Halton Winter Hikes 2012

Halton Outdoor Club Winter Hikes 2012

Although it’s deep winter we’re still hiking and you’ll see the schedule below. We’ll have the spring hiking schedule available well before the next magazine is published, so we’ll post some details of it on our web site.

Ernie’s Italy trip is on again in the fall and a great opportunity for anyone to see the fabulous Dolomites.

Heinz is going to explore some new areas of Newfoundland in June as well as visit some old favorites and response so far has been very good,so if you want to go, get your deposits in quickly.

Once again we’re going to the Finger lakes at the end of June. This has become a very popular event with as many as 20 hikers enjoying the superb trails in State parks such as Robert Treman and Watkins Glen, but also lesser known trails like the Keucka Lake Outlet. We’ll be staying again at the Hobart and William Smith College in lovely Geneva New York. You’ll not only be able to hike but also choose from the cycle and kayak programs .

Our first Yellow Bus hike will be to the Seaton Trail on Saturday April 28th It’s the opening day of the trout season and hopefully the little white house at Whitevale will be serving breakfasts and snacks. Details in the spring issue.

There’s been lot’s of interest,so yes it’s true ,Killarney will be back in the fall. We’re going to cruise the Georgian Bay Islands off Parry Sound , were going to cruise the Baie Fine and we’re going to walk some of the best trails in Ontario. Our base will be the unique Killarney Mountain Lodge http://www.killarneymountainlodge.com/

As usual the food will be great and we’ll have entertainment in the Carousel Lounge on Saturday night. We’ll have a great time and be priveleged to see some of the finest scenery in Ontario. Look for further details and booking forms in the spring magazine.

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 members of the Bruce Trail Club.

Phill Armstrong-Hiking Director

WEEKLY WALKS

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT – Walk for Health and Fun (1.5hrs at a Medium to Fast Pace)

Climb the steps and walk the streets and trails of West Hamilton. Meet at 7:10 pm (NEW TIME so that more of you can get there!) at the corner of Mohawk and Upper Paradise in the Westcliffe Mall parking lot (near Food Basics). Come along for a brisk, aerobic walk. During the winter, we hike the streets and the lit rail trail as well as going up the stairs once, also lit. Hike is cancelled if there is heavy rain or heavy snow. We still do hike in the cold though (wear your thermal underwear!)

Leader: Paul Lewis – (905) 331-8600 or email: outdooractive@hotmail.com

Every Friday Night – Burlington Waterfront 2 hrs.
Meet at 7:30 pm 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 is cancelled due to poor weather. Med - 2 Leader: Lorne Carruthers. For information call Paul Lewis at 905-331-8600 or outdooractive@hotmail.com

GENERAL HIKES

Sun. Jan. 15 - Sixteen Mile Creek Valley Oakville - +/- 9 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the southeast parking lot at the corner of Neyagawa Dr. and River Glen Blvd. in Oakville. We will do a loop hike of the beautiful trails of the Sixteen Mile Creek Valley. Mod - 3. Bring a snack and icers. Optional lunch stop afterwards. Leader: Anne Armstrong - 905-337-3937. hikingrandma@gmail.com

Thursday, January 19 – Albion Falls to Battlefield Park – 10 km
Meet 10:00 am in car park at Battlefield Park, Stoney Creek (King Street just east of Centennial Parkway). We will car pool to Albion Falls and hike back. Could be shortened if weather conditions are poor. Bring icers, water and snack. Pace: moderate. Terrain: 4. Leader: Terry Rose. (905) 637-2918

