous hiking weather, although mosquitoes were still bothersome!  Lake Huron was beautiful - trail is in awesome condition although muddy in spots!  Not too many wildflowers- perhaps too shady.  We heard lots of birds - blueberry bushes were bare - bears or humans?  A good day out in the bush - stopped at A&W on the way home for a well deserved Hamburg - fun day.  

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Thursday 10am hike

 Tomorrow's 10am hike will take place at the Boom Camp Trails in Blind River.  If we could meet at 9:15 and be on the road by 9:30 that would put us at the trailhead by 10:15.  Water and bug spray please! On the way back we can always stop for a bite at the A&W. Hope to see you tomorrow - Jane.

Semiwite Lake Trail 2024-07-16

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