Merry Christmas from the Dundas Valley

Walking out the front door this morning at 6:30 a.m was surreal. It was 15 degrees. In December. On the day before Christmas. In all my life I don't recall December weather like this. Not that I'm complaining but wow, it's positively balmy!

I wrapped up my Christmas shopping mid morning and then hit the trail. Due to its close proximity, the Spring Creek Trail called out to me and before long I was enveloped in the trees, a light breeze blowing and the sun shining. Remarkable. The trails are in amazing shape for this time of year, a little spongy in sections but for the most part, dry and firm. I came across a couple on horse back and just one other person walking with their dog. I expected it to be busier but I suspect many were still fighting off the hordes in the malls.

In any event, a beautiful day and certainly one to be grateful for.

I reflected on the year that was. Some challenges for sure but lots of memorable moments as well, fortunately more of those than the latter and I had to admit to myself that I'm a pretty lucky guy. There is a lot of strife in the world and I don't think that there has been a time when I've felt more grateful to live in Canada and in this safe and stable community.

I thank you, the reader of this blog, for being a big part of this year as well and I'm thrilled that I was able to meet many of you on the trails and at events this year. There are lots of new things in the works for 2016 and I'm pretty excited about the future.

With that, we wrap up another year. In the words of Edward Abbey, "May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds."

 

Merry Christmas to you and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016.

 

Cam

It's a New Year and the Trails are Calling

January 1, 2015. A new year, just full of promise and new possibilities, a fresh page as they say.

Like many, my thoughts turn to resolutions, goals and plans and one of mine certainly, is to devote more time to the things I love, with hiking being very near the top of that list.

With that on mind, I ventured out this morning with my always willing and eager canine companion and headed to a favourite stretch of the Bruce Trail. The trail that runs between Sherman Falls and Canterbury Falls is beautiful; rocky, hilly and picturesque with a couple of beautiful waterfalls to enjoy.

The look of the water covered in ice, surrounded by rock and the remaining fall leaves is particularly nice and I enjoyed the workout of traversing the hilly trail under grey skies and a cool wind.

The trail as it approaches Canterbury Falls provides great views of the valley below, particularly now with the trees void of their leaves.

A great trail and a fitting way to kick off 2015. Thank you for your readership and comments through this past year. Please accept my very best wishes to you for a happy and healthy new year filled with  outdoor adventures.

Cam

5 Reasons to get out Hiking this Winter

This winter feels like its been extraordinarily long and cold but even with that there have been many days when getting out and exploring a trail have been not only possible but very worthwhile.

Besides the obvious advantage of no bugs, here are 5 benefits to getting out hiking in the winter:

Fresh Perspective.

Even trails that you frequently explore look different under a fresh layer of snow. Streams and trees look different and waterfalls take on a whole new and spectacular look.

Less People

If peace and solitude are an important component of your hiking experience, then winter is the ideal time to get outside.

More Wildlife

The combination of less people on the trails and significantly less leaf cover mean you can see further distances. The obvious benefit is that you can spot more wildlife. Deer are easy to find in the valley and woodpeckers and other birds are plentiful. Bring some seed along and some of those friendly birds are likely to get very close in exchange for a snack.

More Exercise

Added winter clothing and snow covered trails add resistance to your movement and with that comes additional health benefits.  You can improve your strength and cardiovascular health while at the same time relieving stress and eliminating the winter blues. Hiking is proven to aid in weight loss and helps to protect against heart disease, diabetes and depression. The extra work involved in hiking in the winter burns more calories and provides you with fitness benefits sooner.

Plus staying active and and fit during the winter months ensures that you'll be in top shape when the regular season begins.

 

Improved Mental health

It's been said that it is impossible to be in a bad mood and be in the woods at the same time and I can certainly attest to that. Try walking a trail on a sunny winter day with a light snow falling and you instantly feel the happy effects of endorphins combined with fresh crisp air. Scientific studies have long supported the benefits of nature and hiking on mental health and there is no doubt that it is an effective stress reliever and a great way to clear your mind.
 

So take advantage this winter. Bundle up and explore, I promise that you will be glad you did.

Just a reminder that more photos and trail information are always available on my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380

Discovering the Cheltenham Badlands Trail

I am continually amazed by the rich diversity of southern Ontario. From lush Carolinian forests and rolling meadows to countless waterfalls and lakefront, we seem to have it all. A recent visit to the Cheltenham Badlands in the Caledon area introduced me to a new and very unique landscape unlike anything I had seen before.

