ghtc news oct. 2012

PO Box 1, Guelph, ON Canada N1H 6J6 Volume 40, #3 - October 2012Telephone: 519 836 9147, Internet: www.guelphhiking.com

Greetings!

I hope you’ve enjoyed a wonderful summer. Now cooler weather has arrived, bringingmany opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. I invite you to join our Ontario Hiking Weekevents (October 1 – 7), and our Kids Hike on October 14. Although it seems like a longtime away right now, mark your calendar for our winter Kids Hikes (December 16 andFebruary 17) and our Christmas party (December 2). Please bring a friend to Members Night on Wednesday, October 3. The owner ofScoutTech will be giving a presentation on how to fit hiking boots, and introduce us tonew equipment on the market. It is also an evening when prospective members andpeople interested in walking/hiking can ask us questions and find out what we’re allabout.

Check out our website! Pat has added a hike calendar and a page listing trail reroutes. Special thanks to new member, Greg Mennie, who helped immensely with setting up a PayPal shopping carton the website. It is now possible to renew your membership on-line with PayPal or credit card. If you havenot yet renewed your membership (for those that expired on August 31 of this year), please take a moment todo it now. This will ensure that you continue to get e-mail reminders of upcoming hikes. Membership feeskeep our trails open and you get a charitable tax receipt for the full $25.

It has been a privilege to be the President of this Club for the past three years. I have enjoyed working onmany diverse projects and really appreciate your input, suggestions, and support. We will be looking for moreof your ideas, and for any individuals who would like to become more involved in our Club, at our AGM onNovember 15. We hope to see you out on the trails - Gayle has again put together an interesting list ofupcoming hikes for us. Thank you to our trail captains, volunteers, hike leaders and executive for all of yourhard work on our trails and hikes. It is due to all of our efforts that we have such a strong and dynamic Club.

Happy hiking this fall! Kathy

Ross McLean Wins AwardRoss McLean, a long time, hardworking volunteer and ambassador of our club, was recently awarded a QueenElizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. This is a new Canadian medal given out for the first time this year to60,000 volunteers that have made a significant contribution to a particular province. Ross received his medalfrom MPP Liz Sandals at a ceremony held in Guelph on September 12 . th

Congratulations Ross – you have certainly earned it!

A Special Hiking Event Is Coming to Our Area!!

The annual Hike Ontario Summit (educational presentations, dinner, hikes) is being held inKitchener this fall, in conjunction with the celebration of the 40 Anniversary of the Grand Valleyth

Trails Association. A great location, interesting topics and speakers and a special celebration ofa wonderful trail await those who attend from November 2 to 4 th

All individuals interested in hiking may come. The deadline for registering is October 26. (Note: if you wish to be entered for the early bird draw,

you need to send in electronic registration by October 1 )st

For details on all of the events, and to register, visit:www.gvta.on.ca/40/

More details on 7!

GHTC NewsletterVolume 40, #3, October, 2012

The GHTC Newsletter, published in March, July and October, issent to all of the club members, other trail organizations, landowners who provide access for our trails, advertisers and clubsupporters. Opinions and views expressed in this newsletter arethose of the individual writers or advertisers and do not necessarilyreflect those of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club executive, members,or affiliated bodies such as Hike Ontario.

Check the club web site or blog for details on advertising rates,merchandise for sale and club contacts.

www.guelphhiking.comwww.guelphhiking.blogspot.com

Mail: PO Box 1, Guelph, N1H 6J6

Club members and others are encouraged to submit articles, noticesand photographs to the newsletter editor for possible publication inyour club’s newsletter. Deadlines for receiving material for publication from members,hike leaders and other contributors are: Feb. 15 for the Marchissue, June 15 for the July issue and Sept. 15 for the October issue.

GHTC Memberships On Line

The GHTC membership year runs from Sept. 1 toAug. 31. If you have not yet renewed yourmembership for 2012/2013, you can do it now byvisiting GHTC's website and then go to the JoinUs link near the top-middle of the Home Page.

Membership renewals, badge or handbookpurchases and donations to Guelph Hiking TrailClub can be made via the Internet using the secure,PayPal Shopping Cart that accepts credit cards orPayPal account transactions.

The Calendar of Events and Trail Reroutes linksare also updated.

Check out the Guelph Hiking Trail Club's website http://guelphhiking.com/. We'd love to hear what you think.

Certified Hike Leader Course

Here is your opportunity to become a GHTCCertified Hike Leader. On Sunday Nov 25 weth

will be hosting an all day hike leader trainingcourse, lead by a Hike Ontario instructor. Courseconsists of classroom training and some outdoorhike leader scenarios. Cost to GHTC members is$25, which, upon successful completion of courseand leading 3 hikes for GHTC, will be reimbursed.

While completion of a Basic First Aid course isdesirable, it is not mandatory to become a GHTCcertified hike leader.

If interested, please email Bill [email protected] by Oct. 15.

Oblivious Obesity

When interviewed just prior to the past Olympicgames, Sir Stephen Blom, a distinguishedendocrinologist at the Imperial CollegeHealth Centre in London, was asked:“Do you think the Olympics will makeany difference to people's attitude tosport and exercise?

His reply: “The Olympics is great, itreally stimulates people to sit on acouch and watch television. And it'sbound to have quite an impact - onincreasing obesity.”

Editor’s Thanks!

Avery sincere thanks to all who contributedtext and/or photos the newsletter this pastyear. This is your publication so keepsending original material throughout the

coming year, but please identify the individual whoshould receive the credit.

Occasionally, when someone sends items fromseveral sources, it is not always clear who shouldbe acknowledged for what. Also, when yousuggest reproducing items from some other source,we need permission from the original author andpublisher.

Susan Atkinson Donald CangianoDave Culham Bob Fanning John Fisher Lynn Glover Brandie Firth Jim Hoare Peter Jaspers-Fayer Gayle Jeffery Victoria MacPhail Marilyn McKellar Bill Mungall Kathy Somers Terry Spittles

Apologies to anyone who might have been omittedinadvertently from this list.

GHTC Newsletter - October 2012 -

Improve Your Odds for a Long and Healthy Life

EVERYONE has heard the story: Somebody's 99-year-old aunt never exercised, smoked herwhole life, and lived on a diet of red meat and ice

cream. So why bother with healthy living, right?

Well, according to Robert Schreiber, a gerontologyphysician at Harvard Medical School, for every oneperson who lives a long life of unhealthy choices,there are countless others who die prematurelybecause of them. The seeds for illness found inmany of Schreiber's patients now in their seventh oreighth decades were sown in their thirties, forties andfifties. "Probably half of the most serious conditionslike heart disease, diabetes, stroke and many forms ofcancer, are related directly to lifestyle and behavior,"Schreiber remarked.

Unfortunately, no one is guaranteed a life free ofdisease or injury. As people age, many will face atleast one of these common health problems. Butcertain lifestyle steps can help forestall illness andsometimes prevent it altogether. They can alsoimprove the quality of life and recovery if disease orinjury does strike.

Eat less and healthier:- Plan meals ahead of time to ward off unhealthy

temptations.- Replace unhealthy ingredients with healthy ones.

For example, an omelet made with egg whitesand vegetables is healthier than one heaped withcheese and sausage.

- Serve smaller portions.- Slow down when eating.

Promote healthy living through exercise:There is a huge amount of evidence that exerciselowers the risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes,many cancers, weight gain, depression, and cognitivedecline. Some benefits, such as increased musclestrength and improved depression or blood pressure,may start earlier. Others, like reducing the risk forsome cancers, heart disease, and diabetes, build withyears of sustained exercise.

How much people should exercise varies, but a goodgoal is 150 minutes (2.5. hours) of moderate exerciseeach week. Any physical activity that raises the heartrate or induces sweating counts. This includes briskwalking, recreational sports, and heavy house or yardwork.

Try to make exercise part of your daily life:- Some activity is better than none. When you have

a choice between walking or driving, choose

walking.- Find activities that you like and keep you coming

back.- Start slowly. Overly ambitious plans tend to end in

burnout.- Increase workout length or intensity in increments

when you feel ready.

Working toward a healthier life is not always easy,and some days may be harder than others. However,whenever you have options, healthy choices makemore sense.

Condensed from WebMD.


