June 2014 - The Halton Outdoor Club
Transcription
June 2014 - The Halton Outdoor Club
The b u l C r o o d t u O n o Halt News June 2014 Inside this issue: President’s message 2 Yesterday’s Trips 3 Sault, Superior & Agawa Canyon 6 Ski Italy and Austria 2015 7 Kayak Espiritu Santo Island 2015 8 Cycling Information 9 Road Cycle schedule 10 Trail Rider schedule 12 Paddle Schedules 15 Bus Day Hikes 17 Hiking Schedules 18 Registration coupons 26,27 Calendar: Hike/Bike/Kayak Finger Lakes Jun 27 Kayak French River/Bustards July 14 Hike NE Coast & Yorkshire Sept 5 Sault, Superior & Agawa Canyon Holiday Sept 19 Grand Canyon trip May 2014 3310 Palmer Drive, Burlington ON, L7M 1X3 www.HaltonOutdoorClub.ca 905 634-2012 email: [email protected] Photo Dave Pringle The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 President’s Message by Brenda Lee Luciw So for the summer I’ll just plod along our great area of Southern Ontario and then I will wrap it up with the hiking adventure of Agawa Canyon in September which should be a real great outing. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m sure everyone has many things planned and have met up with summertime hiking and paddling buddies, get out to some great patios along the way and enjoy our wonderful weather. As usual we have some great getaways for all of you, hope you enjoy our line up again this season and the wheels are whirring already on many new and exciting adventures so read on and let’s hope for the weather to be fair and enjoy our time outside! Its back, the warm weather is upon us and we don’t miss a moment to get outside. If anyone is like me you would be late in your gardening as you’re catching up on some biking and hiking. I had the great opportunity to have done the Pelee Island hike the May 23 weekend and it was a great outing. The hiking is pleasurable, flat but lots to see. Pelee Island was a great bike ride. I did the South Shore as others did the North Shore (so we have to go back so I can do the North!), the Pelee Island National Park was a great hike and dipping your toes into the water of the most southern point of Canada was a real highlight. The Canadian thing to do is get to the farthest corners in Canada and I’ve been to the West, yet to do the East and I’m not sure where the most northern tip is and I’m not sure I’m going to make that, but you never know! So Pelee was great and I hope we get back there. Club Directors President Vice President Manager/Secretary Treasurer Membership Skiing Activities Cycling Activities Hiking Activities Paddling Activities Publicity Special Events Website Coordinators Brenda Luciw Frank Cooney Bonnie Quinn Jana Hladky Cherie Jackson Toni Quinn Linda Harris Phill Armstrong Dorothy Rideough Patti Blair Teri Kramer Claudio Minali Road Tourers Trail Riders Ski Lessons Recording Secretary Newsletter Editor Newsletter Mailing Club Phone or no charge Fax Email Website Linda Harris Paul Gautreau Toni Quinn Freda Wright Dave Pringle Freda Wright 905 634-2012 (Burlington) 877 877-4550 905 335-6102 [email protected] www.HaltonOutdoorClub.ca The Halton Outdoor Club News is published five times a year & circulated to Club members. The Halton Outdoor Club assumes no responsibility for any advertising set out in the Newsletter or any other written material provided by other parties. The next Newsletter’s deadline is August 10. Send articles and pictures to the HOC News Editor at 2142 Jardine Cres., Burlington ON., L7L 7K1, 905 336-0634, or [email protected]. Advertising space is available to everyone, and is subject to Club approval. Rates for advertisements are available upon request, call 905 634-2012. Personal ads (for sale, or social) are free, once per year, to members of the Halton Outdoor Club. 2 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Yesterday’s Trips & Events: Our Adventures in Quebec City 2014 by Linda Tiley We had brilliant sunshine, beautiful blue skies, and bone chilling temperatures for most of our time there. However, that didn't deter us from skiing, snowshoeing, and skating on the outdoor rink located on the Plains of Abraham. Some of us also visited the Ice Hotel. It is a beautiful structure built on a base of one meter thick ice. It boasts a wedding chapel, a bar, an indoor slide, a spa and many interesting images carved into the walls. Tours in both languages happen every day. I wasn't tempted to stay the night at -5 degrees Celsius as I felt like a block of ice after only a half hour tour. was scared too and took off through the bush leaving behind physical proof of his presence. A few of our skiers claim to have seen a "Snow Devil". They noticed smokey wisps of snow rising above the drifts. As they watched, a mini snow tornado moved through the trees. It crossed the ski trail and after picking up more fresh powder it could be seen as a tower of about eight feet moving off into the woods. They were later informed by Larry that the sighting of a snow devil is an indication of good luck. The Chateau Laurier was a very good choice of hotel. It was very comfortable, and well located just in front of the Plains of Abraham and a ten minute walk from the old city. The meals and service were very good. I didn't hear anyone complain about the lack of sweets as we had chocolate at both breakfast and dinner. Many of us had a typical Quebec meal at Aux Anciens Canadiens. Situated near the Hotel Frontenac, it is the oldest building in Quebec and dates back to 1675. The restaurant is internationally known for its fine cuisine and warm hospitality; it also has a wonderful ambience. Some in the group took advantage of the fine shopping in the city. Inuit art, paintings and maple syrup are a few We visited three ski facilities. Mont St. Anne features 200km of trails, of which 190km are also groomed for skating. Situated in the beautiful hills of the Laurentian forest, it has good variety of ski and snowshoe trails. It is the largest x-country ski facility in the country. It features snowshoeing, a lunch counter, a lounge with a fireplace and a large waxing room. Camp Mercier has 60km of trails with enough variety to satisfy all ski enthusiasts. It, too, offers snowshoe trails. Both classic and skate trails are well marked and groomed, and some circuits lead to warming huts. Camp Mercier is one of seven x-country ski centers in the Parks Quebec network which offers a season’s pass to their parks, tourist resorts and wildlife preserves. Duchesnay also offers carefully groomed trails, warming huts, a waxing room and a limited lunch counter. One of our skiers had an encounter with a chick-a-dee here. At one of the warming huts there were bird feeders which, of course, attracted birds, and as that particular day was somewhat warm, skiers congregated outside the warming hut to enjoy the wildlife and the sunshine. The birds were very bold and one lucky skier was 'anointed' by one of the birds. Another skier had a close encounter with a moose. It bounded onto the trail and then skedaddled after going a short distance. In spite of her fear she did stay put to get a picture. As it turned out the moose of the items that people took home. One of our skiers got a shiner as a souvenir. It is something she hadn't bargained for. Did that stop her from skiing? Not on your life. Larry and Sharon did an amazing job of planning, organizing and leading this trip. We are very grateful that they were willing to do it. Photos Larry Jewett 3 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Hiking the Canyons in the USA Southwest by Gayle Laws Awesome. Spectacular. Breath taking. Words cannot adequately describe, nor do the multitudes of photos taken capture, the amazing natural beauty of the Southwest canyons the 31 members experienced April 26 to May 8. Our first three days involved exploring the many trails at Zion National Park during the day, and the quaint town of Springdale at night (and the hot tub and pool as well!). With three local tour guides, our group was offered a variety of hiking choices, which varied in hike length and difficulty, something for everyone to enjoy a fantastic experience. Five hikers rented wet suits and boots and braved the cold water to hike in the Narrow River upstream. (Angela Rocchi, Donna Copeland, Suzanne Gates, Andre Szwarz, Sue Rousseau). As Angela explained: The Narrows was one of the most unique hikes I have ever done. We slogged our way up the canyon by walking up a river, with the current pushing against our legs. The tall canyon walls curved constantly so that we could never see that far ahead of us, and as a result, we kept saying 'let's just find out what's around the next bend before we turn back...' We found it almost impossible to turn back! We kept wanting to see what was around the next bend! Six hikers braved the challenging Angel’s Landing (Arlene Charters, Craig Sim, Angela Rocchi, Andre Szwarz, Lori Szwarz, Susanne Gates) which although described as magnificent, involved climbing along a steep drop along the mountain. It was quite the accomplishment to complete (and T-shirts were available to buy claiming such event). There was a shared spirit of adventure and awe of beauty among all the individuals en route to the top. Other highlights involved hiking to Hidden Valley, Scout’s Landing, Emerald Pools and descending from the Observation Point (Dave Pringle, Helen Self, Gayle Laws, Donna Copeland, Barbara Morton), with switchbacks so close to the edge you had to look straight ahead and hold your breath! After three days at photogenic Zion, we drove in three vans to Bryce National Park, and stayed at the Ruby’s Inn (the only real accommodations, grocery store, camping grounds and restaurant close by to the park, quite a suc- cessful monopoly). Again we divided into three groups, and explored the unique rock formations at Bryce. The red in the rocks, and the unique rock formations made these hikes memorable. After being totally impressed by Bryce, we headed to Page, Arizona, where we visited one of the most photographed canyons, Antelope Canyon. With a Navajo guide, we descended and walked along the sand bottom, looking up to the sky through a variety of rock formations transformed by water. Our Navajo guide pointed out rocks in various features, such as a lion, the shark, the rabbit and the pirate. After taking in this incredible experience, we enjoyed a boat ride on Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon dam. Amazingly, it took 17 years to fill the man-made lake. Monument Valley was a real treat, we took jeeps into the Valley, driven by three Navajo guides who shared their native folklore, music and poems. We trekked through red sand dunes. This Valley is a popular movie location (i.e. Star Wars). Rock formations reminded us of Snoopy, an elephant, the three sisters, the Thumb and the Sun Eye, among others. We enjoyed a fantastic Navajo taco lunch out in the desert, with the most wonderful scenery ever. Many of the hikers enjoyed a 5km hike in the desert, just in time for sunset. This area is self governed by the Navajo, with its own elected government. The visitor’s centre was quite impressive. This day stands out as a favourite among most hikers. 