Little did we know that our chosen weekend for hiking had coincided with the Niagara Bench Lands Winter Winefest.
Entry onto the Holiday Trail was designated via bulb lights along the path. They would line the weaving Switchback Trail, then diverge onto Cataract Trail over the channel.
A short section had been covered with wooden planks, likely to combat unstable ground conditions due to water permeating. The sleepy polar extended commentary that the planks had been lacquered too sleek, increasing chances of slipping. Tactile strips had been installed on top, though arguably insufficient in providing enough friction against wet surfaces. Though the concept of using matte finishes was consistent with health and safety knowledge, I paid little to no attention to this remark, for constant concentration was used to improve traction regardless of in-situ natural ground conditions and man-made inclusions.
I settled for Two-Bite Brownies at Loblaws, and picked up a Gingerbread House kit while lodged in the same area.