Minutes of the Annual General Meeting - November 17, 2011

President Kathy Somers convened the GHTC's 40th AGM with Jane Shifflett (secretary) taking the minutes. Thirty-threemembers were in attendance at Zehr's Community Room, Imperial Road.Bill Hamilton moved to accept last year's AGM minutes, seconded by Gord King. Carried.

President's Comments: Kathy Somers reported: Welcome to the 40th Annual Meeting of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club. It is my pleasure to welcomeyou here tonight to receive the reports of the executive and directors, and elect the executive for next year.

I am pleased to tell you that our membership has continued to increase. If you have ideas which would encourage newmembers, or retain current members, please speak to us. Twenty-five to 30 people attended New Members Night onOctober 5 and we registered three new members there. The presentations that night were on topics requested at last year'sNew Members Night – how to warm up/cool down your muscles before and after hiking, how to walk with poles, and whatfoods & snacks are best to pack for a hike.

The other good news is that our third party liability insurance fee has significantly decreased after Hike Ontario found a morecompetitive rate for us with a new insurer in May. We are pleased that the insurance fee will be less of a drain on ourresources. This insurer requires that our Club adopt a policy that a certified hike leader be on each hike (for coverage to beeffective on that hike). As a result, Hike Ontario requests that we draft a risk management plan that includes our plans tocertify hike leaders. We have some certified hike leaders but the majority are not certified. We have begun working on therisk management plan and early in the new year we will offer a one-day certified hike leader course that will begin to fulfillthese requirements. There will be a cost to us to put on this training. As an incentive for leaders to use this training that wewould provide them, we plan to refund a $25 fee to leaders who become certified and then lead 3 or more hikes for our Club.

A second printing of the current Handbook of maps to give us 100 more copies to meet requests until revision is printed.

This spring we opened a special area in our website's forum section as a way for members to set up impromptu hikes amongthemselves. A handful of people requested access to this members-only area, but it has been infrequently used to date. Weencourage you to contact our webmaster if you would like to use this feature to go on impromptu hikes with other members.

In the coming year we will be testing a new feature on our website to give people with smart phones the ability to scan QRcodes on trail signs that will link them to our website and some interpretive and Club information there. We plan to pilot thison Starkey Trail where 11 interpretive posts will be reinstated by the GRCA, displaying a number and a QR code.

Fall 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the completion of the Radial Line Trail. We organized special monthly hikes fromApril to October to celebrate and showcase this trail, and had a BBQ party on September 25 that was very well attended. Thank you to those who planned and organized these special events.

My special thanks go to the Club executive and directors who share a passion for this Club and make it function. Jane Shifflettour secretary has completed a 3 year term and will be stepping down after tonight. Susan Bard has been our HikeCoordinator for 9 or more years and she is also stepping down from her position.

Membership: Reported by David CulhamReport on Membership and Merchandise Inventory, as at August 31, 2011As at August 31, 2011, the different categories of membership stood at:Individual memberships, paid up to August 31, 2011 81 (55 last year)Individual memberships, paid up to August 31, 2012 21 (39) Family memberships, paid up to August 31, 2011 92 (46)Family memberships, paid up to August 31, 2012 40 (55)Organization memberships, paid up to August 31, 2011 1 (1)Organization memberships, paid up to August 31, 2012 0 (0)Total paid memberships 235 (196)Life memberships 3 (3)Grand Total Memberships 238 (199)Complimentary listings on mailing list 42 (43)

84% of membership at August 31, 2010 renewed their membership through August 31, 2011.Total membership numbers grew 20% between August, 2010 and August, 2011.

New memberships taken out in the year:From September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011 71 (62)There was a 14.5% increase in new memberships compared to previous membership year.

Inventory of membership supplies in care of David Culham:Guidebooks (previous printing) 0 (102)Guidebooks (interim printing) 77 (0)Club badges 164 (183)End to End badges 31 (40)One Day badges 2 (4)


Jim Hoare extended a special thank you to Dave for getting letters of invitations to the 40th anniversary out to landownersand special invitation letters to other people.

Treasurer's Report:Henry Graupner presented the Guelph Trail Club Financial Statements for the year ended August 31, 2011.Net Assets are up $4,000 and allow us to plan for future expenses; for example, providing money for hike training, printing ofguidebooks and increasing publicity budgets.Nick Wenzler and the company Embree & Co. LLP Chartered Accountants did the review report for the club.Bob Fanning moved to accept this report as presented and signed by the president and treasurer, seconded by Dave Wallace. Carried.Henry Graupner moved that the firm of Embree Co LLP, be appointed to carry out the review of the Club's financialstatements for the current year, subject to their convenience. Seconded by Bill Hamilton. Carried.Henry Graupner made a motion of thanks to Nick Wenzler and Embree Company for their support of the GHTC. Seconded byMike Curtis.

Radial Line Trail: John Fisher reported: The Radial Line Trail (RLT) is in good shape. More feet on the trail makes maintenance much easier.40th Anniversary CelebrationsOur main event of the year was of course our 40th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of the Trail. We had a series of 7hikes through the summer months recognising the best parts of each of the sections and culminating in a barbecue attendedby members, section leaders, landowners, past presidents and local political dignitaries.It was a great success! We are showing a slideshow at the conclusion of the AGM.Trail Re-Routing/Maintenance: Section 7 - Waterbars have been added to some of the steeper sections of the trail for erosion protection and ease ofclimbing.Section 5 - A small reroute was made on Scout property that effectively reduced the necessity to walk on Sixth Line by about150 meters.Section 2 - The club enjoys good relations with the city of Guelph waterworks department and was included in meetingsconcerning the potential for reopening the dam on section 2 back in 2010. The Waterworks submitted plans to governingagencies, but are still waiting for approvals. They missed their construction window for 2011 and we are concerned that theirplans may not be approved. Time will tell.Section 1 - We have been actively engaged in the establishment of a loop trail which will run from Stone Rd to York Rd alongthe river past the Cargill plant and Reformatory lands. We are very close to conclusion of the administrative details. BillMungall was instrumental in getting approvals for the trail and may want to add some comments. Bill commented that thereis an outstanding fee of close to $3,000 required by the province and service provider. We are trying to get that fee waivedbut the issue is not resolved and a meeting with the MPP has been set up.Starkey Hill - The Club played a key role in the establishment of this trail but gave up any formal responsibilities a number ofyears ago to the GRCA. Over the last couple of years, member and section leader, Jim Hoare has maintained the trail as a "concerned citizen" and has carried on a dialogue with GRCA about improvements needed. The Board felt there would besome benefit to the Club in engaging in a more formal agreement along the lines of the one we have with GRCA and theSmith property. GRCA agreed and we are in the process of signing a formal agreement. Benefits include publicity, guidebook, increasing the GHTC trail network and having more influence with GRCA on opening up other trails.Landowners: - We would like to acknowledge and thank the landowners for their permission and ongoing trail support. Trail maintenance captains: - I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our trail maintenance leaders, who take the initiativeto maintain and keep the trail way safe and deal directly with the landowners. Trail captains are very appreciative of theresponse received from members when they have advertised "maintenance help requests" on the web site. We added a"walk behind" weed whacker to our equipment inventory this fall which will hopefully make maintaining the trails easier forour section leaders.Thanks to,Section 2/Arkell Side trail: Dave Hull /Wayne Hillman Section 3: Jim Hoare Section 4: Gusti Matteis Section 5: Phil KidstonSection 6: Henry Graupner/Bob Fanning Section 7: Joe Jany Section 8: Mike Curtis Blue Springs and Sugar Shack trails: Andy Cann Smith Property Trail: David Scott Thomas (New)Section 1: Special thanks to Ann Middleton who has been Section Leader for close to 40 years and is now asking to pass thebaton. GHTC are extremely grateful for her contributions to the club and the community.We believe we have a replacement for Ann and are recruiting other section leaders.

We appreciate any input on trail conditions by hikers so that we can address concerns promptly.

Speed River Report: Bill Mungall reported:- Many thanks to trail captains, for long hours of hard labour this year mowing down weeds bordering the trails to make for

very pleasant walking on all sections this year:- Section 1: Jana and Stan Stanek - Section 2: Bill Mungall- Section 3: Paul and Florence White, Norma and Gord King, Terry Spittles, Dave Culham, Al and Marilyn Couture- Connecting Link into Guelph: Lynn Glover- Heavy, repeated floods in spring meant impassible trails for short periods, and added more of the usual flotsam from

Guelph for trail captains to remove- Section 1 hosted 2011 trails open in April as integral part of Doors Open…10 hikes and 130 hikers behind the wastewater

plant


- City of Guelph has tentatively lined up major capital funding for 2014 to link section 1 to Imperial Road and Silvercreek Park,and to assume our trail from the humane society to close to the Imperial Road drain

- Section 1 (humane society to Sideroad 10) - two short "workaround" sidetrails created in section 1 to bypass floodedsections. One footbridge rebuilt due to vandalism. City hall requiring an engineer to design Imperial Road drainbridge on city property. Niska trailhead staying 98% garbage-free!

