MT. PLEASANT TO THE LAKE

Eighty One Members joined Rene at Davisville Station for the 11 km hike down to the Keating Channel.

Before entering Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Rene gave the group an overview of today's hike

The Cemetery as usual was pleasant to walk through

Entering the Avoca Ravine provided more of a work out

The multi-tasking group!

"I need a Hand"

We soon found easier going in the David Balfour Park

Before crossing the busy Mt. Pleasant Road Stanley took a breather

Safely across

Rene then led us on a short walk through  Craighleith Gardens in Rosedale to the Bloor St. Viaduct

Over the bridge and south for lunch at the impressive Bridgeport Hospital

We sat on the 10th floor having our lunch admiring the views and the beautiful roof garden

Wake up Stanley!

A reflection of friendship

I couldn't resist photographing the interesting metal sculptures at the hospital entrance 

Lunch over it was down the Don Trail. No Rene is not going the wrong way

A brief diversion through Corktown Common before rejoining the trail

Towards the end of the trail we came across this Street Artist

We reached the Keating Channel Pub for a much deserved libation

(Happy Drinkers, Photos courtesy of Rene)

Some not so happy!

The route

MIMICO CREEK

Today Barry & I led a splendid turnout of 69 members for the start of our Mimico Creek Hike. After meeting at the Islington Subway we took the short walk into Tom Riley Park for Roger's introduction to todays proceedings.

The initial part of the hike required some street walking. Members can be seen walking along the pleasant Burnhamthorpe Boulevard.

Once we reached Echo Valley Park we said goodbye to the busy streets and  soon entered into the tranquility of Hampshire Heights Park following the Mimico Creek.

Around 12:30 pm after covering about 5 km we stopped for lunch at West Deane Park. Extra time at lunch was require in order to allow all concerned to use the toilets due to only single stall facilities.

Lunch over we continued heading north west for a short distance and then crossed over the creek to commence walking back on the opposite side to where we had lunch.

From the lunch spot we retraced our steps back to Echo Valley Park taking a slight detour through the long grass.

The official ending point of the hike was at Burnhamthorpe and Kipling where many folks caught the TTC to the Subway. What was surprising to Barry & I was the number of members wishing to join us at the St. James Pub. A record of 32! 

It was a special treat to toast and celebrate the recent marriage of Dorit & Rok. Their relationship developed while hiking with the Club. Such a wonderful couple.

The total distance covered today was about 12 km including the walk down Kipling to the Pub.