4 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 We had a few opportunities to witness a sunrise. One morning, Barbara Morton, Arlene Charters, Jackie Volterman, Angela Rocchi and Laurie Elit rose at 5am to see it happen. According to Barbara, “I think the high points were: the complete solitude and peace, the intensity and richness of the colours (above and beyond the already rich and intense colours!) I always love being up early before there are lots of people around or "jobs and routines" demanding to be done so it is always a special time for me. The feeling, I guess, that there are no other demands except to enjoy the peace and beauty that surrounds. We also stopped at Starbucks afterward, a definite high point for Angela and the rest of us benefitted as well.” And then off we went the following day to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The crème de le crème. So big, so magnificent, so unbelievable. Eight members descended to the bottom of the Canyon over two days, congratulations to Cherie Jackson, Andrea Rocchi, Peter Tihanyi, Craig Sim, Suzanne Gates, Debbie Ford, Lori Szwarz, Arlene Charters. Lori Szwarz shared “the hike down the Grand Canyon and back was one highlight in our wonderful trip. I loved the camaraderie, fun and the sense of accomplishment. I also loved some of the sights, including a desert spiny lizard puffing up his cheeks and doing push-ups, a big- horned sheep climbing on the slope with her tiny baby and the many mule deer that seemed to be wandering everywhere!” The rest undertook a variety of activities, from renting bikes for a day (Marjorie Dieterman and Sharon Gibbons), to partly descending hikes (Susan Zeesman, Rick Brady, Laurie Elit, Jackie Volterman, Paul Gautreau, Gayle Laws, Cindy Andrushko, Leny Dinelle, Pam Knowles, Andre Szwarz) to hiking along the rim (Janie Zwicker Stolf and Al Stolf, Alvine Robinson , Dave Pringle, Elaine Saville, Joanne Warren, Tuula Canni, just to name a few), and many were able to view the IMAX Grand Canyon movie. We were amused to learn that water was not available at one station because the elk had figured out how to press the water button and help themselves! Helen Self and Laurie Elit got up early to watch the sunrise, kudos to them, many of us were too pooped. On our return trip to Las Vegas, we enjoyed a tour of the Hoover Dam, a man made structure built in 1930 which has transformed the economy, physical and social geography and food production in this Southwest area. A day being assaulted with noise, commotion , excitement, energy and lights of Las Vegas (not to mention a few shows) after nine days of serene quiet hiking, we headed home, eager to share our stories and view our pictures. In summary, Andre Szwarz shares: What inspired me the most about the whole trip was the full adventure that presented itself over the 12 days. From hiking various trails in Zion to a whole new hiking experience in Bryce Canyon, to a wonderful tour of Monument Valley, to great hiking in Grand Canyon and ending in Las Vegas where I didn't lose any money (didn't win any either)! During the descent into the Grand Canyon, the different layers of rock gradually revealed themselves, and the changing perspective made the same landscape look different at different altitudes. It was like passing through multiple places on the same descent. The first sight of the Colorado River was such a thrill. Thanks to Phill Armstrong who provided valuable input into our trip itinerary and provided practical advice at our pre-trip meeting; to Gayle Laws who was the organizer and trip coordinator; and the Executive of HOC for approving this club event. This trip is definitely worth a repeat. Some pictures are posted on the club website. Photos Dave Pringle 5 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Tomorrow’s Trips & Events: Sault, Superior and Agawa Canyon Holiday September 19 to 23, 2014, by Phill Armstrong Day 1- Sault Ste. Marie. Friday September 19. We leave the MTO Parking Lot at Guelph Line and the QEW at 8:30am, and drive through Muskoka Georgian Bay Country to Sudbury for a lunch break. We then go on the Trans Canada Highway through Algoma to the Sault arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner that evening will be at our accommodation for the next four nights: the Delta Waterfront. Day 2- Lake Superior Provincial Park. Saturday September 20. It’s only about 90 minutes from our hotel, we’ll arrange some superb hikes and spend the day here. Highlights include: The Lake Superior Coast, including both easy to access and remote sections of the Lake Superior shore. Spectacular and diverse scenery, cliffs, beaches, river valleys, waterfalls, Algoma Hills, and fall colours. World-class hiking along the Lake Superior shoreline. Agawa Rock Pictographs, 35 red ochre images are visible; one of the few pictograph sites in Ontario accessible by foot (only when Lake Superior is calm). An exceptional Visitor Centre highlighting the park’s cultural history and natural features. Dinner is at a restaurant near the park before returning to the hotel. Day 3-Agawa Canyon. Sunday September 21. Autumn is stunning from the windows of the Agawa Canyon Train. We board the train almost right outside our Hotel and the train leaves at 8:00am. Don’t worry because there are full dining services on the train all day including breakfast. The train stops for a couple of hours at the Canyon giving time for a good walk to the lookout and to explore the waterfalls. The train gets back to the hotel at about 6:30pm. Dinner is your choice. If you have the energy the Casino is not far from the Hotel. Day 4- Hiking the Voyageur Trail. Monday September 22. There are some wonderful sections of the Trail in the Sault Area, notably at Stokely and Goulais River. We will arrange hikes to be finished in the early afternoon. We will get back to the hotel in time for a look around the town or explore the waterfront and boardwalks or a visit to the Bush plane Museum. Evening celebration dinner to be arranged. 6 Day 5 Return Home. Tuesday September 23. Leaving the hotel after breakfast, we’ll drive along the north shore of Lake Huron and on to the Sudbury area for a stroll and lunch. We should get back to Burlington about 7:00pm. More details regarding this day will be supplied to you in the information letter that you will receive in August. Price Includes: Deluxe motorcoach including driver’s tip. 4 nights accommodation. 3 breakfasts. 3 dinners. Agawa Canyon Excursion (there are meals available for purchase if you wish). Park Entrance Fees. Guide fees or donations to trail clubs for volunteers. All taxes and tips except for room service at your discretion. Price per person is as follows: $1130 per person single occupancy, $840 per person double occupancy, $750 per person triple occupancy and $705 per person quad occupancy. To register for this trip, fill out the coupon on page 26 and send it in along with your deposit cheques. Please send in a first deposit of $200 per person dated at the time of registration and a final cheque for the balance owing on the trip dated August 1, 2014. Cancellation policy: If you cancel before August 1, 2014, you will be entitled to a full refund minus a $25 administration fee. For any cancellations received after August 1, 2014, you are responsible for payment of any fees that the Club incurs on your behalf. These can include fees for accommodation, food, transportation, leader fees, bus driver accommodation and tip, etc. If your cancellation results in extra costs to the club, for instance cancellation out of a quad, triple or double arrangement, then you are subject to paying the difference unless a substitute is provided by you. If you require further information about this trip, please call the club at 905 6342012. If you would like a room mate, we can try and match you up with someone suitable. The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Ski the Italian Dolomites and the Austrian Seefeld Valley in 2015 January 31 to February 14, 2015 by Freda and Clive Wright Imagine!! - Two weeks of skiing. The first week of our skiing adventure will be in the Seefeld Valley in Austria. Seefeld has twice been the host of the Winter Olympics in cross-country skiing, in 1964 and 1976. Seefeld, in Tirol, is a municipality of the Innsbruckj-Land District in the Austrian state of Tyrol, located approximately 17km north-west of Innsbruck. Seefeld is one of the five villages of the olympiaregion – the others being the valleys of Leutasch, Mosern, Reith, and Scharnitz. The olympiaregion offers 279km of wellgroomed and easy-to follow classic cross-country trails. There is lots of signage that indicates not only the length of trail but also the elevation. The area also boasts 143km of groomed and signposted walking trails through the snowy countryside. Accommodation in Seefeld will be at the 4 star Ferienhotel Kaltschmid, a family-run hotel located in the pedestrian zone (fussgannerzone) in the centre of Seefeld. (Everything is in the fussgannerzone!!). The hotel features two gourmet restaurants and a large spa area with indoor pool, offering panoramic mountain views, as well as a hot whirlpool and sauna. The Tourist Bureau is just around the corner from the hotel and is good for “daily” events, weather forecasts, train and bus timetables. The second week we will be skiing in the Italian Dolomites. The Dolomites offer 160km of perfectly groomed trails, connecting the picturesque villages of Val Pusteria and making it easy for participants to use the local bus system. There is also the opportunity to ski in the biathalon centre of Antholz. Other areas of interest are the famous “iceman” in the Geological Museum in Bolzano, or a visit to the historical churches in Brunico, San Candido or Sesto or a day trip to Cortina. Accommodation in the Italian Dolomites will be in the 3 star Hotel Urthaler, a family-run hotel located in the heart of Dobbiaco surrounded by the picturesque mountains of the Dolomites. Toblach/Dobbiaco is the centre of an extended network of 160km of perfectly groomed trails, connecting the picturesque villages of the Val Pusteria and an excellent base for skiing/exploring the many villages of the area. Both areas have reliable snow conditions and perfectly groomed trails. The cost of this trip is $3,730 based on a minimum of 20 guests and a maximum of 24, double occupancy only, and includes airfare, Toronto/Munich and return, all coach transfers and gratuities, 14 nights at the hotels, with breakfast and dinner, (wine/beer included with dinner at the Ferienhotel in Seefeld), gratuities included, as well as a ski pass in Seefeld and a ski/mobile pass in Toblach/ Dobbiaco. What is not included would be lunches for the two weeks, plus any alcoholic, or non-alcoholic, purchases made at the Ferienhotel Kaltschmid (with the exception of dinner) and the Hotel Urthaler, plus gratuities for the housekeeping staff (at both hotels) which is optional. Any day trips that participants may wish to take, e.g. in Italy to see the Ice Man and in Austria where day trips could be taken to Innsbruck, Garmish or Mittenwald, would also be at the participants expense. Should you wish to extend your trip you should be aware Air Canada will only allow four passengers to deviate within the group and the extension can be for one week only. This change will depend, of course, upon space being available. Passengers must also return via Munich only. Should you decide to extend your trip Jill Sanderson would need to be informed of this change by June 15, 2015. Please note: If there were a major change in rates we would require a supplement to cover the difference; similarly, if the rate drops significantly we would refund you the gain. Also, the land rates will be invoiced in EURO and the equivalent Canadian rate will be confirmed at the time of final booking. Please be aware the air tax and service charges are subject to change at any time without notice. In the case of currency fluctuation, the airline reserves the right to adjust the rates accordingly. To reserve a seat, please use the registration form found on page 27. Please make all cheques payable to The Halton Outdoor Club. Following is the payment schedule. First deposit - $100 per person. Please date the cheque with the date you register. Second deposit - $500 per person with a cheque postdated May 31, 2014. Final deposit - $3,130 per person, with a cheque postdated October 15, 2014 based on the costing noted above. (Please note: The final deposit could change as noted above based on the fluctuation of the currency and the possibility of additional air tax and service charges). Cancellation Policy: If you cancel prior to May 31, 2014, you will get a full refund minus a $25 processing fee. After May 11, 2014, all funds are non-refundable. If the trip is cancelled due to lack of participants you will receive a full refund. The Halton Outdoor Club strongly recommends you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance. Coverage for your trip can be purchased through Teachers Travel. If you have any questions, please contact Freda and Clive at [email protected]. 