- Section 2 – Puslinch council voted to remove closed Stroy's bridge that accesses our trail from the south; council heard astrong consensus in a prior public meeting for a replacement pedestrian bridge in future years

- Section 3 – boardwalk and bridge completion over big wet spot last November (19 participants!); removal of the visible oldgarbage and Renault 12 at Cambridge end of trail, with financial support for tipping fees coming from landowner;adjacent gravel pit to open in 2012…no effect on the trail. Noticeably heavier use of the trail since trailhead signsmade more prominent, boardwalk completed, and weeds mowed, plus "Wellington Walks" distributed widely,increasing awareness of trail

Kissing Bridge Trailway: Mike Curtis reported: Our section of the trail way continues to be well utilized by walkers, bikers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. This yearroad signs were posted at road crossings so users would be aware of where they are along the trailway. Some hazard treeswere removed and the County cleared a flooded ditch west of Hopewell Creek. The County maintains the verges of thetrailway in Wellington and there are plans to do the same in Waterloo.

The newly formed Ariss Lions Club has offered to assist in trailway development and we continue to talk with them. It may bepossible to reapply some stone dust in sections of Wellington, depending on budget availability.

Our Spring on the Trail event raised some $4,000 for trail way development with the hope of raising enough money to "bridgethe Grand". The weather was not pleasant, and the event will run again in 2012.

We are still pursuing options of extending the trailway to connect to the Trans Canada Trail section in Guelph.

Hike Ontario: Mike Curtis reported: Hike Ontario is the volunteer organization representing over 20 trail and activity groups in the province. The directors meetthree times a year and I attended these meetings on behalf of the Club. The annual meeting, called the Summit was held inearly October in Elliott Lake and Vice-president Bill attended on my behalf, as I had a family commitment. Bill has becomepart of the Policy and Advocacy Committee and will co-chair a Risk Management Workshop in the spring of 2012.

Hike Ontario was able to find an insurance broker who was able to offer us a reduced liability insurance policy, but we willhave to have certified hike leaders on our hikes starting in the spring. Our Club will be offering Hike Leader Training in 2012.

Publicity: Susan Atkinson reported:This year I have continued my in role as Publicity Officer, by posting posters for special events, for example our Kids Hikes,(which have been extremely popular), in various places around Guelph. This process was assisted by Dave Culham. I also putnotices in the local newspapers, to publicize all our regular hikes, and any special activities, such as, this year we had our 40thbirthday celebrations. Special events are also sent as news releases to the local radio & TV stations. Also, I compile and send to Pat, our webmistress, the biweekly emails which everyone receives, giving updates and remindersof upcoming hikes and club activities.

Newsletter: Gord King reported:Three issues were published again this past year and mailed out to all members except for those opting for the Internetversion. Copies were also sent to the landowners allowing us access over their properties, advertisers and a few relatedorganizations. An e-mail was sent to many other Ontario hiking clubs providing them with the Internet link to the latest issue. The same schedule and distribution format will be followed for 2012, with newsletters again coming in March, July andOctober.

Mailing charges are a substantial component of the total newsletter cost and so, if Internet access is available, please considerinforming the club's Membership Secretary of your wish to receive a message providing the link to future newsletters on-line,rather than a mailed copy. (Mail outs are 97% this year.)

Our club still needs volunteers to assume responsibility for contacting and pursuing potential newsletter advertisers. Anyonewilling to undertake this task should contact a member of the club executive. Activities: Susan Bard reported:2011 GHTC hike leaders continue to present over 150 various hikes, welcoming new leaders' contributions. There is alwaysthe unforeseen to interrupt a hike happening. Any desired area or trail you wish to hike, let us know. Someone, or maybeyou, could offer it as an upcoming hike!The Kids Hike and Trails Open hikes, offered at two levels, along with the New/All Members Night are well received. GHTCwish to maintain these presentations. 2011 also presented the Radial Line Trail 40th Anniversary with a successful series of hikes on its sections and a closingcelebration on the afternoon of September 25, 2011. Thank you, RLT Captain John Fisher for organizing this along with thesection managers, to present this wonderful contribution for GHTC membership and trail surrounding communities' pleasure.


Other Business:Discussion of trail maintenance expenses – Do we getdonations for trail maintenance? Examples of donationswere given such as a donation from a landowner forboardwalk supplies. Suggestions was made that we make alist of needed supplies that people may be able to donate.

Elections: Dave Wallace presented the following slate ofofficers for 2011/12:Past President: Mike CurtisPresident: Kathy Somers Vice President: Bill MungallTreasurer: Henry GraupnerSecretary: Christine Bando

There were no nominations from the floor. Susan Atkinson moved that nominations be closed,seconded by Gord King. Carried. Positions were elected by acclamation.

Adjournment: Dave Wallace moved that the meeting be adjourned,seconded by Stan Stanek. Carried.

Upcoming Kids HikesOctober 14 - Starkey Trail

December 16 - Ignatis Centre February 17 - Smith Side TrailCheck web site for latest details!

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Christmas Potluck What: Potluck Supper PartyWhen: Sunday, December 2Where: Union Hall - 611 Silvercreek Parkway N Social 16:30 - 17:30 Supper 17:30

Bring: Potluck Dish, Plate andcutlery

Coffee, tea and juice provided

RSVP by November 25 to:[email protected]

Two hikes in the afternoon plus mysteryentertainment.

Winter Social Activities

Saturday, Jan. 12 - Skating at City Hall, 20:00 to 21:00h and then social time at a local Pub

Saturday, Jan.26, 20:00h - Moonlight Snowshoe orcross-country Ski with a campfire and hotdog

(Watch for more information via email notices)


Doing the Oxfam TrailwalkerChallenge

By Terry Spittles

In the March, 2012, newsletter I wrote a short articledetailing this challenge (teams of 4, 100 km within48 hours) and said that I had been asked to

participate in it. The event took place on July 13through 15 and the following are my reminiscences.

Preparation for the hike started back in April, part ofthe information package provided by Oxfam was a 15week Training Schedule. This set out a weeklyschedule of hikes and rest periods that, if followed,would condition your body and mind for the taskahead. As a team we also got together to practiceteam hikes that also included some night time workso we would get a feel for hiking in the dark. TheTrailwalker event started at Wasaga Beach andfinished in Midland. Most of the route was on theGanaraska Trail but there was also some roadwalking and improvised paths through farm fields,etc. Our team, all members of the Ganaraska HikingClub, wore team shirts with our name "ContinuousMotion" blazed across the front.

On the day of the challenge I was up at 04:45h andleft early for Wasaga Beach. On the way I stoppedfor a coffee and bagel but that was not reallynecessary since Oxfam had provided lots of muffinsand coffee for the participants. Soon after I got to thecheck in, the other team members and support crew,all from the Peterborough area, arrived. Check inwent very quickly with our assigned numbers pinnedto our shirts and detailed maps of the route provided. We were officially the oldest team in the event andafter looking at many of the other participants it wasobvious that the average age was a lot younger thanus. After several photograph sessions, speeches anda lot of cheering we were ready for departure. At09:05h we were off.

Seventy-six teams participated, which meant that atthe start there were over 300 people trying to get onthe path leading to the trail. The first few kilometerswere quite busy but then we got to the beach and itstarted to thin out a bit. After a while we werewalking on our own and could start to enjoy theevent. Over the 100 km course there were 6 checkpoints that we had to ckeck in and out of and 3 reststations. Only the check points were accessible tothe support crew. At each stop there was plenty offood and drinks plus medics to look after any blistersetc. that participants had. The first 2 check pointscame by pretty quickly but after that one of our teamdeveloped blisters and that started to slow us down. We hit check point 3 (38.5 km) at 17:10h and anothermember of our team developed blisters. This meant

longer times at the stop for foot repair and slowerwalking. We were soon on our way and got to thefirst rest station (50.2 km) at 20:20 h. Anotherlongish stop and then we are moving again.

