I'M ON EASY STREET - NOT REALLY

After Christmas, my Bruce Trail trek journey continued on to The Toronto Bruce Trail Section or as I like to call it, Urban Hiking. That isn't to say, that there aren't some great woodlands, valleys, hills,  and interesting terrain along the almost 50kms in length. That said, it cannot be compared to the Peninsula, because it has it's own charm. Bring on the new challenge...winter hiking. 

You are Here!
The trail begins at /near the stile on Creditview Road/Boston Mills.

There are so many things to consider when hiking in the winter, that said, it's my favourite season (next to fall) . I won't bore you with what you need to consider when hiking in the winter, you can check out this link if you are interested.

The Toronto Section begins in Cheltenham, near Caledon. The famous Cheltenham Badlands are close by but they are technically in the Caledon Hills section...so,more on this in future blogs. 

If you are going to have to hike on the road, it's nice to have a restaurant along the way. Spirit Tree Cidery is a great oasis for the thirsty traveler and they also have great pizza & clean washrooms. (yes, this is a shamless promotion for free food). Keep in mind that cider, will dehydrate and make you thristy or so I've heard. 

I was looking forward to heading back into woodland trails, however thanks to the Emerald ash borer's destruction of the trees in the area, we were again faced with a trail diversion back on to the roadways of Ballinafad to Terra Cotta.

Easy Street - Not Really!

Those footstep make me nervous - death to the left.

Terra Cotta to Silvercreek Conservation Area, I was back in my happy hiking place again, hills, valleys, streams and rocks covered in snow. The terrain now resembled the Bruce I know and love. I had to giggle at the 'video surveillance' warning signs, so when I came across a 'box' attached to a tree, I couldn't help but 'entertain' for a moment, I'm sure I wasn't the first person to ever do that. I feel a little sorry for the person who had to review that recording, besides singing & dancing in the forest is a great way to stay warm. 

Timmie & Stripes get reacquainted.

I mentioned before, the nice thing about hiking down in this area close to home, non-End to End hiking friends were able to join us for these sections help out with car jockeying and bringing 'gumdrops'. Best part my Timmie was also back trekking with me (weather permitting). 

Gwen & Danny in matching coats. 

If you haven't hiked the Toronto Section, I'm here to tell you that hiking on Hwy 7, sucks, it was as if drivers speed up when they see hikers.  I'm not complaining, simply stating a fact, so don't say you weren't warned. The reward for this enduring the crappy road section led us into Limehouse. It was a perfect sunny winter day, crisp snow, and just the right amount of challenge, mind you, this section had more stiles I have ever hiked over at one time - lot's of zigzagging through private land.  A special shout out again, to the wonderful land owners who grant access to hikers. The ruins of the Lime Kilns & the "Hole in the Wall" are a must see. 

Ruins in Limehouse

Next to the Silvercreek section, Speyside to Hilton Falls trek was very memorable and yippee, very little road hiking. Most of the snow was gone from the January thaw, so it was a lot of ICERS on , ICERS off - wax on, wax off and lots of mud. In fact, it was almost too warm to be called 'winter' hiking. The terrain was fairly flat, but very icy at times. You never know what you will discover while hiking. We happened on an interesting 'treasure' on the trail - apparently the world is flat. Think about it?

Very Interesting - or not?

I am enjoying hiking again, it doesn't feel like a chore. My hiking partner hikes at faster pace than me, but she is never out of contact. We take enough breaks, share laughter & funny stories, we talk about the trail and life in general. Our shared passion for completing the End to End and getting our badges, enjoying craft beer, our Tim Horton's stops after our hikes and a mutual respect for our differences has made hiking this winter a fun and rewarding experience.

Badge Number 2

 Next Time: The Caledon Hills Section