Niagara Section - Kinsmen Park (69.8 km) to Grimsby Mountain (83.3 km) - October 17, 2024.

 Niagara Section - Kinsmen Park (69.8 km) to Grimsby (83.3 km) - October 17, 2024.



The Hiking With Friends group is back from slaying the Sydenham Section and ready to stay closer to home in the next few months so it's off to the Niagara Section this week to walk 14 km from Kinsmen Park in Lincoln... all...the...way... to the Lions Community Pool in beautiful Grimsby...this hike covers the very last of the western end of this section...so I suspect we get a pretend "flag icon" wave at the end...or not.


 Who was lucky enough to be able to assemble at Kinsmen Park on a crisp, clear October morning with the rising sun highlighting the vibrant foliage surrounding us?..myself, Andrew, Steve R, Doug (blinded by that same sun), Grace, Marleen, Rita, Annette (H.C), Lesley, Frances, and Sandra (sweep)...let's get walking...






  Apparently, a new feature of our hikes (at least today) is to start with descending a few flights of stairs, going to the end of a short stretch of trail, realizing that you are in fact not going the right way, turning around sheepishly, while all commenting in unison "I thought we were going the wrong way"...climbing back up those same stairs, and then accepting the fact that hey, at least we're warmed up now!..


Pointed in the right direction, and with an extra 500 meters under our belt, we make haste like we're late for the bus, and scurry on...






The promising forecast is coming to life before our eyes...and it's evident early on that today we will be in that sometimes elusive hiking zone called "heaven"...crisp, sunny, windless, and bug free...where would you rather be?..













The pace is languid as dictated by the observance of many seasonal sights of stunning splendor...










This area of course, sets the benchmark for wineries in Ontario, and indeed Canada...this property appears to be straight out of a southern plantation...












The entrance to Mountainview Conservation Area takes us away from the grapes of wrath and into more traditional escarpment hiking...












It doesn't last and we soon emerge onto the appropriately named Walker Road...a few of us stop to chat to a local merchant (seen at the doorway) who operates a small organic market farm called "9 Acres"...she was quite enthusiastic about her trade, and also living "on" the Bruce Trail...we peppered her with questions and reaped a gift of a few hot samples...








It's always fun to stop at the 30 Mile Creek Falls rest area and get framed for something...

It's what  MOST  of us  WANTED...

 










An unfortunate fall has led to one hiker being unable to safely continue, and two others showing compassion by way of returning with her (via Uber fortunately) to our cars at the finish and onward to get assessed back in Oakville...the remaining 8 of us soldier on...







Having left a gap in our hearts, we honor the absent members in a Doug inspired "Missing Hiker" bridge picture, leaving a gap in our line where they should have been...












This is the last recorded sighting of the (remaining) Hiking With Friends group as they crested a small rise in Grimsby before disappearing in their cars...we shall remember them as having had a glorious day on the Bruce Trail under the finest of conditions...somewhat chagrined at having heard the painful consequences of our fellow hiker's mishap, but having heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery, we will continue on with her in mind.


The End



No one "kneeded" this...



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