At this point we were all starting to feel tired but itwas only 5.7 km to check point 4 and rest. However,due to fatigue we got confused on the trail and spentabout 30 minutes trying to figure out which way togo. Another team came by and they were as confusedas us, but luckily a third team came by and set usstraight. Soon we were heading to our destination. Arrived at check point 4 (55.9 km) at 22:15h and oursupport team were there to baby us and build ourmoral. A barbeque and all sorts of other food wasprovided by Oxfam. You don't really feel like eatingbut know you must in order to keep up your strength.

Our support team had also put up tents for us so weset the alarm for 02:00h and tried to get some rest. No one slept but it was good to lay down and restyour body. Wake-up came quickly and by 02:45h wewere on the trail again. We got to rest station 2 (66km) at 05:30h, walking though the woods at daybreak was great. You heard all the creatures andbirds stirring and chirping, really lifting our spirits.

The next couple of sections was probably the lowpoint of our moral. It was only 7.4 km to check point5 but it seemed like a million. Two of our team hadreally bad blisters plus we had picked up twoadditional members from another team, which slowedour progress. We were in ski country so we had acouple of long steep hills to climb. At this point ouroverall speed was down to 2.5 km/hr. We reachedcheck point 5 (73.3 km) at 08:25h. One of ourmembers talked about quitting since he was slowingus down but after a good rest and group therapy weall left for the next stop. The two hikers we picked

Terry Ainsworth, Nancy Caravaggio, Terry Spittles &Rob Irvine at the final check point - looking pretty

confident with only a few kilometers still to complete.


up earlier dropped out since one was suffering fromblisters and exhaustion. Again one steep ski hill toclimb and our speed dropped to 2.27 km/hr. Wemade it to rest station 3 (81.8 km) at noon.

Less than 20 km to go. Moral started to climb andthe two members with blisters had their feetcompletely taped up which helped considerably. Our speed picked up and we reached the last checkpoint at 15:00h (88.9 km). It was really hot now and.as usual. our support crew had cold water sprays andbaths of cold water and ice for our feet. Did thatever feel good.

After another rest and rebandaged feet we set off onthe last leg. Although we had not slept last night, noone was tired and at this point we all knew that wewould finish. We crossed the line in a time of 32hours, 48 minutes and 37 seconds. Was that a greatfeeling of accomplishment. Our support crew hadchampagne and cold beer waiting for us to celebrate.We had done it but it would not have been possiblewithout our support crew. They could not do enoughto make us as comfortable as possible at the stopsand went out of their way to provide us with icecream, cold packs etc. Anything we needed, they didan excellent job.

We were the 10 full team to finish. Of the 76 teamsth

that started only 29 finished with all members. Eighteen teams dropped out completely and of theothers, one or more members dropped out. The eventraised over $310,000 for Oxfam

In retrospect the trail was more difficult thanexpected. There were many hills and difficult terrainwith the occasional stream to cross. Poison ivy wasalso prevalent and at check point 4 the medics set upa tent to specifically treat the hikers who weresuffering from it.

This is a great cause and challenge, should anyonewant more information or is considering doing theevent next year and would like more details just gethold of me. [[email protected]]

One often wonders ---Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the PostOffice? What are we supposed to do, write to them?

Why don't they just put their pictures on the postagestamps so the mailmen can look for them while theydeliver the mail?


HIKING SCHEDULEOct 2012 through mid March 2013

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. Hikes from other clubs are listed. Please check their websites for their terrain and speed ratings, as they may be different thanGHTC'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 theleader will meet at a local location to carpool. If the distance is considerable, it is customary to offer to help pay for thegasoline.

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

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

The responses to our Spring online survey were used to plan this hiking schedule.Since the number 1 goal of those responding was exercise and evening hikes were requested so those that work could easilyattend, we have included a series of evening "Full Moon" hikes through the streets and paths of Guelph. Bring a flashlight foroff street paths.Many members responded they were interested in Photography. Therefore we have included two "Photo" hikes. The hikeleader will provide pointers on how to compose a good picture during stops along the route. Bring a camera you arecomfortable using and have some fun!GHTC leaders volunteer a lot of their time planning the hiking schedule, pre hiking the route and leading the hikes. Show themyour appreciation by attending their hikes.

Wed Oct 03 MEMBERS NIGHT Zehrs Community Room. 7-9pmScout Tech will bring and demonstrate a variety of quality outdoor gear that is useful to hikers and adventure travellers inparticular, including boots, poles, GPS, apparel, packs, adventure travel personal gear, etc with emphasis on making hikingeasier and fulfilling. Leading edge materials and technology will be featured. Scout Tech is a Mississauga online store, but witha retail outlet, too.

Wed Oct 03 MONO CLIFFS PROVINCIAL PARK 2-3hrWalk the beautiful trails of this hiking park. Hopefully the leaves will be starting their fall show. Lunch at the pub. LeaveGuelph at 9:00am. Depart trailhead 10am. Contact leader for meeting spot.Leader: Jane Shifflett 519 822-3229 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thu Oct 04 BLUE HERON TRAIL BRANTFORD ~ 14 kmJoin Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club for a 10:00 am start. For more details and difficulty rating, go to www.iroquoia.on.ca/hikes.htmlIBTC Leader: [email protected] Mod level 3

Sat Oct 06 CRAWFORD LAKE CONSERVATION 10kmLoop hike from Crawford Conservation, along the Nassagaweya Canyon to Rattlesnake Point. Exceptional views andcharacteristic escarpment countryside dressed in fall colours. We will meet 10a.m. at the Guelph Covered Bridge parking loteast of Gordon Street for carpooling 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 07 ELORA CATARACT TRAIL ~13.5kmCelebrate Ontario Hiking Week with GHTC members. Hike from Erin to Orton, with a car shuttle to return to Erin. We willhave lunch along the way. 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 [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Mon Oct 08 SCHNEIDER'S WOODS 10kmThis is a beautiful area to visit with the fall colours on Thanksgiving, hiking along the woods and pasture area along theKoch-Carmel Road north of St. Agatha. Meet at the covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street for a 9a.m. carpooldeparture to start hiking by 10a.m.. Bring water, snacks and lunch. No dogs please.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570; Donald Hughes Level 1. Speed Moderate

Tue Oct 09 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 Km


33.2Km), for a 12Km loop hike. 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

Thu Oct 11 DUNDAS VALLEY C/A LOOP ~11kmJoin Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club for a 10:00 am start. For more details and difficulty rating, go to www.iroquoia.on.ca/hikes.htmlIBTC Leader: Peter McSweeney 905 335-3192. Email preferred: [email protected] Med. 4

Fri Oct 12 AUTUMN WALKING AT THE "TIP O' THE BRUCE", TOBERMORY ~10km/dayJoin GVTA Fri Oct 12 - Sun Oct 13 to enjoy the beauty of the top of the Bruce Peninsula in autumn. The last of the fall colourswill add to the experience and pictures! Stay and have meals at a hotel in Tobermory overlooking Little Tub Harbour. HikesSaturday and Sunday will focus on the trails within the Bruce Peninsula National Park (Burnt Point, Cyprus Lake and GeorgianBay shore). For more details see www.gvta.on.caGVTA Leader: Level 1, Slow

Sat Oct 13 RLT SECTION 7, 8 2-3 hrsThere is more trail developed off road in these sections worth a chance to discover and enjoy in fall colour. Meet 1:30p.m. atthe Guelph covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street for carpooling to trail head. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Oct 13 WALTER BEAN TRAIL 8kmMeet at 2:00 pm. in Kiwanis parking lot to hike the Walter Bean trial from Kiwanis Park towards Bridge street forapproximately one hour out and then turn around and retrace our path back (8 km). No carpool. Bring snacks and water.Leader: Lyn [email protected] 519 885-7695 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Oct 14 ROYAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL 2 - 2.5 hrsThis will be a first attempt at a Photo Hike, as requested in the recent member survey. We will take an easy stroll along theRiver Trails for a total of about 5 Km. Meet at the Covered Bridge Parking Lot on Gordon St. at 2:30pm. We will start andfinish there. We will travel at a slow pace pointing out many photogenic scenes and providing lots of time for composing andtaking pictures. The time of day was chosen with a view to the probability of good, low angle dramatic lighting. Bring a camerathat you are comfortable with and lets have some fun.Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or [email protected] Level 1 Easy pace

