GHTC News - July 2014

GHTC NewsletterVol 42, #2, July, 2014

The GHTC Newsletter, published in March, July and October,is sent to all of the club members, other trail organizations, landowners who provide access for our trails, advertisers andclub supporters. Opinions and views expressed in thisnewsletter are those of the individual writers or advertisers anddo not necessarily reflect those of the Guelph Hiking Trail Clubexecutive, members, or affiliated bodies such as Hike Ontario.

Check the club web site for details on merchandise for saleand club contacts: www.guelphhiking.com

Club members and others are encouraged to submit articles,notices and photographs to the newsletter editor for possiblepublication in your club’s newsletter. Deadlines for receiving material for publication frommembers, hike leaders and other contributors are: February 15 for the March issue, June 15 for the July issueand September 15 for October issue.

President’s Message

The Summer Newsletter isupon us, which means wehave another diverseschedule of hikes fromGayle and the Club'scertified hike leaders tolook forward to. It alsomeans that it is almost theend of the MembershipYear, which runs throughto August 31 . Why notst

jump on renewing now while you are thinking aboutit, and perhaps consider a copy of the most recenthandbook with maps or the new End-to-End badgewhile you are at it?

It takes a lot of work to coordinate maintenance everyyear, but the ice storm damage from this past wintermade this year particularly difficult. The Club's trailmaintenance volunteers were up to the task, however,and the trails are all reported clear and in great shape,so pack that extra bottle of water and some bug sprayand get out there.

On behalf of the Club, I would like to offer specialthanks to Joe Jany and Lynn Glover, who will bothbe passing on the torch for their Trail MaintenanceSection Leader responsibilities. Joe has led efforts tomaintain Section 7 of the Radial Line Trail for manyyears now. He will still be pitching in wherepossible, but will be passing Section Leaderresponsibilities on to Harold Koehler, who hasalready been providing Joe assistance. Lynn Gloverwill soon be leaving the Guelph area, so will begiving up her responsibilities on Section 2 of theSpeed River Trail. We will miss Lynn's efforts inSection 2, along with her regular articles for thenewsletter and her assistance coordinating hiking

events. Thank you to Joe, Lynn, and all of the Club'svolunteers that make the GHTC so special.

The Club relies on the volunteer efforts of itsmembers and there are countless ways to getinvolved...social activities; newsletter; distributingposters; hike leaders; Executive Committee; etc. Ifyou have a little bit of time and energy that you cancontribute, please do not hesitate to contact anymember of the Club's Exec and let them know youare interested.

Dave

The Toronto Bruce Trail Club is inviting you toparticipate in the first-ever Bruce Trail Hike-a-thonduring the month of August.

Funds raised will be directed to the Bruce TrailConservancy’s (BTC) 50 Anniversary Milestonesth

Project, a celebration of all the elements that make theBruce Trail so exceptional, from the Trail itself to theBTC’s land acquisition work to the many, manyvolunteers who make everything happen.

The 50 ANNIV. MILESTONE PROJECT GOALth

5,000 acres of Niagara Escarpment landscape containingthe Bruce Trail secured, stewarded and made availableto the public over the next 5 years.

The Bruce Trail Hike-a-thon gives you the opportunityto help preserve and protect the Bruce Trail and providean opportunity to make your kilometres count. You canhike as little or as much as you want. You can hike byyourself, with a buddy, friends and/or family. You canalso join the public hikes offered by any of the BruceTrail Clubs along the trail.

Participants are required to raise a minimum donation of$100 per individual or $300 for a team (6 max) toregister. Everyone is welcome!

The Bruce Trail Hike-a-thon will take place throughoutthe month of August. A kick-off event will be held atLimehouse Conservation Area on Saturday, August 2nd

@ 9:45 am with featured hikes, music and giveaways.

Registration is now open: http://tinyurl.com/BTHikeathon. For details, visit www.brucetrail.org or [email protected].

So dust off your boots and get ready to HIKE – A – THON!

