PO Box 1, Guelph, ON Canada N1H 6J6 Volume 41, #2 - July, 2013Telephone: 519 836 9147, Internet: www.guelphhiking.com

Speed River Trail 40 Anniversaryth

On the following day, an interested Jack-in-the-pulpit watched from trail-side as members of theParker family, along with some club executives,bridge designers, constructors and friends,officially opened a replacement bridge onSection 3 of the Radial Line Trail.

More on Page 5.

Appreciative greetings and praise for the club’swork in originating and maintaining the trail wereexpressed by MPP Liz Sandals, WellingtonCounty Warden Chris White, Puslinch MayorDenis Leaver and Guelph Mayor KarenFarbridge. Club President Bill Mungall presentedhot-off-the-press copies of our latest handbook tothese special guests. Members wanting copies ofthe revised handbook can obtain these from theMembership Secretary or The Bookshelf.

On June 1, a number of hardy members and special guestsbraved the not-so-pleasant weather to celebrate anothermilestone in our club’s history. Bill Mungall conducted adozen hardy hikers on an end-to-end while Terry Spittles, LynnGlover and the Staneks led shorter hikes on the individual trailsections. More on Page 4.

Mike Curtis performed his usual magic with the loaves and fishes so all were wellsatiated before Bob Fanning and Henry Graupner dispensed the cake.

HIKING SCHEDULEJul 2013 through mid Oct 2013

Over the years the GHTC has enjoyed permission from the generosity of private landowners for footpaths through their property. Thefriendship, respect and trust of these landowners are the Club's most important assets. Let us continue to care for and properly usetheir 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. Hikes from other clubs are listed. Please check their websites for their terrain and speed ratings, as they may be different than GHTC's.

• 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 willmeet at a local location to carpool. If the distance is considerable, it is customary 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 andappreciated.

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

Thanks to all our hike leaders for the great hikes they have planned over the next few months. For safe summer hiking remember tobring adequate water, bug repellent and sun screen and watch for poison ivy.

Hikes from other clubs are also listed. Please check their websites for details or cancellation notices.

And just a reminder that the times listed with hikes are departure times so please arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We would bedisappointed if we left without you.

Mon Jul 01 SPEED RIVER, GUELPH LAKE AND FIREWORKS!! 1½ - 2 hJoin in a lovely loop hike close to home along the Speed River to Guelph Lake depending on numbers as we will want to be backto enjoy the dazzling 9:00-9:30 p.m. fireworks at Riverside Park. Wear proper footwear and seasonal night clothing. Bringwater, 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 01 PERTH MUSEUM AND AVON RIVER 10 kmMeet 10am in parking lot of Perth Museum just west of Stratford on Hwy 8 for a brief walk in the grounds; then, move cars tonatural area to hike along Avon River. Bring water, lunch. Contact Susan to arrange carpool.Leader: Donald Hughes, Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 1. Speed Moderate.

Sat Jul 06 FORKS OF THE CREDIT 10 kmMeet at the Guelph covered bridge for a 9:00AM departure. We will hike the Bruce Trail along the Credit river to the Forks Ofthe Credit Provincial Park to view the Cataract Falls and ruins of an Hydro Station. Wear proper footwear and bring water andsnacks and lunch.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 3. Speed Moderate

Sun Jul 07 MORRISON DAM NEAR EXETER 10 kmBring water and seasonal protection to hike along the Ausable River, start time 10a.m. Take hwy 8 west to Mitchell. CrossThames River, turn left immediately onto hwy 23, at Russelldale turn right onto road 83. Continue until Morrison Line on theleft. Morrison Line has parking lot on the right. Lunch after in Exeter at the pub or bring a lunch. Meet at the Guelph coveredbridge parking lot east of Gordon Street to carpool by 8:45a.m.Leader: Donald Hughes; Susan Bard 519-836-6570; bardsue@sentex.net Level 1. Speed Moderate.