Sun Oct 14 KIDS HIKE STARKEY TRAIL 1.5hrsIntroduce the young people in your life to the fun of hiking in Guelph as we view the autumn colours and climb the lookout hillto see the city of Guelph from Starkey Trail. Meet at 1:00 pm at the Starkey Trail parking lot (enter on the south side of ArkellRoad, 1 km east of Arkell). Children must be accompanied by an adult on the Tortoise or Hare hikes. Dress for the weather. Bring water and sunscreen. No strollers and no pets. Refreshments. For details and to register, please call Kathy at 519836-9147 or [email protected]: Guelph Hiking Trail Club Leaders Level 1, hiking at an easy pace

Sun Oct 14 TRAVERSE OF DUNDAS VALLEY 25kmHike from Hamilton's Chedoke Golf Course to Sydenham Road Lookout, Dundas on the Bruce Trail. A challenging 25 km withplenty of hills. Meet at 8:00am at Guelph covered bridge lot on Gordon St.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] Level 3, Speed Moderate to brisk

Wed Oct 17 FORKS OF THE CREDIT PROVINCIAL PARK 2-3hrEnjoy the fall colours in this hiking park. Contact the leader for meeting spot in Guelph. Bring a picnic lunch. Depart trailhead10am.Leader: Jane Shifflett 519 822-3229 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Oct 17 EXPLORING ROCKWOOD ± 12 kmJoin Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club for a 9:15am start at the Lion's Park on the east side of Hwy 7, beside the bridge in the middleof Rockwood. We will explore the geological features on the east side of the highway, then cross to the conservation area on thewest side. Hiking boots required. No dogs please. Bring lunch and water. Refreshments after.IBTC Leader: Barbara Forster [email protected] Varied terrain, 3, medium pace.

Thursday, October 18 GHTC SLIDE NIGHT Zehr's Community Room, Imperial and Paisley Roads 7-9pm Cycling the trails in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Follow a groupof hikers as they go for a cycling holiday along the Great Allegheny Passage between Pittsburgh and Cumberland and TheChesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath between Cumberland and Washington.

Sat Oct 20 ROCK CHAPEL TO KERNCLIFF 15to18kmMeet at 8:30am in the Shopper's Drug Mart parking lot, the corner of Clair and Gordon in south end. We will driveapproximately 35 minutes to Kerncliff Park, where we will leave half the vehicles, and then we will proceed to Rock Chapel tobegin our hike. This hike will be along the escarpment with some beautiful views, will include several significant climbs anddescents, and might test the endurance of a beginner hiker. Bring water and snacks/lunch, and ensure you have good footwear.Leader: Dave Culham 519-716-8273 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Oct 21 LIMEHOUSE LOOP 2 hrMeet 1:00pm at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for a loop hike, come see the Hole in the wall, and heritage lime


kilns restored. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Oct 24 WATERDOWN LOOP 14kmJoin Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club for a 9:00 am start. For more details and difficulty rating, go to www.iroquoia.on.ca/hikes.htmlIBTC Leader: Peter McSweeney 905 335-3192. Email preferred: [email protected] Med 6.

Thu Oct 25 BRUCE TRAIL ~ 19.9 kmJoin GVTA for a hike through Caledon Hills, Albion Hills and Glen Haffy Conservation Area. For more details seewww.gvta.on.caGVTA Leader Level 2. Moderate

Sat Oct 27 GHTC RADIAL LINE TRAIL SECTION 6 Rescheduled to Nov 18

Sat Oct 27 HAUNTED HISTORICAL HALLOWEEN AT WESTFIELD HERITAGE VILLAGE, ROCKTON 2.5hrsStroll around the village and into the pioneer buildings lit by pumpkins and lanterns, as we learn more about the superstitionsand folktales on the topic of birds. Fun for the whole family. Light meals and sweets available for purchase. Admission fees apply (Adults: $11, Seniors/Disabled: $10, Children: $6.50. Children 5 and under: free). Meet at 6:00 pm to carpool from the Guelph covered bridge parking lot on the east side of Gordon Street. Concludes 9:30pm.Leader: Kathy 519 836-9147 and Suzanne 519-265-3962 Level 1. Speed Casual

Sun Oct 28 RLT SECTION 1 AND NEW O.R. SIDETRAIL 6kmWe will hike Section 1 RLT and if trail completed, a loop hike that will feature the new Ontario Reformatory sidetrail of theRadial Line Trail, running up the east bank of the Eramosa River from Stone Road East to York Road. Meet at Guelph coveredbridge parking lot on Gordon St. at 1:30pm.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Mon Oct 29 SPURLINE AND RETURN FULL MOON HIKE 2hrsThis evening we hike along the Trans Canada Trail to the old CPR Spurline to cross southwest returning along city streets andpark paths by the light of the full moon. Meet 7p.m.at the parking lot on Cardigan Street opposite London Road east ofWoolwich Street.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thu Nov 01 DUNDAS VALLEY C/A ± 9 kmJoin Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club for a 10:00 am start. For more details and difficulty rating, go to www.iroquoia.on.ca/hikes.htmlIBTC Leader: Eileen Benson [email protected] 905 318 9626 Mod level 3

Sat Nov 03 SCOTSDALE FARM 10/14kmMeet 10:00am at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for carpooling Enjoy the scenic trail along the Bruce Trail.Bring water snacks and lunch.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Saturday, November 03 HIKE ONTARIO SUMMIT Hike Ontario Summit offers workshops on hiking topics. 9:30 am - 4:00 pm. Location - Bingeman's Park, Kitchener. Visit www.gvta.on.ca for details.

Sun Nov 04 HIKE ONTARIO SUMMIT Hikes will be about 2-3 hours.The Hike Ontario Summit is offering a choice of 3 hikes. Meet at Bingemans in the parking lot near the Ballroom buildingbefore 9:15 am to arrange car pools to the hikes. Sign up on Sat at the Hike Ontario Summit or GVTA Celebration Dinner orSun at meeting place, for the hike of your choice. Bring snack and water. Hike 1: Grand Valley Trail – Walk part of the Grand Valley Trail at Snyders' Flats near Bloomingdale with hike leader JamieHember. This hike follows the Grand River on the "Oxbow Tract" purchased by Jocob (Yoch) Schneider in 1806. The land isnow owned by GRCA and Preston Sand and Gravel. This is a loop hike of about 5-6 km. Hike 2: The River Trail – A hike on rare Charitable Research Reserve property along the Grand River near Cambridge withhike leader Janice Bock. Observe the restored "slit barn" and its fossils and see limestone outcrops similar to the ones in EloraGorge and along the Niagara Escarpment. This is a loop hike of about 5-6 km.Hike 3: The Waterloo Moraine – Enjoy a walk with hike leader Greg Vincent on one of Kitchener Waterloo's greatest treasures,Schneider's Woods. It is situated in Wilmot Township north west of the City of Waterloo. Part of the Avon Trail passes throughthese lands. This is a loop hike of about 5-6 km.See gvta.on.ca/40.html for more detail.

Thu Nov 08 SPEYSIDE FARM ± 9 kmJoin Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club for an 10:00am start. For more details and difficulty rating, go towww.iroquoia.on.ca/hikes.htmlIBTC Leader: Valerie Dobson 905-828-1729 [email protected] Mod. 4

Sat Nov 10 RADIAL LINE TRAIL 17 kmMeet at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street for a 10.00 am depart. Hike the Radial Line Trail to the Smith Side Trailand return. Bring water, snacks and lunch.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 2, speed moderate


Sun Nov 11 EVERTON'S "VALHALLA" 4-5kmWe promise two fordings (i.e. wading !) of the Eramosa River…bring wading shoes and a towel! Limited bushwhacking. Hearof progress on our written proposal to the GRCA to create a geology-themed trail system here. Meet at Guelph covered bridgelot on Gordon St. at 1:00pmLeader: Bill Mungall [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Nov 14 OAKVILLE ± 13 KmJoin Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club for an 8:45am start. For more details and difficulty rating, go to www.iroquoia.on.ca/hikes.htmlIBTC Leader: Agnes Keenan [email protected] Med 2.

