PO Box 1, Guelph, ON Canada N1H 6J6 Volume 40, #2 - July 2012Telephone: 519 836 9147, Internet: www.guelphhiking.com

International Trails DayPlus a Much Improved RLT Section 7

The Guelph Hiking Trail Club celebrated InternationalTrails Day with the grand opening and inaugural hikealong a new section of the Radial Line Trail, our pathwayfrom Guelph to Limehouse that roughly follows the oldRadial Line railroad’s right-of-way. Greg Moroz and hissister Lisa McIlmoyle kindly gave permission for the clubto re-route through their cedar forest, taking this westernsection off-road for almost two kilometers.

Twenty-six people, including members of ActonSeniors walking club, attended the ceremony. Theevent featured Tortoise and Hare hikes, with a 2½hour hike for Hares and an easy 45 minute stroll forTortoises. Both groups headed west through thenewly completed portion of Section 7 passing throughthe Moroz property. The longer hike continuedthrough Section 6 (Dublin Line to 6 Line). Thanksth

to the new routing, the hikes were in wooded countryfor most of the way.

A very Special Thanks to John Fisher and the many volunteers who contributed to this improvement!

Thanks to the new rerouting, the western portion of RLT

Section 7 now goes through wooded country rather than

along the busy Side Road 25 and up the Dublin Line.

With John Fisher, Radial Line Trail Coordinator on her left

and Kathy Somers, the president of GHTC on her right,

Lisa McIlmoyle, the landowner who, with her brother, gave

permission for the new routing across their property,

prepares to cut the ribbon. Photo by Bob Fanning.

Radial Line Trail Report We’ve been busy! A number of newsworthy activitieshave taken place over the last few months that Ithought would be of interest to club members.

Let me start at Section 1. After very protractednegotiations with the City and Province, the Club hasfinally secured an agreement to install the OR SideTrail. (See separate article from Bill Mungall and standby for work party requests!).

Section 2. Over the last couple years, along withother community groups, we met with the citywaterworks department concerning the closure ofthe dam which used to provide access from SmithProperty to the Arkell Springs grounds. The citysecured funds to rehabilitate the dam and provideseasonal access for public crossing. Such a projectneeds significant regulatory approval and,unfortunately, the plans for public access did notpass muster. Satisfying these demands would haverequired significant additional funding which wasnot available. However, as an indication of thewaterworks desire to share the springs with thecommunity, they asked the city parks department towork with community groups to develop a planformalizing trails and public access to the area, usingexisting infrastructure. Plan development is targetedby year end. The first group “walk about “ was heldin early June and we are working on a response tothe parks department request for input.

Starkey Hill. The Club has had a long history withthis property including its trail founding. For someyears we decided to leave GRCA to manage allaspects of the trail. Several years ago, club memberJim Hoare started to do routine maintenance andactively engaged the GRCA by recommendingimprovements to the trail. This year we extendedour formal maintenance agreement with GRCA andthe Smith Property to include Starkey Hill. GRCAsecured a Trillium grant for $2000 for trailimprovement on the property. (See Jim’s article onthis activity). Our members are also working closelywith GRCA to develop QR code technology on thetrail to replace the interpretative brochures thatwere available when hiking this property. Thisinnovative approach to trail interpretation may haveadditional application to other trail systems.

Section 3. Those familiar with this section know wecross a river on a bridge with a span of about 20ft. It

has shifted several times and is in need of anupgrade. Phil Kidston put his engineering hat backon and is involved in redesigning the bridge. This islikely to be a multi- year project, but the landowner,Ed Parker, has given his blessing for the upgrade.

Section 6. The “Moroz “work party hauled out 3bridges that were abandoned after a trail reroutethat took place a couple of years ago. We hauled thebridges to the 10 tee of Blue Springs golf course andth

they were good enough to take them back to theirmaintenance shop for our convenient pick up. Thesebridges were subsequently reinstalled on the newlyestablished trail on section 7.

Section 7. The big event of course concerned the“handshake agreement “ with the Moroz family thatestablished a new trail replacing 2 km of roadwalking. Bill Mungall deserves credit for trackingdown the landowners and initiating the request. Asa result of those efforts we flagged a cross countryroute through farmland and cedar forest of 1.9 km. Greg Moroz came out and walked the proposed maintrail reroute and a side trail that would link the maintrail to Greenore Crescent in Acton. Greg gave us theofficial approval to proceed and we put out a call fora work party. Fifteen club members responded andcame out to install the trail on May 6. Three teamsworked on different sections and by days’ end wehad a new main trail established and blazed. A gooddays work for all involved. We finished up the trailover the subsequent two weeks with signage andbridges (from section 6). We were ready for theofficial ribbon cutting on International Trails Day(See cover article).

