Ever eager for a new, alternate route challenge, nine hikers unanimously said 'Yes, let's do it' ... even after being told that it would begin by snowshoeing up Mt. Dufour and would involve a hike through the Sheriff Creek trails and then around Horne Lake. So it was that plans for hiking the snowmachine trail north of the Quirke tailings was put on hold again. Climbing up the Family run on Mount Dufour was not easy but all proved up to the task with multiple breaks, except, of course, for Janie, who automatically kicks into high gear when faced with a hill and stops for nothing! With a final good rest at the top, we began our exploration of the trail that would connect us to the ridge overlooking Horne Lake island. Certainly not a trail we do often, it was quite delightful and was, quite literally, all downhill from here! We pushed on, down the back side of the mountain, towards the Sheriff Creek area making tracks through relatively untouched snow! - in April!... Beautiful! The blue trail along the base of the mountain took us to the bridge connecting us with the snowmachine trail which eventually brought us back to our cars. Safe to say this was definitely a Thursday hike! Many were looking forward to a nice long rest at home - or maybe a nap?
Coureurs de Bois Outdoors Club
Located in Elliot Lake, Ontario, the "Jewel in the Wilderness" Please scroll to the bottom of this page for more information.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Panel mine road walk 2025 04 15
The day started out gloomy and dreary. Our collective mood was not improved with the intermittent snow showers on our way to the meeting spot at Scotiabank parking area.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Special hike Sun Apr 13th 2025 04 12
Meet at Scotia bank at Noon... 2-3 hr easy hike along Serpent river rd, view the falls and railway bridge area...Jean Guy will lead this hike
Denison mine rd 2025 04 12
Nine nimble people ( nimbletons?)
Upcoming out of town hike 2025 04 12
I try to give a few weeks notice for any out of town hikes coming up so for those who may be interested, take note ( Thurs May 1st )... If conditions are right, this will be a hike to Mt Victoria with a side trip to check out the serpent river rapids ( not the usual area you may be familiar with) which should have a great flow. Since this is an out of town hike don't plan to be back till approx 330pm. Water/snack proper hiking footwear & extra socks, hiking poles, and light rain gear are all recommended. Though there is no climbing per say there is some scrambling in a few areas, this is not geared to beginner hikers and is similar in nature to a (Cougar Mtn, Mt Belvedere, Bolger lake) type of hike, car pooling is highly recommended as there is limited space to park. Rain date will be Fri May 2nd.
Monday, April 07, 2025
Thursday, April 03, 2025
Tuesday, April 01, 2025
Tues TBA 2025 04 01
What a glorious day! Seven hikers collaborated on a TBA hike plan without knowing what trail conditions to expect ... and it couldn't have worked out any better! We headed out from the snow dump area behind Washington Cres. towards Esten Lake thinking that at least there is a snowmachine trail to take advantage of and snowshoes wouldn't be needed. Conditions were pretty good under beautiful blue skies, although the loud crunching ensured wildlife sightings would be unlikely. We hadn't made it very far when an alternate route presented itself - the Bear Bait Trail! A unanimous group decision to get into the bush sent us in a new direction. Onward and upward! On our way to the infamous erratic, Mark began wandering off trail and seemingly floated over the crusty landscape, inspiring all of us to do the same. What a wonderful feeling - not only were no snowshoes needed, but neither was a trail! Unlimited exploration was now possible and, after consulting his Gaia, Keith gave us a few options to consider. Hector Lake became our new destination and we happily found our way there with Keith's expert guidance. The only tough part of the hike was at the perimeter of the lake where we began to break through the crust. Our theory on that was that not enough freezing rain had made it to the ground to create the needed thick layer on top of the snow. After a particularly creative group photo and a wonderful snack in full sun, we wandered, in scatter formation, back to the beginning of the Bear Bait Trail, totally enthralled with this unique experience. Wish you all could have been there!
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Red Pine trails 2025 03 27
Today's hike was a magical mystery tour through the Red Pine Trail. Music was supplied by pine siskins, chickadees, nuthatches, and Canada geese. They are baaaaack!