Thursday, November 15 GUELPH HIKING TRAIL CLUB AGM Zehr's Community Room, Imperial and Paisley Roads 7-9pm

Sat Nov 17 KISSING BRIDGE TRAILWAY 10/20 kmThis can be an easy ten, 2.5 hours, or moderate 20 km, 5.5 hours, stroll between Ariss and the Grand River. Ten gets you to theGrand River crossing Katherine Street. Twenty gets you back to Ariss, your pick! Meet 9:30a.m. on the trailway at the Arissparking lot Kiosk south of Wellington Road 51. WE will walk into Waterloo to the Grand River, pause, eat and return to Ariss.Children, dogs and cats all under moderate control are welcome since Petie, an Australian Shepherd will be assisting me.Leader: Mike Curtis Erin 1-905-877-4134 Level 1. Speed Casual

Sun Nov 18 GHTC RADIAL LINE TRAIL SECTION 6 4hrSection 6 is most interesting and attractive along the Radial Line Trail any season, especially with the Kong Hill lookout. Meet12:30p.m. at the Guelph Covered Bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street to carpool to Nassagaweya 6th Line for a 1p.m. hikestart east. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012, Sue 519 836-6570 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Nov 21 FUTURE TRANSCANADA TRAIL LINKS TO GUELPH 6kmGHTC has been working with the City and the County on potential routes to link the easternmost end of our Kissing BridgeTrail into Guelph. See some promising route alignments just north of the City. Meet at south end of Home Depot's lot onWoodlawn Ave. at 1:30pm.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Nov 24 BRUCE TRAIL BETWEEN HOCKLEY ROAD AND DUNBY ROAD 15kmFor a challenging hike in beautiful Hockley Valley we will be hiking the Bruce Trail between Hockley Road and Dunby Roadthrough fields and forests, enjoying the sights with an optional dropout at 7 km. Bring water, snacks, lunch and wear hikingboots. We will carpool at 9:00 am from Guelph's covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon. Pub stop after hike. Contact leaderfor optional dropout.Leader: Lynn Glover 519 780-0342; Terry 519 265-6203 Level 3. Speed Moderate

Sat Nov 24 WALTER BEAN TRAIL 6kmWe will meet at 2:00 pm. in RIM parking lot to hike the Walter Bean trail from RIM park with views of the river on one sideand the Golf Course on the other side. We will walk for about 3 kilometers and then turn around and retrace our steps for atotal distance of approximately 6 kilometers. No carpool. Bring snacks and water.Leader: Lyn [email protected] 519 885-7695 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sun Nov 25 HANLON CREEK CONSERVATION AREA 2-3hrsMeet in the parking lot in front of The Fat Duck restaurant at the SW corner of Kortright and Edinburgh at 1:30pm. We willhike from there through Preservation Park, down to wander the web of trails in the Hanlon Creek Conservation Area.Leader: Suzanne Gates 519-265-3962, [email protected] and Dave 519-716-8273, [email protected]

Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sunday, November 25 HIKE LEADER TRAINING GHTC is hosting an all day Hike Ontario Hike Leader Certification course. Contact Bill Mungall [email protected] for details

Wed Nov 28 WEST SIDE FULL MOON HIKE 2hrsThis evening hike explores trails along naturalized areas with woods on hills and valleys along city streets in well-developedareas on the west side by the light of the full moon. Meet 7p.m. at the main Margaret Green Park parking lot off WestwoodRoad beside St. Peter School.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Nov 28 16 MILE CREEK ± 13 KmJoin Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club for an 8:45am start. For more details and difficulty rating, go to www.iroquoia.on.ca/hikes.htmlIBTC Leader: Agnes Keenan [email protected] Med 2.

Sat Dec 01 "SNOW WHITE-ALL WRONG" THEATRE HIKE & EATS After the Christmas children's pantomime play we can stretch our legs on a hike to the Eggcetera for some of their scrumptiouseats and beverage, taking a short jaunt back to the cars! Fun guaranteed for a seasoned, beginner or family participating in thishike offering. We'll meet in the lobby at 1:45p.m. to receive tickets and ‘group'. Due to popularity, please register by November2. Tickets are $12. Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 1. Speed Casual


Sunday, December 02 GHTC CHRISTMAS POTLUCK SUPPER GHTC Christmas potluck supper at the Union Hall - 611 Silvercreek Parkway N. Social 4:30pm with Supper 5:30pm. Bring: Potluck Dish, Plate and cutlery. Coffee, tea and juice provided.RSVP by November 25 to: [email protected] is the option of partaking in one of the 2 hikes prior to the dinner (hikes listed below). Leader: [email protected]

Sun Dec 02 KISSING BRIDGE TRAILWAY 1.5- 2 hrsMeet at the Kissing Bridge Trail on SilverCreek Parkway (South of Marden Road) at 2pm for a leisurely 1.5/2.0 hour hikealong the Kissing Bridge Trail. Hike will be there and back. Bring water and suitable footwear. Leader: Terry 519 265-6203 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sun Dec 02 MARDEN TRACT 1 hrMeet 2:30 pm at the CAW hall on Silvercreek North of Woolawn Rd. to carpool for a short hike at he Marden Tract.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat Dec 08 STARKEY HILL 2hrsMeet at the Covered Bridge parking lot at 1:30 PM to arrange car pooling to the Starkey Hill trail. This will be the second inour "Photo Hikes." As for the first "Photo Hike" bring a camera that you are comfortable using. We will hike the Starkey Hilltrail at a leisurely pace, taking lots of time to compose and record pictures.Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or [email protected] Level 2. Speed Casual.

Sun Dec 09 SPEED RIVER TRAIL AND MILL RUN TRAIL 8.5kmHike from Hespeler's Guelph Ave to Road 32, over Section 3 of Speed River Trail. Featuring, we hope, a new "high level"bridge over the muddy creek; and a km of bushwhacking along the initial 1973 damp course of the trail next to the river.Wildlife sightings certain. Optional pub stop. Meet at Guelph covered bridge lot on Gordon St. at 1:30pm.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Dec 15 ELORA CHRISTMAS HIKE 2hrsAvoid the malls on the busiest shopping day of the year by joining us on the trails for a winter hike around Elora. Dress for theweather, including winter walking footwear – there is often more snow in Elora than there is in Guelph. Pub stop afterwards isoptional. Meet 1:30p.m. at the parking lot off Carlton Place/Metcalfe Street, across the road from the liquor store in Elora. Forcarpooling from Guelph, contact Norm.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sun Dec 16 KIDS HIKE - HOLIDAY HIKE 1.5hrsKick off the holidays outdoors with the young people in your life by joining us on the meadow and forest trails at IgnatiusCentre. Meet at 1:00 pm at the parking lot at Ignatius Centre. The Centre is on the left side of Highway 6, north of Woodlawn Road, as you leave Guelph heading for Fergus.(This is just north of Walmart and the Guelph Curling Club, on Highway 6 North).Children must be accompanied by an adult on the Tortoise or Hare hikes. Dress for the weather; wear hats, mittens, and sturdyoutdoor footwear. No strollers and no pets. Hot chocolate provided following the hike. For details and to register, please callKathy at 519 836-9147 or [email protected]: Guelph Hiking Trail Club Leaders Level 1, hiking at an easy pace

Sun Dec 16 SCOTSDALE 11.5kmMeet at 9:30am at covered bridge on Gordon St. in Guelph to carpool to Scotsdale Farm. Or meet the group at Scotsdale Farmparking lot at 10:15am.Hike is a loop on main trail & side trails of the Bruce Trail. Bring water, snacks, lunch & icers for your boots if icy conditions.Leader: Susan Atkinson Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Dec 22 GUELPH LAKE 2 hrsMeet at 10:30am at trail head on Victoria Road. Enjoy the scenic trail along the lake. Bring icers as trail may be slippery.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012, Mary 519 827-1814 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Dec 26 BOXING DAY TRADITION – STARKEY HILL 4 km/ 1+ hrJoin in some post-Christmas exercise on the eighteenth annual Boxing Day Hike! This starts by 1:30 p.m. at the Trailhead,south side of Arkell Road approximately one kilometer east of Arkell Village.Leader: Jim Hoare [email protected] or 519-835-5284, Terry 519 265-6203 Level 2. Speed Casual.