Section 8. We had to close the trail for a short periodwhile the additional hydro line was installed, butwere able to open again in mid May.

Section leader changesSteve Mercer took over Section 1 after AnnMiddletonn’s retirement last year. John Duthiereplaced Andy Cann on the Sugar Shack and BlueSprings side trail. Section 7 is now somewhat moremaintenance intense with the new trail replacing theroad walk, but Joe Jany has recruited a neighbor,Walter Staples, to assist him. Section 6 is in need ofan assistant to help Bob Fanning. Henry Graupner, who shared trail maintenance with Bob, tenderedhis resignation as section leader. Thanks Henry!

John FisherRadial Line Trail Captain

GHTC Newsletter - July 2012 - Page 5

Bug Off

Nothing can disturb ones pleasure of the great

outdoors more than being pestered by hoards of

flying nasties. Not only is it unpleasant being bitten,

but insects and ticks might transmit disease. Thus, it

is very good sense to apply insect repellents and,

hopefully, not get bitten in the first place!

An insect repellent is a substance applied to skin or

clothing that discourages insects from landing or

climbing on that surface. The active ingredient

slowly evaporates, producing an invisible chemical

barrier around the areas where it was applied,

repelling incoming insects.

There are a number of insect repellent types, some of

which are well tested and proven to work and others

which are perhaps a little suspect. Various naturally

occurring compounds like citronella, myrtle leaf oil,

catnip oil and neem oil have repellent properties. In

addition, there are synthetics like DEET and Icaridin.

All contain active ingredients with a marked

repellent effect on flying and hopping insects.

Health Canada recommends choosing a product that

meets your needs. For example, if you plan to be

outdoors for a short period of time, choose a product

with a lower concentration of repellent, and repeat

application only if you need a longer protection time.

They also emphasize that besides using an insect

repellent, risk can be reduced by taking the following

steps.

Whenever possible, avoid being outdoors at dawn or

dusk when mosquitos are most active.

Remove standing water from items such as pool

covers, saucers under flower pots, pet bowls and

wading pools on your property. Empty and clean

bird baths twice a week, and regularly clean

eavestroughs to prevent clogs that can trap water.

Wear long-sleeved shirts, full length pants and

closed shoes if outdoors when mosquitos are

active or where ticks might be found.

Tuck shirts into pants and pull socks up over pant

legs to help keep ticks away from bare skin.

Wear light-colored clothing, which will help reduce

overall attractiveness to mosquitos and allow

seeing ticks more easily.

When returning from areas with ticks, check clothes

and entire body for ticks. Check pets regularly, as

well.

If planning travel to tropical areas where serious

mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria are

common, see a doctor or visit a travel clinic

several weeks before departure.

With any product, always read the entire label

carefully before using. Follow all of the label

directions, including restrictions for use on children

and the maximum number of applications allowed

per day. Apply the repellent sparingly, and only on

exposed skin surfaces or on top of clothing. Heavy

application and saturation are unnecessary for

maximum effectiveness. Repeat applications only as

necessary and directed on the product label

If concerned about sensitivity, apply the product to a

small area of skin and wait 24h to see if a reaction

occurs.

Tale of Two Doctors' Offices

Two patients limp into two different medical clinics

with the same complaint. Both have trouble walking

and appear to require knee surgery.

The FIRST sees his family doctor after waiting three

weeks for an appointment, then waits twelve weeks

to see a specialist, then gets an x-ray, which isn't

reviewed for another week, and finally has his

surgery scheduled for six months from then.

The SECOND patient is examined within the hour,

x-rayed the same day and has a time booked for

surgery the following week.

Why the different treatment for the two patients?

- the FIRST is a Senior Citizen

- the SECOND. Is a Golden Retriever.

Next time, take me to a veterinarian!

Unhappy with the weather this spring? One

thing that seemed to thrive on it is poison ivy

- so TAKE CARE on the trails!