Parking at the small makeshift parking lot on Olde Base Line Rd, I stepped out onto the red clay. The colour of the ground immediately catches your eye and provides a sense of the view to be had once you walk the few steps up to the vantage point there. From this point you can see the entire area as it drops away and the uniqueness of the ground is breathtaking.

According to the Ontario Trails Council “Badlands” is a geologic term for an area of soft rock devoid of vegetation and soil cover that has become molded into a rolling landscape of rounded hills and gullies. Such areas are rare in Ontario and this is one of the best examples. They exhibit the reddish hue of the Queenston Shale that forms them; the iron oxide in the shale produces this colour. The narrow greenish bands that can be seen throughout the shale are due to the change of red iron oxide to green iron oxide brought on by the circulating groundwater. The relatively soft shale is essentially clay and is easily eroded by water. This site was acquired by the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 2000 and is under the care of the Bruce Trail Association.

 

 

As this is a sensitive natural area, walking through it is discouraged. The Bruce Trail travels just past this site and it is just a short walk off the main trail to the access point.

This such an interesting area and I look forward to the opportunity of a summer return. I imagine that when the surrounding woodlands are fully green the contrast will be spectacular. Catching a sunrise or sunset from this area would also be very worthwhile.

Goodbye 2012

I have to admit, I am a big fan of the changing seasons in Ontario. I love the newness of spring, the deep greens and wildlife activity of the summer, the intense colours of fall and the silence and clean landscapes of winter.

This is also the time of year that I build my plan and goals for the new year and take time to reflect on the year gone by.

Waking this morning to a fresh covering of snow, I took full advantage of the opportunity to explore the Spring Creek Trail and take the time to think back with gratitude on the many hiking and camping opportunities that I had in 2012.

There is something about a fresh covering of snow that helps to clear your head and cleanse your mind and I returned from this hike feeling truly refreshed.

It was just over a year ago that I started this blog and in that time I have explored many of the trails of the Dundas Valley. I have had the opportunity to share thoughts with readers and meet some terrific people who share my passion for hiking and photography. It has been a lot of fun and I have learned a lot.

I am looking forward to much more exploring in this area in 2013 and sharing more photos and hiking ideas with you.

A sincere thank you for the many comments and words of encouragement this year. They are greatly appreciated.

Also, thank you for the many of you that have visited and left comments on my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380

Please accept my wishes to you for a healthy and happy 2013 and one that is filled with amazing outdoor experiences.

Cam

Sulphur Springs

For my recent birthday, my parents presented me with the book, Touring the Giants Rib, A Guide to the Niagara Escarpment by Lorina and Gary Stephens. Fully aware of my love of hiking in this area, they always know how to find me gifts that help to feed my passion for the outdoors.

Flipping through it, I stopped on a description of Sulphur Springs and realized that although I frequently drive by and hike through this area, I know very little of the history of this unique spot.

During the late 1800s, the Sulphur Springs Hotel with its mineral spa was a popular summertime destination. The sulphur waters were believed to have wondrous curative powers and as a result they attracted visitors from far and wide. The hotel closed in 1910 after two severe fires. Although the hotel is gone, the fountain that supplied the sulphur water remains.

Stopping the car along the side of the Sulphur Springs Road, the first thing you notice is the distinctive sulphur smell. Plaques on the fountain provide some information on its heritage as well as some detail into what makes this water so distinct.

This site is easy to find while driving on Sulphur Springs Road between Ancaster and Dundas and can also be accessed from the Main Loop Trail while hiking in the Dundas Valley. You will find it while hiking the area between the Trail Centre and the Hermitage site.

This is just another unique feature that makes the Dundas Valley such a rich and interesting place to explore.

Don’t forget, for more photos and hiking information, you can visit my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380

Thanks for visiting!!

Spring Creek – Sawmill Trail Loop

Last Saturday morning I was looking to hit a trail both as a cardio workout as well as to test out a new pedometer app that I had added to my phone. Staying close to home, I decided that I would hike the Spring Creek Trail to the Trail Centre and then return a different way, creating sort of a loop. This turned out to be a good idea both from a workout standpoint as well as an opportunity to enjoy some beautiful parts of the Dundas Valley.

You can start this hike at the end of Bridlewood Drive in Dundas, entering the valley on the well marked trail and heading west. The Spring Creek trail like the name insinuates, follows the meandering Spring Creek and runs roughly parallel to the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail. You pass a pond that I often stop at to watch frogs and birds and pass through hilly Carolinian forest.

