JAMES GARDENS

Another gorgeous Wednesday for our Senior Hike to James Gardens. Barry and I were leading today and we were somewhat taken aback with the number of participants, 77 "Hares" and 12 "Turtles". I was pleased that Rene was on hand to take some photographs while I was leading with my dodgy knee

The Senior Hiking Co-ordinator can be seen here giving instructions to the Leaders

Welcoming the group

It's off we go, north along the west side of the Humber River

An inquisitive Cormorant

Thanks to Dorit for volunteering as back-up

Passing the tribute to the fireman that lost their lives in Hurricane Hazel

Looking up river

A water break and chance to consolidate the group

The "Turtles followed behind the "Hares" with a plan to make it to James Gardens for lunch. Irene is seen here taking up her intrepid explorer pose

Upon reaching Dundas Street we crossed over the bridge to walk north again along the east side of the river. Before reaching the trail we passed by the historical Lambton House

Reaching the trail we passed under the Dundas Street Bridge with its colourful mural

At the pedestrian bridge we crossed again to the west side

Soon we entered the woods for some welcome shade

Before to long we reached our lunch destination at the Gardens

There were plenty of spots to eat lunch throughout the grounds

After lunch there was ample time to explore the gardens

Unfortunately the "Turtles" arrived just as we were leaving. It was a bit of a long haul for them. I was hoping to take their picture with "Big Mama Turtle" before we departed

Before leaving to head south to the Old Mill I was co-ersed to have my picture taken

Along the way we waited for some of the group to catch up

Getting our "Ducks in a Row"

Industrious Builders

We reached the end of the line and we split into two groups, those heading for the subway and those for the pub

Everyone seemed to enjoy the 11 km hike

The Dark Horse pub was reasonably busy and more so when about 30 of us barrelled in

FORKS OF THE CREDIT

It turned out once again another beautiful Wednesday for our Bus Hike to the Forks of the Credit. 38 smiling faces enjoyed the ride up to the starting point

Rosemary has just thanked our driver, Diana, for a pleasant drive

I gave the group a description of the trail, welcomed Ira's friend Larry and thanked Ann & Barry for their assistance on the pre-hike and for today. After my explanation of the terrain the Turtles Group swelled from 3 to 11

Susan kindly volunteered to complete the count with an ideal spot to facilitate an accurate number

And off we went following the Meadow Trail and passing Kettle Lake

We then took the Trans Canada Trail

We rejoined the Meadow Trail and walked through the picturesque trees

At the Bailey Bridge we paused to admire the view and take a group photo

Time for a water break before the challenge ahead

The challenge was climbing the 165 steps to reach the upper trail

Not many folks had the energy to smile during the climb, Germaine was an exception!

Now the going was easy following along a Bruce Trail Side Trail

Then the trail descended into the Credit Valley. It was tricky going but everyone made it down without incident as shown by a smiling Tonie

Time for lunch by the river

Guess what? Nothing like tackling the ascent back up the to the top on a full stomach! Doris put us all to shame by leaving us in the dust 

Normal mortals huffed and puffed their way to the top

Most of us needed to catch our breath once at the top

We soon picked part of Trans Canada Trail which was full of Milkweed, food for the Monarch Butterflies. Unfortunately we did not see too many

Now, we reached the end of the trail

Despite the short distance most of us agreed we had a decent workout with the elevation changes and of course those wonderful stairs

Back in the city a group of us decided to take our refreshments at The St. James Gate Pub.

In addition we toasted Evelyn on her ?? Birthday

Amidst the celebration Doris & Patricia drew blood over a flying wine glass! What are the odds? Today they had a greater chance of falling down the stairs or into the Credit River! Ah well, they go wild as soon as they enter a Pub!

Again a big thanks to Ann & Barry for making today another enjoyable Senior Hike