GHTC Newsletter - July 2012 - Page 11

HIKING SCHEDULE

July through mid November, 2012

Over the years the GHTC has enjoyed permission from the generosity of private landowners for footpaths through their

property. The friendship, respect and trust of these landowners are the Club's most important assets. Let us continue to care for

and properly use their property while maintaining the objectives of the Club.

All hikers should check the GHTC web site www.guelphhiking.com for detailed advice and information on Terrain Rating

System, Hike Speed, special seasonal instructions and other timely recommendations.

• To avoid disappointment due to cancellation, please notify the hike leader if you intend to join a scheduled hike.

• Cancelled or rescheduled hikes will be posted on the GHTC web site. The leader may choose to post a rain date here. Be sure

to check for updates and impromptu hikes!

• Occasionally it proves more convenient for a hike leader to select a meeting place that is not in Guelph. If you cannot arrange

a ride to get there, call the hike leader who may know of someone who is willing to take you. In other out-of-town hikes the

leader will meet at a local location to carpool. If the distance is considerable, it is customary to offer to help pay for the

gasoline.

• It is important to stay with the group while hiking, alerting the leader of intentions to ‘drop-out' at the beginning a necessity

and appreciated.

NOTE: HIKE Dates and TITLES in BOLD are conducted by the Guelph Hiking Trail Club

Sun Jul 01 SPEED RIVER, GUELPH LAKE AND FIREWORKS!! 1½ - 2hrs

Join in a lovely loop hike close to home along the Speed River to Guelph Lake depending on numbers as we will want to be

back to enjoy the dazzling 9:00-9:30 p.m. fireworks at Riverside Park. Wear proper footwear and seasonal night clothing. Bring

water, snacks and a flashlight. Meet 7:30 p.m. at the Golden Griddle Parking Lot off Woodlawn Rd. E.

Leader: Suzanne Gates 519-265-3962 Level 2. Speed Causal/Moderate

Mon Jul 02 STRATFORD, T.J. DOLAN AREA 10 km

What a great way to spend Canada Day with a walk around Lake Victoria and in the woods of T.J. Dolan Natural Area. This is

a beautiful city with interesting architecture to note along the way. Park at the hilltop close to the Festival Theatre to start the

hike by 10am Lunch is suggested at York Street Kitchen following the hike. Contact the leader to arrange carpooling.

Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570; Donald Level1, 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Jul 07 TORONTO BT SPEYSIDE LOOP 10 km

Here is a lovely area close to home for a loop hike along Bruce main and side trails with variable terrain, rocky sections as well

as a great lookout. Wear proper footwear and seasonal protective clothing. Bring water and snacks. Meet 1:00pm at the Guelph

covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street for carpooling to trail head.

Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Mon Jul 09 TORRANCE CREEK AND ARBORETUM 4 km

See City's wooded lower Torrance Creek property and old mill dam ruins, followed by a portion of Arboretum woodland in a

loop walk. Some bushwhacking and wet footing. Meet at Guelph covered bridge lot on Gordon St. at 6:30pm.

Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 2 Speed Moderate

Tue Jul 10 CALEDON SECTION, HOCKLEY VALLEY, MAP 18 11km , 4.5hrs

A loop hike on very hilly terrain. Hiking boots required.

No drop-outs. No dogs please. Bring water and lunch.

Depart: 9:30 am parking lot on Hockley Rd, just east of 2nd Line EHS, at 60.2km. Directions: Hockley Rd runs east off Hwy

10 north of Orangeville. We will hike the main trail and side trails . Refreshments afterwards .

Leader: Susan Atkinson 519-837-9470, before 9pm or email formerbrit@hotmail.com. Level 3. Speed Moderate

Wed Jul 11 HIKE HISTORIC ROCKWOOD 1½ hrs

Join us for an historic walking tour of old Rockwood buildings that have interesting architecture and history. See the Rockwood

Academy (boys school) where they filmed Agnes of God, "The Candy Factory", once the home of Schneider's Reliable Sweets,

and Saunder's Bakery, open since 1864 and visited by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. We can conclude our walk with a stop

for refreshments in Rockwood. Park on Falls Street in Rockwood for a 6:30pm start or call for 6:15 Guelph car pool location.

Bring water.

Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 1. Speed Casual

GHTC Newsletter - July 2012 - Page 12

Sat Jul 14 GUELPH SPEED RIVER 1½ hrs

BOTANIZING AFTERNOON STROLL ALONG THE SPEED For details contact Dorothy nearer to hike date.

