NORTH TORONTO PARKS & RAVINES

Unfortunately I was unable to participate in the official Senior Hike due to an ankle and toe injury, however, I did get a taste of the route etc when Ann and I pre-hiked on Monday. The weather conditions were similar with the exception of additional snow. Here are the photos, first from the pre-hike

The snow begins to fall

Before completing the hike the snow started and increased in intensity by the hour. We were keen to reach the Leaside Pub for some grub and a pint, not to mention a chance to thaw out

Ann's head has been deliberately excluded due to a bad hair do

We left the pub and a blizzard was blowing causing all kinds of problems on the roads. It took me 3 hours to get home!

Yesterday 20 of must dedicated all weather Seniors braved a similar route with biting wind, sub zero temperatures and deep deep snow. At one time Patricia Good was not to be seen

Doris's kind of weather and trail

An admirable group

Some of the folks dropped at at lunch when they reached the Glendon College Cafeteria. A shorter route was taken after lunch due to the extreme conditions. 12 out of the 20 intrepid hikers made it to the pub. It required Evelyn to lead Ann to the watering hole because of a problem with her glasses.

Susan Richardson found $20 and treated everyone to sweet potato fries

Pint in hand without specs

Pint in hand with specs, back to normal

Thanks to Jutta and Bea for bringing up the rear. What can we say about Ann? Leading the same hike in pretty much the same bone chilling conditions with only a day in between to recuperate. She sure is the Club's "Wonder Women". Thanks to Rosemary, Susan R, Lynn, Evelyn & Bea for the photos.

WEST END

19 waterproofed Seniors met in the elusive food court at the Bloor Islington Centre. It was my day to lead with the help my compatriot Ann Atkins

Earlier in the day it had snowed and then turned to ice pellets. We started off in the rain which became increasingly persistent as the day progressed. The temperature had risen from zero to plus 6 by the time the hike had finished. Setting off we walked through Tom Riley Park

Tony Asrilen met us in the park making a round number of 20 participants

The beauty of winter, Mimico Creek

A pause to view and learn the history of Montgomerys Inn dating back to 1830

Travelling the streets north and east of Islington Avenue

Arriving at the entrance to the Humbertown Plaza

Double Take!

Three men in a Mall

Munching

"West End Girls"

CJulia Jhaveri Puentes dressed for the part while I look forward to the sign behind

Down the ravine to the Humber River Trail

Circumnavigating the ice blocking our path

Ducks out of water on the Humber River

Group photo of wet and wild Seniors

Pausing to allow Patricia to tell Susan "how it is"

Frozen Weir

Nearly there

Old Mill Road Bridge

The end of the hike at Etienne Brule Park resulting in Germaine throwing up in her hat

14 waterlogged Seniors take refuge to dry out and wet their whistles in the Pub

Kevin takes his medication for a sore hip

While everyone appeared to enjoy "just walking in the rain" the weather did provide the group with an element of intrepidness. Big thanks to Kevin who hung in being the Sweep despite ending the hike with a sore hip. Thanks to Ann for usual support.