Sat Dec 29 SPARKLE'S IN PARK 2 hrsA great chance for members and families to catch the park all dressed in the wonderfully created displays on a fairly full moonhike! There is also a hot chocolate option following to warm up before heading home. Meet 7p.m. at 683 Woolwich Street inthe Evergreen Seniors Centre parking lot northwest corner close to Woolwich Street.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 1. Speed Casual

Tue Jan 01 CLEAR THE COBWEBS 3.5kmCome out for our 39th annual New Year's Day Hike at 1 p.m. with club President, Bill Mungall! Meet at the Guelph HumanSociety to hike Speed River Trail Section 1. Dress and equip properly.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] Level 1. Speed Casual


Sat Jan 05 SNYDER'S FLATS 7kmMeet at the covered bridge for a 1.30 pm departure. Car pool to Bloomingdale for an easy hike along part of the Grand Valleytrail at Snyders Flats. Bring water and suitable foot wear. Depending upon footing icers may be necessary. If lots of snow alsobring snow shoes and that will give us the option to do some snow shoeing. Call leader for trail conditions.Leader: Terry 519 265-6203 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat Jan 12 ELORA CATARACT TRAIL 3 hrsAt this time of year it will be a weather-dependent hike. We could cross country ski or hike or both on the trail between Erinand Cataract. Start time is 1p.m. Call Mike for details.Leader: Mike Curtis Erin 1-905-877-4134 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Saturday, January 12 GHTC SKATING NIGHT Join GHTC 8pm for an hour of skating at Guelph City Hall followed by social time at a local Pub. More details will beprovided in GHTC "Upcoming Events" email prior to event.Leader: Jane Shifflett 519 822-3229 Sun Jan 13 SCHNEIDER WOODS SKI TRAILS 2.5-3hrsK/W's best skiing, a popular spot just west of the city, on the hummocky Waterloo Moraine on the J.L. Schneider family estate.Great fun. XC ski only. Meet at 9:00am at Guelph covered bridge lot on Gordon St.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thursday, January 17 GHTC SLIDE NIGHT Zehr's Community Room, Imperial and Paisley Roads 7-9pm. More details will be provided in GHTC "Upcoming Events"email prior to event.

Sat Jan 19 HALTON AGREEMENT FOREST 2-3hrsWe enter on the 4th Line of Nassagaweya and hike along fire road and on trails through the different Agreement Tracts. Meet atTD in Clair Rd plaza 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

Sat Jan 26 MOONLIGHT SNOWSHOE ORCROSS-COUNTRY SKI Join GHTC for a moonlight snowshoe or cross-country ski followed with a campfire and hotdog on the farm of one of club'sExecutive. More details will be provided in GHTC "Upcoming Events" email prior to event.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570, Jane Shifflett 519 822-3229

Sun Jan 27 GHTC RADIAL LINE TRAIL SECTION 6 3-4hrSection 6 is most interesting and attractive along the Radial Line Trail any season, especially with the Kong Hill lookout. Meet12:30p.m. at the Guelph Covered Bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street to carpool to Nassagaweya 6th Line for a 1p.m. hikestart east. If lots of snow bring your snowshoes. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012, Mary 519 827-1814 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thu Jan 31 DOUBT' GUELPH LITLE THEATRE HIKE & EATS Guelph Little Theatre is presenting a brilliant and powerful drama of 'Doubt'. Be assured, this will be a great time to take a shorthike for a beginner or seasoned hiker to and from Eggcetera for eats before the play after a day's work of any description! We'llmeet in the parking lot by 6p.m. to gather for the hike. Again, advance registration is highly recommended by Friday, January 5.Tickets are $19Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 1. Speed Casual

Sat Feb 02 RLT ARKELL SIDE TRAIL 7.5km 2-3hrsHike along this popular side trail and best part of Radial Line Trail section 2. We'll meet 1p.m. at the Starkey Hill parking lot,south side of Arkell Road, east of Arkell. Bring water and snacks. Contact leader ahead of time to verify hike not cancelled dueto trail conditions. All WelcomeLeader: Jim Hoare [email protected] or 519-835-5284, Paul White [email protected]

Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Feb 03 IRVINE RIVER GORGE XC SKI OR SNOWSHOE 2 hrsThe most spectacular scenes in the area, with azure icefalls on the cliffs and at "The Triple Drop" falls on the river. Subject togood snow and ice conditions. Snowshoe or XC ski. Meet at Guelph covered bridge lot on Gordon St. at 9:00am.Leader: Bill Mungall [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Feb 09 SECTION 1 SPEED RIVER TRAIL 2 hrsMeet at 1 PM at the Guelph Human Society for 2 hr. hike along the Speed River trail and the John Woods side trail.Leader: Norm 519-836-3568 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Feb 13 CRIEFF HILLS CONFERENCE CENTRE 2 hrsMeet at 1pm by TD in Clair Rd. Plaza parking lot to car pool to explore the woodland trails in Crieff, just south of Guelph. Mostly level. some hills. Bring water, snacks and icers in case of slippery trails.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012, Mary 519 827-1814 Level 2. Speed Moderate


Sat Feb 16 ELORA CATARACT TRAIL 3 hrThis time we will travel the opposite direction to January's hike. Again at this time of year it will be a weather-dependent hike.We could cross country ski or hike or both on the trail between Erin and Cataract. Start time is 1p.m. Call Mike for details.Leader: Mike Curtis Erin 1-905-877-4134 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sun Feb 17 KIDS HIKE SMITH SIDE TRAIL LOOP 1.5hrsCelebrate the Family Day weekend with the young people in your life as we climb to the lookout to view the Eramosa rivervalley. Meet at 1:00 pm at the entrance to the Smith Side Trail. Park on the wide shoulder along the road at 0624 WatsonRoad South, Guelph. Children must be accompanied by an adult on the Tortoise or Hare hikes. Dress for the weather; wear hats, mittens, and sturdyoutdoor footwear. No strollers and no pets. Refreshments provided following the hike. For details and to register, please callKathy at 519 836-9147 or [email protected]: Guelph Hiking Trail Club Leaders Level 1, hiking at an easy pace

Mon Feb 18 IGNATIUS JESUIT CENTRE 2hrsIf there is snow, we will ski the West trails at Ignatius Jesuit Centre, Highway 6 north of Woodlawn Road in Guelph. Meet at10 am in Workshop parking lot. You will need $5 for "honour" box to ski. If there is not enough snow we will cross Highway 6and hike the East trails at no cost. Contact leader if you need to verify ski vs hike.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thursday, February 21 GHTC SLIDE NIGHT Zehr's Community Room, Imperial and Paisley Roads 7-9pm. More details will be provided in GHTC "Upcoming Events"email prior to event.

Sat Feb 23 CUTTEN CLUB XC SKI TRAILS 2-3hrsXC Ski adventure close at hand. Meet at Guelph covered bridge lot on Gordon St. with ski equipment for a short walk to skiarea. We will hike the Royal Recreation Trail from Gordon street to Victoria Road and back if snow is poor.Leader: Suzanne Gates 519-265-3962, [email protected] Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Feb 24 SECTION 3 OF THE SPEED RIVER TRAIL 2-2.5hrsThis section can offer good cross country skiing or just a good tromp. Follow the Speed River, cross meadows, and enjoy thesilence of a cedar-lined track. There are a couple of side trails to discover, an old barn foundation, and an old roadway for along gone 'company town'. Meet at 1pm just south of the bridge on Road 32 South. (south off hwy 124) All are welcomeLeader: Paul 519 824-6241 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Mon Feb 25 2 RIVERS UP & DOWN AROUND TOWN FULL MOON HIKE 2hrsBy the light of the full moon hike around Guelph using stairs, bridges and streets around the core plus the two riversrecreational trails. Parking is available along or at the parking lot on Cardigan Street opposite London Road east of WoolwichStreet for a 7p.m start at the Goldie Mill Park.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Mar 02 GOLDIE MILL 1-1.5hrsA "Beginner's Hike", in the north/central area of Guelph. Meet at 10:00am in the parking lot at Exhibition Park Arena onExhibition St / Division St. This will be an urban hike, in a figure of 8, so there will be a drop-out point halfway through thehike if needed. Bring water & snack & icers for your shoes if the streets are icy.Leader: Susan Atkinson Level 1. Speed Casual

Sun Mar 03 KOLAPORE UPLANDS SKI TRAILS 5hrsChallenging, semi-wilderness trails on the Escarpment, 90 minutes north of Guelph. For adventuresome and reasonably fitskiers. XC ski only. Meet at 8am.Leader: Call Bill Mungall at 836-5567 for transportation info. Level 3

Sat Mar 09 ROYAL RECREATION TRAIL 1-1.5hrsThis is the second "Beginner's Hike". Also good to start to get back in shape if you have been idle over the winter. Meet10:00am at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon Street to hike from Gordon street to Victoria Road then back.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 1. Speed Casual

Sun Mar 10 PRESERVATION PARK 2hrsMeet at 1 pm. in the city parking lot on the North side of Kortright Rd (just west of Edinburgh Rd). Come and enjoy the mazeof trails that can be found in the 67 acres of forest. All are welcome.Leader: Paul 519 824-6241 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Mar 16 PRIVATE PROPERTY TRAILS 2hrsBy the generosity of a property owner south of Guelph in the cranberry bog, come enjoy discovering the trails meandering overhills and meadows, in and out of woods, a weather-dependent chance to hike, ski or snowshoe. Meet at the ‘Y' parking lot for a2p.m. start. Bring water.Leader: Susan Bard 519-836-6570 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thursday, March 21 GHTC SLIDE NIGHT Zehr's Community Room, Imperial and Paisley Roads 7-9pm.