Leader: Dorothy Scott 519-821-1786; Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 1. Speed Casual

Mon Jul 16 ARBORETUM 2 hrs

Loop hike starting at 6:30pm at the Arboretum parking lot near the conference centre, accessible from College just west of

Victoria. We will visit the poison plant garden in OVC, the aboriginal garden, the organic garden.

Leader: Martin 519 265-5646 or cell 226 979-1495 Level 1. Speed Casual

Wed Jul 18 CITY GARDENS HIKE 2 hrs

Come out for an evening hike along streets to discover many beautiful gardens fronting homes. Parking is available along

Cardigan Street or at the parking lot opposite the end of London Road, next to the Youth Music Centre, for a 6:30p.m. start

from the Goldie Mill Park. Bring seasonal protection.

Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 1. Speed Moderate.

Sat Jul 21 BRUCE TRAIL BETWEEN HOCKLEY ROAD AND DUNBY ROAD 15 km

For a challenging hike in beautiful Hockley Valley we will be hiking the Bruce Trail between Hockley Road and Dunby Road

through fields and forests, enjoying the sights with an optional dropout at 7 km. Bring water, snacks, lunch and wear hiking

boots. We will carpool at 9:00 am from Guelph's covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon. Pub stop after hike. Contact leader

for optional dropout.

Leader: Lynn Glover 519 780-0342; Terry 519 265-6203; Mary Sexton 519-265-8669 Level 3. Speed Moderate

Mon Jul 23 IRVINE GORGE 4 km

Difficult footing including a bit of wading along the bottom of the cliff-lined Irvine Gorge, from Grand River and Lover's Leap

in Elora to Salem. Hugely scenic. Pub stop after. 2 km tough walking in gorge (slow pace) plus 2 km street walking. Meet at

6:30pm at Canadian Tire parking lot on Woodlawn Rd. Guelph

Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 3. Speed Slow/Moderate

Wed Jul 25 DOG WALK - LITTLE TRACT 90 min

Inviting hikers with dogs on leash to walk Little Tract trails, between Road 34 and Concession 4. Meet 6:30pm at parking lot

off Rd 34 (right side), just past Sideroad 10. Bring water for you and your dog.

Leader: Christine christinebando@gmail.com Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Jul 28 RLT SECTION 1,2 2-3 hrs

This is an interesting part of the trail to hike any season. Bring water, snacks and seasonal protection. Meet 1:30p.m. at the

Guelph covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street for carpooling to trail head.

Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Jul 29 ACTON CIRCUIT 9.5 km

In a big loop running through Acton we will explore the still valley of Black Creek along the old TSR radial line, Fairy Lake,

and check out the new forest route of Section 7 through the Moroz property on south side of Acton. We'll even visit the only

piece of Niagara Escarpment cliff face that is along our trail. Limited but challenging bushwhacking. Meet 1:30pm at Guelph

covered bridge parking lot on Gordon St.

Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 2. Speed Moderate

Mon Jul 30 HANLON CREEK AND CRANE PARK 4 km

Trace the course of Hanlon Creek down to the Speed … and then up the Speed bank through Guelph's Crane Park. Limited

bushwhacking involved. Meet 6:30 at Gamble Park, adjacent to the Hanlon, south of Kortright. St.

Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Aug 01 PRIVATE PROPERTY 2 hrs

Come enjoy an evening discovering some newer trails as we meander over hills and meadows, in and out of woods by the

generosity of a private property owner on the south of Guelph. Meet at the Y parking lot for a 6:30 p.m. start.

Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Aug 04 HALTON AGREEMENT FOREST 2-3 hrs

We enter on the 4th Line of Nassagaweya and hike along fire road. Meet at Guelph covered Bridge at 12:30 to car pool. Bring

water and snacks. Optional pub stop afterwards.

Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012, Mary 519 827-1814 Level 2. Speed Moderate.

GHTC Newsletter - Juky 2012 - Page 13

Wed Aug 08 STARKEY HILL 4 km

Meet at 6:30pm at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street. Enjoy an evening walk through a hardwood forest. Mixed

terrain. Wear hiking boots and bring water. Optional ice cream at The Boathouse after hike.

Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Casual.

Mon Aug 13 PUSLINCH TRACT 3 km

Explore myriad trails in this GRCA property, a hilly bit of the Paris moraine, just east of Cambridge on Puslinch Concession 2.

