DHBTC Through The Eyes of Alan Morgan

Let me introduce you to retired university of Waterloo geology /geography professor Alan Morgan, who has a passion for hiking. He is a member of the Bruce Trail, loves nature and has a passion for the outdoors and photography.

Since retiring in 2009, Alan hikes to stay active and pursue his interests and passions. He began walking the Bruce Trail end-to-end last year and hopes to finish have it fully completed by the end of 2012.  He recently finished end-to-end hikes of the Peninsula and the Dufferin Hi-Land sections. The Peninsula walk was a 12-day hike, which took place over 6 weekends, while the Dufferin Hi-Land section took 3 days of hiking.

The Dufferin Hi-Land hike was an organized group hike that gave Alan the satisfaction of having completed the task, as well as having a photographic record of the accomplishment. “I’m very interested in photography,” Alan tells us. “I like to stop and look,” and luckily for us take some stunning images. Here is the trail through the eyes of Alan Morgan – you can’t miss his passion for nature and photography.

 View the slideshow here!

Alan, thank you for sharing!

 

Splitrock Narrows Land Conservation

The Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail is proud to announce their preservation of Splitrock Narrows. Once a mighty glacier, this now majestic meadow filled with rolling hills, passageways, lavish forests, and wildflowers offers members of the Bruce Trail the ability to enjoy hikes extended from the Optimum Route, with the help, commitment, and donations of the club.

By joining the Bruce Trail Club and the Dufferin Hi-Land Club, participants will be able to explore the 73 acres of prime Niagara Escarpment forest, cliff, and meadow, just north of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. On April 22, 2012, members alike will have the brilliant opportunity to explore Splitrock Narrows, including the crevice system, early wildflowers, and unbelievable views along with the company of others.  With the generosity of members and participants of the event, the Bruce Trail Club and the Dufferin Hi-Land Club will be able raise the projected costs , $410,000,for preserving the land by May 24,2012.

So for those who are interesting in helping with this great cause, here are the details regarding the time and location of the event.

·         

         The exploration of Splitrock Narrows will be between 10 am and 3 pm on April 22, 2012

·         Location: 1 km north of the 25^th Sideroad, Mono, on the 2^nd Line EHS

·          

      Directions: From Highway 10, proceed north past Orangeville to the 25^th Sideroad and turn right. Proceed to the 2^nd Line EHS and turn left. Follow the signs for the event and parking.

·          

      Directions: From Airport Road, proceed north pas the Hockley Valley to the 25^th Sideroad and turn left. Follow the signs for the event and parking

·        

          While the Bruce Trail is not currently on this property, its location can be seen on Map 19 of the 26^th Edition Bruce Trail Reference, just north of the northern end of the Walter Tovell Side Trail

For more information, please visit the Bruce Trail website at http://brucetrail.org/pages/land-conservation/splitrock-narrows, or call 1-800-665-4453

Bruce Trail Photo Contest

Yes, one of your Bruce Trail photos could be on the cover of this year’s summer issue of the Bruce Trail magazine. All members will have the opportunity to submit a photo(s) that are quintessentially “Bruce Trail” as part of the 4^th Annual BTC Photo Contest. Images may include landscapes, trail features, flora, fauna, and/ or people. They can be anything from volunteers hard at work clearing bush along the trail to a glistening river that flows alongside the wildflower-lined path. In addition to having the winner’s photo being features on the cover of the next magazine, a Bruce Trail gift pack and mounted print of their magazine cover will also be given.

Here are some more details about the contest to consider.

Entries

• The contest is open to Bruce Trail members only; however, voting is open to everyone who visits http://brucetrail.org/

• Since the winning photo will be featured on the summer issue of the Bruce Trail magazine, images that are noticeably fall or winter will be disqualified

• A panel of BTC judges will select 10 finalists

• Once 10 finalists are chosen, voting is open to the public

• Images from all 10 finalists will appear inside the Summer 2012 issue

• Photos must be taken along the Bruce Trail or one of its side trails

• To enter, use your Member Login and submit by March 21, 2012

• Members may submit up to 3 photos

Dates to Remember

• Photo entry deadline is March 21, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST

• Voting takes place between March 28 and April 18, 2012

• The winner is announced on April 19, 2012

For more information about the contest and to see photos from last year’s finalists, please visit http://brucetrail.org/pages/contests

March Break Hiking Safety Solutions

Welcome to March!

With March break, the highlight of most students’ spring, looming just around the corner, we wanted to take some time to discuss hiking safety in the snow and ice.

The Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail is, of course, open to everyone during the March break, with regularly scheduled hikes taking place – for further information, see our Calendar page!  When visiting the trail, it is essential to take the weather conditions into consideration. As this winter has been unpredictably warm and then cold, you can expect that there will be snow and ice to contend with.

So especially for younger and inexperienced hikers, here are some safety tips to ensure everyone enjoys the trail safely and comfortably.