Mon Jul 08 DOWNTOWN GUELPH – MONDAY LATE NIGHT! 3-4 kmA repeat of our infamous downtown tour from 2012, exploring the underbelly of street life after dark. A very different Guelphyou probably have never seen! Meet at Guelph covered bridge lot at 10:30 pm. Pub stop afterward.Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 1. Easy pace

Tue Jul 09 CALEDON SECTION, FORKS OF THE CREDIT, MAP 15 12km, 4 hA moderate level 12km loop hike at a medium pace on hilly terrain (4 hrs). No drop-outs and no dogs please. Hiking bootsrequired. Bring water and lunch. Depart: 9:30 am from roadside parking on Forks of the Credit Rd. at Dominion St. GPS (N4348.198 W79 59.619) Directions: Forks of the Credit Rd. runs west off Hwy 10 south of Charleston SR and north of Brampton.We will hike the main trail, side trails and part of the Trans Canada Trail. Refreshments afterwards.Leader: Susan Atkinson formerbrit@hotmail.com Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Jul 13 GUELPH LAKE - GORBA TRAILS 2½-3 hMeet at 1:30p.m. in the Tim Horton’s parking lot at the NW corner of Victoria and Woodlawn Roads. From here we can walk totrail head on Victoria Rd. We will then walk along the maze of bicycle trails and view Guelph Lake from the top of the dam.Leader: Suzanne Gates 519-265-3962 Level 2. Speed Moderate

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Sat Jul 13 FOCUS ON NATURE'S SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 9am-3:30pmFocus on Nature is offering the Guelph Hiking Club a day-long photography workshop with lead instructor Simon BellGet the most out of your camera! Create stunning images of nature! All ages welcome! No experience necessary!~ Learn the fundamentals of photo composition, editing, and presentation ~ Bring your camera and laptop or we’ll providethem! Location: FLO Studio, 260 Waterloo Ave. Guelp. Cost: $25 for children (18 and under); $50 for adultsEmail simon@focusonnature.ca to book your workshop today!Leader: simon@focusonnature.ca, Bob Fanning Level 1

Mon Jul 15 MACLEAN SIDEROAD 5 kmNever hiked before by GHTC! Explore a wetland in the darkest recesses of Puslinch Township along an unopened roadallowance. Have seen only in winter, so who knows what we will find! (But bring rubber boots.) Meet at covered bridge lot onGordon St. at 6:30.Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 2 Speed moderate

Wed Jul 17 STARKEY HILL 4kmMeet at 6:30pm at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street. Enjoy an evening walk through a hardwood forest. Mixedterrain. Wear hiking boots and bring water. Optional ice cream at The Boathouse after hike.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Casual

Sat Jul 20 BRUCE TRAIL BETWEEN HOCKLEY ROAD AND DUNBY ROAD 14kmFor a challenging hike in beautiful Hockley Valley we will be hiking the Bruce Trail between Hockley Road and Dunby Roadthrough fields and forests and enjoying the sights. Bring water, snacks, lunch and wear hiking boots. We will carpool at 9:00a.m. from Guelph's covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon. Pub stop after hike. Returning around 5:00p.m.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 and Lynn Glover 519-780-0342 Level 3. Speed Moderate

Sun Jul 21 SPEED RIVER TRAIL - SECTION 3 ~5 kmPlan to leave the Guelph covered bridge parking lot on Gordon Street at 1:30pm. We will car shuffle, leaving half of the carsat the trailhead, and taking the other half of the cars to the starting point at Wellington Rd 32. We will walk through areas ofriverside, cedars, open meadow, and wet woodlands.Leader: Dave Culham, 519 716-8273, dculham@gmail.com Level 1. Speed Moderate

Mon Jul 22 PUSLINCH TRACT 3.5 kmA loop around the back of beyond of this complicated GRCA forest tract, beloved by Cambridge residents. Meet at Guelphcovered bridge lot on Gordon St. at 6:30.Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 1 Speed casual

Wed Jul 24 STARKEY HILL PHOTO HIKE 1½-2 hMeet at the Guelph covered bridge parking lot for a 6:30 PM carpool to the trail head. An evening shoot will give you achance to try the effects of low angle lighting and shadows. Bring a camera that you are comfortable using. We will explorethe trail, at a slow pace, taking lots of time to find some great photographs, finishing as the evening light dies.Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or bobfan@idirect.com Level 2. Easy pace