Meet at 6:30pm at the YMCA lot off the Hanlon.

Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 2. Speed Moderate.

Wed Aug 15 RADIAL LINE -- SMITH SIDE TRAIL 4 km

Meet at 6:30pm at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street. This is a loop along the Eramosa River past the dam, through

woods and meadows. Bring bug protection. Optional ice cream at The Boathouse after hike.

Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate.

Sun Aug 19 GUELPH TO GRAND RIVER 25.5 km

Hike from Guelph Humane Society, to Settler's Fork Park in Cambridge on the Grand River, all along the Speed River. Speed

River Trail for first half; easy Cambridge City Trails for second half. Meet at covered bridge parking lot, Gordon St, 8:00 am.

Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 3. Speed Brisk

Sun Aug 19 BRUCE TRAIL, SYDENHAM, LINDENWOOD 17.8 km

Walk through the Kemble Mountain Management Area. For more details see Grand Valley Trail Association website

www.gvta.on.ca

Leader: GVTA Leader Level 2/3. Speed Moderate

Mon Aug 20 GUELPH LAKE 2 hrs

Meet at 6:30pm at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for carpooling to Guelph Lake or meet at trail head on Victoria

Road. Enjoy the scenic trail along the lake. Bring bug spray.

Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Aug 22 DOG WALK -MTO PROPERTY AT MORRISTON 90 min

About 90 minutes in the woods with our leashed dogs -clear paths. Bring water for you and your dog. Meet 6:30pm at carpool

parking lot S of 401 along Brock Rd.

Leader: Christine christinebando@gmail.com Level 2. Speed Moderate

Fri Aug 24 GUELPH RIB FEST 1 hr

Meet by Golden Griddle on Woodlawn Rd at 6pm to walk the Speed River Trail to Victoria road and back. Head over to

Guelph Rib fest in Riverside park to enjoy a meal of ribs and listen to entertainment. No admission but donation appreciated.

Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012, Mary Henderson 519-827-1814 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat Aug 25 IGNATIUS JESUIT CENTRE 8 km

Hike these interesting trails at Ignatius Jesuit Centre, 5420 Highway 6 North, north of Woodlawn Road in Guelph. Meet at 10

am in Workshop parking lot. Bring lunch.

Leader: Donald pattice@orc.ca, Christine christinebando@gmail.com Level 1. Speed Moderate

Wed Aug 29 LAURA BAILEY MEMORIAL TRAIL, GUELPH 7 km

Meet at the Grange and Victoria Plaza for a 6:30 PM depart time. Walk a combination of trail and road on the east side of

Guelph. Bring water.

Leader: Terry 519 265-6203 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 01 RLT ARKELL SIDE TRAIL 2-3 hr

Hike along this popular side trail. We'll meet 1p.m. at the Starkey Hill parking lot, south side of Arkell Road, east of Arkell.

Bring water and snacks.

Leader: Jim Hoare email James.W.Hoare@gmail.com or 519-835-5284, Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Wed Sep 05 ROYAL RECREATION TRAIL 2 hr

Meet 6:00pm at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for a loop hike around the Eramosa River from Gordon street to

Victoria Road then back.

Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2 Speed Moderate

GHTC Newsletter - July 2012 - Page 14

Sat Sep 08 MOUNT NEMO 8km

Meet 1:00pm at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for car pooling to the tail head for a loop hike on the Niagara

Escarpment.Bring snacks and water.

Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 08 PART 1:"BRIDGES OF WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP" ~8.2km

"Hounds goin' Hiking" Depart 10:00 a.m. corner of River Edge Drive and Letson Drive, in car park, just 100 yards from the

Covered Bridge, West Montrose. A great hike for well-behaved dogs willing to be constantly on a leash throughout this

interesting outing beside a heritage river. We make our way through undulating, scenic terrain toward the last covered bridge in

Ontario. In the midst of Mennonite country. Bring a lunch, water, a hiking pole and some dog food if you are accompanied by

your very best 'friend' No dog? Not to worry. Come and enjoy the fine scenery, the companionship and the autumn air. Truly a

grand walk beside a Grand River! For more details see www.gvta.on.ca

Leader: Robert R Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sun Sep 09 WANDERING THE SOUTH END MORAINE 2 hr

Meet at the very southern end of the parking lot behind Bishop MacDonell High School, on Clair Rd, for a 1:30pm departure.