7 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Baja Circumnavigation of Isla Espiritu Santo April 11 to 19, 2015 by Donna Barber What is included in the trip fee? Return air fare. 7 days kayaking, 6 nights camping, 2 nights hotel. Hotel on the first and last nights - double occupancy (most but not all hotels include breakfast). Farewell dinner at a restaurant in La Paz on Day 7. Guides at 6:1 ratio. Kayak Expedition supplies: single or tandem sea kayak, paddle, pfd; kitchen equipment, sun shelter, dishes, utensils; excellent meals, safe fresh drinking water, snacks; cocktails, wine with dinner; first aid, repair kits, emergency, communication and safety equipment; dry bags, etc for group equipment and food, water bags; and a shared tent, a sleeping pad and dry bag may be reserved without charge. What is not included in the trip fee? Dinner on arrival day and breakfast (if not included at the hotel) on departure day. Personal Insurance – trip cancellation and medical insurance (both are strongly suggested). Single person supplement - $110 USD. Snorkelling gear (but may be rented). The total cost for this trip is $2,575. This price is subject to change according to U.S. dollar exchange rate and flight costs at the time of booking. Cancellation policy: All cancellations received before August 31 will result in reimbursement of your deposit cheque minus a processing fee of $25. The excursion portion of the trip will be booked September 1 and, thereafter, is non-refundable. However, if your vacancy is filled this will result in a full refund (less $25). Flight reassignments and refunds will be based on the policy of the travel agent and airline. If you want to save a spot, please complete the coupon on page 26 and send it to the club office along with a $100 deposit cheque and post dated cheques: September 1 for $1,300; October 15 for $1,175. For additional information please contact Donna at: 905 385-9821 or [email protected]. Planning is underway for the kayak adventure of a lifetime. Baja is considered one of the top ten kayaking destinations in the world and now YOU can go! We are partnering with Black Feather, the wilderness adventure company, for a seven-day holiday on beautiful Espiritu Santo Island, in the Sea of Cortez. A Nature Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the premier sea kayak destinations in North America. The rugged shoreline, off-shore islands and series of headlands with deep bays make each day a new adventure. The west coast is studded with some of the most spectacular white, sandy bays you can imagine while the east coast has enormous towering cliffs, bizarre rock formations and alluring sea caves. After paddling three to four hours each day we will have plenty of time to enjoy fantastic snorkeling, to swim with sea lion pups, hike intriguing volcanic arroyos, bathe in the glorious Baja sun, watch manta rays leap up out of the water, admire a school of dolphins, explore hidden inland lagoons, sip a margarita and relax in great company . Can you do this trip? No previous sea kayaking experience is required but accomplished paddlers will still enjoy the trip. You should be a competent swimmer and comfortable around the water. A reasonable degree of fitness will greatly enhance the fun as you will be able to enjoy all the extra activities such as snorkeling and hiking. The guides will always be able to assist you and provide coaching in kayaking skills. There will be an introduction to kayaking and gear and a safety session so the guides can assess the group. Both tandem kayaks and single kayaks are available – paddler’s choice! This trip will be a fully catered, motor skiff assisted trip called a panga. We paddle from camp beach to camp beach exploring the island as we go. However the panga carries all the camping gear and provisions leaving us to paddle light, empty kayaks. The panga driver and guides will take care of providing us with three great meals a day and they will do all the cleaning up. Having a motor boat along means that we are able to take ice chests full of cold beer and other refreshing beverages, and some extra food items. We are also able to offer a more flexible program. For instance, less energetic folks may choose to hitch a ride in the panga to the next camping beach. We can also provide side trips to otherwise inaccessible snorkeling locations and/or go on a fishing trip to catch dinner. 8 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Cycling 2014 General Information by Linda Harris Distances and Sweeps: All distances are in kilometres. Sweeps are available for the distances marked with (s). Please watch the club Road Cycling Schedule and the Bulletin Board for additional sweeps as they become available! Meeting Locations: Beachfront Pavilion: From Lakeshore Rd and Maple Ave in Burlington head south on Lakeshore Rd beside Beachway Park. Use the parking lot with the pavilions (washrooms and change rooms). Bikes and Gear: You MUST wear your bike helmet on all club rides. Your helmet should fit well and be in good condition. Your bike should be sized for you and in good working order. Mirrors are recommended. Bring a spare tube and tools to change a flat. Water and Food: Always bring water, Gatorade or your drink of choice. Bring snacks and food unless indicated in ride description. Safe Riding: Our rides are not a race, take your time and enjoy the day! Ride single file and obey the rules of the road. Advise fellow riders of conditions ie cars, gravel, potholes, stopping etc. Pass other riders on the left and announce your intentions ‘passing on your left’. No surprises please! Be predictable. Ride 1metre from the edge of lane/curb in a straight line. Don’t weave in and out. Take the whole lane if needed in areas of narrow lanes, construction, poor pavement conditions. Cross railway tracks at right angles. Don’t overload any handlebar bags as they will make your bike unstable. See and be seen with bright clothing, lights, reflectors and mirrors. Guests: Guests MUST sign a Halton Outdoor Club Waiver before participating in a ride. Guests are allowed to join two club rides before becoming a member. You must be a member to participate in trips outside of Ontario. Meet at Lock 3 for 9:30 start: Follow QEW eastbound over the Garden City Skyway and exit at Glendale Ave. Follow Glendale Ave west, cross lift bridge, turn right onto Welland Canals Pkwy. The Museum is located half a kilometer on your right. Ride Leaders, Directions & Maps: The ride leader will give an overview of the ride and provide maps with directions and distances for each ride as well as indicate points of interest and which distances will have sweeps. The leader will also indicate any areas of caution on the route such as gravel, railway crossings or busy traffic areas. The ride will start as soon as the orientation is complete so please arrive early and be ready to start at the time indicated. A lot of planning goes into each ride so please thank the leader for volunteering their time to bring you this great ride! Road Cycling 2014 by Linda Harris We have a number of new rides to try this year as well as some oldies but goodies. Please RSVP by email to ride leaders 24 hours in advance to let them know you plan to ride. This way you will be notified by email if a ride is cancelled or changed in some way. The Finger Lakes trip is going again this year and is filling up quickly so, if you are interested, make sure you send in your cheques to Bonnie. We have some new ride leaders this year so thanks to all of you who have offered to lead a ride. Anyone interested in leading a ride, please contact by email at [email protected]. We need ride leaders and also we encourage new riders to come out. It is a lot of fun to get out and exercise with like minded people. Lunch stops are a favourite part of the rides for me as you get to fuel up, chat and meet new people. So come on out and enjoy the outdoors. A road bike or a hybrid is recommended for these rides. A helmet is a must. It is a good idea to check the club website for any new rides or any changes to rides posted in the club newsletter. We hope we can welcome you back again this year and would love to see some new riders out as well. Also watch the Club website Bulletin Board and Cycling Schedule for last minute rides throughout the summer as weather permits and opportunities present themselves! Please RSVP by email to all ride leaders 24 hrs. in advance. This is so the leader can notify you if a ride is cancelled due to weather and/or if there is a social after the ride. Continue to check the website for upcoming events or changes in venue. 9 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 2014 Summer Road Cycling by Linda Harris Date Bicycle Tour Time & Location km & Sweep Meet at 9:30 am at the “Jordan Museum of the Twenty” - in Jordan [ N. Lat. 43° 08.871; W 79º 22.208] 40 km Sat June 14 Wine tour Sun June 15 Westover Wan- 9am University 24, 50, der Plaza, Dundas 54, 73 Sun June 22 Dundas Ride Frid June 27- Wed July 2 Finger Lakes Geneva, New Bike (road and York State trail), Hike and Kayak Trip University Plaza, Dundas 9:00 a.m. Leader Description Harvey Sadowick sadowick @msn.com All paved roads. Ride time is approx 2½ hours at a relaxed pace. [total time depends on wine stops and photo opps]. We will stop at two wineries. More details to follow. From the QEW; after Hamilton exits, going eastward [approx 16km east of Grimsby] take exit # 55 Jordan Rd 26, turn right, going south towards Jordan. Follow the signs to “Jordan Village” [going south at this point towards the escarpment]. John Sloan johnsloan @sympatico.ca The shorter route climbs the escarpment using the rail trail and travels through Greensville, while the longer routes travel through scenic back roads to Westover, north and west of Dundas. 