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Exploring the rail-trails and boardwalks
By Wendy Hoernig
Friday March 28, 2008 The weatherman threw a loop at me - how unusual! Anticipating that we’d be having normal spring weather by the time the last Focus reached you, I wrote of walk locations for slushy, muddy weather. Since that time, the thermometer has rarely struggled above zero and as I write (Tuesday), a spring storm is snowing and blowing enthusiastically outside my window.
When those heaps and drifts finally get their chance to disintegrate and trickle away, here are a few more options of good walks that you can take without becoming mired in mud. Rail-trails and boardwalk trails are usually excellent locations for muddy season walking.
Because rail-trails are created on a raised ‘bed’, they tend to be well drained and a really good place to walk when other areas are muddy. The Goderich to Auburn Rail Trail has had a layer of stone dust added to several kilometres of its surface, which also improves the walking conditions. The Wingham Community Trail is also built partially along a rail-trail, and offers good spring-time walking.
When snow blows or melts off boardwalks, you are left with a walkway that is raised above all of the wet mess. I’m talking about actual boardwalk trails, such as the one along the Goderich waterfront. Many hiking trails also have sections of boardwalk. These are great until the wooden planks begin to age, at which point many become very slimy when wet. Caution and a slow pace are definitely required when walking. The Maitland Trail Association has nailed shingle strips onto all of our boardwalks to provide traction, so that people walking along them won’t slip. Other trail organizations are working towards the same goals, but it takes time, manpower and money.
This spring, when dry conditions are available, the MTA has offered to help the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority nail shingle strips on the extensive boardwalks at Naftel’s Creek. If you are one of the hundreds of people who have enjoyed this wonderful area just south of Goderich, there is a way to express your gratitude for the pleasure it has provided you.
You can help solve the slimy boardwalk problem, either with a donation (MVCA., Box 127, Wroxeter, Ontario, N0G 2X0), or with hammer power, phone the Hoernigs at 524-6976.
Finally, for another variation on the theme of interesting town walks, pop into the tourism office on Hamilton St. in Goderich, and pick up the pamphlet on heritage walks in Goderich. There are four different walks, each taking approximately an hour.
Spring IS here, despite the contradictory weather we are sometimes seeing, there are places where you can head out for a brisk walk. Pretty soon you will be admiring lovely spring gardens as you walk around your community. Happy walking and hiking!
COMING EVENTS
Hike at Maitland Woods, Goderich
Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m.
Get to know this beautiful and convenient location better by experiencing a walk along its trail with a knowledgeable guide. It will be approx. 1 ? - 2 hour walk on an easy trail. For the meeting place or more information, contact John Hazlitt at 524-5927, or Hilary Hodgins 955-2885. Rain date: Sunday March 30.
Introduction to Geocaching
Saturday, April 5 at 1 p.m.
Geocaching is a sport for all age groups and all abilities. Basically, individuals and/or organizations, using handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers, set up geocaches and post the latitude and longitude of the location of the geocaches on the internet. GPS users can then use the coordinates to find the geocaches. When you find one, you take something from the container, leave something you've brought, sign the logbook, and return the container to it's hiding spot for the next finder. It is an adventurous activity that adds a modern dimension to hiking. Come and find out what it’s all about. To find out the meeting place, phone John Thompson 524-8144.
Hike the Black Hole and Ross Trail
Saturday April 12 at 1 p.m.
It’s been 100 years since . . . well, to find out, you’ll just have to come on out for this fascinating hike of historical significance! It will be a 1 ? to 2 hour, moderate hike, led by John Hazlitt. If you plan to take part, please call John at 524-5927 or Wendy Hoernig (524-6976) for the meeting place. |
