CLARKSON TO PORT CREDIT

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"