65 to 70 Clive and Freda km fredaandclive @cogeco.ca Dundas to Georgetown Various Heather McClintock See newsletter for details Sun July 6 Lowville Meet at 9:00 Approx a.m. at LaSalle 70 km Park Barry Reed Sun July 13 Rolling Hills 10:00am 60 to 80 John Webb Campbellville km New Ball Park Rolling Hills in the Campbellville area. Sun July 20 Ridgeway Ramble Meet at down- 70 km town Ridgeway on Ridge Rd at corner of Dominion Rd. QEW towards Niagara, take exit 16 onto County Rd 116 (Sodom Rd) towards Ridgeway (Crystal Beach). Turn left onto Hazel Street. At end of road, turn rt onto Ridge Rd N. Meet at corner of Ridge Rd and Dominion Rd. Sun July 27 Welland Canal, Meet at Lock 3 33 and Row Ontario for 9:30 start. 66 km. Championships Bob Arbour robert.arbour1 @sympatico.ca 15 k ride along Lakeshore to Burloak Drive and then up to Lowville Park for rest. Return thru Watedown with an optional stop at Yougurtys for a decadent treat. Down Snake Rd and back to Lasalle. Dave Harrington From Lock 3 ride the Welland Canal Recreational Trail to the dharrinton Rowing/Paddling Centre on the canal south of Welland. @bell.net There will be rowing and paddling events taking place at the center this weekend, something we may like to watch for a while. Those wishing a longer ride can continue on to Pt Colbourne. A possibility for lunch is at Pt Robinson. We can take the free ferry across the canal to a pub on the east side. Sun Aug 3 Tour de Hamil- Meet at Hidden 65 and ton Valley Park, 75 km Howard Rd, Aldershot Linda Harris lindogie @hotmail.com This is the Tour de Hamilton in reverse. It includes a very gentle ride up the escarpment along the old rail trail, continue on through the rural roads, down Dewitt or Fifty Rd and back along the beachfront. Sun Aug 10 John Sloan johnsloan @sympatico.ca The shorter two distances are on the east side of the Grand River visiting the town of St. George. The longer two distances cross the Grand River and experience some hills. Paris Pedalathon 9:30 a.m. Paris 26, 42, 63 and 84 km 10 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 2014 Summer Road Cycling by Linda Harris Date Bicycle Tour Time & Location km & Sweep Leader Description Sun Aug 17 Lake Erie, Sel- Meet at 10:30 30 to 50 John Attridge kirk area a.m. at 4 Hoo- km jga/@nas.net ver Point Lane, R.R. #1, Selkirk. See website for details Sat Aug. 24 John Webb is doing registration for MS ride and would love club members to support this ride. Email John if interested at [email protected] Sat Aug. 24 Ancaster Sun Aug 31 Hidden Valley, 9am at Hidden Millgrove, Valley, AlderDundas return shot Sunday, Sept 7 Ancaster Meet behind Ancaster Library on Wilson Street at 9:00 a.m. Sunday, Sept 14 Falling Leaf Century Ride 100 k ride Sunday, Sept. 21 TBA –Open to Suggestions Sunday, Sept. 28 Haldimand Region (Tour de Farms) Meet behind Ancaster Library, Wilson Street at 9am. 54.5 km. Ride along Lake Erie on Lakeshore Rd. Enjoy a BBQ at the end of the ride with some new and old friends. Linda Harris lindogie @hotmail.com May 11 ride repeated by request. Lovely quiet back roads around Ancaster. Barry Reed bwreed @hotmail.ca From Hidden Valley Park, up Snake Rd through Waterdown to Millgrove Side Rd (concession 6), head SW to Middletown Rd. to Crooks Hollow for rest stop. Then over to Rock Chapel, down escarpment and back to Hidden Valley Park 50 –60 km Linda Harris lindogie @hotmail.com Another lovely ride on the backroads of Ancaster. Check website for details Bob Arbour robert.arbour1 @sympatico.ca Meet at Selkirk 70 km Athletic Field, 17 Main Street West, Selkirk Dave Harrington Paved, mostly flat, many picturesque views along the dharrington lakeshore so bring your camera. @bell.net By popular demand, the time of the Tuesday waterfront trail ride is change to 9:30am at the compass, starting immediately. Mary waters 11 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Trail Riders Summer Schedule by Paul Gautreau Better weather is finally here and there have never been better opportunities to cycle with the Trail Riders. There are a variety of rides being offered for different interests. Along with a wide sampling of the area’s rail trails, there are two levels of rides to choose from. Level 1 rides are shorter (25 to 35km) at a relaxed pace while level 2 rides are longer (typically 40 to 60km) and at faster speeds. Whichever you choose you can be sure of an excellent outing with plenty of good company, So check the schedule (and the web site for updates) for the ride of your choice, contact the leader to let them know you are coming and enjoy the ride! Date Ride Leader Meeting Place Sat Jun LE&N & TH&B 28 Rail Trail: Brantford to Waterford and return; about 55km (Level 2) Gordon Lyons RSVP gordon.lyons @primus.ca Meet at the parking area at the Brantford Civic Center at 8:50 am for a 9:00 departure. Take the 403 to Brantford and take the exit to Wayne Gretzky Parkway. Turn left off the exit ramp and follow Wayne Gretzky Parkway to Colborne St. Turn right onto Colborne St. (merges to Dalhousie St) and follow it to Clarence St., about 2km. Turn left on Clarence, then right onto Icomm Dr. Take the first left onto Market St. and the Civic Center will be on your right. Sun Jun LE&N & TH&B 29 Rail Trail: Brantford to Mount Pleasant Nature Park and return; about 25km (Level 1) Milan & Kathy RSVP milgedeon @me.com Meet at the parking area at the Brantford Civic Center at 9:20 am for a 9:30 departure. Take the 403 to Brantford and take the exit to Wayne Gretzky Parkway. Turn left off the exit ramp and follow Wayne Gretzky Parkway to Colborne St. Turn right onto Colborne St. (merges to Dalhousie St) and follow it to Clarence St., about 2km. Turn left on Clarence, then right onto Icomm Dr. Take the first left onto Market St. and the Civic Center will be on your right. Sat July Hamilton to 5 Brantford Rail Trail: Hamilton to Copetown, 28 km (Level 1) Kelly Grafton RSVP kgrafton @cogeco.ca Meet at Trailhead of the Brantford Rail Trail in Hamilton at 9:20 for a 9:30 am departure. Trail starts from parking area off Oefield Rd which connects with Ewen Rd. You must enter Ewen Rd. from Main West to get to Oefield Rd. - just before Main West becomes Osler Dr. Sun. Jul. 6 Peter Ostrowski RSVP pointh @gmail.com Meet at Hillsburgh at 9:20am for a 9:30 am departure. Take Trafalgar Rd. N. (Hwy 24) to Hillsburgh. It’s about a 50 km drive to Hillsburgh on Trafalgar Rd.. Turn left on Station St. (You will notice a large red brick Church on the corner, now a Theatre. Continue to end of road where there is a parking area for the Elora Cataract Trailway. Sat Jul Hamilton to 12 Brantford Rail Trail: Jerseyville to Mohawk Park, 26km (Level 1) Kelly Grafton RSVP kgrafton @cogeco.ca Meet at 8:50 am at parking area on the Jerseyville Road next to the Rail Trail at mile point 38.9. To get to the starting point of the Ride, take Hwy 403 West towards Brantford. Get off at exit for Hwy 52 (Copetown), turn right onto Hwy 52 and drive to the traffic circle and take the 3rd, exit on the circle. The parking area is just past the town of Jerseyville, about 5.5 km from the traffic circle. Sun Jul Paris to Cam13 bridge Rail Trail: Paris to Cambridge & return 37.6 km (Level 2) Mickey Segal RSVP segalmi @gmail.com Meet at 8:50 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. departure. Take Hwy 403 West to Brantford and drive until you get to exit 33 for Paris Rd. Follow Paris Rd. past intersection with Powerline Rd, and continue on Paris Rd. to intersection with Dundas St. E.. At this point Paris Rd. turns into Green Lane. Stay on it for about 2 km until you intercept with Willow St. and turn left. Drive for about 1 km and arrive at the parking area and trail access of P 58.2. It is on the right side. Elora Cataract Trailway: Hillsburgh to Elora Dam and return, 38 km (Level 2) 12 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Date Sat July 19 Ride SC Johnson Trail, Brantford: Glen Morris to Brant Conservation Area & return, about 50km (Level 2) Sun July Elora Cataract 20 Trailway: Hillsburgh to Forks of the Credit Provincial Park and return, about 28km (Level 1) Leader Meeting Place Ellie & Pat RSVP eluciani2 @cogeco.ca Meet at 8:50 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. departure. Take Hwy 403 to Brantford and drive to exit 36 onto Hwy 24 North. Drive about 12 km to the intersection with Glen Morris Rd. Turn left and drive about 3km to East River Road in Glen Morris. Turn right, drive down the hill past the church and turn left on Forbes. You will find plenty of parking close to the rail trail, at the lower end of Forbes towards the Grand River. Paul & Gayle RSVP paulgautreau @rogers.com Meet at Hillsburgh at 9:20am for a 9:30 am departure. Take Trafalgar Rd. N. (Hwy 24) to Hillsburgh. It’s about a 50 km drive to Hillsburgh on Trafalgar Rd. Turn left on Station St. (You will notice a large red brick Church on the corner, now a Theatre. Continue to end of road where there is a parking area for the Elora Cataract Trailway. Sat July To Be Determined 26 Check the website for schedule updates Sun Aug 3 Check the website for schedule updates To Be Determined Sun Aug Friendship Trail 10 Ft. Erie to Crystal Beach & Return, 32 km (Level 1) To Port Colbourne & Return, approx. 50km ( Level 2) Isabel Bravo RSVP icbravo@ sourcecable.net Meet at the trailhead at 9:20 for a 9:30 am departure in Fort Erie near the Fort Erie National Historic Site, not far from the Peace Bridge. Take QEW (Fort Erie) to exit RR-124 Central Avenue. Turn right onto Central Ave. then turn right onto Lakeshore toward Historic Fort Erie; and go approx. 1 km. to the free parking lot on the left almost opposite Beatrice Street. GPS coord. N42 53.965 W078 55.129 Sat Aug Caledon Rail Trail 16 Airport Road to Tottenham & return approx. 