Porridge lake loop 2024 07 29

 An energetic group of three set out on this warm, cloudy morning to hike the Porridge Lake Loop, since we hadn't been on this trail for some time.  It proved to be  a terrific decision as the trail was beautiful and we discovered quite a few interesting things on our hike.

Twisted tree trunks, many that looked like they were flexing muscles. Fallen hemlock and cedar trees with their outer layers running in a spiral around the tree trunk.  We observed the tenacity of trees, growing over rocks and rotting tree stumps, sending their roots around to reach the earth.  Emily identified a number of flowers, and Ginette introduced us to the taste of the sumac flower (lemony) and the fact that it makes a lovely tea.  An unidentified animal bone was examined, and interesting white fungi that might be lobster mushrooms. We didn't, however, spot any turtles  sunning on the logs close to shore, since there wasn't really any sun for them to enjoy.

A wonderful hike, reacquainting us with the amazing nature right at our doorstep. We also did pick up several reminders that humans are careless in the woods, leaving many traces of their passing. Many thanks to Emily and Ginette for a lovely, and educational morning hike.

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Nordsten Woods 2024 07 30

 Well, I'm not going to say don't trust the weather-forecasters I'm just going to say don't always trust the weather-forecasters, because sometimes they are wrong. Seven of us joined up at the bank and then headed over to park at the corner of Esten N and Pearson, from there we walked down Esten and then disappeared into the woods. The skeeters were letting us know they were still around from time to time but it wasn't enough to dissuade us from our 3.2km hike, it was a little humid and thankfully the sun stayed mostly hidden keeping the temps from spiking. Despite the warm weather there were several signs of Fall approaching, a quick break here and a quick sip there and before you knew it we were back at the vehicles saying our farewells. Mr Bear made his appearance on Pearson as we drove back to the bank but he was not too interested in our vehicles as he lumbered back into the bush.

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Tues Morn 2024 07 30

 Looks like this rain might scoot past us so the hike is on!

Tues Mornings hike 2024 07 29

 Tues mornings hike: at present the weather is looking rather rainy, scattered showers overnight maybe an hour or two between 8am-10am with no rain and then rain off and on after that, if the hike is cancelled I will post here and on F.B by 8am.

Algoma/Lake Huron 2024 07 29

 Today’s 10:00 am hike was led by Jean Guy and Jane W. - we parked at Lauzon Lake, crossed the highway very carefully and followed a picturesque road along the north channel.  Eight folks chatted away and we were pleasantly surprised with the cooling breezes off the lake. No bugs and while a warm day it was pretty easy walking - we managed to hike 5.5 km - not too shabby. Great day all around. Thanks Jean Guy for the suggestion.

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Late Aug trip to Old Baldy 2024 07 27

 Good afternoon, this message is to give everyone a heads up that we are planning a club hike to Old Baldy on Wed Aug 28th with a rain date of Thurs Aug 29th. Don has spoken to Laurentian Lodge and they are prepared to provide the boats we will need at the cost of $40 a boat, each boat holds 4 people so the cost per person is $10. The idea is to leave Scotia bank at 9am, drive to Laurentian Lodge load everyone into the boats and then go by water over to the area where we will need to land the boats and then start our hike up Old Baldy. There is an understanding with Laurentian that when we are done our hike and return the boats to the Lodge that we will drop into the Lodge to have something to eat, everyone who goes is responsible for the cost of their own meal, after we eat we travel back to Elliot Lake, Plan to be gone from 9am-5pm. 

Having said all this, we are going to ask folks to please respond to the email that will be going out in the next day or two, the email will have my email address for people to respond to, we would appreciate peoples responses by Tues Aug 6th, this way we can be sure to have the number of boats we need. 

The usual applies, proper footwear, water etc...Old Baldy is an intermediate hike so those wanting to go should be comfortable hiking up steeper than usual trails, think Beaver Mtn, Bolger Mtn, Belvedere Mtn, Cougar Mtn, Mount Victoria, if you are comfortable with those then Old Baldy should be quite doable for you. Since we are travelling by boat from the lodge, everyone will be required to wear a life jacket.