Sat. Jan. 21 - Breakfast and Waterfall hike - +/-11 km Meet 8:20 am. in the Municipal Parking lot beside the Village Theatre on Dundas Street (Hwy 5) in downtown Waterdown. From here we will walk to Knox Church on Mill Street and enjoy a world famous breakfast prepared for us by the men of the church. Cost $6.00. Then it’s off to Smokey Hollow to hike through Waterdown Woods to Kerncliff Park and back. Depending on conditions we may include the McNally and Waterdown Rd STs to Grindstone Creek. Bring water and snack. Hiking boots. Icers. Rocky sections. Mod. - 3. Please email (preferred) or phone me by Friday so I can reserve tables. Leader: Connie Rusynyk - 905-689-2203 c.rusynyk@sympatico.ca

Thursday, February 2 – Red Hill Valley Loop - 10 km
Meet 10:00 am in car park at intersection of Old Mud Street and Pritchard Road (East Mountain). We will do a loop hike along the Red Hill Creek, Greenhill Ave. and Mountain Brow. Could be shortened if weather conditions are poor. Bring icers, water and snack. Pace: moderate. Terrain: 4. Leader: Terry Rose. (905) 637-2918

Sat. Feb. 4th - Oakville Morrison and McCraney Ravines - 12 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start at Trafalgar Ridge Plaza, 2431 Trafalgar Rd. Look for Home Sense/Winners. Park near the Scotia Bank, facing Trafalgar Rd. This hike takes in two of Oakville’s finest creek ravines. 9km. of trails, 3 km. of footpaths and 4 ponds. Mostly level, only a couple of short, steep hills. Mod-3. Bring snacks. Optional refreshment stop afterwards. Leader: Phill Armstrong - 905-337-3937.

Tuesday, February 7 - SOUPFEST HIKE
Join us for this annual hike (not published in The Iroquoian magazine). Meet at Bayfront Park in Hamilton at 10:00 am. We will hike along the harbour wall to the canal and around to Princess Point. From there we cross the soccer fields to the cemetery and back to the Hamilton Convention Centre via Dundurn Castle and York Blvd.

For $10 you get to select four delicious cups of soup from the best restaurants in the area (bread included). The proceeds go to Living Rock Ministries, an NGO that does great work with troubled youth in Hamilton. Entertainment, door prizes and plenty of sporting and media celebrities on hand. After lunch return to Bayfront Park at your leisure.

Sun. Feb. 12 - Rattlesnake Point Loop - 8/10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the upper parking lot of Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area on Appleby Line, north of Derry Rd. We will do a loop hike of the Conservation Area trails. (8 km.) If there is not too much snow we will go to the Interpretive Centre at Crawford Lake as well.(10 km.) Mod -5. Map 11. Bring a lunch and icers. Parking fee in effect or Conservation Area pass. Leader: Anne Armstrong : 905-337-3937. hikingrandma@gmail.com

Sun. Mar.11 - Waterfall Hike - +/- 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the parking lot closest to the Trail Centre in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area off of Governor’s Rd. in Dundas. We will do a loop hike to take in the beautiful waterfalls in this area. Mod. - 3 to 4. Map 8. Bring a lunch. Icers may be necessary. Parking fee ($8) in effect or Conservation Area pass. Leader: Anne Armstrong - 905-337-3937. hikingrandma@gmail.com

Sun. Apr. 8 - Mount Nemo - Approx. 8 km.

Meet for a 1:30 pm. start in the parking lot of Mount Nemo Conservation Area on the east side of Guelph Line, north of Highway 5. We will do a loop hike of the area. Mod. - 4. Map 10. Bring a snack. Conservation Area fee in effect or Conservation Area Pass. Leader: Anne Armstrong – 905-337-3937. hikingrandma@gmail.com

Sun. Apr. 22 - Culham Trail - +/- 10 km.

Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the first parking lot of Ernindale Park on the north side of Hihgway 5 (Dundas St.), just east of Mississauga Rd. in Mississauga. We will carpool to Rivergrove Community Centre on River Grove Drive and hike back along the Credit River. We may see some early Spring wildflowers. Mod. - 3. Bring a lunch. Leader: Anne Armstrong - 905-337-3937. hikingrandma@gmail.com

Sun. Apr 22, Niagara End to End #1 of 4, 23km, maps 1 & 2. Depart 8:30 from km 22.9. On this early spring series we should catch the numerous waterfalls at their best and enjoy the emerging spring flowers. Fast 4-5. Hiking boots required. Leader: Toni Quinn toni.quinn@cogeco.ca

Sun. Apr 29, Niagara End to End #2 of 4, 23 km, map 3. Depart 8:30 from km 46.3 at Rockway Community Centre. We will have views of many waterfalls and will also cross Short Hills Provincial Park. Hiking boots required. Fast 4-5. Leader: Toni Quinn toni.quinn@cogeco.ca

Sun. May 6, Niagara End to End #3 of 4, 22km, maps 3 & 4. Depart 8:30 am. Meet at the parking place near km 68.1, off Frost Rd north of Kinsman Rd. A scenic hike that undulates along the escarpment, crossing several conservation areas, including spectacular Ball's Falls. Hiking boots required. Fast 4-5. Leader: Toni Quinn toni.quinn@cogeco.ca

Sun. May 13, Niagara End to End #4 of 4, 20 km, maps 4 & 5. Depart 8:30 am, Meet at the parking place on Cline Mountain Rd at the access trail to km 7.3 of the Iroquoia section. We complete the Niagara section today. If anyone who has completed the first 3 hikes wishes to drop out at the end of the Niagara section, a drop-out will be arranged. The main hike will continue into Iroquoia. Hiking boots required. Leader: Toni Quinn toni.quinn@cogeco.ca

Sun. May 20 - Halton Agreement Forest - +/- 10 km.

Meet for a 9:30 am. start in the Commuter parking lot on the west side of Guelph Line, south of Highway 401.We will carpool to the start of the hike on the east side of Guelph Line across from Mohawk Raceway. (Please meet at the commuter parking lot as the parking at the hike start is very small.) We will do a loop hike using the lovely trails of the Agreement Forest. We should see a lot of wildflowers. Mod. - 2. Some rocky, wet sections. Bring a lunch, sunscreen and bug repellent. Leader: Anne Armstrong – 905-337-3937. hikingrandma@gmail.com

HIKERS ‘R’ US WEDNESDAY HIKES

No need to curl up indoors in winter. Put on clothing suitable to the weather, proper hiking boots, bring along hiking sticks and ICERS and come enjoy the trails with us. You will need lunch, water and sun protection. Please notify hike leader if you plan to attend. Especially in winter; sometimes circumstances dictate that the hike be cancelled or changed. Convener: Connie Rusynyk, c.rusynyk@sympatico.ca

Wed. Jan. 11 - Culham Trail, Mississauga - +/- 12 km. Meet for 9:00 am. exit in the Tim Hortons parking lot on the east side of Neyagawa Rd., just south of Hwy 5 in Oakville. Car pool to the Visual Arts Centre located on Riverwood Park Lane off Burnhamthorpe Rd. east of Mississauga Rd. Turn north into the center. For those coming directly, we will meet at the parking lot closest to the VA Centre at 9:30 am. We will do an “In and Out” hike along the Culham trail. Hiking boots. Icers recommended. No dogs. Med - 2. Leader: Connie Rusynyk, c.rusynyk@sympatico.ca, 905-689-2203.

Wed. Jan. 18 - Cambridge, Ontario Gleaners Tour and Hike 2-3 hr. hike. Meet for an 8:50 am. start at the Ontario Christian Gleaners located at 1550 Morrison Rd, just west of Hwy 8 and a few concession roads north of Safari Rd. We will take a tour at this amazing volunteer facility that uses Ontario surplus produce to feed the hungry in over 30 countries around the world. Check it out at www.ontariogleaners.org . At 10:00 am. we will drive to the Southworks plaza and do a “There and Back” hike along the Cambridge/Paris Rail Trail. Icers recommended. Please email/call the hike leader by Monday night so I can let the Gleaners know how many to expect. Med. - 1. Leader: Connie Rusynyk, c.rusynyk@sympatico.ca, 905-689-2203.