GHTC Newsletter - July, 2014 -

Hunting Season Summary

Migratory birds - Early Sept. through March 1, 2015Deer - October 1 through December 31Turkeys - October 14 through October 29Rabbits - October 15 through February 28, 2015Pheasant - October 15 through December 15Grouse - September 25 through January 15, 2015Coyote - Open season all year

Watch for specific trail closure announcements inthe October newsletter.

The National Hiking TrailBy David Francis, (Hike Ontario's NHT representative)

The National Hiking Trail (NHT) across Canadahas been around for over 40 years, but mosthikers have not heard of it. Have you heard ofthe Bruce Trail? Well that is a part of the NHT,

trail systems that link Canada together through its trailsand hikers as one hiking nation. The NHT comesunder the jurisdiction of Hike Canada En Marche(HCEM), who has representatives in most provinces,which in Ontario, is represented by Hike Ontario.

No question, the NHT has been overshadowed by theTrans Canada Trail, the multi-use trail that allowsmotorized use, whereas the NHT is just for hikers.

The NHT and HCEM both have Facebook pages, soperhaps you could add both of these as friends to yourFacebook page. Don't have Facebook, well it is theway young people connect with each other, and if weare to pass on our hiking heritage to the nextgeneration, we have to connect with them on theirterms. Posting hiking notes, photos of your trail andhiking experiences will help to connect all hikingCanadians together while at the same time promotehiking to a younger generation.

So what is the state of the NHT trail? Well, BC,Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland havedone a great job of connecting and promoting their trail

systems. The largest province, Ontario, not so good! We seem to be so busy maintaining our own trails, andwe lead such busy lives, and so on and so on, that, well,the NHT just doesn't seem that important.

Is it worth bothering about our national treasure, ourvery own hiking trail? It is so easy to say, I have toomuch going on, I will take pass on this one. I for oneam guilty as charged. It is so easy to say, they can lookafter it. Fortunately, there are some movers andshakers who do care, and for forty years have kept thetrail alive. If they have done so much, could you justbefriend the trail on Facebook, and post one item permonth. If every hiker did, we could light up thecountry, so be daring and post a Facebook note amonth.

Hike Canada En Marche Web Sitehttp://www.hikecanada.org/en/

Tips For Staying Safe In The Sun

Ideally, when outside, everyone should wear along-sleeved shirt, long pants, a wide-brimmed hatand sunglasses. If it's just too hot to cover upcompletely, make sure all exposed skin gets a

generous application of a broad-spectrum (protectsagainst both ultraviolet A and B rays), water-resistantsunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 ormore. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, even oncloudy days, and after you swim or sweat.

Stick to the shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., whenthey sun's rays are strongest.

If you do get a sunburn, taking cool baths or showerscan help relieve the pain. After getting out of the tub orshower, gently pat yourself dry, but leave some wateron your skin. Next, apply a moisturizer to help trap themoisture in your skin. Use a moisturizer that containsaloe vera or soy.

A particularly nasty sunburn should respond toapplications of an over-the-counter hydrocortisonecream. Aspirin or ibuprofen can help reduce swelling,redness and discomfort caused by a sunburn. It's alsoa good idea to drink plenty of water. If blistersdevelop, don't break them. They help skin healing andprevent infection. Also, be sure to stay out of the sunwhile sunburned skin is healing.


Exercise for Health Sake!

A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle is one of the top riskfactors for heart disease. Fortunately, it's a risk factorthat you can do something about. Regular exercise,especially aerobic exercise (walking, jogging,jumping rope, bicycling, cross-country skiing,skating, rowing, low-impact aerobics, and wateraerobics.), has many benefits. It can:

• Strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system.• Improve your circulation and help your body use

oxygen better.• Increase endurance.• Lower blood pressure.• Improve muscle tone and strength.• Improve balance and joint flexibility.• Strengthen bones.• Help reduce body fat and help reach/maintain a

healthy weight.• Help reduce stress, tension, anxiety, and depression.• Boost self-image and self-esteem.• Improve sleep.• Make you feel more relaxed and rested.• Make you look fit and feel healthy.

