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