Sun, Nov 14 2010 - Bruce Trail: Eugenia/Hoggs Falls (View Original Event Details)

Event Coordinator(s): Alison
Participants:Jadie Z, Bashir, Alison, Vicente Zabala, Amal R, Sandra, Sylvia L, Galina S, Milan Linkesch, Jean-Paul (JP), Aria K


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Write Up:
Donations collected:  $13.75
Calories expended:  1,450(ish) per person
Carpool driving thanks to:  Galina, Sandra, Alison
This section of the Bruce turned out to be a lot more difficult then originally anticipated. On paper, it looks like any other 20km section of trail. On the ground, it turned out to be constant ups and downs, with no level areas to give the group a rest. Bruce Trail hikes over this distance usually include a couple of kilometres of road-walking - a chance to stretch the legs out to a full stride and give all muscles a chance to participate equally. The Eugenia-Rocklyn section provides a great workout for the leg muscles and cardio-vascular system, but is sure tough on the overall person!
The weatherman got it wrong, the hiking gods smiled on us, and we enjoyed a dry if chilly day for the entire hike. The group achieved a very creditable pace of around 4.5kph over the full hike. For our efforts, we were rewarded with spectacular views of Eugenia Falls from both the north and south sides, and the southern end of the Beaver Valley. The falls are not that full at this time of year - not much rain has fallen in the past month - but there was enough going over the edge of the escarpment to give us a good sense of what it would be like in full spate. We hiked in and out of different types of forest - big mature maples, birch scrub, coniferous plantations throughout the day. Lunch was taken sitting on a large, fallen silver birch, just after the Hoggs Falls Side Trail turnoff. Sadly, the only way to get close to the falls is by taking the side trail, so we had to view it from a distance, through the trees. The second half of our trail crossed several streams - fords only in this area, no bridges - but fortunately we had no wet feet, no slips, no twisted ankles. After briefly coming out into the open on the west side of valley, the last couple of kilo meters involved climbing over boulders and through stands of bramble canes, and our pace slowed down significantly. The climb down the side of the last major tributary to the Beaver River (and crossing it several times) was made in twilight so we were very happy to get back to the parking lot while there was still just enough light to see the path.
While retrieving the cars from the hike start point, a fully grown deer bounded across the road in front of us - a delight to see since we are in the middle of deer-hunting season! After the hike, we removed ourselves to the very comfortable, semi-private library of the Mad Hatter in Orangeville which is fast becoming the eating establishment of choice in that area. Hot food and yet more good conversation nicely finished off the day and it was a very content group who headed back to Toronto.
Sadly, this is probably the last hike of the year for the Bruce End-to-End, as there just isn't enough light in the day any longer - we lose about 3 minutes per day so two weeks until the next available date would mean it being dark nearly an hour ealier. Unless we start leaving Toronto around 6:30 in the morning and that is just too early. So, many thanks to all of you who have joined me on sections this season, and I look forward to continuing the adventure next spring...



Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Erik Sonstenes at photos@torontooutdoorclub.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.