Iroquoia Section - Sydenham Lookout (58.8) to Grindstone Falls (71.2) - January 8, 2026.

 Iroquoia Section - 12.4 km from Sydenham Lookout to Grindstone Falls - January 8, 2026.


16 of us showed up to welcome 2026 and to start this year's Hiking-With-Friends' adventures.  Here we are at the Sydenham Lookout on an unseasonably warm and hazy morning. 


From left to right, Ron B, Lesley, Frances, Barbara, Sandra, Catherine V, Josie (photos), Annette, Frank L, Donna, Doug (HC and photos), Faryde, Georgia (photos), Ivan (photos), Grace and Stephen R (photos).


Beyond the small Romar Drive subdivision, we enter the Royal Botanical Gardens Rock Chapel Sanctuary.  The trail is covered with ice formed from trodden-down snow.  We are all wearing icers; they are necessary!

 
At the abandoned Sugar Shack at the start of the Sanctuary.  Then on to Borer's Falls ..






Self-identified "sly foxes"!  

Leaving Borer's Falls, we take our first Bridge photo and then slip-slide-away through descents and ascents..  




Josie is an artist.  She took the lovely photo below at 10am. Note that the morning mist is still present.


Half an hour later the mist is gone, we have full sun and the ice begins to melt.


We go through the tunnel under Highway 6 .. 


And have our elevensies shortly afterwards ..


On we go, pausing occasionally, and playing on the railroad ..




Amazing bracket-fungus infestation ..


A classy bridge and another picture ..


Trust me, this print is huge.  Are there bears in these parts?


The Grindstone Creek, in spate with snow melt ..


The hike finished, and just before the parking by the Falls, we admire our icers, vital equipment today.


A lovely hike on a lovely day.  Happy New Year, everyone!

THE END





















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