How Often Should I Exercise?In general, to achieve maximum benefits, you shouldgradually work up to an aerobic session lasting 20 to30 minutes, at least three to four times a week. The

American Heart Association recommends that youultimately exercise most days of the week. While themore exercise you can do the better, any amount ofexercise is beneficial to your health.


Walking: Your Steps to Health

Walking is an automatic, intrinsic human function but,unfortunately, modern humans appears determinedto walk as little as possible. Today, walking doesn't

get the respect it deserves, either for its health benefits, itsvalue for transportation, or its role in recreation.

More than 2,400 years ago, Hippocrates said, "Walkingis a man's best medicine." To find out if he was right, twoscientists from University College London performed ameta-analysis of research published between the years1970 and 2007 in peer-reviewed, English-languagejournals. After sifting through 4,295 articles, theyidentified 18 studies that met their high standards forquality. In all, these studies evaluated 459,833participants from seven countries on three continents whowere free of cardiovascular disease when theinvestigations began. Each of the studies collectedinformation about the participants' walking habits alongwith information about cardiovascular risk factors,including, in most studies, age, smoking, and alcohol useand, in many cases, additional health data as well. Theparticipants were tracked for an average of 11.3 years,during which cardiovascular events (angina, heart attack,heart failure, coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty,and stroke) and deaths were recorded. (Br J Sports Med.,2008;42:238-243)

The meta-analysis makes a strong case for walking. Inall, walking reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by31%, and it cut the risk of dying during the study periodby 32%. These benefits were equally robust in men andwomen. Protection was evident even at distances of just5½ miles per week and at a pace as casual as about twomiles per hour. The people who walked longer distances,walked at a faster pace, or both, enjoyed the greatestprotection.

All 459,833 participants covered by the meta-analysiswere free of cardiovascular disease when they enrolled inthe 18 studies. But can walking help people who already

have heart disease? Randomized clinical trials of cardiacrehabilitation say the answer is yes. A meta-analysis of48 trials in 8,946 patients showed that moderate exercise- typically walking or riding a stationary bicycle for 30minutes three times a week - produced a 26% reductionin the risk of death from heart disease and a 20%reduction in the overall death rate.

How walking works - Like other forms of regularmoderate exercise, walking improves cardiac risk factorssuch as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity,vascular stiffness and inflammation, and mental stress. And if cardiac protection and a lower death rate are notenough to get you moving, consider that walking andother moderate exercise programs also help protectagainst dementia, peripheral artery disease, obesity,diabetes, depression, colon cancer, and even erectiledysfunction. Whether you walk in a business suit or asweat suit, on city streets or GHTC trails, it's still thesame left, right, left for health since every walk you takeis a step toward good health.

Walking has it all. Simple and natural, it doesn't requireany instruction or skill. It can be a very modest form ofexercise or it can demand enough skill and intensity to bean Olympic sport. You can walk alone for solitude orwith friends for companionship. You can walk indoorson a treadmill or outside in the city or country, at home oraway. You can get all the benefits of moderate exercisewith a very low risk of injury. And to boot, walking isinexpensive. All things considered, Charles Dickens gotit right: "Walk to be healthy, walk to be happy."

On a beautiful May evening, Bill Mungall organized our first canoe/kayak evening,allowing members to paddle up and down the rivers through downtown Guelph. The turnout was excellent. Many thanks to Speed River Paddling Inc.

GHTC AGMThursday, November 13Zhers Community Room

Mark your calendars!


HIKING SCHEDULEJuly through mid October, 2014

Over the years the GHTC has enjoyed permission from the generosity of private landowners for footpaths through theirproperty. The friendship, respect and trust of these landowners are the Club's most important assets. Let us continue to care forand 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 RatingSystem, 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, changed, rescheduled or impromptu hikes will be posted on the GHTC web site as TWEETS. You can also

“Follow” our TWEETS to have them sent automatically to your smartphone or tablet. The calendar of events, accessed fromGHTC home page will also reflect cancellations and changes. The leader may choose to post a rain date here.

• Occasionally it proves more convenient for a hike leader to select a meeting place that is not in Guelph. If you cannot arrangea 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 theleader will meet 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 necessityand appreciated.

