Barry and I caught the Go Train from Long Branch to Clarkson for todays Senior Hike. It was a cool blustery day interspersed with periods of sunshine with the temperature hovering around the 7 degree mark. Fortunately it did not rain according to the forecast. Barry and I marshalled the troops by directing them from the platform to the washrooms at the Ticket Office
I was particularly impressed when Jim alighted from the train coming all the way from Pickering
More of the happy Seniors on the Go
Yours truly prepares to outline the days proceedings
23 intrepid members listen to my spiel
Leaving Clarkson Go Station
Crossing the busy intersection at Lakeshore & Southdown Road
Welcome to the Village
Walking along Orr Road
Neat Totem Pole
Water Break at Meadow Wood Rd
At the entrance to Rattray Marsh
The trail ahead
"If you go down into the woods today"
"Your sure of a big surprise" We lost our way! Thank goodness for GPS
Alienna, todays Sweep, with Tonie bringing up the rear
Back on the trail walking along the Boardwalk
Views of the Marsh
Taking the loop trail around the Knoll
Leaving Rattray Marsh we can see our 24th participant Paul chatting with Barry. He did not make it to Clarkson on time but he ingeniously caught up with the group, again, with the aid of GPS
Picking up the Waterfront Trail
Looking across the lake to the "Big Smoke". Today the clouds were caused by folks smoking marijuana!
Inviting beach at Jack Darling Memorial Park
Lunch in the Park
On a previous hike I'd shared my pickles with Patricia. Today she wanted my hard boiled egg! Be careful if you sit next to her for lunch in the future
Rose grabbing a quick shut eye
Leaving the park after lunch
The 1.4 km trek along Lakeshore with the group strung out
Finally we reach the Gardens and leave the road behind
Despite the Rhododendrons not in bloom it was a pleasant walk through the park to the lake
Beautiful Fall Colours
"Birds in a Bush"
Closing in on Port Credit
"The Ridgetown" built by the Pittsburgh Steamship Company in 1905 was eventually brought to Port Credit, loaded with rocks and sunk to provide a unique breakwater for the harbour
Barry steps it out now that he can taste the Guinness
Crossing the Credit River Bridge in Port Credit
View of the harbour
The reason for todays hike. 20 of the 24 members required their alcohol fix
It was to say the least a cosy spot that we were given. Certainly not the place to "swing a cat around"
Now don't they look happy? Thanks to Bea and Tonie for supplying the group with Sweet Potato Fries
The majority of the group head for the Go Train leaving their empties behind while others continue to imbibe
Barry and I were pleased with the response from the todays participants. They were very complimentary on the route and despite the chilly weather thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hour walk. Thanks to Alienna for volunteering to Sweep and no prize for the Count by dear Liliane. Big thanks to Barry for filling for Ann Atkins who is now leading a "dogs life"
