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. 

Camp Thompson 2026 09 14

 Beautiful sunny morning for a hike in the woods. Leaves are starting to turn to their autumn colours, as well as mushrooms showing off their own stunning colours.  So pleasant after so many overcast and rainy days. (riddle: why is the morel always invited to get togethers? answer at the end)

The few wet or muddy spots were easily navigated and only one bit of scat to be avoided.  We saw two trees making the letter 'K' but no wildlife. A brief sit-down at Camp Thompson to snack, absorb some rays and appreciate the lake and then back to our vehicles.

Well worth the effort to get outside in our amazing forests with a cheery group of CdeB hikers.

(answer: because he was a fun-gi )

Photos

Porridge Lake 2026 12 09

 Beautiful early day for a hike around Porridge Lake. Four patient hikers waited long enough for their hike leader to catch up to them on the way to the trailhead! . She just lost track of time  while attending to a stubborn coffee machine. 

Anyway, the trail around Porridge Lake was well marked . We met other hikers, as well.  A little exploration hike is planned for later on a trail near the MTO grounds. It looks worth checking out!

Leaves  turning colour, mushrooms of different colours  popping up,  and a chilly breeze all signal the approach of autumn.

The Porridge Lake Trail has  benches and even a plastic patio lounger placed at strategic locations along the way to allow hikers to savour the view. 

Many thanks to Karen for being our Sweep. Thanks to Dianne, Bev, and Theresa for an excellent choice for a hike!!

4.5 km and $0.60 in empty beer cans!!

Photos

Stone Ridge VTA 2026 09 08

 Revisiting old trails at the VTA,

Stoneridge area

Photos

Sherriff Lake 2026 09 07

 5 of us came out for a beautiful leisure hike.

Photos

Quirke Paddle 2026 09 02

 PHOTO from Tim's Quirke Lake paddle outing.

Mink Lake 2026 09 03

What an absolutely gorgeous late summer or early fall day. Five of us could not resist the coolish weather, bright sunshine and the serene calm of the nearby lake. Nothing else we could do but hit the trail!! Bob Stirling Lower trail was our chosen path.

Mushrooms of different colours, shapes and sizes are emerging here and there along the trail. The leaves are still their summer colour but, here and there a tree is sporting some fall splendor.

Our search for Mink Lake was successful. Another clean campsite with an A-frame tent, a well built stone fireplace with a pathway to Mink Lake provided a comfortable, shady lunch spot .

We were recharged and ready for a steep hill climb and a descent on Loop 2 to the Lower Bob Stirling Trail back to the parking lot at Spruce Beach.

Eight and a half km.

Thanks to Julia for being our Sweep.

Photos

Monday August 31, 2026

 Today’s hike is cancelled due to the poor weather conditions (heavy fog and rain).

Tim Kayak/ Canoe Outing and Treasure Hunt Wednesday, Sept 02, 2026

Tim will be going for another kayaking jaunt on Quirk Lake Wednesday 2 September at 10 am. Meet at the boat launch approx. 9 km along Stanrock Road, launch is on the north side, parking on the south side. Duration approx. 2-3 hours.  A nice outing to see the remarkable Rooster Rock and a landing area a little further north where Tim hopes to find his sunglasses.

Saturday hike

 Saturdays' hike to Helens Trail will be a hike and clear.

Tuesday Hike 2026 08 25

 Beautiful sunny morning  beckoned to 3 nature nuts to come out and play.

We started at the corner of Pearson Dr and Esten Dr. N.

ELATV #1 brought us along  a well worn trail through swampy areas and hilly mixed forest. 

We spent time guessing the names of different late summer flowers. We were quite pleased on a few occasions when our plantnet app proved us right! 

Our Merlin app helped us identify a Redstart and a Red -eyed Vireo by their calls.  

There was evidence of the species Nitwitus Airhead.  Beer and pop cans along with coffee cups and other garbage were visible . We picked another $1.00 of beer cans and donations for the recycle bin.

As we returned to the trailhead  two men in a truck were amazed and disgusted  that we had filled the garbage bag along the ATV trail. 

Maybe they will spread the word about not messing up the trails!!

Jackie was our Sweep and kept all 3 of us together!

6 km.

Photos

Old Baldy 2026 08 21

 Six intrepid hikers eagerly boarded the boats and motored on Flack Lake to the trailhead of Old Baldy mountain.

Some thoughtful person had laid some logs on the rocks which made exiting the watercraft so much easier.
We secured the boats and up we went…..
We headed up the trail while doing some light clearing without any insects to mar the day. 
The leader started thinking as we hiked along that somebody had made the trek steeper since last she hiked it.
The heat and humidity took a toll but we rested and climbed some more.
The summit was reached in an hour and the views were well worth the climb. The wind was blowing 15 mph and
that made the climb doable as it helped cool everyone down.
Going down the leader and the sweep changed places and I want to thank Eva for leading us back to the boats and lunch.
At lunch we were joined by Camilla and her friend Val, and everybody had an excellent lunch.
All told, it was a really wonderful day and a very challenging hike.

Photo

Esten Dr N to Pine Point on Angel Lake and Back 2026 08 20

 A TBA Hike became a stroll from the end of Esten Dr N to Pine Point on Angel Lake and back.

The 4 of us used ELATV #2 . It is in good shape. We cleared a few fallen branches and were careful as we navigated our way up and down hills that had loose rocks and gravel. 

Despite the recent rains there were more  muddy spots than mud puddles. No problem getting around them. The bush  could still use more rain as dead leaves were easily kicked up.

Only one Side by Side met us on the trail . The solo driver had an interesting looking large bundle wrapped in camouflage and tied up with rope in the back carrier.  Still a mystery to us . 

Heard a Crested Flycatcher as we returned. Two of us used our Merlin app to identify the odd bird call. 

Lunch was at Pine Point at the south end of Angel Lake. Blue berries had all been picked.

On our return we picked up 

garbage .  Trailside is a bit less cluttered now.

8.5 km in total. Many thanks to Eva for being our trusted Sweep.

No photos were taken on this hike to protect the innocent and not so innocent.  

Tim's Kayak Days

  Join Tim continuing our kayak tour of the local lakes. Our next

outing is at 10am on Wednesday 19 Aug to the eastern end of Dunlop Lake.
  We can explore the South Bay area and check out some small islands. 
There will be a
lunch stop. Meet at the Dunlop Lake boat launch right beside the
highway. Duration will be 2-3 hours.