Wed. Jan. 25 - Oakville - +/- 13 km. Meet for 9:00 am. exit at Oakville Place parking lot, Trafalgar Rd/Leighland. We will hike one of the trails of north east Oakville. No dogs. Hiking boots. Icers recommended. Med. - 2. Leader: Norman Young, myoung2@sympatico.ca

Wed. Feb. 1 - Crawford Lake C/A - Snowshoe/Hike - +/- 12 km. Meet for a 9:30 am. start at Crawford Lake C/A parking lot. Depending on the snow conditions we will snowshoe or hike. Snowshoes can be rented or bring your own. Bring hiking boots, icers as well. C.A fees apply or Conservaton Area Pass. Med - 4. Leaders: Connie Rusynyk, Louise, Errol Mackenzie. c.rusynyk@sympatico.ca 905-689-2203.

Wed. Feb. 8 - Oakville - +/- 12 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. exit at Oakville Place (NE corner of Plaza), Trafalgar Road, Oakville. We will hike along the Morrison Creek NW of QEW and Trafalgar Rd. Hiking boots. Icers recommended. Med - 1. Leader: Agnes Keenan akeenan@cogeco.ca

Wed. Feb. 15 - Oakville - +/- 12 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. exit at Oakville Place (NE corner of Plaza), Trafalgar Road, Oakville. We will hike one of the trails north of the Shopping Centre. Hiking boots. Icers recommended. Medium -1. Hike Leader: Mickey MacDonald - 905-634-9367. mikmac@idirect.com

Wed. Feb. 22 - Waterdown Woods - +/- 12 km. Meet for 9:00 am. exit in the Tim Horton’s/Sobey parking lot on Hwy. 5 in Waterdown just west of Hamilton Street. We will hike or carpool to Smokey Hollow on Waterdown Rd and do an In and Out hike to Kerncliff park and back. Hiking Boots. Icers recommended. No dogs. Med - 3 Leader: Connie Rusynyk, c.rusynyk@sympatico.ca, 905-689 – 2203.

Wed. Feb. 29 - Oakville - +/- 12 km. Meet for a 9:00 am. exit at the William’s Coffee Shop, corner of Third Line and Upper Middle Road, Oakville. A loop hike will de done in the area. Icers. Hiking boots. Med -1. Hike Leader: Mickey MacDonald – 905-634-9367. mikmac@idirect.com.

SLOWPOKES – GENTLE HIKES FOR GENTLE FOLK

Note: All hikes start at 10:00 am on Wednesday morning unless otherwise stated. It is wintertime, so footing may be difficult at times due to snow and ice. Ice grippers on the soles of your boots (Yak Trax, Icers or similar devices) are recommended. In the event of inclement weather, a hike may be cancelled. If in doubt, check with the hike leader.

General hike co-ordinator is Al Hutchison at 905 -639 -1771. E-mail: alhutch@sympatico.ca

Wed. Jan. 18 - BAYFRONT MYSTERY HIKE - 6 km. Meet at Bayfront Park (Pier 4) near Williams Restaurant for a hike which even the leader does not know the route. Maybe it will be to Pier 8 or Pier 4 or towards the High Level bridge or maybe all of these. Come and find out. Mod - 2. Leader: Bill McGuire - 905- 389-6194.

Wed. Feb. 1 - NORTHSHORE TRAILS - 7 km. Meet at the RBG parking lot on York Road, Dundas. Circular hike on the trails. Slow - 4. Leader: Harry Marshall - 905-679-4748.

Wed. Feb. 15 - BAYFRONT TRAIL - 6 km. Meet at the Bayfront Park near Williams Restaurant, for a walk along the Waterfront Trail to the High Level Bridge and return. Optional lunch at a nearby pub. Slow - 1. Leader: Harry Marshall - 905-679-4748.