• Use the right gear – make sure that you are wearing appropriate footwear for winter hiking. You’ll want hiking boots that are both warm and waterproof. These should not be the same pair of walking shoes you’d wear in the summer
• Wear insulated layers – you’ll be warm while hiking but stopping for a break will find you cool if you aren’t dressed properly.
• Try to pick sunny days that follow a storm – you’ll get the enjoyment of both the sun and the snow while it lasts
• Carry a map and a flashlight – its best to know where you’re going, but you should always carry both, just in case. The last thing you want is to be caught in the dark, uncertain of where you’re going, especially in the shorter winter days
• Pack water and use sun protection – even though it isn’t a sunny, hot, summer day, make sure to avoid dehydration and the harsh effects of the sun to get the most out of your hike
• Hike with a group, or at least a friend – its best to have someone with you in case problems arise. An added bonus is the company and bonding that you’ll enjoy on your hike. If you have to hike alone, or insist upon it, make sure to let someone know where you’ll be in case of emergencies
• Bring a cell phone – a fully charged cell phone is a great tool to bring with you. It’s lightweight, the camera ensures you can capture the best winter scenes and will be invaluable should an emergency arise.
• A solid walking stick, or two hiking poles, with a sharp point is very helpful when negotiating steep ice covered paths frequently found in woods during the early spring.

We could go on about the tips for winter hiking for days, but these are some that we feel are essential for an enjoyable day on the Bruce Trail. For additional tips and tricks to make the most of the icy or snowy trails, you can check out:

http://www.trailsforhealth.ca/winter+trail+tips.aspx

http://www.tenpoundbackpack.com/winter-hiking-tips/

Be safe and enjoy the trails this March Break!

Let The Leader in You Flourish!

One of the best things about the Bruce Trail is that it is available to everyone! There are activities all year round, and various events within each of the clubs. Among these events are organized hikes, which are available in three different levels. The DHBTC offers Level I, II, and III hikes based on your ability and comfort level. 

Currently, the DHBTC is interested in offering more Level 1 hikes. These are entry level hikes that assist in introducing the general public to hiking, and are a great starting point for any fitness level. 

In order to accommodate more of these hikes to supplement our current program, however, we need you! 

The DHBTC, in conjunction with several other clubs, will be offering Hike Leader Certification Training this spring in Mono Centre. This is a one-day course that is delivered by Hike Ontario, and which rewards participants with their Hike Ontario certification. The training program is offered to DHBTC members for $37.50, and is also open to all others for $75.

The training program will take place on March 18, at the Mono Community Centre. Registration is at 9:30 am and the course will begin  promptly at 10:00 am. The course will be finished by 5:00 pm, at which point you’ll have your Hike Ontario certification! This course includes a short hike on a nearby section of the Bruce Trail, so participants are advised to wear or bring hiking boots and a backpack, packed as if they were a hike leader. You’ll also want to bring your lunch, though coffee, tea, and snacks will be available. 

To be a part of this great opportunity, all you have to do is preregister by March 2, 2012 by completing this preregistration form and mail the form with a cheque to:

Dufferin H0-Land Bruce Trail Club

c/o Les Babbage

144 Jane Street

Toronto ON

M6S 3Y6

There is a minimum enrollment for the training of 10 people, and a maximum of 25 people so reserve your space quickly, as registrations are taken on a first come, first served basis.

We can’t wait to see in you in training, and leading hikes of your own! This is a great opportunity to get involved with the trail and with hiking, and we strongly encourage you to take part! 

For additional information, please feel free to contact Les Babbage - Hike Director - Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club
les.babbage@sympatico.ca
416-763-8854 (evenings) 

Fresh Air and Family Fun - The DHBTC Has It All!

Hey there! Welcome to the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club’s official blog. Here you’ll be able to find information about upcoming events, the trail, and the ways you can become involved! 

The Bruce Trail is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The trail, which stretches along the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory, is one of only a few UNESCO designated reserves in Canada. It spans over 800km of trail and is Canada’s oldest and longest continuous trail.  It is divided into 9 clubs, each of which maintains a specific portion of the trail. The Dufferin Hi-Land Club is among those nine. This portion of the trail stretches from Caledon Hills to the Blue Mountain area.

The great thing about the trail is that whether you’re looking for volunteer involvement, physical activity, or quality family time, you’ll find it here. The trail is only possible through the hard work of volunteers and the generosity of donors. If you’d like to get involved, please see our membership page for further information. 

Speaking of family time, Family Day is just around the corner. With a day designated to time spent with family, what better way to enjoy time together than to get outdoors. Though the winter has been fairly mild, we’ve just been blessed with some beautiful snow. Bring your snowshoes or your winter hiking boots and enjoy the trail’s beauty while covered in a bed of snow.  The trail is free to anyone, but please leave it the way you found it – take nothing with you but photos and leave nothing but footprints. 

For further information about the trail, membership, or any of the events that are planned for the future, please feel free to peruse the other pages found herein. We hope to see you soon! Have a wonderful Family Day!

Here is a sneak peak of the Boyne River on the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail in the winter - just gorgeous!