Sat Jul 27 RLT SECTIONS 3&4 1½ or 3 hCheck out the newly build 40ft truss bridge! Departure from Guelph covered bridge 1pm and 1:30 start at trail head First LineNassagaweya (County Rd 29) at intersection of Arkell Rd. Hike west to east through RLT sections 3&4 woodlands, gentleterrain across private lands. First part ends as section 4 comes out on Guelph Line. Estimate is 1.5 hours one way but couldhike back with those needing 3 hours of hiking. Carpooling would be required to get those only going one way back to startand/or covered bridge. Recommend parking on 1st Line SOUTH of Arkell Rd.Leader: Jim Hoare James.W.Hoare@gmail.com or 519-835-5284 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Mon Jul 29 SNYDER'S FLATS 7 km 1½ hMeet at the Guelph Woodlawn Canadian Tire parking lot for a prompt 6:30pm departure. Car pool to Bloomingdale for aneasy hike along part of the Grand Valley Trail. Bring water and insect repellent.Leader: Terry Spittles Terryspittles@msn.com Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat Aug 03 MOUNTSBERG WILDLIFE REFUGE 10 kmBring lunch, water and seasonal protection to hike around this special area. Follow hwy 6 south to Mountsberg Road. Turneast on it and follow signs. There is a nominal entrance fee. Meet at the Guelph covered bridge parking lot east of GordonStreet to carpool by 9a.m.Leader: Donald Hughes; Susan Bard 519-836-6570; bardsue@sentex.net Level 1. Speed Moderate.

Wed Aug 07 KISSINGBRIDGE TRAIL 1½ hMeet at trail head on Silvercreek Pkwy north end of Guelph, south of Wellington Rd 30 (Marden Rd) for a 6:30pm start.Parking is limited. We will have an easy in and out walk along stonedust trail through woods and fields.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat Aug 10 MOUNT NEMO 8 kmMeet for a 1pm departure at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for car pooling to the tail head for a loop hike onthe Niagara Escarpment. Bring snacks and water.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

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Wed Aug 14 ROYAL RECREATION TRAIL 2 hMeet for a 6:00pm departure at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for a loop hike around the Eramosa River fromGordon street to Victoria Road then back, optional ice cream after the hike.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Fri Aug 16 WALTER BEAN TRAIL, BLAIR, CAMBRIDGE For more details see www.gvta.on.ca ~7 kmLeader: GVTA leader Level 1 Speed leisurely

Sat Aug 17 ELORA - A.J. CASSON TOUR 1½-2 hWe will walk the Irvine, Portage and Victoria trailways around Elora viewing from some of the 12 sites painted by A.J.Casson.Spectacular views of river. Optional refreshment/lunch stop afterwards in Elora. Meet for a 10am departure at Guelph's GoldenGriddle parking lot on Woodlawn for car pooling. Call leader for Elora start location.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 1. Speed Casual

Sun Aug 18 ARKELL SIDE TRAIL & RLT SECTION 2 7½ km (2-3h)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. Thiswill be somewhat of a loop hike using part of RLT section 2. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Jim Hoare James.W.Hoare@gmail.com or 519-835-5284, Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Wed Aug 21 ROYAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL PHOTO HIKE 1½ hMeet at the Guelph covered bridge parking lot for a 6:30 PM departure. Bring a camera that you are comfortable using. We willhead east, over the covered bridge, exploring the trail, at a slow pace, taking lots of time to find some great photographs. Wewill turn around at whatever point will allow us to be back at the parking lot, as the evening light dies.Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or bobfan@idirect.com Level 1. Easy pace

Wed Aug 21 SMITHS SIDE TRAIL 4 kmMeet for a 6:30pm car pool departure at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street. This is a loop along the Eramosa Riverpast 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