Wed. Feb. 22 - HAMILTON BEACH TRAIL - 6 km. Meet at the parking lot to the left of Hutch’s Restaurant on Beach Blvd. for a walk through Confederation Park. Mod - 2. Leader: Bill McGuire - 905-389-6194.

Wed. Feb. 29 – CRAWFORD LAKE - 4 to 8 km. Meet in the parking lot at Crawford Lake for a hike in the conservation area. Halton Conservation Area pass or entrance fee applies. Hike distance depends on trail conditions. Optional lunch at the Trail Eatery in Campbleville. Mod – 3. Leader: Gord Proudfoot - 905-387-5657.

MIDWEEK THURSDAY HIKES

Rather than hibernate this winter, get out and hike with friends. Dress in layers, bring icers along just in case and don’t forget the sunscreen! Bring lunch, water and snack. All hikes are at a moderate pace with the likelihood of hills and rocky footing. No dogs, please. In the event of inclement weather be sure to call the hike leader. Also, if you would like to make carpool arrangements the hike leader may be able to help you with that. Hike co-ordinator is Connie Rusynyk, c.rusynyk@sympatico.ca 905 689 2203

Thurs. Jan. 12 - Kilbride/Crawford Lake - +/- 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. 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 to the back parking lot of the school in Kilbride and hike back to Crawford Lake. Maps 10/11. Med – 5. Bring lunch and icers. Parking fee in effect or Conservation Area pass. Leader: Anne Armstrong – 905-337-3937 hikingrandma@gmail.com

Thurs. Jan. 19 - Hamilton - +/-10 km. This will be a carpool hike from Mud Street to Battlefield Park. Icers recommended. Please contact hike leader for more details. Leader: Terry Rose - termarintl@cogeco.ca - (905) 637-2918

Thurs. Feb. 2 - Hamilton - +/-10 km. This will be a circular hike from Mud Street through the Red Hill Valley and Greenhill. Icers recommended. Please contact hike leader for more details. Leader: Terry Rose - termarintl@cogeco.ca - (905) 637-2918.

Thurs. Feb. 16 - Glen Abbey Trails - +/- 10 km. Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the parking lot near MacDonald’s on the south east corner of Third Line and Upper Middle Rd. in Oakville. We will do a circular walk of the beautiful trails of Glen Abbey. Bring a snack and icers. Optional refreshment stop afterwards. Med – 2. Leader: Anne Armstrong - 905-337-3937. hikingrandma@gmail.com

Thurs. Feb 23 - Clarkson GO Stn. to Port Credit GO Stn. - +/-10 km.

GO to GO walk. Meet at Clarkson GO station, hike to Port Credit GO station through Rattray Marsh and along the Waterfront Trail. Leader will meet the GO train from the Hamilton direction at 9:36 a.m. at Clarkson. Mod. - 1 Leader: Valerie Dobson 905-828-1729 hiker@gmail.com

Thurs. Mar. 8 - Waterfall Hike - 10 km.

Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the parking lot closest to the Trail Centre in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area off of Governor’s Rd. in Dundas. We will do a loop hike to take in the beautiful waterfalls in this area. Mod. - 3 to 4. Map 8. Bring a lunch. Icers may be necessary. Parking fee ($8) in effect or Conservation Area pass. Leader: Anne Armstrong - 905-337-3937. hikingrandma@gmail.com

Thurs. Apr. 12 - Culham Trail - +/- 10 km.

Thurs. May 17 - Halton Agreement Forest - +/- 10 km.

Meet for a 10:00 am. start in the small parking lot on the east side of Guelph Line, across from Mohawk Raceway. (Car pool if possible) We will do a loop hike using the lovely trails of the Agreement Forest. We should see a lot of wildflowers. Mod. - 2. Some rocky, wet areas. Bring a lunch,sunscreen and bug repellent. Leader: Anne Armstrong – 905-337-3937. hikingrandma@gmail.com