Remember that the times listed with hikes are departure times so please arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We would be disappointed if we left without you.

Tue Jul 01 SPEED RIVER, GUELPH LAKE AND FIREWORKS!! 1½ - 2hrJoin in a lovely loop hike close to home along the Speed River to Guelph Lake depending on numbers as we will want to beback to 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 Guelph Golden Griddle Parking Lot off Woodlawn Rd. E.Leader: Suzanne Gates 519-265-3962 Level 2. Speed Causal/Moderate

Sat Jul 05 LIMEHOUSE LOOP 2 hrMeet for a 1:00pm departure at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for a Limehouse loop hike. Come see the Hole inthe wall, and heritage lime kilns restored. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Jul 06 WILDFLOWERS OF EARLY SUMMER AND SHORT TOUR OF AN ORGANIC FARM. 2 hrMeet at the University of Guelph Arboretum parking lot just off College Ave for a 2pm start.Leader: Martin 519 265 5646 or [email protected] Level 1. Speed Moderate

Wed Jul 09 STARKEY HILL 4kmWant a bit more aerobic workout in your hikes? You will get it going up to Starkey Hill, the highest point in PuslinchTownship. Meet 6pm in Starkey Hill parking lot.Please email the leader to confirm attendance.Leader: Jim Hoare [email protected] or 519 835-5284 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sat Jul 12 MOUNT NEMO TO THE CALCIUM PIT 17kmHike the Bruce trail between Mount Nemo and Yaremko, some road walking but the views from Mount Nemo are worth it.Bring water, snacks and lunch. Meet at the Guelph Covered Bridge on Gordon St. for a 9.00 AM departure.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 3, Speed Moderate

Sat Jul 12 ELMIRA RESERVOIR AT FLORADALE 8 km, 2 hrFlat ,varied topography including Lion's Club Sugar Bush operation around reservoir on Canagagiue River. Old orderMennonite farm country. Meet on Florapine Rd just west of Arthur St N for a 2pm departure. Call leader for a Guelph carpoollocation.Leader: Stan Litch 519-843-5915 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Jul 13 ROYAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL PHOTO HIKE 2½ hrMeet at the Guelph covered bridge parking lot for a 2:30 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 around 5:00 PM.Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or [email protected] Level 1. Easy pace

Wed Jul 16 FULL MOON HIKE - SPURLINE 2 hrMeet 6p.m. at the parking lot opposite London Road on Cardigan Street to hike northwest along the Trans Canada and old CPRSpurline Trails to return along city streets and park paths and check out interesting neighbouring gardens. Bring water and bugprotectionLeader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 or [email protected] Level 1. Speed Casual

Sat Jul 19 SCOTSDALE FARM 14kmMeet at the Guelph covered bridge east of Gordon St. for a 9:00 a.m. departure to Scotsdale Farm. We will do a loop hike usingthe main trail and side trails of the Bruce Trail. Please bring water, snacks, lunch and wear hiking boots. Possible pub stop afterhike. Returning around 5:00 p.m.Leader: Norm 519 836-3568 Level 3, Speed Moderate


Mon Jul 21 KISSING BRIDGE TRAIL 1½ hrMeet at trail head on Silvercreek Pkwy north end of Guelph, south of Wellington Rd 30 (Marden Rd) for a 6:30pm start. Wewill have an easy in and out walk along stonedust trail through woods and fields.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat Jul 26 WEST MONTROSE TO ELMIRA 15kmMeet at the covered bridge at WEST MONTROSE (parking lot across the river from the general store) for a 10.00 amdeparture. Hike to a Mennonite deli in Elmira for lunch and then return to the cars. Hike is mainly on the Kissing Bridge railtrail but there will be some road walking. Bring water.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 1, speed moderate

Sun Jul 27 RLT SECTION 7/8 2+hrThis is a picturescque part of the trail to hike with ravine ups and downs. Meet 2p.m. at the Guelph covered bridge parking loteast of Gordon Street for carpooling to trail head. Bring water, snacks and bug protection.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Jul 30 SNYDERS FLATS, BLOOMINGDALE 7kmMeet at the Guelph Woodlawn Canadian Tire parking lot for a prompt 6.30pm departure. Car pool to Bloomingdale for an easyhike along part of the Grand Valley Trail. Bring water and insect repellent.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 1, speed moderate