That's all for now, look forward to hearing back from you.  Keith

 The weather turned out perfect today as 6 hikers drove up to the trailhead and then ascended upon Bolger Mtn. It was the first for 3 of our hikers and Bolger Mtn did not disappoint! right from the get go our leg muscles were put into use as we began the long and steady climb up to Bolger lake, it was then that the group turned to the right and saw the real challenge that laid ahead, lol... but the group was more than willing and approx 50min later we reached the top.

 A well deserved rest was taken and the beautiful vistas were enjoyed, then we started to make our way back down and thankfully all made it back to the vehicles in fine shape, a good morning was enjoyed by all....thanks to those who were able to make it out and for sharing your pics.

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Mt Baldy scout+trail marking 2024 07 23

 Todays hiking adventure actually began last year around this time. Sue and Don went by Seadoo to scout out what condition the Mt Baldy trail system was in, they were able to do the first half of the trail but bugs and poor trail markings prevented any further explorations, and so it was back to Mt Baldy today ( 1 yr later ) to attempt to properly mark the trail from start to finish. 

We arrived at the Flack lake boat launch and were on the water by about 9:20am, 1 hour later we had covered the 5km boat ride in Don's canoe and found an area to pull the canoe up and tie it off. This part of the trail was marked fairly well and despite a few blowdowns and a creek crossing we were soon making our way up to the summit. This trail is definitely an intermediate trail with a few harder areas here and there, there is a lot of vertical hiking in the first km. Once at the top you are rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains valleys and lakes. On our way back down the trail was hit and miss and we needed to rely on the Gaia gpx track to work our way down, many of the trail markers were missing or on downed trees so we marked the trails with tape and made it back down to the main trail. It started to rain pretty good on our canoe ride back but the lake was calm and we made it back to the boat launch without any troubles. We are hoping to make it back to Mt Baldy for a group hike before the end of Aug so keep an eye out for info on that, if that sounds like something you would be interested in checking out.

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To be Ascended 2024 07 23

 It was marked as a TBA Hike on the Club Calendar.  And it was a TBA hike : 

To Be Ascended!!!!! 

The Jackrabbit Trails called to us today under foreboding clouds!

Six of us ascended the Firetower Rd hill to the bench for a brief rest!! Then we took the Green entrance to the Jackrabbit Trails, past several Red Trail markers that were marked only for experts. 

We continued on the Blue Trail which  ascended and descended sharply on Double Black expert trails  until we got to the picnic table at the erratic. 

 A brief break for refreshments and we continued towards the  Fuddle Duddle Trail veering right on Blue Trail extension back to the Firetower Rd and the cars.

Our distance was 4 km! A good time. Not too many bugs. Lots of different colored mushrooms  sprouted along the trail.

Rain held off during our hike.

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The best laid plans... 2024 07 22

 Four hikers went out into the woods today with the intention of hiking to Camp Thompson following an ATV trail off Hwy 108 at Stanrock Road.  Well, the best laid plans sometimes get sidetracked by Mother Nature and muddy tire ruts.

We started out in great form, chatting, enjoying the beautiful day, and staying mindful of the loose rocks on the trail. We made the right turn toward Camp Thompson but were soon stymied by very large puddles across the trail with no clear way around.  This happy group had no problem turning around and retracing our steps back to the main trail, to try an alternate route.  Unfortunately, the alternate route was also under water close to the lake with no clear path around.  Again, this agreeable group turned back, retracing our steps to the main ATV trail.

We continued along the main trail, and all the way to South Bay Road, where we stopped briefly before going back to our cars. In spite of the double whammy with the flooded sections of the trail, and not getting to Camp Thompson, we enjoyed a very pleasant hike, on a beautiful day with amazing company.  

P.S. The hike leader compared this hike with a previous hike recorded on GAIA, and realized that veering left before we reached the first water hazard would have gotten us back on the trail to Camp Thompson.  Sincere apologies to our group, and many thanks for being so easygoing and agreeable.

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"Le tour des trois lacs" 2024 07 20

 Our hike started at Washington Snow Dump under very  dark gray skies. The rain held off until our return . During our time on the trail sunny patches lit our way, at times. 

Our path took us from Washington Snow Dump through the Woodpecker Trail System to the shore of Angel Lake. After admiring  the calmness of the water we took the Halo Trail around to the portage between Angel Lake and Crystal Lake. Along this  shoreline we saw how clear the bush was under the thick canopy of cedar and hemlock trees.

