LOWER DON TRAIL DOWNTOWN

65 Hares and 10 Turtles packed themselves into the Broadview Station for today's Senior Hike. Thankfully it was bright sunny day with the temperature reaching a barmy 8 degrees

To relieve the congestion in the Station the voluminous group was led to spacious area at the beginning of the trail where Ann held court disseminating the order of the day

Before setting off we say goodbye to the Turtles who were taking a similar but shorter route

Taking the path south through Riverdale Meadow Gardens to Riverdale Park East

Riverdale Park East

Spot of bushwhacking to avoid the mud

Crossing over the DVP and The Don River

Stepping down to the trail

On the Lower Don Recreational Trail

Kevin bring up the rear

Circumventing Corktown Common

"A Thingy"

Crossing Cherry Street into the Distillery

Sober Seniors

 Positioning the wheel for Ann's photo

Love those Seniors

Pausing at Parliament

Marking time at the Market

Chris surrenders to the camera

Double Take

Lunch

Saying Hi to Ira

Ira gives us a smile back

Basking on Sugar Beach

In tune along Corus Quay

Admiring the Condo design

Unloading raw sugar at the Redpath Plant

Condos: They build 'em

Then they live in 'em

I'd sooner live in one of these

A bunch of "Firkin Drinkers"

Wendy with another exotic drink, a Ginger Bang Bang

Rosy, our new member. A Guinness drinker is always welcome

Having a Presidential Pint

Ilo's Angels

Not a long distance today but an enjoyable one to take in the sights and get some Vitamin D. Thanks to Ann for the Lead. Kevin for the Sweep and Liliane for the Count

CENTENNIAL PARK

Finally a day to relish as the temperature soared to 10 degrees for today's Senior Hike, however, that pesky ice was still around in certain spots. 

A good place to have a cuppa java before heading to the meet up point

33 "West End Girls" and Boys joined todays leader Claire. Unfortunately 4 other Girls were delayed by the TTC and agreed to catch up on the trail

Crossing the parking lot to the trail

Careful down the steps

Claire greets everyone and explains the trail conditions and where lunch will be taken

Off we go heading south along the Elmcrest Creek Trail

Over the grass to avoid the ice on the path

It's not too long before the icers come out

On they go while Ann offers a prayer to the Hiking Gods

Crossing Bloor & Markland Roads

Kevin "The Sweep bringing up the Dears"

"Onward Christian Soldiers"

Now you need them icers

A bridge not too far

The Elmcrest Creek

Up the hill to the Neilson Park Creative Centre

Time to view the artwork and have a pee

Here the ladies admire the artwork

Rose looking artsy

Rene in a seating pose

Jane with her back to a colourful tapestry

With an appreciation for the arts and an empty bladder we leave the Centre

Evelyn & Tonie, two of those delayed, catch up with the main group

Retracing our steps back to the starting point we pass this picturesque side trail

Evelyn & Tonie back into the fold

Back at the starting point a few folks decide to drop out

Heading north under Burnhamthorpe Road

"ICE" everyone scatters to avoid it except fearless Wendy

Leaving the park at Rathburn Road

Ah! time for lunch

But not before avoiding Pepe Le Pew

No better place to eat lunch

Unfortunately Claire decides to take a rest and meet us at the pub. Ann takes the reins as deputy leader

 Crossing Centennial Par

 Going downhill

 The Border Crossing with nothing to declare except the love of the outdoors

The mighty Etobicoke Creek denotes the border between Toronto and Mississauga

"Ladies at Work" alongside "Men at Work"

What! more ice!

Under the Burnhamthorpe Rd Bridge

Heading back into the city along Burnhamthorpe Rd to the finish

The distance was 11 km

19 thirsty souls joined Claire at the Markland Pub. A group shot plus Ilo's hands was taken

There's Ilo

The Birthday Boys, Chris, Grouch & Barry. Between them over 200 years of experience and knowledge now forgotten as they sink into happy oblivion in their autumn years

I thought this message might be of interest to some. I'm one of them

Thank you to Claire and Ann for leading us into temptation. A beautiful day for a walk and a pint.