Beaver Valley Section - Johnston's Side Road (74.3 km) to Side Road 13A (89.5 km)

Beaver Valley Section - Johnston's Side Road (74.3 km) to Side Road 13A (89.5 km) - Sept. 21, 2022.

It's the second day of our second 3 day trip up north and we are facing 15.2 km of the Bruce Trail starting at yesterday's finishing location on Johnston's Side Road and heading pretty much straight north up to our finish at the parking loop at Side Road 13A...our leader has warned us of hills...after yesterday's 500 plus meters of climbing, can today be even more challenging?..well, there's a ski hill...that should tell you something...

The view of the route from the east side of Beaver Valley...this will be a 6 hour hike and yes, we will surpass yesterday's total ascent by having to climb 549 meters to get to the end...are we 'up' for the challenge?..let's find out!

It is another clear and bright September morning...it's the last full day of summer and despite a cool start, it will warm up considerably as we make our way...our line-up this morning includes myself, Catherine, Lesley, Muris, Doug, Steve R, Michael, and Steve (leader)...Sandra and Arpi are conspicuous in their absence today, having already done this hike, as they have another agenda (but will make a cameo appearance later!)..

We set off down the first fairway, having all hit nice opening drives...no, wait, not a golf course...just a freshly mowed swath through a farmer's field...we will be walking the course today...no carts allowed!..

We transition from light to dark as we enter our first forest at the top of the escarpment...

Fortunately we do not have to heed the sign...in fact, it is warming up so quickly that a stop for a clothing adjustment is almost immediately necessary for some...

More signage on the trail...apparently there's a right way and a 'wrong way' to hike...we chose the former. Another plaque speaks to the cooperation between landowner and Conservancy that furthers the goal of maintaining this beautiful pathway and its environs...

It's been relatively easy going so far but it is early in the day...

We soon cross over 12th Concession A and the intersection of the Campbell's/ Graham's Hill Side Trail, which essentially traverses the valley to connect with the main trail on the east side just north of Eugenia Falls...

We venture down the escarpment a ways and come upon a pretty little waterfall, it's face covered in moss much like at Hoggs Falls...

After a quick stop for our traditional bridge photo, it's on our way to follow the stream for a bit...

We arrive at, and then get to climb (word of the day) up Grey Road 30 for a ways before turning right and heading north once again...

Steve attempts to bypass this stile which seems a little risky but doable...

We are now hiking along the bottom of Bowles Hill, a very steep section of the escarpment and the home of the Beaver Valley Ski Club, formed in 1967...

Another side trail intersects here, which also provides an access route to the eastern side of the valley, connecting there with the main trail just south of Kimberley...

Having entered the southern grounds of the ski club, it is agreed that an early refreshment stop might be worthwhile with some major climbing ahead of us...I may have caught Doug with his eyes closed in this last photo, but he's not napping...yet...

Skiers use gravity to propel themselves at high speeds down these steep slopes...hikers, well they get to face up to gravity and defy its forces...we begin what can only be described as a grueling climb up 'Ridge Run'...

Hang on...who is this waiting at the top of this incredibly steep slope, urging us on to the summit?...Sandra and Arpi have taken a break from their dinner preparations (a feast that we would later enjoy as their guests that night at the chalet), to witness a group of adults gasping and groaning their way up the ski hill...

Here is their perspective of our ascent...

One by one, we manage to conquer this monster incline, urged on by our fellow hikers...we all just needed a little 'lift'...

...but it took it's toll on us...Doug's eyes are closed in this picture as well...and I'm pretty sure it's on purpose...

We linger at the top for a while to enjoy the view and the company (and catch our breath)...the promise of a feast (including ice cream for dessert) prepared by Arpi and Sandra tonight will drive us forward the rest of the day...

We wave good bye to our friends and head on down the trail...

We spend the next 90 minutes or so travelling through the Wodehouse Karst forest...just west of the trail, Wodehouse Creek disappears, and down the escarpment slopes to the main trail where the water reappears in the Kimberley Springs that feed Bill's Creek...it is considered one of the most interesting examples of karst topography in Canada...

We skirt across Side Road 7A and then back into the woods...the trail is really testing me (and a few others)...it's gotten very humid and the hills just keep coming and coming...

On the other side of the road, we entered the property of the former Talisman Ski Resort, which opened in 1963, and at the time, was the largest ski resort in the province. It eventually closed in 2011 declaring bankruptcy. Last year, the property was conditionally sold by the Municipality of Grey County to GTA based Westway Capital, much to the disappointment of a local group, Friends of Beaver Valley who, along with The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, had made a competing presentation advocating a focus on sustainable development and educational resources.

Turns out the original owners had accumulated $2 million in tax arrears...I guess the municipality went for the money.

The base of the old chairlift proves an excellent spot to have another nourishment break and rest for the final leg...

...and maybe one more quick snooze for Doug...

We come across this little creature crawling in the tall grass by the lift...

After passing by a couple of nice fields, we turn into the woods and are quickly confronted by this intimidating ladder running down the face of the escarpment...ok....we can do this...I went down forward facing...not recommended.

Everyone makes it down safely...

Sometimes it's hot, you're tired, you have your head down...and then you turn a corner and look over at an amazing 40 foot wall of ancient rock framed by greenery looming imposingly silent over you...and you remember why you came...

We are just entering the Herman McConnell Memorial Forest, the end of our day is approaching, and that means a tasty feast is soon to come...

One last short break with a beautiful view, and we push for the dropped cars at Side Road 13A.

Our hike is done for today...2 out of three completed for this trip...what will two days of intense climbing leave us with tomorrow for energy?..well let's worry about that then and for now, go get cleaned up and head to dinner!