Sat Aug 02 CHELTENHAM TO INGLEWOOD 8-10kmMeet 1pm at the corner of Falls (off of highway 7) and Mary St in Rockwood for car shuttle to Cheltenham. We will walk theCaledon trail way to Ingelwood where we can get ice cream, baked goods or retro candy from the General Store. Then we willretrace our path back to Cheltenham. Bring water and insect repellent.Leader: Gayle 519-856-1012 Level 1, speed moderate

Sun Aug 03 SECT 3 SPEED RIVER TRAIL 1½ hrFollow the Speed river, cross meadows and enjoy a cedar-lined track. There are 2 side trails to discover, an old barnfoundation, and an old roadway for a long gone company town. Meet at 1:30 pm just south of the bridge on Road 32 (south offhwy 24 west of Guelph). All are welcomeLeader: Paul 519 824-6241 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Aug 06 SPEED RIVER TRAIL - SECTION 1 2-2½ hrMeet at 6:00 pm at the Guelph Humane Society for a 2hr loop hike along the Speed river and the John Woods side trail. Bringwater and snacks. Dogs welcomeLeader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Aug 09 HIDDEN GEMS IN GUELPH'S SOUTH END 2-3 hrWere you aware that there are kettle lakes and natural springs hidden right inside Guelph south end subdivisions? Join us for ameander through some of the extensive network of trails that run through the green spaces of the PineRidge and Clairfieldsubdivisions, linking through a short walk along Arkell Rd and through the SE corner of the Hanlon Creek Conservation Area. Planning for a 1:30pm departure, meet in the plaza parking lot on the NW corner of Clair and Gordon, in the general area of theTD CanadaTrust. This will be ranked 'moderate' due to the fact that that we will be maintaining a fair pace, but the terrain ispretty easy, with only a few small hills.Leader: Dave Culham, [email protected], 519-716-8273 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sun Aug 10 THE O.R. SIDETRAIL AND POND EXPLORATION 2-3 hrThis exploratory hike will feature the new Ontario Reformatory side trail of the Radial Line Trail, Section 1 as well as visitingof the O.R. ponds. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Baseball Diamond parking lot off York Road across from Kitchen restaurant.Leader: Suzanne Gates 519-265-3962 Level 2, speed moderate

Wed Aug 13 SMITH SIDE TRAIL 4 kmMeet at 6:00pm at the trail head on Watson rd. just south of Stone rd. This is a loop along the Eramosa River past the dam,through woods and meadows. Bring water and snacksLeader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate.

Sat Aug 16 TORONTO BT SPEYSIDE LOOP 10 kmHere is a lovely area close to home for a loop hike along Bruce main and side trails with variable terrain, rocky sections as wellas a great lookout. Wear proper footwear and seasonal protective clothing. Bring water and snacks. Meet 1:00 PM at theGuelph covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street for carpooling to trail head. Possible pub stop in ActonLeader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 3 Speed Moderate

Wed Aug 20 GUELPH LAKE 2 hrMeet at 6:00pm at Guelph Lake trail head, just north of Guelph on Victoria Road. Enjoy the scenic trail along the lake. Bringwater and snacksLeader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate


Wed Aug 20 STARKEY HILL PHOTO HIKE 1½ - 2 hrMeet at the Guelph covered bridge parking lot for a 6:10 PM carpool to the trail head. An early 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 explore thetrail, at a slow pace, taking lots of time to find some great photographs, finishing in time to watch the sun set from the edge ofthe woods.Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or [email protected] Level 2. Easy pace

Sat Aug 23 PRESERVATION PARK 2 hrMeet at 1pm at the city parking lot on the North side of Kortright Rd. (just east of Edinburgh Rd) Come and enjoy the maze oftrails that can be found in the 67 acres of forest. All are welcomeLeader: Paul 519 824-6241 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Aug 24 PART 1 E2E CAMBRIDGE TO GUELPH (SPEED RIVER TRAIL AND MILL RUN TRAIL) 32 or 16 kmHike the SRT along the Grand River in Cambridge to the Boathouse in Guelph. Dropouts accommodated at 16 km halfwaypoint. Meet at Guelph Gordon St. lot by covered bridge at 8:00 AM. Bring water, lunch and snacks.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] 836-5567 Level 3, due to distance and brisk pace.

