What a glorious day to be out in the woods!  An agreeable group of 12 hikers set off on a regular meander along Wolf Run and managed to turn it into quite an interesting adventure.   We took a left turn onto a side trail that allowed us to cross over a berm to follow a good trail running around the far side of the large pond below the berm. When this trail forked, we veered right (and tied on a trail marker),  wanting to keep the pond in sight. 

For the most part, this trail was excellent and our clearing crew moved larger fallen branches out of our way. Our goal was to come around the end of the pond and to close our "loop" back on the main trail (a few hikers had started tracking the hike on GAIA).

Not surprisingly, our clear trail petered out to animal trails and light bushwhacking was required.  Dave found a berm that had been dug out in the middle, but was only a step across and up the other side.  Continuing on, we quickly found the main trail. I am sure there was some relief in our group, although we were not really lost, we were just not where we wanted to be yet.

An interesting hike with very positive, supportive hikers. A bit more of an adventure for a Monday hike than usual, but all's well that ends well. And really pretty through that new section. Thanks to each of the eleven for trail clearing, positive thoughts and their input. Shout out to Dave for his most helpful trail finding.  Lots of teamwork and laughs. Just over 4 kilometers.

PHOTOS

Highway Cleanup 2026 10 17

(From Sirje)

FRIGID overnight temperatures, a VERY COOL morning, nearly 1/2 inch ice on pooled water ... not exactly inviting conditions for a highway cleanup!!  Yet,  seven dedicated volunteers came out to do the job!  

Fingertips may have been a bit chilled, initially, but spirits were high and all commented on the light work.  Seems either the spring cleanup crew did a very thorough job or drivers along Hwy 108 are curbing their litterbug habit... or perhaps they are just shifting the 'discard zone' to another section?  Regardless, only 4 1/4 bags were left as evidence of a job well done and we were back in town by high noon.

Thank you to the Magnificient Seven for answering the call and a job well done!

(From David)

Newly certified Don had equipment/supplies ready by 10 am. Seven of us turned up on a chill Saturday morning to clean our section of Hwy 108; four to the boat launch and three to the airport, 

Our team cleaned the launch park trails and headed north, facing traffic. B team left the airport and headed south to meet us..also facing traffic..

At the halfway point, we traded sides so we would end up back at our rides..

The parkette/launch was remarkably litter fee. In fact the roadside was as well. only about 5 bags on our half.

Two hours saw us done and dusted. Very nice working with people involved in caring for our environment..

No unusual finds this time.. 10 beer cans on our leg.

PHOTOS

Horne Island 2026 10 15

 I led 6 from the bank to the ski hill, to Horne Island, (counter clockwise) with a pit stop at the fire spot. After deep political discussions, we carried on around the island and back to the ATV trail, up the hill to the old civic center lot. No takers for coffee so we eschewed McD and went back to the bank.

Ran into Jean Guy on the way.

Very pleasant day to be out in the woods.. Just under two hours.

Crows, squirrels and little shy birds were around..

Most trees are shedding or have shed.. a few inches of litter on all trails.

Camilla (sweep) and Ana plucked a bag or two of cans and refuse.

Pleasant day out.. cloud but warm..

PHOTOS

Highway Cleanup, Saturday, Oct 17

 Semi Annual Highway cleanup will be held on Saturday, Oct 17.  Meet in the Scotiabank parking lot before 10am

WEDNESDAY, Oct 14th hike

 Ok... apologize for the delay, had a sick dog to cleanup after.

The best day for the hike will be Tomorrow ( wed ) meet up at bank 930am.

Re Thursday Oct 15, 10am hike

We have a mixed bag of weather this week, so I will make the call tomorrow ( Tues ) by 4pm whether my hike will be this Thurs @ 930am or if we will move it up one day to Wed @ 930am

CANCELLED, TUESDAY, OCT 13 hike

 Today's hike is cancelled due to weather

Milliken Mine Bush & Sanctuary Leisure Hike 2026 10 08

David led 7 lively hikers from the 108 end of Milliken Mine Road, across the road, on to the trail that leads to Beaver Mountain.  Not turning off, we proceeded the whole length down to the pond and crossed to the sanctuary.  We only got a smattering of rain drops.  We then crossed the berm out to the bridges for a quick break and confab.  We followed the trail down to the corner to admire the staghorn sumac, which sadly had mostly lost their red leaves.  However a few of us bravely tasted the seed/flower and were astonished at the strong citrus flavour!

Retracing our route, we found the sun dappling the path through the ever sparser leaves.  We made it back in our alloted 2 hours.

Rosemary swept, Astrid led when I visited the "lavatree".  We all enjoyed the pleasant weather, sun and fresh air.  Squirrels were busy packing stores.  We saw a blue heron and a few mallards (see if you can spot them in the photos).  Raven yelled a bit.  Small wren like birds were scurrying about in the undergrowth and a small garter snake was seen at the bridge end of the pond.  A great day for a hike in the North.

PHOTOS

Rainbow Ridge 2026 10 08

 What an adventure!  What a challenge!!

Four wonderful women set out for a nice hike on the Rainbow Trail in glorious sunshine, and it was just that until we started down the loop home after our snack at the furthest lookout point.  One hiker actually had the original, full loop saved on Gaia; sadly, her phone died!  ... and the trail markers seemed to disappear early on the way down. I figured if we continued downhill towards the lake we'd find the trail ...and we did! The snow shovel we found confirmed we were on track (ask me about THAT story) - it was right at the foot of a tree with a white trail marker on it! BUT it was only visible from the downhill side.  The markers appeared sporadically,  interspersed with some very faded flagging tape, as we made our way down, usually found as someone turned back to check on the others, so that became our habit.  

Unfortunately, these trail markers were leading us astray!  Eventually, thanks to my companions frequently checking their phone map and convincing me we were heading away from where we really wanted to go, we decided to backtrack.  Somewhere along our discovered route, we missed a significant marker - hidden by overgrowth perhaps? or hidden on a fallen tree under some branches (actually happened)? 

At a decision point, three options presented themselves :

A - head all the way back up the mountain, possibly to the lookout point and to the trail we came up, hoping to find the missed marker

B - continue along the trail with the white markers making for a longer way around to our end point

C - bushwhack our way along a known compass direction guaranteed to intersect with a known path near our end point

Unanimous decision: option C!

With a few adjustments to go around unsuitable terrain, and a great sense of satisfaction, we made it!  We hit the original return trail!  

Lessons learned?

- always bring a compass with you when hiking in 'back country' and know the basics of using it (or someone that does)

- have a fully charged phone and bring a portable power bank if you will be using your phone for navigation

- extra snacks are never a waste of space or weight

I also strongly recommend that if you are using a map to follow a trail, get familiar with all the information it is making available to you - it can help you solve unexpected problems that can arise.

This adventure was do-able only with the  willingness to participate in a challenge and the steadfastly positive attitudes of the ladies that joined me for this hike.  I have deep gratitude for their trust in my navigation skills.

Despite the long way around, each hiker felt it was a good day!  ... and I didn't really ask for details about why ...

What an adventure!

Highway Cleanup

Our fall highway clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17th.  We will meet at the  parking lot as usual to organize our teams and distribute supplies.