30km (Level 1) Peter Ostrowski RSVP pointh @gmail.com Meet at 9:20 for a 9:30 a.m. at the parking area in front of the Trailside Cafe 15935 Airport Road, Caledon East. Directions: Take 403 East to 410. Follow 410 North to the Mayfield Road exit. Take Mayfield Road east for 5 - 6km to Airport Road, turn left and continue to Caledon. The Café is on the right-hand side at the bottom of the hill in Caledon East. Free parking along the street. Sun Aug SC Johnson Trail – 17 Brantford trail Brantford to Paris & return, 40 km (Level 2) Heather Wilson RSVP heatherwlsn249 @gmail.com Meet at the parking area at the Brantford Civic Center at 8:50 for a 9 am departure. Take the 403 to Brantford and take the exit to Wayne Gretzky Parkway. Turn left off the exit ramp and follow Wayne Gretzky Parkway to Colborne St. Turn right onto Colborne St. (merges to Dalhousie St) and follow it to Clarence St., about 2km. Turn left on Clarence, then right onto Icomm Dr. Take the first left onto Market St. and the Civic Center will be on your right. Sat Aug Dike Trail, SC 23 Johnson Trail, Brantford: Mohawk Park to Brantford Conservation Area, about 25km (Level 1) Ellie & Pat RSVP eluciani2 @cogeco.ca Meet at 8:50 a.m. in Brantford at parking area P 32 for a 9:00 a.m. departure. Take the 403 West towards Brantford, exit at the Wayne Gretzky Parkway turn left onto the Parkway. Follow Wayne Gretzky Parkway to the traffic lights at Colborne St. Turn left and follow Colborne St., then turn right onto Locke St. Drive about 1 km, then down the hill. (it becomes Mohawk St.) Continue on Mohawk and turn right onto Greenwich St. Follow it for a bit and after a sharp left bend you will see parking area on the left bordering the rail trail. Sun Aug Hamilton Brant24 ford / LE&N Trails – Jerseyville to Mount Pleasant & return (54km) Rick & Susan RSVP rbrady @cogeco.ca Meet at 8:50 am for a 9:00am departure at parking area on the Jerseyville Road next to the Rail Trail at mile point 38.9. To get to the starting point of the Ride, take Hwy 403 West towards Brantford. Get off at exit for Hwy 52 (Copetown), turn right onto Hwy 52 and drive to the traffic circle and take the 3 rd exit towards the town of Jerseyville. The parking area is just past the town, about 5.5 km from the traffic circle. Sat Aug Niagara River Rec30 reational Trail from Fort Erie to Historical Museum & back; 36km (Level 1) To Niagara Falls & back 50 km (Level 2) Paul & Gayle RSVP paulgautreau @rogers.com Meet at the parking area in Fort Erie at 9:20 for a 9:30 am departure. Take the QEW (Fort Erie portion), get off at exit #5 (Gilmore Rd.). Turn left on Gilmore Rd. Follow Gilmore Rd. until you reach the Niagara Parkway. Turn left at the Parkway and continue for about 1 km. Pass under the Railway Bridge. After the bridge look for Jarvis St. on the left. Opposite Jarvis St. is the free parking area on the right hand side of the Parkway 13 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Paddling 2014 by Dorothy Rideough Fine Print for Paddling Activities Club Rules Apply: As with all club activities, trip leaders and organizers are unpaid volunteers. You are invited to join them but you do this at your own risk. Non-club members and guests of members are required to sign the Club’s release and waiver form in order to participate. Participants in lessons and all extended trips must be club members. Weather: Most trips are rain or shine. Trips will be called off in the case of thunder and lightening. Trip leaders may also call off trips and/or change paddling route depending on wind and water conditions. Safety and Rescue: All paddlers must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while out on the water and be able to swim at least 50m with a PFD. Please note: Anyone wishing to come on any kayak trips on open water must have done a wet exit with a skirt and a recovery, preferably recently! Paddlers are also encouraged to practice basic rescue techniques to help yourself and others. **NEW** For all extended trips, participants must have attended a rescue session (or lesson) during the current year. Skill and Endurance Requirements: The following is provided to assist instructors, coordinators and participants for our club sponsored kayak and canoe outings and are for the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Skill Requirements describes the paddling skills and seamanship required to safely handle situations that could be encountered during a trip. Pace and Endurance describes the strength, endurance and fitness level required to comfortably complete the trip. Keep in mind that a 5 hour river trip may be far less strenuous than a 3 hour paddle on open flat water. Pace and Endurance for Kayaking: A Not Strenuous - Daily paddling typically less than 3 hours, with distances of 5 kilometers or less. B Moderately Strenuous - Daily paddling typically between 3 and 5 hours, with distances of 5 to 20 kilometers. C Strenuous - Daily paddling typically more than 5 hours, with distances of 20 kilometers or more. Skill Requirements for Kayaking 0 Beginner – No experience required 1 Novice - May require basic paddling skills, practiced wet exits. Expect protected waters, easy landings and shelter for resting. 2 Intermediate - Requires basic paddling skills including ability to brace, self rescue, and participate in assisted rescue. Be comfortable in 1 meter waves. Mostly protected waters, some difficult landings, and some sheltered spots for resting. 3 Experienced - Requires advanced paddling, seamanship and rescue skills. Ability to handle waves greater than 1 meter. Expect exposed waters, open crossings, moderate to strong windsurf, fog and potentially difficult landings. Sheltered resting and landing spots could be few. 14 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Paddling Schedule 2014 Please note: you must register with the trip leader in advance for all outings. Please call or email the trip leader for details. Some events such as Paddle Play and Lessons are very popular and fill up quickly. Date Boat / Level Trip leader Description June 7 Saturday Cherry Beach Kayak B-2 Ralph Gardave Joint day paddle for HOC and GLSKA paddlers. Explore [email protected] the Toronto Islands before the heavy traffic season June 14-15 Saturday & Sunday Kayak A-0 Lessons Guelph Lake Dorothy Rideough [email protected] Lessons for everyone—basic beginner, safety & rescue, advanced skills, towing, rolling, you name it! All lessons are half day in length. All boats and gear provided for beginner levels. Email Dorothy for Registration Form or pick it up at the Info Night April 25th June 21-22 Sat-Sun Kayak A-1 Silent Lake Karen Mitchell karen.mitchell000 @sympatico.ca Car camping and easy day paddles at Silent Lake provincial park. June 27– July 2 Multi Sport Finger Lakes Heather McLintock Adventurelife4212 @gmail.com Kayaking, hiking and cycling—see article in April newsletter. June 29 Sunday Kayak A-2 Donna Barber donna.barber @sympatico.ca Easy day paddle out of Jordon Harbour. No rentals on site. July 1 Tuesday Kayak Dorothy Rideough [email protected] Chances are, I’ll be paddling somewhere! Details will be announced on the website and by email. July 5 Saturday Dorothy Rideough Kayak B-1 Waubaushene [email protected] Day Paddle out of Waubaushene on Georgian Bay. Rentals on site from Swift Canoe & Kayak. Perfect for those who just had their lesson! July 11 Friday Kayak A-2 Burlington Dorothy Rideough [email protected] Moonlight paddle out of Lasalle Park, weather permitting. July 12-14 Saturday— Monday Kayak B-1 Massassauga Jim McConachie mcconachie.jim@ gmail.com Kayak camping in Massassauga, with the master gourmet camp cook! Water access only park. Rentals nearby at Swift Canoe & Kayak. July 14-18 Monday— Friday Kayak B-2 French River Bustards Dorothy Rideough [email protected] Guided 5 day wilderness camping on the French River and the Bustards. Details in newsletter. July 25-28 Fri-Mon Jim Clewlew Kayak C-2 Minks/McCoys [email protected] July 27 Sunday Kayak B-1 Grand River Dorothy Rideough [email protected] Easy day trip on the lower Grand River out of Dunnville. Rentals onsite from Grand River Kayak. Aug 3 Sunday Kayak A-1 Rockwood Donna Barber donna.barber @sympatico.ca Easy half day paddle in Rockwood Park. Rec kayak & canoe rentals available on site. Aug 9-10 Sat-Sun Kayak B-2 Kawarthas Declan Treacy letsgokayaking1@ gmail.com Car camping in the Kawarthas—explore Stoney and Buckhorn Lakes. Alternate accommodation also available if preferred. Aug 15-18 Fri-Mon Kayak B-2 French River Donna Barber donna.barber @sympatico.ca An easy introduction to wilderness camping. No rentals onsite. starts and get to know some other paddlers. Dry suits or wet suits recommended. No rentals on site. Camping on the Minks & McCoys, in Georgian Bay, max 8 paddlers – exposed open crossing. 15 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Paddling Schedule 2014 Please note: you must register in advance for all outings. Please email the trip leader for details. Date Boat / Level Trip leader Description Aug 23rd Saturday Kayak TBA Martin Lancaster Shedroof67 @gmail.com Place and date to be confirmed Aug 31 Sunday Kayak C-2 Big Chute Cassandra Roads [email protected]. Explore a beautiful section of the Trent Severn waterway and watch the marine railway in operation. No rentals. Sept 12-15 Fri—Mon Kayak B-2 Bay of Quinte Donna Barber donna.barber @sympatico.ca Car camping in Prince Edward country, day paddles at various locations. No rentals onsite but available nearby. Sept 20 Saturday Kayak B-2 Toronto Islands Dorothy Rideough [email protected] Day paddle out of Cherry Beach. No rentals onsite. October 19 Sunday Dorothy Rideough Kayak A-1 Our big season ending Paddle Party Potluck and BBQ! [email protected] Season Ender Lafortune Park, Caledonia On-Going Events Friday Night Social Paddle Kayak A-1 Various leaders Every Friday night starting mid May, we will have a social paddle of approx 2 hours, followed by a pub stop. Launch spot will be announced by email a couple of day prior and will rotate among various locations between Port Credit and Hamilton. Contact Dorothy to get on the email list NON–CLUB PADDLING ACTIVITIES Date Description June 14-15 MEC Toronto Paddlefest A celebration of paddling at Sunnyside Beach, Toronto. Clinics, seminars, boat try outs and more. June 21 Day of 1000 Canoes A celebration of our Heritage River. Anyone interested in participating, Grand River please contact Dorothy—for instructions on registering as an HOC team member! June 22 MEC Burlington Paddlefest A celebration of paddling at Christie Lake Conservation Area. Clinics, seminars, boat try outs and more Sept 5-7 Ontario Greenland Camp At Camp Tamarack, Bracebridge. All about Greenland paddling—where kayaking started! 16 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Bus Day Hikes Schedule 2014 by Phill Armstrong We leave from the Go Bus parking lot at Guelph line and the QEW at 8:30am. Check the listing carefully because for trips that are going North or East we will have an Oakville pickup as well. You can park your cars at the Guelph Line lot, and behind Hikers Haven in Oakville just as we have been doing for the ski bus trips. If the weather is good we will be back about 5:30pm, a little earlier if the weather is not so kind. The fare is $25. We try to ensure that both moderate and experienced hikers enjoy themselves so there will be a long and a short hike. If there are a lot of bookings we will run a medium hike as well. Monitor the website or the phone line for the status of the trip as it’s date approaches. Bring a lunch and water or drinks with you as well as boots, rainwear, bug repellent and sunscreen as appropriate. We often go for a drink or a meal after we get back to Burlington . If you can join us ,it’s a nice way to finish off the day. Please book by sending your cheque in early to avoid disappointment. Mark clearly on it which bus hike you want to go on. Make it payable to” The Halton Outdoor Club” and send it to our address at Halton Outdoor Club, 3310 Palmer Drive, Burlington ON, L7M 1X3. Sunday September 14, Niagara Glen and Falls, Phill and Anne Armstrong. Here’s a little of everything and you don’t have to do all of it. You can walk just a few kilometres or up to 20km if you choose. Our first stop and hike will be at Niagara Glen on the Niagara Gorge. We will spend a couple of hours here on the loop trails which range from easy to more challenging. The Niagara Glen is a unique spot of beauty deep in the N Great Gorge that has been a designated Nature Reserve since 1992. If you choose not to hike here the Butterfly Conservatory is just across the road. We will then go to Dufferin Islands above the falls for our