Trail Talk: Bright colours on the trails this time of year
By: Patrick Capper
Fall has arrived with many cooler nights, which have had the benefit of one only encountering a few mosquitoes.
As of October 5, despite a 5oC night there were still Autumn Meadowhawk dragonflies flying around in the morning, and later in the day with the sun out and 15oC temperature some Clouded Sulphur and Cabbage White butterflies were also seen.
Some of the trees have turned glorious yellows, oranges and reds. These conditions make for great hiking conditions whenever there is no rain.
Getting out on the trails is also a good way to get a bit of weight off that may have resulted from overeating at Thanksgiving.
Waterproof footwear is recommended as there is often heavy due on the grass. This was the case on the October 3 hike at Hullett.
Although only a few birds were seen these included two Trumpeter swans. There are three local species of swans: Mute Swans, the adults have a orange bill and are usually only seen in the Stratford region, where there is a captive flock, Tundra swans are usually seen in the spring in large flocks, they are also known as Whistling swans, and the Trumpeter swans are less common and are larger 60 inch v 48 inch than the Tundra swans and have a longer straighter bill without any yellow.
Recently I noticed a small tree with reddish leaves, on the left side of the trail when you enter the Maitland Woods from Huckins Street. iNaturalist suggested a Sour Gum, but that was rejected by an expert, who did not suggest an alternative. Bevin suggested that it is a Service Berry. I had walked past this tree many times and John Hazlitt did not mention it in his Maitland Woods guide of 2009.
Although there are not many fall flowers apart from golden rods and asters there are now many different fungi.
On October 7 Thyra and I were treated to see a Monarch emerge from a chrysalis. We first noticed the chrysalis on September 16, so this one took longer than usual to complete its metamorphosis.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association has a great volunteer trail maintenance crew, who recently completed installing a new boardwalk which is over 100 feet long on the Bayfield Sawmill trail. Thanks you for your effort.
EVENTS:
Saturday, October 17 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - CYCLE Point Farms Provincial Park Cycle: Enjoy shaded trails, Lake Huron views and fall colours during this beginner-friendly ride. The route combines paved roads, gravel roads and hard-packed dirt paths. Riders will cycle down to the beach on a paved road and walk their bicycles back up using a dirt path. This is a co-promotion with East Street Cider. Meeting Location: Front entrance, Point Farms Provincial Park, 82491 Bluewater Highway/ Highway 21 Distance: Approximately 10 km, with additional exploring if time allows Difficulty: Beginner Terrain: Mostly level paved, gravel and hard-packed dirt surfaces What to bring: Water Annual Waiver: Complete the MTA Cycling waiver Helmets required. Pre-register by calling/texting Donald Andrew at 519-530-9019
Sunday, October 18 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. - HIKE Maitland Trail, Morris Tract and Ross Property: Hike the Maitland Trail through the Morris Tract to the beaver pond and return. The route includes flat and hilly sections with uneven footing. Meeting Location: 36833 Londesboro Road Parking: East side of Morris Tract Line; do not block farm fields, laneways or entrances Difficulty: Level 1-2 Pace: Moderate to brisk Terrain: Flat and hilly sections with uneven footing Annual Waiver: Complete the MTA Annual waiver Pre-register with Susan Ethelston at susan.ethelston@gmail.com.
Saturday, October 24 at 11 a.m. - BRVTA hike at Naftel’s Creek conservation Area: This is a beautiful, reforested conservation area with trails that wind through pine plantations, cedar lowlands and hardwood forests. This would be a great opportunity to enjoy the fall colours while meeting new people. Meet at the parking lot at the trail entrance on Highway 21 approximately 12 km north of Bayfield. Canine companions are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.
NOTES:
The Maitland Trail between Londesboro Road and Little Lakes Road remains closed due to a landslide.
Duck Hunting started on September 26. Rifle Deer hunting is from Monday, November 2 to Sunday, November 8 when most of the Maitland Trail will be closed.
Tuesday Trompers meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday to hike for about an hour. If you wish to be on this email list, send an email to mta@maitlandtrail.ca
Midweek hikers meet at 9 a.m. and hike for 1.5 to 2 hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com
LIFE hikers meet every Friday for a hike of about 1.5 hours, with a choice of pace, striders moving a little faster than the strollers. The hikes now start at 9a.m. and can be joined through ONE CARE.
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