Paul Torrance trail... 7 hikers 4.4km 2hr 10min
Cool morning temperatures, but with the sun shining and a nice breeze to keep the biting insects at bay (hopefully), our group of 7 set off to hike the Paul Torrance Trail. Mother Nature has been busy since any of us had been through that trail. Ostrich ferns nearing a metre in height, along with a variety of other ferns and greenery made finding and moving along the trail challenging. Lots of bunch berries and quite a few Lady slippers were spotted along the trail, along with Labrador Tea and a good variety of other plants and flowers. Interesting red-veined maple leaves caught the attention of one of our group.
Many very large moose tracks marked the softer sections of the trail along with deer and small bear tracks. We caused some worry to a spruce grouse hen who scuttled back and forth across the trail ahead of us, making odd, mewling sounds. Perhaps she was protecting her brood.
The moss, tree roots and some well placed grassy hummocks helped us make our way through several wet spots, and around a large puddle of standing water.
On our snack break, one of our inquisitive hikers turned over a couple of rocks and a busy nest of red ants, one of black ants, and a small black snake with a yellowish band by its head were revealed. The rocks were put back into position, and the coiled up snake did not seem to react to our disturbance at all. So much of life right beneath our feet!
Conversation was difficult, but not impossible, as we had to be very mindful of where we put our feet. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful trail and great company.