picnic lunch. This popular area is 10 acres of paradise - a quiet, secluded park containing several small islands connected by small bridges and footpaths. In the afternoon it is a very pleasant walk from our lunch stop to the actual falls themselves and back. You should have plenty of time to sightsee and get an ice cream. Guelph line departure with a pickup at Casablanca Blvd and QEW, from the Gateway Niagara tourist center, on the South Service Rd. Sunday October 5, Walter Bean Grand River Trail Kitchener Waterloo area, Frank and Susan Cooney. The Walter Bean Grand River trail is designed to ensure an educational, environmental, and recreational heritage for generations to come. The trail will run some 78km in the proximity of the Grand River and will extend the existing Cambridge to Hamilton trail system as one continuous pathway through Kitchener, Waterloo, Woolwich to north of West Montrose. As of the writing for this hike, information is still being collected and the trip leader is working with both the City of Kitchener and the Grand River Conservation authority to provide you, the hiker, with Gateway Niagara tourist center, on the South a safe, interesting and enjoyable day on the trail. There will be 2 distances, 10km and Service Rd by Casablanca Blvd. 15-18km, depending on the access points and pick up locations. More information will follow in the Club’s emailer and website in order to properly prepare you for the hike. Mark the date in your calendar. There will be a cost for the rental of the yellow bus and a stop-over prior to arriving at the trail -head. If you have any questions, you can reach me at [email protected]. Hiker’s Information: You should bring water, and snacks or lunch. For safety reasons, inform your leader if you intend to leave a hike before its conclusion. The first rating describes the pace of the hike, and the second describes the difficulty of the terrain. Pace, km/hr Terrain Leisurely = 3 or less Easy = Mostly flat and usually good footing Medium = 3 to 4 Moderate = Some hills and/or some poor footing Brisk = 4 to 5 Strenuous = Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing. Fast = 5+ Hike Leaders: On bus hikes, a sign-in sheet must be passed around. On all hikes (excluding evening walks), nonmembers (those who are not a member of either the Halton Outdoor Club or the Bruce Trail Association) must sign a Release & Waiver Form. Notice to participants: All leaders are unpaid volunteers. You are welcome to participate in their activities, but you do so at your own risk. Phill Armstrong, Halton Outdoor Club Hiking Director, 905 337-3937, [email protected] 17 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Halton Outdoor Club Summer Hikes 2014 by Phill Armstrong The Halton Club specializes in destination bus hikes, weekend and short trips to further away places such as Pennsylvania, Finger Lakes, Killarney and many others over the years. We’re also known for our exciting overseas trips to the UK, China, Iceland, Italy and others. Our aim is to get people out in a social setting to enjoy hiking and walking at their level. Our first two bus hike this year have gone very well. Patti and Jim Blair ran a great trip to Mennonite Country, and the Elora Gorge. It’s all on the new Club Updater you have received. We had marvelous weather on a new weekend trip to Pelee Island and Point Pelee in May. We’ll try and run this one again. There are two more bus hikes in the fall, to Niagara Falls and a new destination the Walter Bean Grand River Hiking Trail, to finish off the year. For your consideration is another new trip in September to Sault St. Marie the Agawa Canyon and the Voyageur Trail, see details in this newsletter. Gayle Laws ran an exciting trip in April visiting and hiking in some of the most spectacular destinations in the American South West. Freda and Clive Wright are doing an HF trip to the UK - but this is different. One week on the north-east coast of England, staying in “Nether Grange”in Alnmouth, and one week in Thorns Hall in Sedbergh in Yorkshire. This trip goes in September. Halton Club members continue to lead a great variety of hikes.We encourage our leaders to list their hikes in the Iroquoian magazine which means they are also members of the Bruce Trail Club. There are many more hikes listed in the Iroquian and on their website www.iroquoia.on.ca. If you are interested in participating in these other hikes you should also be a member of the Bruce Trail Club. Phill Armstrong Hiking Director, Halton Outdoor Club, [email protected] Regular Weekly Walks Every Wednesday Night, Culham Trail Mississauga, 2hrs. Brisk pace. Meet at Riverwood Visual Arts Centre in Mississauga. The centre is located just north of Burnhamthorpe Rd between Mississauga Rd and Creditview Rd on Riverwood Park Lane. We will meet at 6:00pm in the parking lot at the top of the hill and hike along the Culham trail. Hike is cancelled if there is heavy rain. Leader: Nancy Stevens [email protected]. Every Friday Night, Burlington Waterfront, 2hrs. Meet at 7:30pm in the Lakeshore Road parking lot just east of the Waterfront Centre and restaurant, for a brisk walk along Lake Ontario to the canal and back. Hike cancelled in poor weather. Med 2. Leader: Lorne Carruthers. For information call Lorne at 905 315-8762 or [email protected]. General Hikes Sat. June 14, Dundas Valley Double Loop, 4km, two times. New to hiking or are your better hikes behind you? This hike is for newbies and old'ns. Starting at 10:00am from the Dundas Valley Trail Centre, located off Governors Road in Dundas, we will walk the Sawmill Trail, a loop of about 4km and return to the Trail Centre and a chance to drop out. Snacks and coffee available. After a short break for lunch, and if you are ready, we will hike the Main Loop for about another 4km and return back to the Trail Centre. Trails are even but there are some steep hills. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are necessary. Parking fee or Hamilton CA pass in effect. Bring snacks, lunch, water, bug spray and sun protection. Pace leisurely, terrain moderate. Leader Gord Proudfoot 905 387-5657. Sun. June 15, Scotsdale Farm Loop, 10km. Meet for a 10:00am start in the parking lot of Scotsdale Farm off of Trafalgar Rd, north of Hwy 7. Map 13. We will do a loop hike using a combination of blue side trails and main trail. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and lunch. Pace medium. Terrain moderate. Lots of shade to keep us cool. Directions: North on Trafalgar Rd to where it meets Hwy 7. Turn left and continue north to where Trafalgar Rd goes off the right. Follow Trafalgar Rd to the entrance to Scotsdale Farm on your right. It’s easy to miss. Leader Anne Armstrong, [email protected]. Sun. June 22, Gentle hike at Crawford Lake, 4km. Meet at 10:30am at Crawford Lake Conservation Area Map 11 Ed. 27.0 in the first (lower) parking area. Halton Conservation Area pass or entrance fee applies. This is a loop walk using side trails and some main trail to make the loop. Rocky sections. Bring water and snack. Suitable for all ages. No dogs please. Pace Leisurely Terrain moderate. Leader Valerie Dobson 905 828-1729. Sun. June 22, Burlington-Waterdown, 10km, 3hrs. Meet for 9:30am start in Burlington’s City View Park, atop the Escarpment, in the parking area closest to the Niagara Escarpment. If coming south from Dundas Street it’s the second park entrance on your left; if coming north on Kern’s Road, it’s the first entrance on your right. See Map 9 of the Bruce Trail Guide. We’ll hike over to Smokey Hollow & the ‘Great Falls’ in Waterdown, then back using some side trails. Snack at 11am. For those interested, pub lunch after in nearby Waterdown. Pace Leisurely, Difficulty Moderate. Leader Gary Wrathall 905 681-6167 (Burlington) [email protected]. For any questions, call or email no later than 5pm day before hike. 18 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Sat. July 26, A View of Burlington, 10km, 3 hrs. Meet for 9:30am start where the Bruce Trail reaches No 1 Sideroad in north Burlington (Map 9 of the Bruce Trail Guide,) Km 83.3. We’ll car pool to City View Park (near km 75.7) and hike back. Bring water! For those interested, pub lunch after. Pace: Leisurely Difficulty: Moderate. Leader Gary Wrathall 905 6816167 (Burlington) [email protected]. For any questions, call or email no later than 5pm day before hike. Sat. July 27, City View Park to Smokey Hollow and Back, 12km. Meet at 10:00am in the south parking lot of City View Park, on the east side of Kerns Rd (if coming north on Kerns Rd the parking lot is on your right, just after the curvy hill, past Kerncliff Park. If coming south from Dundas St on Kerns Rd, it is the second entrance to the park, on the east side). We will hike from City View Park and descend into the Grindstone Creek ravine using the Waterdown Road Side Trail to Smokey Hollow. We will return along the main trail. Bring water, snacks, lunch, sun screen and bug spray. Medium pace, strenuous terrain. Leader Gord Proudfoot 905 387-5657. Sat. Aug. 9, Kilbride to Crawford Lake, 11km. Meet for a 10:00am start in the lower parking lot of Crawford Lake Conservation Area on the east side of Guelph Line, north of Derry Rd. We will carpool back to the start of the hike behind Kilbride School on Panton Street. Maps 10/11. Bring sunscreen, water, insect repellent and lunch. Pace medium Terrain moderate. Parking fee or Conservation Area pass. Leader Anne Armstrong 905 337-3937 or [email protected]. Sun. Aug. 10, Gentle Hike near Fisher’s Pond, 7km. Meet at 10:30am at Fisher Access Trail parking area on Highview Dr, Map 9 Ed. 27.0 near km 78.8. This is a there-and-back walk using side trail and main trail. Bring water and snack. No dogs please. Suitable for all ages. Some hilly sections. Pace Leisurely. Terrain moderate. Leader Valerie Dobson 905 828-1729. Sat. July 12, A View of Hamilton, 10km, 3hrs. Meet for 9:30am start at the parking lot overlooking Albion Falls (not the one upstream of the falls) on Hamilton’s east mountain (see the parking symbol opposite the words ‘Albion Falls’ on Map 7 of the Bruce Trail Guide). We’ll car pool to Sam Lawrence Park on the central mountain, and hike back, taking in a constant view of the various parts of Hamilton. Warning: little or no shade from any sun. Bring water! Snack at 11am. For those interested, pub lunch after on Concession Street near Sam Lawrence Park. Pace Leisurely, Difficulty Moderate. Leader Gary Wrathall 905 6816167 (Burlington) [email protected]. For any questions, call or email no later than 5pm day before hike. Sun. July 13, Gentle Hike at Mount Nemo, 7km loop hike. Meet at 10:30am at Mount Nemo parking area, Map 10 Ed. 27.0. Halton Conservation Area pass or entrance fee applies. This is a loop walk using side trails and some main trail to make the loop. Bring water and snack. No dogs please. Suitable for all ages. Pace Leisurely. Terrain moderate. Leader Valerie Dobson 905 828-1729. Sun. July 20, Culham Trail, 10km. Meet for a 9:30am start in the parking lot of Erindale Park on the north side of Dundas St, just east of Mississauga Rd in Mississauga. We will carpool to Rivergrove Community Centre on Rivergrove Ave, just east of Streetsville and hike back to Erindale Park, following the Credit River. Bring a snack, water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Pace medium. Terrain Moderate. Leader Anne Armstrong 905 3373937, [email protected]. Hikers “R” Us Summer hiking is great but please remember to bring lots of water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. Please be sure to notify the hike leader if you plan to attend as sometimes weather or other circumstances mean changes to the meeting spot, etc. Acting Hike Convenor: Charlotte Stewart, [email protected], 905 628-0509. Wed. June 18, Lowville/Kilbride on Bruce Trail, 13km. Meet at Lowville Park at 8:45am. Walk on Blue Trail to join White trail north through Kilbride and return to Lowville. Side trip along creek afterwards possible. Medium pace, normal terrain. Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray. Hiking boots. Leader Agnes Keenan, [email protected], Cell phone hike morning only 905 330-0008. Wed. June 25, Dundas, 10km. Meet for an 8:45am start at Dundas Driving Park at Cross St and Parkview Rd, Dundas. Hike from the park to Webster’s Falls and return. Medium pace, normal terrain (but we do climb the escarpment). Bring lunch/snack, sunscreen, water, bug spray. Hiking boots. Leader Eleanor Tasker, [email protected]. Wed. July 2, Iroquoia, Crawford Lake to Rattlesnake Loop, 15km. Meet for 9:30am exit at Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Conservation Road, off Guelph Line. Map 11. Km. 105.5. Hike the Crawford Lake ST, Main Trail, Rattlesnake Point ST, back to cars. Loop hike, hiking boots. no dogs. Pace Medium to brisk. Terrain normal/some hills. Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, lunch. Halton Conservation pass or parking fee required. Leader: Errol MacKenzie [email protected] or telephone 905 627-9497, Dundas before 9:00 pm please. Wed. July 23, Kilbride to Calcium Pits and Beyond (In and Out), 12km. Meet for 9:00am start in the parking lot behind Kilbride school, Map 10 (98.5 Km). Some rocky hilly sections, no dogs, hiking boots, water, lunch. Pace medium. Terrain normal. Leader Fay Douglas, [email protected]. Wed. July 30, Greensville and Area, 13km. Meet for a 9:00am start at the Websters Falls parking lot in Greensville. See Map 8 of the Bruce Trail Guide. We will hike through this area, taking in waterfalls and fabulous views. Bring water, sunscreen, lunch/snack, bug spray. Pace moderate to medium Terrain normal. Leader Gary Wrathall, [email protected], 905 681-6167 (Burlington). Wed. Aug 20, Mount Nemo Loop Hike, 15km. Meet for an 8:45am exit in the Mount Nemo CA parking lot, just east of Guelph Line and Colling Rd. Map 10 (91.5 Km). We will do a loop hike of the trails in the area. CA fees apply. Hiking boots. Bring snack/lunch/bugspray/water. Pace medium Terrain normal/strenuous (hilly, rocky). Leader Fay, [email protected]. 19 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Midweek Hikes, Thursdays Join us for a variety of summer hikes along the trails. Please note that with the possibility of summer heat waves, several of the hikes will begin at an earlier time. All hikes are at a moderate pace with the likelihood of hills and rocky footing. No dogs, please. In the event of inclement weather please call the hike leader. Thursday hike coordinator is Connie Rusynyk, [email protected], 905 689-2203. Thurs. June 5, Kilbride to Crawford Lake, 11km. Meet for a 10:00am start in the lower parking lot of Crawford Lake Conservation Area on the east side of Guelph Line, north of Derry Rd. We will carpool back to the start of the hike behind Kilbride School on Panton St. Maps 10/11. Bring sunscreen, water, insect repellent and lunch. Pace leisurely Terrain moderate. We should see lots of wildflowers. Parking fee or Conservation Area pass. Leader: Anne Armstrong, [email protected]. Thurs. June 12, Dundas Valley to Tiffany Falls and Back, 12km. Meet for a 10:00am start at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre on Governors Rd. We will hike to Sherman Falls and then on to Tiffany Falls, then out and back to Tiffany and loop back from Sherman Falls. Bring water, snack, sunscreen bugspray and lunch. Parking fee required at Dundas Valley or Hamilton CA pass. Medium pace, moderate footing. Gord Proudfoot. 905 387-5657. Thurs. June 19, A Day in Port Dover, 6km. Meet for a 10:30am start at the gazebo in Powell Park on Main St, Port Dover. From here we will walk through Port Dover to see the homes of the rich and famous. Bring water, snack and sunscreen. We will lunch out today at one of the restaurants. After lunch we will take a stroll to the pier and then on to the Harbour Museum (admission by donation). Comfortable shoes will do! Pace leisurely terrain easy. Leader Lorraine Sherred, email [email protected]. Thurs. June 26, Hamilton Trails, 8km. Meet for a 10:00am start in the parking lot of Chedoke Golf Club. We will be hiking west up the Radial Trail and the distance will depend on the weather (heat!) Bring lots of water, sunscreen, snacks/lunch. No dogs! Terrain Easy Pace Medium. Leader Marion Fletcher, [email protected]. Thurs. July 3, Bluebird Walk at Cedar Brook Farm, 8km. Meet for 9:30am start at Cedar Brook Farm in Puslinch. The farm is located at 812 Eight Concession Rd West. This is west of Hwy #6, just north of the traffic lights at Carlisle Rd. On 8 Concession go up a steep hill and down to the bottom of the hill. Turn left at 812 at the Cedarbrook sign. Continue down the laneway to the second house. We will do a nature walk around the farm, discussing bluebirds, tree swallows and many other birds. If you want to feed the farm animals bring carrots. You can check out the Old Irish Home. Bring lunch, water, bugspray, sunscreen. Pace leisurely terrain moderate. Leader Dan Welsh, The Bird Man. [email protected], 905 659-4957. Thurs. July 10, North Shore Trails, Dundas 10km. Meet for a 9:30am start in the small parking lot at the entrance to the north shore trails on York Rd in Dundas. We will do a loop hike of the RBG trails going down to the lookout to search for the eagles. Bring sunscreen, bugspray, snack, water. We will stop at the picnic tables at the trail centre. Medium pace Moderate terrain. Leader Linda Robinson, [email protected]. Thurs. July 17, Ancaster, Dundas Valley CA, 4hrs. Meet for a 10:00am start at the Lions Club Pool parking lot on the Jerseyville Rd in Ancaster. CA fees may apply. Bring lots of water, snacks, lunch and sunscreen. Hilly. Medium pace moderate terrain. Lorraine Sherred please email [email protected]. Thurs. July 24, Scotsdale Farm Loop, 10km. Meet for a 10:00am start in the parking lot of Scotsdale Farm off of Trafalgar Rd, north of Hwy 7. Map 13. We will do a loop hike using a combination of blue side trails and main trail. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and lunch. Pace leisurely Terrain moderate. Lots of shade to keep us cool. Directions: North on Trafalgar Rd to where it meets Hwy 7. Turn left and continue north to where Trafalgar Rd goes off the right. Follow Trafalgar Rd to the entrance to Scotsdale Farm on your right. It’s easy to miss. Leader Anne Armstrong, [email protected]. Thur. July 31, Christie Lake Conservation Area, Loop Hike and Swim, 10km. Meet for a 9:00am start at the car park on Crooks Hollow Rd (1km west of the village of Greenville). We will hike clockwise around Christie Lake. At the beach we will swim (optional) and have a picnic lunch. For non-HCA members there is now a parking fee and a walk-in fee of $5. Bring water, snack, lunch, repellent, swim suit and towel (note: there are changing rooms). Pace medium Terrain easy. Leader Terry Rose, 905 637-2918, [email protected]. Thurs. Aug. 7, Dundas Valley CA, 10km. Meet for a 9:30 start at Dundas Golf and Country Club, Woodley Lane. We will hike to the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and return. CA fees may apply. Bring water, snack, sun screen, and lunch. Medium pace moderate terrain. Gord Proudfoot, 905 387-5867. Thurs. Aug. 14, Oakville/Glen Abbey Trails, 10km. Meet for a 10:00am start at the south east corner of Third Line and Upper Middle Rd, north of the QEW and south of Hwy 5. Park on the west side of McDonalds. We will do a loop of the trails of Glen Abbey, enjoying the ravines and streams. Bring sunscreen, water, insect repellent and a snack. Optional lunch at Williams afterwards. Leader Anne Armstrong, [email protected]. Thurs. August 21, Eagles in Brantford, 4hrs. Meet for a 10:00am start at Glenhurst Gardens on 20 Ava Rd in Brantford. Take the 403 to Brantford. Exit at Paris Rd. Turn left onto the Paris Rd. At the stoplights turn right onto Hardy Rd. Cross the railway tracks and turn left onto Ava Rd and proceed to Glenhurst Gardens at 20 Ava Rd. Bring a snack, water, lunch, and sunscreen. Medium pace moderate terrain. Hike Leader Lorraine Sherred, please email [email protected]. Thur. Aug. 28, Falls of the West Hamilton Mountain, 10km. Meet for a 9:30am start in the parking lot on Scenic Dr on the west mountain in Hamilton (see Map 8, km 40.6. Bruce Trail Guide, 26th edition). We’ll hike through the Iroquoia Heights CA to Wilson St in Ancaster to view Tiffany Falls. Bring lunch or a snack, and lots of water!! Pace Leisurely Terrain Mostly Moderate but with a few steep climbs. Leader Garry Wrathall 905 681-6167, [email protected]. 20 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Happy Wanderers Bring lunch, lots of water, sun and bug protection. Wear clothing suited to the weather and proper hiking boots. Notify leader if you are attending as sometimes circumstances dictate that the hike cancelled or changed. Telephone or email Errol MacKenzie at Dundas ON. (905)627-9497 [email protected]. before 9:00 pm. please. Map references are from Edition 27. Mon. June 2, Caledon, Hockley Rd, Tom East ST, Glen CrossST, Snell ST, 14 km, Loop. Meet for 8:45 exit parking lot, Hwy 401/Trafalgar Rd. Move some cars to parking lot on Hockley Rd, just east of 2EHS. Map18. Toronto hikers can meet us at 9:30am. Hike Tom East, Glen Cross and Snell ST and loop back to cars on Main Trail. Hilly. Hiking boots, no dogs. Pace Medium. Terrain Strenuous. Mon. June 9 Dundas Valley, Headwaters Trail, 15km, Loop. Meet for 8:45 am exit at Dundas Valley Conservation parking lot off Governors Rd, Dundas. Map 8. Conservation Fee applies. Hike the Headwaters trail and Main Loop of Dundas valley. Hilly. Hiking boots, no dogs. Pace Medium, Terrain Moderate. Mon. June 16, Iroquoia, Tiffany Falls to Dundas Valley Trail Centre Loop, 14km. Meet for 8:45am exit at Tiffany Falls Parking lot on Wilson St. Map 8. Km 45. Hike to Trail Centre and back to cars. Pace Medium. Terrain Moderate. Mon. June 23, Toronto, Vanderleck ST, 15km, Loop. Meet for 8:45am exit at St. Helena Rd. Map 12. Hike the Main Trail, Vanderleck ST, Hilton Falls ST and Main Trail back to cars. Hiking boots, no dogs. Pace Medium. Terrain Moderate. Mon. June 30, No Hike, Canada Day Holiday. Mon. July 7, Toronto, Silver Creek, 15km, Loop. Meet for 8:45 exit at parking lot Hwy 401/Trafalgar Rd northeast corner. Toronto hikers can meet us at Fallbrook Trail at 9:15. Map13. Km 35.9. Carpool to Fallbrook Trail. Hike the Main trail, Roberts ST, Main Trail, Bennet Heritage ST, Main Trail back to cars. Loop Hike. Hiking boots, no dogs, Pace Medium. Terrain Strenuous. Mon. July 14, Niagara, Decew House Park, Rockway A-B, 15km. Meet for 8:45 exit at Hamilton Beach, Burlington side of Hutch’s restaurant near small red brick building. Move some cars to Rockway. Map 3. Km 45.1. Hike from Decew House Park back to cars at Rockway. Hiking boots, no dogs. Pace Medium. Terrain Moderate. 