This is a great spot to observe deer particularly if you hike in the early morning or late afternoon. On this day I was able to get within about 15 feet of a pair of them as they grazed and even with Rosie at my side they did not seem particularly concerned with my presence.

Stopping at the Trail Centre for some water we started heading back in the direction we came, but veering left when we got to the marker for the Sawmill Trail. This trail takes you through milkweed filled meadows interspersed with black walnut trees and then directs you deeper into the valley.

The key is to stay to your right as side trails branch off at various points. It was noticeably cooler as we walked along the creek edge and I enjoyed how complete the silence was; only broken by the song of the various finches and chickadees that flitted in and out of the sumac trees.

This trail ends at the John White Trail. Turning right and crossing a wooden foot bridge, you soon arrive back on the Spring Creek Trail. Head east and you will arrive back at the starting point in about 15 minutes. Other than my pedometer app stopping at some point likely due to being in a low area with no cell service, this was a very enjoyable walk. At about 3 miles, it took me just over an hour but that included stopping to take photos and letting Rosie play in the water.

For more pics and info, visit my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380 Happy hiking!!

Sherman Falls – Illuminated!!!

With its short trail and ease of access, Sherman Falls is one of my favorite “go to” destinations when I am looking to sneak in a quick hike. Waterfalls have been drier than normal this summer but with the rain we had last weekend I felt that it be worthwhile to check it out and I’m glad I did.

Parking at the corner of Old Ancaster Road and Lions Club Road in Ancaster, I headed up the trail and within minutes was enjoying the beauty of Sherman Falls, which I had all to myself.
Sherman Falls is a 17 metre (56 foot) multi tier waterfall surrounded by rugged limestone, mossy rock and natural forest. It has two cascading drops with a wide flat ledge that divide the upper and lower falls.  The double tier makes this waterfall particularly interesting.

Later that day I posted a photo of Sherman Falls on my Facebook page and was contacted by Chris Ecklund, the man behind the City of Waterfalls http://www.cityofwaterfalls.ca with the suggestion that we return an illuminate the falls that night. It sounded like a great idea to me so later that evening we returned and along with a group of volunteers placed around 30 battery powered spotlights in the rocks facing the falls.

These spotlights, each providing 25 million candlepower of light were fitted with a purplish red lenses and when activated bathed the waterfall in a soft purple light. A number of people came by to take photos and enjoy the view.
Hiking and exploring these trails is always a great experience, but for me they take on a special feel at night. I think that the dark makes your sense of hearing more acute and sitting on a rock near the base of the waterfall enjoying the sound of the water and the cool sweet smells of the forest always brings me a powerful sense of peace.

Thank you to the many that have been visiting and sharing my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380

Always appreciated. Happy hiking!!

A Summer Hike to Borers Falls

Lately I have been making a point of re-visiting the many trails that I discovered over this past winter and early spring. Seeing them again now fully covered in their summer foliage feels like visiting for the first time and the increased level of activity of native animals and songbirds makes the forest feel that much more alive.

A couple of weekends ago I visited one of these trials that I was particularly impressed with when I last visited in November.

The Ray Lowes Side Trail starts by a small parking lot on York Road in Dundas. As the trail descends to the valley floor the air feel cooler with every step, a welcome relief from the hot humid temperatures that we have been experiencing.

On this day there seemed to be an abundance of woodpeckers and chipmunks and I observed a small family of raccoons foraging in some downed timbers. They continued to peek inquisitively over the logs as I walked by until convinced that we didn’t mean them any harm.

As the trail approached the escarpment, we continued upwards, admiring the moss covered rocky outcroppings and stands of birch. Taking in the view from the top, I stopped to enjoy the view and some coffee and then continued along the escarpment edge on the trail heading towards Rock Chapel and Borers Falls.

I always enjoy the view of Borer’s Falls, a classical, 17 metre (56 foot) waterfall but with the low volume of rain we have seen this year the flow was greatly reduced. We rounded the trail to the top of the waterfall and sat there awhile enjoying the view of the valley and the quiet. This is a great place to view hawks and other birds of prey and on this day we observed quite a number of vultures as they glided in lazy circles overhead.

A relatively short hike of about 40 minutes each way, there is lots to see on this trail and the ever changing landscape and escarpment views guarantee that it always worthwhile.

There are always photos being added on my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380

Check it out if you get a chance! Thanks and have a great weekend!

Father’s Day Hike to the Dundas Peak

One of my favorite weekend activities is hiking the many trails of the Dundas Valley and some of my favorites are the ones in and around the Spencer Gorge Wilderness area. So when Fathers Day morning arrived and my oldest son suggested starting the morning with a hike, I couldn’t think of a better destination.

The Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area is part of the Niagara Escarpment, declared by the United Nations (UNESCO) as a World Biosphere Reserve. This unique geological formation contains a few of Hamilton’s best waterfalls, one of its best lookouts, and hundreds of species of wildlife living in this Carolinian forest.

On this day we decided to head to the Dundas Peak to enjoy the amazing view from this point. The most common route to get here is to park at Tews Falls Conservation Area which is located on Harvest Road in Greensville. From there the well marked trail takes you to two different look-out points that provide views of the spectacular 134 feet tall (41 metres) waterfall and then proceeds along the gorge perimeter.

This trail although well groomed is right on the edge of the gorge and at times the drop off beside it is shear. It is important to stay alert and watch your footing. At various points where the trail has narrowed there have been protective barriers placed to aid in hiker safety. The views into the gorge below continually change and are amazing.

When we arrived at the peak we found that we had the place to ourselves and it was great to enjoy the panoramic views of Dundas below and the rocky outcroppings of the gorge walls.

If you are looking to hike to this point but are looking to shorten the walk, consider this little known shortcut: Leaving Dundas by going up the Sydenham hill, turn left on Fallsview Road. At the second curve, you will see a trail going into the woods on your left side. There is room to park on the shoulder here and the trail that you follow will quickly connect to the main trail. Turn left at this point and you will reach the peak in about 20 minutes.

This visit was certainly a great way to start my Father’s Day. Spending time with my family and enjoying the beautiful outdoors of this area always serve to remind me just how blessed I am.

Have you visited the Dundas Valley and Beyond page on Facebook yet? Check it out for photos and more hiking info. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380

Thanks for the ongoing support and dialogue. Happy hiking!

Deer in the Valley

For any of you that hike the Dundas Valley with any frequency, you are aware of the large deer population in the area. It is rare while walking the trails here to not stumble across a group of these beautiful animals as they graze and travel about.

Recently my sons had a memorable experience that I wanted to share. With their friends they have buit a small fort hidden away in a quiet section of the valley. Here they hang out and can enjoy the outdoors out of the view of nosy parents.

One day last week while visiting there after school, they had this young fawn wander into their camp. It walked right up to them, totally fearless and then proceeded to join the boys. They laid out a small blanket and eventually the very young deer took that spot as his own, resting there and watching the young boys conversation.

Doing the right thing, the boys made the decision to leave hoping that the mother deer would return for her fawn. So after taking the following pictures with a cell phone they left the fawn alone at the camp.

Returning  the following day, the day was gone, hopefully safely back with its herd.

A great experience and one they won't soon forget, it's just another example of the great natural features that make up this area.

It looks like its going to be another sunny and warm weekend. Why not get out and enjoy a trail?

I greatly appreciate all of the new “likes” on my Dundas Valley and Beyond page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380

Thanks for the ongoing support and dialogue. Happy hiking!

Bruce Trail 50 Year Anniversary Hike

On April 14, the Hamilton Spectator featured a terrific article written by Jon Wells that described the famous Bruce Trail and the fact that it was now 50 years old. The article also contained a couple examples of trail sections that were particularly interesting and worth visiting. One of these, the section of trail that starts by Great Falls in Waterdown is one that I visited for the first time this past winter and is a trail that I found to be very scenic. So not needing much of an excuse to revisit, I headed out a few weekends back accompanied by Dave, a fellow hiker and photographer extraordinaire.

Parking by Great Falls, the lookout that has been built at the crest provides a great vantage point of the falls and the valley beyond. From here you can also see remnants of the original mills that harnessed the waters of Grindstone Creek over a century ago.

Rather than take the Bruce Trail that leaves from here, we opted to instead hike the north crest of this valley on a virtually non-existent trail but one that provided spectacular views of the Grindstone Cascade below.

Stopping by a very active fox den, we observed countless remains of small mammals that had met their unfortunate demise by becoming dinner to this obviously well fed group of foxes.

We continued along, following the creek and eventually crossing by way of a fallen tree and linking back up to the main trail. On this day, the trail was surrounded by trilliums and spring flowers and the stone walls that line the trail providing stunning detail as to the geological make-up of the escarpment.

Although this is just a small section of the vast 885km long Bruce Trail, it provides great examples of our rich local trail systems and is a trail that I would highly recommend that you pay a visit to.

If you haven’t done so already, please check out our page on Facebook. Please visit and “LIKE” us! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380

Here you will find more photos, trail information and hiking ideas. Help spread the word!!