Trail Talk: Hiking in the cool weather

My Black Legged (deer) Tick.

This spring continues to be on and off again.

Hiking in the cool weather, I was surprised to find that I had picked up a tick, I removed it with tweezers and took it to the Huron County health unit where they identified it as a black legged tick (also known as a deer tick), which sometimes carry Lyme disease.

Unfortunately, the health unit no longer tests for Lyme disease, so I am hoping this one is disease free.

On many of our hikes we have come across recent windfalls, so don’t be surprised to find them when out on the trails. If they are on the Maitland Trail, they should be reported to the Maitland Trail Association with as accurate a location as is possible. The yellow kilometre markers are a useful means to estimate the location.

It is also possible to send a photo of the windfall, so the maintenance crew know how big a job it is to clear the trail.

Wild leeks were seen on April 6 and soon after that they were covered in snow. On April 10 I saw some hepatica in bloom, the first ones I have seen this year.

On the Hullett Sugar Bush Trail, wire is being installed on the bridge on the blue trail.  I think this is an excellent way to prevent slipping on wet boards.

The wire is quite heavy and should last many years and will eventually just turn to rust.  Roofing shingles do well in the shade but when they get worn and lose their effectiveness, they should be picked up and put in the garbage.

In some places yellow plastic strips have been installed as another way to prevent slipping.  I personally don’t like any use of plastic when there are other options, as plastic will eventually break down into smaller pieces but remain as plastic particles in the environment.

Hikers are reminded to sign the 2025 online waiver, even if they signed the 2024 waiver.

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 or Thursdays. Contact Patrick Capper at pcapper99@gmail.com

NOTES:

Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. - BRVTA have an earth day clean up, meet at Clan Gregor pavilion.

Saturday, April 26 at 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. - The second part of the Maitland End to End from Jenkins to Benmiller. This 11 km section of the Maitland Trail has two challenging sections through a variety of forest types including the relatively mature forest of the Morris Tract.

We will enjoy a view of the falls at the Falls Reserve Conservation Area and a full stop lunch at the shelter there.

Wear sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, lots of water and bring lunch.

For car shuttle arrangements and to confirm your attendance, please contact Con Melady at 519 524-8730. This is a Level 2, moderate pace hike, 3.5+ hours with break and shuttle.

Saturday, April 26 at 1 p.m. on the Sawmill Trail for those who like a more leisurely pace the BRVTA are holding a

Family Hike called ‘Secrets of the Woods’.

Discover the hidden wonders in the woods and along the riverbank of the Bayfield Sawmill Trail. Environmental educators Michele Martin and Janneke Vorsteveld will guide hikers of all ages in searching for the small creatures and plants to be found along this two km trail through forests, along the Bayfield River.