At different points we could stop and see the huge smooth rock at the end of Crystal Lake. We also saw  some pitcher plants growing on logs on the shoreline.

Our snackbreak was  at a campsite on an access point for skidoos to the lake.  

We returned by way of the Frame / Esten ATV trail back through the Woodpecker Trail  and our cars.

Many thanks to the eleven energetic hikers, and to those who were able to share their photos. 

Distance was about 5.7 km.

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Sat July 20th hike 2024 07 20

  Today's hike will happen.  Rain not expected till early afternoon.

See you there.

Saturday July 20 Hike

 July 20th Hike will be "Le tour des trois lacs".

We will see Angel, Crystal and Slipper Lakes. Depending on the weather, we might even hike to Esten Lake! 

Weather report calls for 40% chance of rain on Saturday. Read the blog at 8 am to see if the hike is "a go" or "no go". 

Thanks

Emily

Boom Camp Trails 2024-07-180

Four like minded folks drove to Boom Camp and hiked for 4.3 kms - gorgeous hiking weather, although mosquitoes were still bothersome!  Lake Huron was beautiful - trail is in awesome condition although muddy in spots!  Not too many wildflowers- perhaps too shady.  We heard lots of birds - blueberry bushes were bare - bears or humans?  A good day out in the bush - stopped at A&W on the way home for a well deserved Hamburg - fun day.  

PHOTOS

Thursday 10am hike

 Tomorrow's 10am hike will take place at the Boom Camp Trails in Blind River.  If we could meet at 9:15 and be on the road by 9:30 that would put us at the trailhead by 10:15.  Water and bug spray please! On the way back we can always stop for a bite at the A&W. Hope to see you tomorrow - Jane.

Semiwite Lake Trail 2024-07-16

 PHOTOS

Hwy 108 to Nordic Lake 2024 07 15

 Today's hike was a TBA and only two hikers showed up.  So Dianne brought Louise to one of her favorite trails off Hwy 108 to Nordic Lake.  Beautiful 4 wheeler trail.   Lots of treasures seen along the way.  And the mosquitoes weren't too bad.

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Summers Lake 2024 07 13

 Rodd led a band of 6 misfits out to Summers Lake ( 11.5km rnd trip )  and in the name of "science" jumped into Summers Lake to see how long it would take for his clothes to dry...and dry they did. Had a nice snack on the shores of the lake, met some ATV'rs from Arizona and made our way back to the vehicles. Was definitely warmer and more humid than usual but the tree canopy kept the sun off for most of the trip, bugs were bad in a few places and non-existent in others. A nice morning spent with good folks. And just a kind reminder that with the temps increasing make sure to bring sufficient water.

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Hogweed 2024 07 12

 IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE

Please be aware, there have been a few instances of Giant Hogweed being found in Elliot Lake this summer.

If you encounter this plant DO NOT TOUCH IT. Contact with this plant can cause severe health issues and pain.

Please contact the Public Works office at 705-915-0357 so that it can be disposed of properly.

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Mt Belvedere 2024 07 11

Our small nimble group of 3, made our way from the trailhead & carefully threaded over the decrepit boardwalk and along the shore of Cobre lake. We then turned northward and began the long ascent of Mt Belvedere, once we reached tree-line we began the long rock scramble to the summit, along the way we stopped at the different outlooks for pics and water breaks and to appreciate the beautiful vistas which laid before our eyes. Once at the top we took several more pics and hunkered down to enjoy the view and quench our thirst while we had a leisurely snack. The sun was hot but a cool breeze finally found us and made the hike enjoyable, bugs were here and there but by no means bad. The trail needed a bit of clearing so that was done and a few bits of trash were removed as well, thanks to those who came out and for the pics you shared, look closely for the candy cane tree... Hike was approx 3.2 km's

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Woodpecker to Crystal to Slipper lake 2024 07 09

  Thanks to those who shared their pics.

I led 8 on one of my favourite trails today. From the snow dump, up the woodpecker to Esten trail behind Frame to Crystal lake. Short break and on up to the Slipper look out for lunch.

We voted on making the loop and headed for Pim's camp on Slipper. Lots of blow downs en-route and it will need a serious clean up.

Pim has cleaned his site and it is pristine as usual.

