EARL BALES PARK

56 members met at Mel Lastman Square for today's hike led by Rosemary Wood

Stanley in relaxed mode waiting for the kick-off. Gone are the shiny Boots?

Even Doris needs to wear sunglasses to protect her from her bright clothing

Rosemary explains the proceedings and the change in the normal route due to constructions around the Jewish Centre

Setting off through the York Cemeteries

Professor Rosemary give the group a history of the house and property

Part of the newly constructed memorial to Canadians awarded with the Victoria Cross for bravery

Here Rosemary shows the group where the Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna Romanov is buried. She died on Nov 24 1960 age 78. She was the youngest child of Czar Alexander III

Tim & Lori Horton's grave. Note the Maple Leafs Mug on top

History lessons over it's time to walk

So nice to have the Turtles join us for part of the hike

Condo Style

I thought these trees were beautiful

Turtles and hares together

 "As it happened" we came across Barbara Frum's memorial garden

Leaving the cemetery for now

 Entering the woods of Hinder Property

Water break 

Down the hill towards Earl Bales Park

The long climb up the hill to our lunch spot in the park

The newly renovated Community Centre is still under construction. The Park is named after Robert Earl bales, a former Mayor of the township of North York. The park is situated on lands once owned and farmed by his Great Grandfather John Bales. In the early 1900's the land was turned into the York Downs Golf Club. You can still see a few of the old tees and greens as you wander through the park today. (we didn't)

All but Patricia enjoying lunch. She only had cherries

Talib's harem

Bobbie diligently collecting monies for the upcoming picnic and bus hike

Happy folks at the Head Table

Back on the trail after lunch

A mini circular walk through the woods in the park

Seniors' "put out to grass"

"Fanni on the Fence"

Looking across the park to the high rises of North York

Hiking pals ignoring Fanni's cries for help

Entering the Barry Zukerman Amphitheatre

This group has the seats in tears

 The lonely photographer

Passing the Dog Park

Ski lift chairs resting for the summer

Another trip into the woods

Leaving Earl Bales Park

Up the hill at Hinder Property

Back into the Cemetery

The name rolls off the tongue!

Alcohol saw him to his grave

How much further?

Ann takes a shower

Trust me, there were turtles here yesterday

Nah! she's pulling your leg

After the disappointment of not seeing turtles we saw a welcoming Frog

A wonderful space to relax in and toast Rosemary

For some reason Michael has no interest in fabrics

Tony bets Tom he can't down his pint in one go

Kevin enjoys his pint after sweeping

Evelyn tells Matt, Rosemary's husband, her little secret

Tony & Stanley sit together again! 

I wonder what she is saying?

Despite the last minute change in having to take a different path, everyone enjoyed the walk through history, the cemetery plantings, the shady woods and the parkland. Certainly a keeper when the mosquitos are about. Thank you Rosemary for a perfect lead, Kevin for his gentle sweep and Liliane who loves count