Sat Aug 24 RADIAL LINE TRAIL 17 km 4 hours or shorter optionsMeet at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for a 1pm departure. Hike the Radial Line Trail to the Smith Side Trail andreturn. Bring water, snacks and lunch. No dogs please. Call leader if you want to shorten hike by meeting in Len's Mill parkingon Victoria Rd or where the trail crosses Stone Rd E.Leader: Terry Spittles Terryspittles@msn.com Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat Aug 24 LISTOWEL ~10 kmBring, water and seasonal protection to hike along the Maitland River, starting 10a.m. Follow regional hwy 86 north to Listowel.Parking is available past the Waterworks office left of Main Street (hwy 86). Meet at the Guelph covered bridge parking lot eastof Gordon Street to carpool by 9a.m.Leader: Donald Hughes; Susan Bard 519-836-6570; bardsue@sentex.net Level 1. Speed Moderate.

Sun Aug 25 PRESERVATION PARK / HANLON CREEK CONSERVATION AREA 1½-2 hMeet at 10:30am in the Guelph Fat Duck Pub parking lot at the corner of Kortright and Edinburgh. We will wander the maze oftrails in the area, passing through alternating sections of old cedars, hardwoods, open meadow, and managed pines. This areais a glacial outwash, so the majority of the trail will be flat. If you are interested, book some extra time in your schedule for anoptional lunch afterward at the Fat Duck.Leader: Dave Culham, 519 716-8273, dculham@gmail.com Level 1. Speed Moderate

Tue Aug 27 CALEDON SECTION, HOCKLEY VALLEY, MAP 18 12 kmA moderate level 12 km loop hike at a medium pace on very hilly terrain. No drop-out possible. Hiking boots required. No dogsplease. Bring water and lunch. Depart: 9:30 am from the parking lot on the north side of Hockley Road about .25 km east of2nd line EHS. GPS (N43 58.354 W80 03.350) Directions: From Hwy 10, turn east onto Hockley Valley Rd., and go .25 km past2nd line EHS. Hockley Valley Rd is north of Orangeville (Hwy 9). We will hike the Tom East and the Glen Cross Side Trails usingthe Bruce Trail as the connection. Refreshments afterwards.Leader: Susan Atkinson formerbrit@hotmail.com Level 3. Speed Moderate

Wed Aug 28 SPEED RIVER SECTION 1hrMeet by Guelph Golden Griddle on Woodlawn Rd at 6pm to walk the Speed River Trail to Victoria road and back.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat Aug 31 KITCHENER RAILINE/TOWN TRAIL 8 kmThis hike starts 10a.m., travelling south from Erb Street along streets and trails interspersed to the remodelled beautifulVictoria Park. Parking is at the Rail Museum, Father Bauer Drive just off Erb Street. Lunch is available at Sole on Erb Streetfollowing. Meet at the Guelph covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street to carpool by 9:15a.m.Leader: Donald Hughes; Susan Bard 519-836-6570; bardsue@sentex.net Level 1. Speed Moderate.

Mon Sep 02 RIVERSIDE PARK PRESTON ~8 kmBring water and lunch for a 10a.m. Labour Day excursion from another Riverside Park! Meet at the Guelph covered bridgeparking lot east of Gordon Street to carpool by 9a.m. Call leader for hike start location in Preston.Leader: Donald Hughes; Susan Bard 519-836-6570; bardsue@sentex.net Level 1. Speed Moderate.

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Wed Sep 04 GUELPH LAKE 2 hMeet for a 6:15pm departure at trail head on Victoria Road north, just before the bridge. Enjoy the scenic trail along thelake. Bring bug spray and flashlight as trail through woods gets dark early.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 07 LIMEHOUSE LOOP 2 hMeet for a 1pm carpool departure at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for a loop hike in Limehouse. Come see theHole in the wall and heritage lime kilns restored. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Sep 08 SPEED RIVER SECTION 1 2-2½ hMeet at Guelph Humane Society parking lot for a 1pm start. We will hike from Humane Society to Niska Road and back viasome side trails. Bring water, snack and bug spray.Leader: Jim Hoare James.W.Hoare@gmail.com or 519-835-5284 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 14 HOCKLEY VALLEY 14kmFor a challenging hike in beautiful Hockley Valley we will be hiking the Bruce Trail between Hockley Road and Dunby Roadthrough fields and forests and enjoying the sights. Bring water, snacks, lunch and wear hiking boots. We will carpool at 9:00a.m. from Guelph's covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon. Pub stop after hike. Returning around 5:00p.m.Leader: Lynn Glover, 519-780-0342 Level 3, Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 14 WILDWOOD CA 10 kmBring water and lunch for a hike starting at10a.m.here near St. Mary’s, south of Stratford west off hwy 7. There is thestandard CA admission fee. Due to construction, please notify leaders in advance regarding possible obstruction. Meet at theGuelph covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street to carpool by 8:30a.m.Leader: Donald Hughes; Susan Bard 519-836-6570; bardsue@sentex.net Level 1. Speed Moderate.