We attacked the hill on the way out, dragging limbs and branches out of the way.

Finished the loop to the camp and back to the trail down to the lowlands, water, horsetail and mud. We managed it as usual.

Back for a water break on the shores of Slipper and so on to the atv trail to All nations and back to the cars.

4.7 kms, all on hills it seem. 3 hours and several dead mossies and deerfly..

loads of chicory, vetch, buttercups, tansy, indian pipes, daisy, healall, wild cucumber, ortrich ferns, the one with the red berrys on the underside of the leaf.. (Missed your brain Em ) lots of varieties of mushroom have come out..

red squirrel, odd piping bird, heard one woodpecker..

nice day, overcast and humid but not HOT. great bunch

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Banana lake 2024 07 08

 In spite of forecasted rain, 7 hikers made our way to Banana Lake along Liz's Trail.  The rain over the last few days certainly brightened up the foliage and made for beautiful colours along our path.  And slippery conditions underfoot.  But our group safely made our way around several large puddles and over a small creek without mishap (only one adrenaline moment on slippery rock).

Moose tracks in the mud, slugs enjoying a bite to eat and picking edible mushrooms made the hike interesting. The forecasted rain caught us finishing our snack break at Liz's Bench overlooking Banana Lake, and, although it did not last very long, we were wet before rain gear was put on.  The clouds cleared and the sun helped dry us  on our return leg of the hike. About 5 km on a beautiful trail, during a pleasant morning with interesting company.

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Ticks 2024 07 08

 Ticks are an annoyance for sure, thankfully we do not have a ton of them like many other places do and the ticks we have generally tend to be the brown legged American dog ticks which do not transmit Lymes disease, having said that you still do not want the little bloodsuckers on you, here are the proper ways to remove them.

How to remove ticks

Continuing on with our tick series we ask ourselves what's the best repellant we can use to try and keep ticks off us? well, in the U.S the best tick repellant is Permethrin and its available in sprays and liquids but in Canada Permethrin is not permitted as a liquid or spray for treating clothes, although you can buy clothes that have been treated with Permethrin. So, what can we use? here's a short vid showing the effectiveness of 3 repellants all of which are available in Canada and do not contain Permethrin...

Tick repellants

2024 07 06

 Cinder lake area

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PADDLING

 Is there any interest in a day out paddling on July 12. The plan would be to paddle Depot lake from the boat launch to where the lake turns south. The distance is about 8km return. I would like to get on the water no later than 9:00am. this paddle is open to anyone, friends relatives, its all good.

please respond to     heber.davis@gmail.com

2024 07 04

Twelve folks strolled around Sherriff Lake this morning under blue skies!  Absolutely gorgeous day for a hike with gentle breezes keeping us cool and bugs to a minimum.  Nice to have Jim B. back with us.  Lots of chatter and laughs along the way - almost 4 kms flew by.  Eleven for coffee after at McDs for more laughs- good hike, awesome trail and great company.  

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Jack Rabbit & Firetower trails 2024 07 04

 8 feisty wood runners gathered bright and early at the Scotia bank for 9am. We then made our way over to the base of Firetower rd where we began the ascent of the Jack Rabbit & Firetower trails. Last nights rain left the lower trails a little wet and slick but as we climbed in elevation the trail dried out some more and the bugs "almost" disappeared. A quick lunch up at the Lookout tower ( where we could actually see Mt Victoria ) and then it was back down the trail, a total of 6.75km in 2hrs 46min. As per usual, good conversations and laughs added to the mornings adventure, thanks to all who came out to support the hike, and for sharing your photos.

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Spragge 2024 07 02

 A little Spragge action today for the 9am group of 6, saw a little bit of everything and ate a few blueberries to boot... 4.7km

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Scavenger Hunt 2024 07 01

 Today,  65 children took part in the CdeB Scavenger Hunt.   Every child who returned with all the found items were given a prize thanks to a generous donation from Mr. A. Bashir.  Unfortunately, once we were set up, there was no opportunity to take pictures of the big smiles we saw on the children's faces.

A big thank you to Nikki, Renée, Emily, Elizabeth & Dave A for volunteering your time to this event.  We all had so much fun!

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High Rock 2024 07 01

 A quick hike up to High rock for the 9am hike, remember to check for ticks if you have been through grassy areas

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