Cup & Saucer, Thursday, Oct 1st

It's looking like a 50/50 chance of rain or no rain depending on how you want to see it for this Thurs hike to the Cup & Saucer on Manitoulin Island, I've adjusted the time from 930am-6pm. It had earlier been 430pm and I don't think that would have given enough time.

Keith

Jack Rabbit Trails 2026 09 27

Another spectacular day  amid the blue sky,  and red, orange, yellow leaves of early autumn. Five of us could not resist spending the last Saturday of September on the Jackrabbit Trails. 

Trails were in good shape. A few branches across the trail were easily pushed aside. 

The thick leafy canopy prevents too much undergrowth and allows a generally clear view through most of this trail . As we turned down onto the Green part of the trail we encountered a thick wall of balsam and  spruce trees on either side of us. There were occasional tall oak trees among them, as well.

Squirrels high in the oak trees were busy chewing off acorns which made loud noises as they bounced off trees unto the leafy duff. These sounded pretty suspicious.  Somewhat like deer, bear, or ......sasquach tracking us through the bush!!!

A bit of relief and a giggle when we figured it out!!

Lunch was on the bench on the Firetower Rd.  As we rested , about 12 side by side ATV's drove past us on their way up to the Lookout. Smiles, waves and a quick "Are you guys OK?" and they continued on their way.

We took lots of "Calendar  Quality Photos" as we walked down the hill to our cars.  

Our distance was 3.80 km.  Thanks to Rosemary for being Sweep.

PHOTOS

2026 09 21 - Red Pine Trails

 It was a stunning last day of summer. And a stunning group of thirteen hikers carpooled to the Red Pine Trails.  Four "New-to- Elliot Lakers" were in our group , as well.

We successfully practiced our safe road crossing of Denison Mine Rd!! As we hiked  we found quite an array of mushrooms and moss. Late summer and early autumn were in fine form. 

Red Pine trails were soft and inviting for exploration. The deciduous trees along part of the trail also were almost  thick enough to block the sun! 

Our short visits to the two sets of rapids at the Serpent River showed us how low the river level is despite the recent rains.

Our usual lunch spot was inaccessible due to sapling trees lining the waterway.  We returned to the boulders at the birdfeeders for our lunch/rest break.

Three judges decided that the photos of some mushrooms taken by a new and a veteran hiker were prize worthy!!  Congratulations to Sharon and Bev!

Thanks to our Sweep, Sue. 

Camp Thompson 2026 09 14

 Beautiful sunny morning for a hike in the woods. Leaves are starting to turn to their autumn colours, as well as mushrooms showing off their own stunning colours.  So pleasant after so many overcast and rainy days. (riddle: why is the morel always invited to get togethers? answer at the end)

The few wet or muddy spots were easily navigated and only one bit of scat to be avoided.  We saw two trees making the letter 'K' but no wildlife. A brief sit-down at Camp Thompson to snack, absorb some rays and appreciate the lake and then back to our vehicles.

Well worth the effort to get outside in our amazing forests with a cheery group of CdeB hikers.

(answer: because he was a fun-gi )

Photos

Porridge Lake 2026 12 09

 Beautiful early day for a hike around Porridge Lake. Four patient hikers waited long enough for their hike leader to catch up to them on the way to the trailhead! . She just lost track of time  while attending to a stubborn coffee machine. 

Anyway, the trail around Porridge Lake was well marked . We met other hikers, as well.  A little exploration hike is planned for later on a trail near the MTO grounds. It looks worth checking out!

Leaves  turning colour, mushrooms of different colours  popping up,  and a chilly breeze all signal the approach of autumn.

The Porridge Lake Trail has  benches and even a plastic patio lounger placed at strategic locations along the way to allow hikers to savour the view. 

Many thanks to Karen for being our Sweep. Thanks to Dianne, Bev, and Theresa for an excellent choice for a hike!!

4.5 km and $0.60 in empty beer cans!!

Photos

Stone Ridge VTA 2026 09 08

 Revisiting old trails at the VTA,

Stoneridge area

Photos

Sherriff Lake 2026 09 07

 5 of us came out for a beautiful leisure hike.

Photos

Quirke Paddle 2026 09 02

 PHOTO from Tim's Quirke Lake paddle outing.

Mink Lake 2026 09 03

What an absolutely gorgeous late summer or early fall day. Five of us could not resist the coolish weather, bright sunshine and the serene calm of the nearby lake. Nothing else we could do but hit the trail!! Bob Stirling Lower trail was our chosen path.

Mushrooms of different colours, shapes and sizes are emerging here and there along the trail. The leaves are still their summer colour but, here and there a tree is sporting some fall splendor.

Our search for Mink Lake was successful. Another clean campsite with an A-frame tent, a well built stone fireplace with a pathway to Mink Lake provided a comfortable, shady lunch spot .

We were recharged and ready for a steep hill climb and a descent on Loop 2 to the Lower Bob Stirling Trail back to the parking lot at Spruce Beach.

Eight and a half km.

Thanks to Julia for being our Sweep.

Photos

Monday August 31, 2026

 Today’s hike is cancelled due to the poor weather conditions (heavy fog and rain).