Wed Aug 27 ROYAL RECREATION TRAIL 2 hrMeet 6:00pm at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for a loop hike around the Eramosa River from Gordon street toVictoria Road then back.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sun Aug 31 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

Sat Sep 06 SECTION 5 OF RLT 2½ -3hrThis is a highly varied section straddling Blue Springs Creek valley with surprises in store! Bugs largely gone by then. Meet atGuelph Gordon St. Lot by covered bridge at 1:30 p.m.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] 836-5567 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sun Sep 07 GUELPH LAKE 2 hrMeet at 1:30pm at Guelph Lake trail head, just north of Guelph on Victoria Road. Enjoy the scenic trail along the river to thelake. Bring water and snacksLeader: Suzanne Gates 519-265-3962 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sun Sep 07 E2E PART 2 ON RADIAL LINE TRAIL 33 km or 17kmMeet at the Guelph Covered Bridge parking lot on Gordon St. for an 8 am departure. Car pool to parking lot at Limehouseschool ,we hike for 33 km back to Guelph along the R.L.T. bring water lunch and snacks. Dropouts will be accommodatedaround 17km.Leader: Norm 836-3568 [email protected] Level 3, Speed Moderate

Tue Sep 09 LITTLE TRACT 1½ hrThis is a favourite spot to visit, ending as the full moon rises. Meet at the 'Y' parking lot for a carpool shuttle for a 6p.m. start.Bring water and bug protection.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 13 HALTON REGIONAL FOREST COMPLEX 10 kmMeet 1pm near the south end Shoppers Drug Mart, at the NW corner of Clair Road and Gordon Street. This hike will require acar shuffle. We will hike from west to east, passing through Currie Tract, Mahon Tract, Turner Tract, Robertson Tract andBritton Tract. There is an extensive system of side trails all through here so we can shorten or lengthen the hike as we wish.Ensure you dress appropriately for the weather.Leader: Dave 519-716-8273 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Sep 14 WEISSENBERG RD TO ELORA 10kmWe will start on the North shore of the Grand River at Weissenberg Rd. (Townline Rd.) and hike back to Elora, ending up atthe ball diamond at Middlebrook Rd. and the Elora Rd.( on GVTA trail on the north side of the river, SW corner of Ct.Rd7 andMiddlebrook Rd) Meet at ball diamond for a 2pm departure to Weissenberg Rd. Call leader for a Guelph carpool location.Leader: Stan Litch 519-843-5915 Level 2. Speed Moderate to Brisk

Sun Sep 14 UNIVERSITY ARBORETUM - PHOTO HIKE 2 - 2½ hrThis photo hike will be an exploration of the demonstration gardens at the Arboretum, plus some of the woods trails along thesouth side, including the trail past some old quarry ponds. We would meet at the Arboretum Centre Parking lot just off CollegeAve and start at 2:30pm. We will finish at the same spot. Bring a camera that you are comfortable with, fresh batteries and amemory stick with room for perhaps 50 or more high resolution pictures. Do not be put off by overcast skies or light drizzle,etc. There can be some great photo opportunities even if the day is not bright and sunny.Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or [email protected] Level 1. Easy pace


Sat Sep 20 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. Mike willmeet you 9:30a.m., downtown Brisbane, hwy 124 and Trafalgar Road. Possibly a Guelph rendezvous around 9a.m. may bearranged upon notification with Mike. Bring water, snack, sunscreen, repellent and a lunch.Leader: Mike Curtis Erin 1-905-877-4134 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Sep 21 SPENCER GORGE 3-4hrsAn adventure hike, for sure, by a Dundas native. We will descend into the gorge with some assisted scrambling down the gorgewalls over to a strong rope on down a 45 degree slope into the bottom of Tews Falls gorge (bring gloves). Who knows wherewe can or will go from there? Meet at Guelph Gordon St. parking area by covered bridge at 1 pm. Bring water and snack.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] 836-5567 Level 3. Speed Moderate

