Nth TORONTO PKS & RAVINES

On a pleasant sunny winters day 52 members met at the Library at Yonge and Lawrence and put a Locke on today's hike led by Ann. The conditions underfoot were challenging with frozen snow and many patches of ice to contend with. "Icers" for most were a must.

Ann checks on the flock leaving the Locke

A Big Welcome

"Listen up" for today's proceedings

Off we go

Down we go

Playing catchup

Following the Blythwood Ravine Trail

Up the hill to cross Blythwood Road 

Stepping down into Sherwood Park

Picking the best route through the ice

Up the steps to dogs & seniors off leash park

Enjoying the Boardwalk

Burke Brook

Up the hill to Bayview Avenue

A tight squeeze into Sunnybrook Park (A perfect spot to count Seniors)

Following the West Don Trail to Glendon College Cafeteria for lunch

Assembling the troops after lunch

Easier going down than up

Up and over

And down we go

Circumventing the ice

Time to lean and smile

What! another hill

What goes up must come down

Leaving Serena Gundy Park

The "Grouch" smiles as he nears the Pub

This makes the hike of 10.5 km worthwhile

Despite the trail conditions and one or two mishaps everyone enjoyed their winter interlude. Thanks to Alena for being such a patient Sweep and to the resident Counter Liliane. Ann as usual kept the group from rioting and kicking in shop windows

CENTENNIAL PARK

It was a chilly day with a temperature of -6 and with the wind chill making it feel like -15. Nevertheless 36 true Canadians turned up to the meeting point at the Burnhamthorpe Plaza for todays hike. 3 more joined partway increasing the total to 39

Mary Ayers was todays Leader

Mary informs the group about todays itinerary

The start of an invigorating walk

The trail followed the Elmcrest Creek

At the Neilson Creative Centre it was pee break time for some

Others of a more cultured nature enjoyed viewing the art work

Retracing our steps we meet up with Susan & Liliane

Then we met up with Ilo wearing his new orthotics

Finally we meet up with a pair of Coyotes

Waiting for everyone to catch up before having lunch

Lunch in the Centennial Park Conservatory and time to admire the blooms

Heading down to the Etobicoke Creek Trail

Crossing the Creek into Mississauga

Time to warm up and continue chatting at the Markland Pub

Thanks again to Mary for an enjoyable outing. To Doug for counting and Parvin for Sweeping