The next few weeks are a particularly special time to walk and hike. Those who aren’t keen on winter weather can finally head outdoors to stretch out their limbs in the spring-kissed air. Soon the breezes will be carrying the fragrance of blossoms, and until the trees begin to leaf out in early May, we will be relatively free of blood-thirsty insects. No matter where you choose to walk – along the streets in your town, along country roads (on the left side, for safety please) in parks, or along trails, it’s just great to be out.
This is also the time of year, when, as snow piles melt away, ugly little deposits of ‘doggy do’ emerge. For the most part, people who take their dogs for walks are considerate and clean up after their pet(s). The poop-piles we see are usually left by those who don’t follow the ‘dogs on leash only’ rule. They don’t know if their dog makes a deposit because it is racing along, ahead, behind, out of sight.
The Maitland Woods, the Maitland Trail, the Millennium Trail and the GART are all, “Dogs must be on a leash” areas. Those who believe that their dog has the right to run free, have the responsibility to take their dog to a field or park where this is allowed. Obeying this rule will avoid owners of unleashed dogs finding themselves with the unhappy circumstance of having to pay a fine.
The Maitland Trail Associations trail rangers are heading out to their sections these days to check them over for winter damage, to cut back new growth hanging over the trail and to pick up litter. For the most part, there is hardly to be found… unless the trail runs beside a road.
Recently, one of our trail ranger teams picked up four garbage bags full of litter from the roadside in its section. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone invented a little gizmo that would make a car’s engine hiccup and then go dormant for an hour or two every time litter was thrown from the car window? Our road-sides would be so much lovelier!
Well, enough grumbling for today. It’s spring! Happy walking and hiking.
COMING EVENTS
Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m.
BLACK HOLE and ROSS TRAIL
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, 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.
Sunday, April 20 at 1 p.m.
MORRIS TRACT TO THE FALLS RESERVE
A burst of surprises from the forest floor! This is a level two hike (some long ascents and descents) but the pace will be slow (three hours +?) in order to identify and appreciate the beauty beside the trail. Contact John Hazlitt at 524-5927, or Leslie Bald at 291-3407 to find out the meeting location, if you plan to attend.
Saturday, April 26 at 11 a.m.
WILDFLOWER WALK at Jenkins to Morris Tract
A close look at the mysterious world of wild flowers! This will be a leisurely walk (three to four hours) so bring your lunch and water. If you plan to come, contact John Hazlitt at 524-5927 or Leslie Bald at 291-3407 to find out where we’ll meet.
Rain date: Sunday April 27 at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m.
HIKE RIVERLINE to AUBURN
If anyone would like a vigorous hike (three to four hours) along this section as well as having a chance to get to meet like-minded hikers from the Lambton area, phone David Druiett 519-869-2864. Be ready to hike briskly!
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