Sat Sep 27 RLT/SMITH SIDE TRAIL 17kmMeet at the Guelph Covered Bridge Gordon St. parking lot for a 9:30 am departure. Hike the Radial Line Trail to the SmithSide Trail and return. Bring water, snacks and lunch.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 2, speed moderate

Sun Sep 28 JACK SCOTT MEMORIAL BLUE SPRINGS/SUGAR SHACK TRAIL/RLT SECTION 5 2 or 5kmMeet at intersection of Nassagaweya 5th Line at 30 Side Road. We will start 2p.m. with the easier and child friendly SugarShack loop. Those who wish a longer hike can continue to figure 8 through Scout Camp part of the Radial Trail and BlueSprings Sidetrail. Possibly a Guelph rendezvous around 1:30 pm may be arranged upon notification with Leader.Leader: Jim Hoare [email protected] or 519 835-5284 Level 2, speed moderate

Sat Oct 04 ELMIRA RESERVOIR AT FLORADALE 8 km, 2 hrJoin us to celebrate Ontario Hiking Week. Flat ,varied topography including Lion's Club Sugar Bush operation around reservoiron Canagagiue River. Old order Mennonite farm country. Meet on Florapine Rd just west of Arthur St N for a 10am departure.Call leader for a Guelph carpool location.Leader: Stan Litch 519-843-5915 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Oct 05 STARKEY HILL SIDE TRAIL PHOTO HIKE 1½ - 2 hrJoin us to celebrate Ontario Hiking Week. Meet at the Guelph covered bridge parking lot for a 2:30 PM carpool to the StarkeyHill parking lot. We will hike the side trail in section 2, starting at the Starkey Hill parking lot, and return to that point. A lateafternoon shoot will give you a chance to try the effects of low angle lighting and shadows. Bring a camera that you arecomfortable using. We will explore the trail, at a slow pace, taking lots of time to find some great photographs, finishing in timeto be home for dinner.Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or [email protected] Level 2. Easy pace

Sun Oct 05 KIDS HIKE ON GUELPH LAKE TRAILS 90 minIntroduce the young people in your life to the fun of hiking as we celebrate Ontario Hiking Week with a 90 minute walk to seethe autumn changes on Guelph Lake trails! We will walk from Victoria Road to Guelph Lake. Meet prior to the 1:00 pm hikestart on the east side of Victoria Road N, on the south bank of the Speed River, parking at the curb where Victoria Road Northcrosses the Speed River (on Victoria Road North, between Woodlawn Road and Conservation Road). The rain date is Oct 19. Children must be accompanied by an adult on the Tortoise or Hare hikes. Dress for the weather.No strollers and no pets please. Refreshments provided.For details and to register, please call Kathy at 519 836-9147 or [email protected]: various GHTC certified leaders Tortoise and Hare speeds

Sat Oct 11 BRUCE TRAIL AND PALGRAVE SIDE TRAIL 18kmMeet at the Guelph Covered Bridge parking lot on Gordon St. for a 9 am departure. Car pool to parking lot on the Bruce Trailand then car shuffle to Palgrave to hike the Palgrave Side Trail. This side trail joins the main Bruce Trail at Glen Haffy CA andthen we hike the back to the cars. Bring Lunch, snacks and water. A park entry fee may be required.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 3, speed moderate

Sun Oct 12 CRAWFORD LAKE CONSERVATION 10km, 4-5hrLoop hike from Crawford Conservation, along the Nassagaweya Canyon to Rattlesnake Point. Exceptional views andcharacteristic escarpment countryside dressed in fall colours. Meet at the Guelph Covered Bridge parking lot east of GordonStreet for a 10am carpool departure 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

