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. 

Another terrific day in paradise!!

Eight of us left the Miners' Monument and headed to the hill overlooking Horne Lake. All along the trail we found calendar worthy , nay,  Canadian Geographic worthy photo opportunities. So great to meet other people visiting our area and enjoying the trail. This shows how fortunate we are and how important it is to look after the trails. This means bringing out empty Tim's, McDonald's, and A&W cups to the nearest garbage can instead of flinging them into the bush along the trail!!

The rocks at the Horne Lake Lookout are not as stable near the cliff edge  as they were last year.  Hydro used heavy machinery to install Hydro poles there. So, be careful, folks!!

Great weather , great group, great conversation....all we can ask from a hike!!

4.65 km . Many thanks to Jackie for being our Sweep.... or Border Collie as she explains it!

PHOTOS

 Under sunny skies, three eager hikers arrived for a TBA and agreed on Wolf run as a great destination on such a beautiful day.  The calm experienced as we entered the trail confirmed our decision.  The dam loop was presented as an option and eagerly accepted even knowing a possible challenge would present itself - the loop had not been done in a while.  A dramatic drop in water levels was noted at the first damn and at the far end of the lake where a difference of at least 1m could be seen from one side to the other of a second damn.  As expected, trail markers were absent but memory was serving us well.  The water levels were so low, we were drawn in to crossing a lower damn a little further along which did bring us to a great lunch spot but proved to be slightly off a previously set trail.  No worries! ... checking in with Gaia, we were not far off!  So bushwhacking and frequent compass checks kept us on a parallel route back to Wolf Run - and we were within about 50 m of the original trail!!  The return along such a serene path was a perfect ending to a our mini-adventure!  PHOTOS

Thursday 1PM Leisure Hike CANCELLED

 After checking the updated radar and forecast, I am cancelling this afternoon's 1pm hike.  See you all next week!

From Keith - First Annual BYOB & S

Mara and I will be camping up at Mississagi PP next week. We'd like to invite members of the club ( and their significant other or a friend ) up to site #1 for the first annual BYOB & S..... We will have homemade Turkey soup to share with those who wish to attend. All you need is your own bowl and spoon. If you feel like sharing something else with others you can bring that along as well. Temps will be cool so dress appropriately and bring a chair, if you feel like hiking bring your boots too. The date/time is TUESDAY OCT 6th 11AM...

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.