Just a reminder from OSFN Programming (announced at the January 9, OSFN meeting) that OSFN members (and the general public, too) are welcome and invited to join upcoming Group Hikes, which are being led by Sydenham Bruce Trail Club members who are also OSFN members. There are still several hikes left in January. The entire winter hike schedule and guidelines can be found at this link – https://www.sydenhambrucetrail.ca/hiking/group-hikes
Many thanks to the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club, for making these outdoor events available to everyone!
Here is a list of some hikes led by BT/OSFN members –
Sunday January 19
Beaver Springs south access
Meet: 1:15 pm at HD
This trail takes us over a small stream, around a farmer’s field and into a wooded area, crossing an old beaver dam before rejoining the trail. Walk or snowshoe.
Parking is on Irish Block Rd, 0.4 km north of Hwy 26 at km 65.0.
Map Reference: Map 31
T: Moderate P: Leisurely
Hike Leader: Danuta Valleau
Contact Info: call 519-534-1788
Thursday January 23
Bognor Marsh
Meet: 10:00 am at the parking area at km 29.7 at County Road 18 and 4th
Concession South.
We will explore the Bognor Marsh area on foot or on snowshoes, depending upon the conditions. Total time about 2.5 hours.
Map Reference: Map 30
T: Moderate P: Medium
Hike Leader: Bob Knapp
Contact Info: Please RSVP to 519-371-1255 or email rmknapp@yahoo.com
Wednesday January 29
Snowshoe Hike or Ski at McGregor Park
Meet: 10:00 am at McGregor Provincial Park Visitor Centre Parking Lot (parking fee in effect)
Meet up with the Happy Campers staying in Yurts 46 and 48 for a 2 hour snowshoe hike or cross-country ski. Hikers are invited to bring their own lunch and join the Happy Campers in their yurts following the hike. Bring icers as the park roads can be icy.
T: Moderate P: Medium
Hike Leader: Danuta Valleau
Contact Info: call 519-378-5630
Here are guidelines and terminology for the hike schedule –
WHERE TO MEET:
GXT is the Galaxy Theatre parking lot. Meet in the parking lot at the tall Galaxy Centre sign next to the traffic lights. The address is 1020 10th St. W, Owen Sound
MPL is the municipal parking lot by the river on the west side of 1st Ave. E
between 7th St. E. and 8th St. E.
GSCA is the Grey – Sauble Conservation Authority head office at 237897 Inglis Falls Road. Meet in the parking lot behind the office.
HD is the northeast corner of the parking lot at Home Depot on Highway 26 on the east side of Owen Sound.
If you wish to meet at the hike location please contact the leader ahead of
time to confirm the location.
HIKE RATING SYSTEM:
TERRAIN (T):
Easy: Mostly flat and good footing.
Moderate: Some hills and/or poor
footing.
Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and
some poor footing.
PACE (P):
Leisurely: 3 km/h or less
Medium: 3 to 4 km/h
Brisk: 4 to 5 km/h
Fast: more than 5 km/h
Map references are from the Bruce Trail Reference edition 29.
CAUTION Make sure that the described hike is within your fitness level. If you have questions or concerns about the hike please contact the hike leader beforehand.
PETS Please do not bring pets on the hike unless specified otherwise.
WHEN SNOWSHOEING:
Dress in layers to prevent overheating and bring water and snacks. Hiking poles are helpful for negotiating slopes and slippery sections. On bright days, wear sunglasses and sunscreen.