For more hikes go to other Clubs website:Maitland Trail Association - maitlandtrail.ca/upcoming.htmHalton Hills Bruce Trail Chapter - on a link at media6.magma.ca/www.torontobrucetrailclub.org/indexhttps.phpHalton Outdoor Club - outdoor.spectranet.ca/index.htmlIroquoia Bruce Trail Club - iroquoia.on.ca/hikes.htmlThames Valley Trail Association - tvta.caDufferin Bruce Trail Club - dufferinbrucetrailclub.org

2012 Organized Bruce Trail End-to-End Hikes For more hike details visit hosting club's websiteThere is a registration fee to participate in most of theseorganized hikes. For most of these hikes pre-registration isrequired.IroquoiaOctober 20-21 and 27-28, 20124 hikes over 2 weekendsDetails at www.iroquoia.on.ca/end-to-end.html

CaledonSat – Mon Oct 6-8, 2012 (Thanksgiving WeekendDetails at caledonbrucetrail.org/endtoend.htm

Dufferin Hi-LandSat Oct 20th & Sun Oct 21 Sydenham E2E Hikes 9 & 10Details at dufferinbrucetrailclub.org

GanaraskaSat Nov 10 – GVT Black Walnut Section E2E Hike 3 of 7Sat Nov 24 – GVT Black Walnut Section E2E Hike 4 of 7Sat Dec 8 – GVT Black Walnut Section E2E Hike 5 of 7Sat Dec 15 – GVT Black Walnut Section E2E Hike 6 of 7Sat Dec 29 – GVT Black Walnut Section E2E Hike 7 of 7Details at gvta.on.ca

Invitation to a Celebration

This year the Hike Ontario Summit is paired with the40 Anniversary of the Grand Valley Trail Assoc. Itth

will be held in Kitchener at beautiful BingemansPark on Saturday, November 3 There will be therd

traditional Pub Night for Hikers on Friday and threehikes offered on Sunday which bracket the HikeOntario Annual Summit. The Saturday Summit willbegin with a the Hike Ontario Annual Meeting,continue with a daylong conference of interest tohikers and trail associations with the eveningcelebration of 4 decades of achievement of awonderful 275 kilometer trail that runs from PortMaitland on Lake Erie to near the source of theGrand River in Alton.

The Saturday morning program will feature topics ofinterest to Hikers and Trail Associations: A VirtualHike Across the Volunteer-Managed Hiking Trails ofthe province, Hiking and Health and the EverestExperience.

The afternoon program will allow participants tochoose from participating in Sessions that featureSocial Media and Trails, Volunteer Recruitment andManagement, Risk Management, Trail Maintenance,Landowner Relations, Strength and Conditioning,Encouraging New Hikers, GPS and Geocaching,Urban and City Trails and Hike Leadership.

The celebration of the Grand Valley Trail's 40th

Anniversary will begin with the evening dinnerfeaturing a presentation by Kevin Callan, a wellknown outdoor enthusiast, author and adventurer.Kevin's presentations have left audiences laughingand shaking their heads in wonder at his daring andsense of fun. Presentations on behalf of GVTA and

Hike Ontario will include Volunteers of the Year andLong Distance Awards as well as for significantcontributions to the Grand Valley Trails Association.

This event will be a highlight of the year for manyhikers. The early bird draw will be held forregistrations received by Monday, October 1 .st

Registration closes on Friday, October 26. Don't bedisappointed. Register on line today at:www.gvta.on.ca/40/

Bill Wilson, President, Hike Ontario.

Fitness Thought

Trails.com points out that exercise routines aren't onesize fits all. By tailoring your workout to personalfitness goals, you will be on the road to great results! Read their list of the most common goals and learnwhat you can do to achieve them.

http://www.trails.com/facts_8728_effective-exercise-routines.html

Things I’d Like To Know!

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?

Why don't you ever see the headline: "Psychic WinsLottery"?

Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called"rush hour"?


Make Your Own Walking StickBy: Jonathan Dorn

Ease the load on your knees and shoulders by

making a hiking stick.

Sure, carrying a hiking stick makes me look like

a rugged mountain man, but it also helps me in

more pedestrian ways. By easing the load on

my knees and shoulders, it helps me chew up

big miles, plus I can tiptoe across loose rocks,

slippery logs, and rushing streams without a wobble.

Here's how to create your own personalized staff.

• Search your local forest for a downed branch that's

stout, straight, and preferably, blemish-free (no

obvious cracks or big knotholes). The stick

should reach your armpit and measure 1 to 2

inches in diameter.

• Remove twigs with a pocketknife and strip the bark

if you want. Round off sharp points or level knobs

with a plane or file. Hold the stick as though

you're hiking (your elbow should form a right

angle) to figure out where your grip will be-- 2 to

3 inches below the top.

• Customize the grip by cutting shallow grooves for

your fingers like those on a steering wheel. Just

above the grip area, drill a 1/4-inch hole for a

wrist loop. Smooth the surface of the stick first

with coarse, then fine, sandpaper. To remove

residual sawdust, wipe the stick with a rag dipped

in paint thinner.

• Decorate the stick with carvings, wood burnings,

paintings, emblems or bear bells. If the wood is

still green, place it in a warm, dry location to cure

for at least 2 weeks, and rotate it often to prevent

bowing.

• Apply two coats of wood stain, allowing each coat

to dry overnight, to give the stick a darker, richer

hue. Then apply three coats of clear urethane

varnish to seal the wood and prevent rot.

• Allow each coat of varnish to dry overnight. Sand

the stick lightly with very fine sandpaper or steel

wool after each coat.

• Thread a 2-foot piece of rawhide lace or heavy cord

through the hole. Adjust the length of the loop to

fit your wrist, tie the ends in a big knot to secure

the loop, then trim the ends as necessary.

Wood is a fickle creature, so remember that hiking

sticks are born as much as they are made.

From Backpacker Magazine – BACKPACKER.com

BEWARE!The following sections will beclosed during hunting season:

Radial :Line Trail Section 4

November. 5 to 18

Radial :Line Trail Section 4:

October through end December

Speed River Trail Section 2

September through mid March.

Full details on hunting seasons can be found at:

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca

Take care on all the trails during hunting season.

If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked,then doesn't it follow that electricians can bedelighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged,models deposed, tree surgeons debarked, and drycleaners depressed?


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'

The Big Picture

ONTARIO has some of the most treasured andprotected outdoor areas in the world. Over7600 Provincial Parks, conservation areas andother rural land offer a wide range of

recreation opportunities, including 5,000+ campsitesand 73,000 km of trails.

Southern Ontario's Greenbelt has Canada's largestnetwork of hiking trails. This extensive, diverse arealinks the oldest and longest footpath in Canada, theBruce Trail, with many other popular hiking routes.

Ontario's habitat supports huge numbers of plantsand animals; over 3,000 species of plants, 158species of fish, 80 species of reptiles andamphibians,400 species of birds, and 85 species ofmammals. Two hundred of the animals found inOntario parks are considered rare or endangeredspecies.

The Provincial landscape varies from the rockyCanadian shield through grassy lowlands of thenorth, rich farmlands of the south and the ribbon ofCarolinian Canada along the Lake Erie shore..

There are over 250,000 lakes in Ontario and theymake up a shocking one-third of the world's freshwater supply.


ghtc news oct. 2012

Documents

hike calendar

special hiking event

hiking boots

happy hiking

ontario hiking weekevents

hike leaders

dynamic club

special thanks