We will wander over the hilly moraine, seeing numerous kettle lakes. Much of this hike will not be on a traditional trail. Bring

plenty of water and good footwear. Call if you require directions.

Leader: Dave Culham 519-716-8273 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sun Sep 09 BRUCE TRAIL, SYDENHAM, LINDENWOOD/WIARTON 16.3km

Walk along Skinner's Bluff overlooking Colpoy's Bay, through the Bruce's Caves C.A. and into Wiarton. For more details see

www.gvta.on.ca

Leader: GVTA Leader Level 2/3 Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 15 BRUCE TRAIL BETWEEN HOCKLEY ROAD AND DUNBY ROAD 15 km

For a challenging hike in beautiful Hockley Valley we will be hiking the Bruce Trail between Hockley Road and Dunby Road

through fields and forests, enjoying the sights with an optional dropout at 7 km. Bring water, snacks, lunch and wear hiking

boots. We will carpool at 9:00 am from Guelph's covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon. Pub stop after hike. Contact leader

for optional dropout.

Leader: Lynn Glover 519 780-0342; Terry 519 265-6203; Mary Sexton 519-265-8669 Level 3. Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 15 PART 2: A.K.A. "TRACKING THE TRACTS" ~6km

Another GVTA hike that welcomes dogs on leash. Hike through two classical Carolinian forests, the Sudden Tract and the

Dryden Tract. Depart 10am. For more details see www.gvta.on.ca

Leader: GVTA Leader Level 2, speed moderate

Sun Sep 16 SPEED RIVER TRAILS 9 km/2.5 hr

We will hike Section 2 of our Speed River trail and John Wood Sidetrails on Section 1.

Meet at the Human Society parking lot south of Wellington Str. (west of Hanlon) at 1:30 PM.

Leader: Stan and Jana 519-821-7996 Level 2, speed moderate

Sat Sep 22 MONO CLIFFS 10-15km

Join Mike to do his traditional hike through the loops of Hockley at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park including a couple of

moderate climbs to catch scenic views of southern Ontario, weather permitting. Dropout point after 10kmMike will meet you

9:30a.m., downtown Brisbane, hwy 124 and Trafalgar Road. Possibly a Guelph rendezvous around 9a.m. may be arranged upon

notification with Mike, a volunteer greeter appreciated. Bring water, snack, sunscreen, repellent and a lunch.

Leader: Mike Curtis Erin 1-905-877-4134 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 22 WOOLWICH RESERVOIR 7.2km

Another GVTA hike that welcomes dogs on leash. Depart 10am. For more details see www.gvta.on.ca

Leader: GVTA Leader Level 1. Speed casual

Sun Sep 23 ELORA CATARACT TRAIL ~15km

Erin to Cataract and return on the Elora Cataract trailway. We will have lunch in the Cataract area and explore before returning

to Erin. Meet 8:30am at the Guelph Covered Bridge Parking Lot for carpooling to the start point in Erin.

Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or bobfan@idirect.com

Lel 2. Speed Moderate

GHTC Newsletter - July 2012 - Page 15

the sound of falling water. To register send a $10.00 cheque (made out to the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club) to Joëlle

Martin, P.O. Box 3251, Meaford, N4L 1A5, 519-538-5766. Please include your name, telephone number and e-mail address.

Fee will cover refreshments and the special FWT hike badge awarded to all hiker who completes the hike.

Bruce Peninsula

Nine days beginning Aug 11, starting in Wiarton, continuing every Sat and Sun until Sept 3, finishing in Tobermory. Details at

www.pbtc.ca/hikes_end2end.html

Ganaraska Trail E2E

Sat & Sun, July 14/15, Hike 5 & 6 of 21; Sat & Sun, Aug 11/12 Hike 7 & 8 of 21; Sat & Sun, Aug 25/26, Wilderness Section,

Backpacking Weekend; Sat & Sun, Sept 8/9 Hike 11 & 12 of 21; Details at gvta.on.ca

Opening up “The O.R.” Sidetrail

GHTC has received all approvals and recent financialsupport from the City of Guelph that now allow us toannounce exciting plans to open up a brand new, 2.5km long trail, all within Guelph, and on lands ownedby the Province and the City.