21 Mon. July 21, Toronto, Limehouse to Scotsdale Farm A-B, 14km. Meet for 8:45 exit at parking lot Hwy 401/Trafalgar Rd north east corner. Move some cars to Scotsdale Farm. Map 13. Km. north of 29.4.Toronto hikers can meet us at 9:15. Hike from Limehouse Conservation Area. Parking Map12. to Scotsdale Farm. Hiking boots, no Dogs. Pace Medium. Terrain Moderate. Mon. July 28, Iroquoia, BorersFalls, Dundas Lookout and Tews Falls Loop, 15km. Meet for 8:45 exit at parking lot, Valley Road and York Road Dundas. Hike up the York Road Access Trail to Main Trail and then along Main trail to Tews Falls and return. Hiking boots, no dogs. Pace Medium. Terrain Moderate. Mon. Aug. 4, No Hike, Civic Holiday. Mon. Aug. 11, Iroquoia, Lowville Park to Twiss Rd Loop, 15km. Meet for 9:30 exit at Lowville Park, Guelph Line. Hike the local trail, River and Ruin ST, Main Trail to Twiss Road, Map 10 and return. Hiking Boots, no dogs. Pace Medium. Terrain Moderate. Mon. Aug. 18, Caledon, Palgrave to Coolihans Rd, A-B, 13km. Meet for 8:45 exit at parking lot Hwy 401/Trafalgar, northeast corner. Move some cars to Coolihans SR. Map 17. Km. 37.4 Toronto hikers can meet us at 9:30. Hike from Palgrave Conservation Area Hwy 50 to Coolihans SR. Hilly, hiking boots, no dogs. Pace Medium. Terrain Moderate. Mon. Aug. 25, Toronto, Hilton Falls Trails, Loop, 15km. Meet for 8:45 exit at Hilton Falls Conservation, Map 11. Hike the Philip Gosling ST, Hilton Falls ST and Conservation trails. Hiking boots, no dogs. Pace Medium. Terrain Moderate. The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Comfortable Hiking Holidays Toll free 1 (866) 449-1908 [email protected] www.letshike.com OPEN HOUSE You’re invited! See photos, hear commentary, learn about new and exciting adventures, and maybe even win a door prize! Sunday, September 7 at 3:30 pm Crescent School Auditorium 2365 Bayview Ave, Toronto (1 light north of Lawrence Ave. E on the east side of Bayview) Corfu ● Patagonia ● Kenya ● Amalfi ● Ireland ● Iceland Peru ● Israel ● Turkey ● Cuba ● Camino de Santiago ISRAEL March 9 to 22, 2015 Fascinating and complex, Israel offers immense diversity. Hike the lush vineyards of the Golan Heights & the deep canyons of the Judean Desert, plus the famed Jesus Trail from Nazareth to the Sea of Galillee. We shall visit Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Masada, Bethlehem and Tel Aviv, and although this holiday is not religious by design, we cannot help but be immersed in the dominant role it has played for centuries. PATAGONIA March 16 to 29, 2015 Explore both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia – each with its own culture, climate and allure. In Chile, visit penguins on Isla Magdalena, then journey far south into the heart of Torres Del Paine NP for magnificent views of the central lakes and the Paine’s Horns, a stunning hike on the shores of Grey Lake to witness the icebergs floating in the water, and the famed hike up to “The Towers”. In Argentina, travel to El Chalten and El Calafate for hikes in Los Glaciares National Park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hike over to view Mt. Fitz Roy and even walk on the sheer wall of ice that is the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier. This adventure concludes in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. AMALFI COAST April 13 to 25, 2015 Italy never fails to captures the hearts (and stomachs) of its visitors, and the Amalfi Coast lives up to that reputation - towns perched impossibly on mountainsides, one of the most famous stretches of coastline in the world, sapphire-blue water in every direction, an infamous volcano and some of the finest Limoncello anywhere. Come hike in Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and on the posh island of Capri. 22 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 2015 FULLY ESCORTED HIKING TOURS by Bob Scarfone & Vision Travel Group NEWFOUNDLAND – August 9 – 21, 2015 visit the Club’s website We are happy to present our tour of Newfoundland, filled with hiking and sightseeing. Our first four nights will be on the west coast to explore Gros Morne and up into L’Anse aux Meadows. We then head to Twillingate for the next four nights to visit “our area” of Newfoundland. Here you will visit some local sites that most tourists will never see. Finally, we are off to St. John’s (with a stop in Terra Nova Park) for the final nights of our tour. Tentative cost is $2995 plus air fare, approximately $650 www.HaltonOutdoorClub.ca √ schedules √ FAQ’s √ newsletters √ pictures ITALY, THE DOLOMITES – September 11 - 26, 2015 This trip has been going for more than 10 years now and is one of the best value hiking trips anywhere! We will spend two weeks exploring the hiking and cycling trails of the Dolomites, with our home base of Dobbiaco. The tentative cost of this trip is $3425 per person, based on double occupancy. Your cost includes air fare from Toronto, transfers in Italy, accommodation with breakfast and dinner daily, local transit pass for two weeks. Consult the website for the latest updates. INDIVIDUAL VACATIONS - ANYTIME I can also help plan individual vacations. Whether it’s an “active” vacation, ocean cruise, river cruise in Europe or elsewhere, vacation packages south, or coach tours worldwide. I have been in the travel business for over 30 years and can assist with all your travel arrangements. Simpson & Rich Barristers and Solicitors Gary D. Rich, B.A., LL.B. Suite 208 - Upper Canada Place 460 Brant Street Burlington, Ontario L7R 4B6 For more information and booking: CALL Bob at 1-800-475-9494 ext 2507 Telephone 905 681-1521 Fax 905 333-5075 or email [email protected] Vision 2000 Travel Group Ont reg # 500184986 6 Cameron Dr. Ancaster, ON 23 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Membership Discounts Ancaster Oakville Hikers Haven Europe Bound 166 South Service Road East 905 849-8928 10% off all equipment rentals, & regular-priced clothing, footwear and camping gear over $100. Oakville Cycle and Sports Ltd 105 Cross Ave - Trafalgar Village 905- 844-4394 10% off all regular priced items. The Running Company The Granary, 114 Lakeshore Rd E 905 815-1952 10% off all regular priced items. Ancaster Cycle 365 Wilson Street East 905 648-2288 10% off regular priced parts, accessories and clothing. Does not include bikes or labour. Burlington Brant Cycle 892 Brant Street 905 637-3737 10% off all regular priced products. Does not include bikes, trailers or labour. Dundas Adventure Attic 28 King Street West 905 628-2929 10% off regular priced items Dunnville Grand River Kayak 2 Port Maitland Road 905 701-6818 10% off regular priced items, lessons & tours Stoney Creek All The Right Gears 442 Millen Road 905 662-2453 10% off regular priced items. Does not include bikes and labour. Waterdown Bicycle Works 316 Dundas Street East 905 689-1991 10% off all in-store items. 15% off tune ups before April 15th. Does not include bikes or labour. Hamilton Central Cycle 965 King Street East 905 522-8445 10% off regular priced items McMaster Sports 1331 Main Street West 905 523-8880 10% off all regular priced items. Pieriks Cycle 840 King Street West - Westdale 905 525-8521 10% off regular priced items. Does not include bikes or labour. Mississauga Rack Attack Mississauga 3145 Dundas Street West, Unit 9 905 828-7225 10% off racks The Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co. 199 Lakeshore Road East, Unit A 905 990-1750 5% off of all "Woolpower" products 24 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 WALK THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO Self-guided walks starting in Leon, Spain $2300 Cdn (based on double occupancy) includes: • 13 nights pre-booked accommodation in small hotels and inns with private bath • Breakfast daily • 12 dinners including table wine • Luggage transfer from inn to inn (one bag per guest) • Maps, route notes, guide book • Local English-speaking host on call for assistance • Use of a pre-paid Spanish cell phone • Train ticket from Madrid to Leon • Pilgrim credentials Walkers World / Teachers’ Travel 21 St Clair Ave E #1003, Toronto, ON M4T 1L9 Phone 416-922-2232 1-800-268-7229 e-mail [email protected] www.walkersworld.com tico 1185985 Are You Getting the E-mail Updater? Every few weeks you should be getting an E-mail Updater from the Club which gives news and events, updates and reminders on what’s going on. It is a great way to stay informed between newsletters. It should be landing directly in your INBOX. If not then please contact Patti Blair at [email protected] and we can get you set up. 25 The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Sault, Superior and Agawa Canyon Holiday, Sept. 19-23, 2014 ✃ September 19 to 23, 2014 see page 6 Please register ___ people at $200 each, total $____________. Name _______________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________ City _____________________ Prov _____ Postal Code ___________ Phone: home ( ) _____________ work ( ) _____________ Email _____________________________________________ Will share accommodation with___________________________________________________ Mail to: HOC, 3310 Palmer Dr., Burlington ON, L7M 1X3 Baja Peninsula Kayak Excursion Name _______________________________________________________________________ ✃ April 11 to 19th, 2015 see page 8 Please register ___ people at $100 each, total $____________. Address _____________________________________ City _____________________ Prov _____ Postal Code ___________ Phone: home ( ) _____________ work ( email _____________________________________________ 26 ) _____________ The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Ski Trip to Seefeld, Austria and the Italian Dolomites January 31 to February 14, 2015 see page 7 Please register _____ people of $100 each, total $ _________ Address:____________________________________ City: _________________________ Postal Code: __________ Phone: Home ( ) _____________ Work ( ) ______________ Email address: _____________________ Will share accommodation with: ______________________________________________ Medical Insurance: Name of Carrier ____________________ Policy # ___________________ Cancellation Insurance: Name of Carrier _____________________ Policy # ______________ Passport Number/Country: ___________________________ Expiry Date: _______________ Birth Date: ___________________________________ Date of return if you plan to extend your trip: ______________________________________ All the information requested must be provided. NOTE: Please note your passport expiry date MUST extend at least six months beyond your return date. Mail to: HOC, 3310 Palmer Dr., Burlington ON, L7M 1X3 27 ✃ Name: ____________________________________________________________________ The Halton Outdoor Club Newsletter June 2014 Beat the Heat with Our Halton Outdoor Club Summer Special 30% OFF Sandals, Shorts, T-Shirts, Tank Tops, Skirts & Hats* Bring this flyer in to Hikers Haven 166 South Service Rd. East Oakville, Ontario L6J 2X5 Tel: (905) 849 – 8928 E-Mail: [email protected] *Excludes Merino Wool & Not applicable to sale items Expires July 31st 2014 28