ERINDALE PARK & RIVERWOOD CONSERVENCY

The bus hike today was a new one for the club and the feedback from the 42 "Hares" and 6 "Turtles" was a positive one. 

I gave the group information on the route we would take from Erindale Park up to the Riverwood Consevency following the Credit River along the Culham Trail. Sigrun volunteered as Back up and Rosemary to Count 

Rosemary is seen here counting as the Senior Hikers demonstrate their idea of walking in single file! 

Following the Credit River

The season for salmon fishing was in full swing with many fisherman scattered along the river which explains why the parking lot was so busy

The invasive plant, Phragmites, originally from Europe is seen here. It spreads quickly and out competes native species for water and nutrients and destroys the wetlands. It releases toxins into the soil to hinder the growth and kill surrounding plants. It is believed to have been introduced by a landscape gardener and is now in many Ontario parks etc.

We reached the Burnhamthorpe Road Bridge before leaving the Culham Trail to take the Yellow Trail  up to Riverwood.

These guys got ahead of the leader and Parvin is asking for forgiveness 

This interesting structure called the "Pine Sanctuary" at the entrance to Riverwood was ideal for a group photo. (Sorry Parvin I'm in the shot that you took)

We were unable to meet up with the Turtles due to a timing issue, however, Merel sent me their group shot  

I was struck by the colours of these plants

We followed the Green Trail and came across this wood carvings by Jim Menken

We paused at the historic Chappell House built in the arts & craft style in 1919. It is now a teaching facility and visual arts centre

It's now time to feed our faces in the MacEwan Terrace Gardens which were spectacular. They are managed and tended by volunteers only

After, a walk around the garden to aid digestion and promote peace and calm to ones being (Hopefully Roger you take these words onboard, you crazy bugger)

Beauty and the Beast amongst the Hibiscus

Heading back to the bus along the Red Trail

A pleasant detour through the woods by the river

Back on the main trail

These gates, now disused, were used to control the flow of the river into the dam 

This area was once underwater and the old wall of the Dam can be seen. The river and the dam was used to provide hydro electric power to the surrounding homes and businesses. The Dam was built in 1902 and subsequently demolished in 1954

It was unfortunate that we did not meet up with Turtles until we reached the parking lot. They had started at Riverwood and walked back to Erindale Park, however, they do look happy

A short walk from the Islington drop-off point to the St. James Gate Pub, these ardent drinkers can be seen smiling with their beers

Unfortunately I was unable to download a map of our 10 km walk today. The map below from a pre-hike shows most of the route we took