Sat Sep 21 MONO CLIFFS 10-15kmJoin Mike and his dog Petie, on his traditional hike through the loops of Hockley at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park including acouple of moderate climbs to catch scenic views of southern Ontario, weather permitting. Dropout point after 10km. Mikewill meet you 9:30a.m., downtown Brisbane, hwy 124 and Trafalgar Road. Possibly a Guelph rendezvous around 9a.m. may bearranged 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 21 LAFARGE TRAIL 9 kmBring water and lunch for a hike to explore the drumlins hiking this hilly area, starting at10a.m. Travel south on hwy 6 to thefirst road west past Puslinch. Parking is on the shoulder of Meddaugh Road, just north of its intersecting at Gore Road. Meetat the covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street to carpool by 9a.m.Leader: Donald Hughes; Susan Bard 519-836-6570; bardsue@sentex.net Level 2. Speed Moderate.

Sat Sep 21 ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS: NEW YORK STATE 6-8hrs daily3 day trip requires pre-registration. For more details see www.gvta.on.caLeader: GVTA leader Level 3. Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 28 JACK SCOTT MEMORIAL BLUE SPRINGS/SUGAR SHACK TRAIL 10 kmThe meeting place is where there is a parking spot off Nassagaweya 5th Line at 30 Side Road. We will start 2p.m. with theeasier and child friendly Sugar Shack loop. Those who wish a longer hike can continue to figure 8 through Scout Camp part ofthe Radial Trail and Blue Springs Sidetrail.Leader: Victoria 519-362-2783 victoriajoymacphail@hotmail.com Level 1/2. Speed Casual

Sun Sep 29 HILTON FALLS 21 km, 6 hWe will hike sections of the Bruce Trail on the Niagara Escarpment and Halton Conservation Area. Meet at the Guelphcovered bridge on Gordon Street for a 9.00 am departure. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Possible pub stop afterwards.Leader: Terry Spittles Terryspittles@msn.com Level 3. Speed Moderate

Sat Oct 05 WOOLWICH RESERVOIR 7 kmMeet at the Guelph Canadian Tire Store on Woodlawn for a 1pm departure. Car pool to Floradale and hike the loop aroundWoolwich reservoir. Bring water. Coffee and muffin stop in Elmira afterwards.Leader: Terry Spittles Terryspittles@msn.com Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Oct 06 CRAWFORD LAKE CONSERVATION 10km, 4-5 hLoop hike from Crawford Conservation, along the Nassagaweya Canyon to Rattlesnake Point. Exceptional views andcharacteristic escarpment countryside dressed in fall colours. We will meet at the Guelph Covered Bridge parking lot east ofGordon Street for a 10am carpool to Crawford Lake. Bring water, snacks, lunch and sunscreen. A park entry fee applies.Leader: Gayle 519-856-1012; Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Oct 06 KIDS HIKE ARBORETUM 90 minIntroduce the young people in your life to the fun of hiking as we celebrate Ontario Hiking Week by viewing the autumnchanges in the Arboretum! Meet prior to the 1:00 pm hike start in the parking lot of the Arboretum Centre building at theUniversity of Guelph. The entrance to the Arboretum is from College Avenue, 4 telephone poles away from the stoplight atVictoria Road. The rain date is October 20. Children must be accompanied by an adult on the Tortoise or Hare hikes. Dress

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