This trail will be built as a sidetrail off Section 1 of theRadial Line Trail, running from Stone Road East toYork Road, at the parking lot for the Bicentennial Parkball diamonds. It will run alongside mostly woodedeast and north banks of the Eramosa River, and the eastbank of Clythe Creek. Aside from some nice views ofthe river, a geologically significant quarry will beopened up to public viewing for the first time since itsacquisition by the City in 2004. (For those not long inGuelph, the locals referred to the Guelph CorrectionalCentre as “The O.R.”, for “The Ontario Reformatory”for most of that institution’s 95 year existence. Thesidetrail and Section 1 RLT both run over formerreformatory lands.)

Several work parties to brush out the trail over thesummer months will be put together from the existinglist of trail maintenance volunteers. To have yourselfadded to the list, contact the membership secretary,Dave Culham. [Bill Mungall]

Ode to the Bruce Trail

Here’s to you old friendThat you may live a thousand years or moreThat those who care will continue to careThat your lakes and streams will always be there That your trees will abound and continue to growThat wild life will flourish and be free to roamThat your breezes will blow to freshen the dayThat the sun will shine and show the way That rains will nourish your forest groundThat your treadway will be forever soundThat your leaves will fall giving life belowThat hikers will come to love and to know That your hills and valleys will be gentle and kindThat strangers become friends with the passage of timeThat you continue to give strength to those who exploreThat those who tread will respect you more

That your followers will give as you have givenThis is our wish to you old friend

[Donald Cangiano]

Hike Ontario Summit 2012 and GVTA 40 Anniversary Celebrations th

The Grand Valley Trails Association is thrilled to announce the details of its 40 Anniversaryth

Celebrations to be held November 2- 4, 2012, in conjunction with the annual Hike Ontario Summit. Come to Kitchener and celebrate with hiking friends from across Ontario!

Check the websites for detailed descriptions and updates. Hike Ontario: www.hikeontario.com GVTA Anniversary: www.gvta.on.ca

Register online at www.gvta.on.ca. Registration deadline, Monday, October 22, 2012.

GHTC Newsletter - July 2012 - Page 19

GRCA Summer Camps

The Grand River Conservation Authority has a

variety of summer camps this summer to

encourage learning and making friends in the

great outdoors. There are a multitude of

camping opportunities at five different locations with

a variety of options for 6 to 16 year olds.

Information and registration is available at

www.grandriver.ca.

Pedestrian Based Trails and Their Benefits

Hike Ontario recognizes and supports trails

throughout Ontario and appreciates that every trail is

unique. Every trail can't be all things to all people

but all trails can play beneficial roles. Trails play

roles in the economy, play roles in the environment

and perhaps most importantly, play roles in our

health.

As defined in the new Ontario Trails Strategy, trails

can be:

• Footpaths with natural surfacing

• Multi-use tracks with manufactured surfaces

• On-road bicycle routes

• Walkways, boardwalks and sidewalks

• Utility corridors or former rail lines

• Forestry and mining access roads designated as

trails

• Waterways and portage routes

While Hike Ontario recognizes the diversity of trails

and trail uses, our focus is on the representation and

promotion of pedestrian based trails and their

benefits. [From Hike Ontario web site]

GHTC Newsletter - July 2012 - Page 23

PLEASE PRINT THIS FORM AND MAIL WITH CHEQUE PAYMENT TO:

David Culham

GHTC Membership

19 Munroe Crescent

Request for Membership G^, ON N,G 5E5

Guelph Hiking Trail dub

Membership: D $25.00 per year or D $100 for 5 years*

Name (in full)

additional family member(s)

Address

City

Postal Code

Email

Province

Telephone

How did you discover the Guelph Hiking Trail dub?

Would you prefer email link to colour online newsletter D, or printed black/white newsletter mailed to address listed above D?

The GHTC depends on volunteers to carry out administrative functions and various trail programs. Please indicate ifyou have interest in investing time during the upcoming year to help the club in any of the areas listed below.

Trail Maintenance

Leading Hikes

Other

Newsletter

Administration

Publicity Social Events

Not able to volunteer this year

(describe)

I would like to purchase the items as indicated below:

Membership lyr@$25or 5yrs@$100* ->

Handbook with trail maps

dub badge

@ $15.00** ->

@ $3.00 -*

Donation ->

Total*Special rate for 5yr membership requires selection of electronic newsletter.**Handbooks are $15.00 for members, $20.00 for non-members.

I have read the GHTC Trail Users Code and agree to abide by it. SignaturePlease make cheques payable to 'Guelph Hiking Trail dub'