Tue Oct 14 METCALFE ROCK / MAIN TRAIL / CHUCK GRANT ST LOOP HIKE 12kmMeet at 9:15am, (for a 9:30 departure), at the Duncan Crevices Nature Reserve parking lot, (Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Km33.2Km), for a 12Km loop hike. Wonderful views of the valley. Bring lunch, snack & water. No dogs please. Terrain is very rocky so boots are essential.Leader: Susan Atkinson 519-831-9474, before 9pm or email [email protected]. Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thurs Oct 16 GHTC Trek & TellNorma & Gord King The Viking Trail (western Newfoundland)

Zhers Community Room, Imperial & Paisley, Guelph 7:00 to 9:00 pm


Laura Secord WalkBy Jane Shifflett

The DeCew House was in sight. We had made it! Gitta, Susan, Cynthia and Jane had walked the32K Laura Secord Trail from the Laura SecordHomestead in Queenston to the Decew House in

Thorold. 201 years ago Laura Secord in one daywalked the 32K to bring vital information to the BritishLieutenant James Fitzgibbon about the planned surpriseattack from the Americans. With this information theBritish were able to repel the Americans at the Battleof Beaver Dams. Laura walked it in one day but wetook 2 days to complete the trail.

Before last year's 200th anniversary of Laura Secord'swalk a group of people researched where she hadwalked and developed a walking trail. This trail takesyou on a variety of paths. You walk parts of thefootpath of the Bruce Trail, along vineyards, on gravelservice roads, on both quiet and busy city sidewalks,beside creeks, on bridges, through forests and througha mall. Some highlights of what we saw were beautifulwild flowers, birds including several orioles, a ship onthe Welland canal, an old wooden culvert, flowingcreeks, interesting houses and beautiful scenery.

If you want to try this trail, maps and written directionscan be found on the Friends of Laura Secord website.www.friendsoflaurasecord.com You follow LauraSecord Legacy signs along the way.

Walking the trail in two days with a one night stay inNiagara Falls the four of us had a great time and highlyrecommend doing this historical trail.

What is an End to End?

An End-to-End is the completion of an entire Trail onfoot. (The Bruce Trail is currently 890 km, the SpeedRiver Trail is 17 km).

What is involved in completing an End to End?This can be done over a few days or several yearsdepending on how you'd like to approach it. Do it bywalking the whole Trail in sequence or by doing eachindividual Trail Section in a random order.

The hiking can be done byparticipating in organizedEnd-to-End Hikes or by thehonour system where youkeep your own log.

See the Hike Schedule foropportunities in the comingmonths.


Do You Need to Stretch at All?

Staying flexible as you age is a good idea. It helpsyou move better and regular stretching can help keepyour hips and hamstrings flexible later in life. So, ifyour posture or activities are a problem, make it ahabit to stretch those muscles regularly. If you haveback pain from sitting at a desk all day, stretches thatreverse that posture could help.

The Cat-camel Back Stretch strengthen the back witha gentle, "spine-friendly" stretch.

On your hands and knees,slowly alternate betweenarching and rounding yourback so that all threesections of your spine -lumbar (lower), thoracic(middle) and cervical(upper) - extend togetherand then flex together. Do

this slowly and gently, and don't force it. One cyclewill take three to four seconds. Repeat stretch five orsix times.

Alternately, if getting on ones knees is a problem, theStanding Cat-Camel which also moves the musclegroups fluidly through an entire range of motion,would suffice. Here's how to do the StandingCat-Camel:

• Stand with your feetshoulder-width apart andknees bent slightly.

• Lean forward, placingyour hands just above yourknees.

• Round your back so thatyour chest is closed and yourshoulders are curved forward.

• Then arch your back sothat your chest opens andyour shoulders roll back.

• Repeat several times.

Calling all GHTC Members

Many volunteers are needed for the Hike Ontario Summit. If you can help out in any of the areas, please contact the following organizers. Publicity and Registration:

Kathy Somers, [email protected] Pub Night, Accommodation/Billeting:

Susan Atkinson, [email protected] Saturday Program:

Bill Mungall, [email protected] Saturday Night Banquet:

Mike Curtis, [email protected] Sunday Hikes:

Jane Shiflett, [email protected]

GHTC News - July 2014

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Transcript of GHTC News - July 2014