Out & About #1076 | Claireville Conservation Snowshoeing + Paris Baguette Heartland

Early into the season, I had pitched the idea of a winter hike. The first proposal was a night walk fitted with LED installations, to which my browsing partner responded with a lukewarm tone, resisting commitment. Suffice to say, the event was scrapped as we weren't collectively entirely ecstatic at the idea.

When the Snowshoes and Snow Clues event at Claireville Conservation Area popped up on my radar, I immediately expressed interest. Admission was free and snowshoes would be provided - the sole requirement was early reservation via Eventbrite. One could choose between four sessions for these guided walks: 10:30 AM or 1:30 PM on both days of the weekend. Naturally, I sought out the later time slot on Saturday afternoon.

Leading up to the event, time and location details were circulated via an email to all registered participants. Arriving at least fifteen minutes early was recommended, such that all attendees had sufficient time to be fitted with snowshoes. Consequently, I urged my browsing partner to arrive early - not that it happened. Having feared congestion on the 401, we departed around the 12:15 PM mark, only to near the area with thirty minutes to spare. The brief buffer led us to Costco, where indoor plumbing facilities were guaranteed.

In spite of the location's enormous asphalt surface lot, there appeared an inadequacy of parking. Vehicles were spotted along the curb, in the roundabout, and in no-stopping loading zones. Visitor volumes within the warehouse weren't nearly as chaotic, however, allowing me to deduce that each vehicle carried, at most, two passengers including the driver. This was a noteworthy departure from the crowds swarming the Heartland location.

​Product variety and sample stations exceeded my home location on Laird. There were Rice Krispies Variety Packs, KRAFT Peanut Butter Thins, Lotte Zero gummies, and small bites from ACE Bakery Cheese Baguettes to filled mochi gummies.

Weaving through the self-checkout area, I made a beeline for our mandatory stop: spectacularly pristine indoor plumbing facilities. Claireville Conservation Area had not listed on-site washrooms on the amenities list, thus prompting us to err on the side of caution.

Seven minutes later, we pulled into the gravel lot of the TRCA Etobicoke Field Studies Centre. Although my browsing partner had been wary of potentially snowy roads, our concerns were appeased at seeing the comprehensive snow clearing.

Heading towards the entrance, we laid eyes on a sign that read "Nature Program". Passing by a family of four adjusting snowshoes over their boots, we entered into the building, where a member of staff greeted us. After verifying our names on the attendee list, two "beaver tail" snowshoes were provided for our use. Much to my relief, opposite the table of snowshoes were gender-separated washroom facilities - Huzzah!

A number of cubbies and hooks were spotted along the perimeter of the Field Studies Centre, likely to accommodate the backpacks and outerwear accompanying field trip groups and March Break camps. Additional two-way hooks were found outside, in a partially exposed wooden cubby sheltered by a sloping roof.
"Why is it so low?" inquired my browsing partner with apparent irritation.
"It's for kids!" I answered, matter-of-factly. "For when you eat outside and need a place to leave your stuff."
"You'd hit your head reaching for things."
"It's for kids!" I reiterated, "And the roof is to protect against the elements, as you can see." I gestured to the approximate 10 cm-thick layer of snow.

​The nearby picnic tables, bonfire pit, and adjacent basketball court had been enveloped in fluffy, white mass as a result of the recent snowstorm. A handful of picnic benches had been cleared for sitting, but we opted to test our snowshoes by walking about instead.

​The snowshoes were akin to individual snowboards, being longer and wider than one's foot but equipped with crampons for traction. Unlike snowboards and skis, the foot was not affixed to a continuous platform. Snowshoes enabled flexion and extension of the foot, meaning that the heel would lift off while walking and the toes would be permitted to dip into the underlying surface. In order to facilitate walking, one would need to slide the foot to the furthest/tightest point of the top loop. The subsequent loop could then be adjusted to fit snugly over the front of the foot, while an adjustable, belt-like loop would wrap around the heel. Loose ends weren't uncommon, but merely annoying; I settled to tuck them underneath other loops to prevent catching twigs or collecting snow.

Once all participants had geared up, one of two staff members gathered the group to demonstrate turning maneuvers and tips for trekking uphill. Given the length of the snowshoes - either "beaver tail" or shorter "bear paw" - users would need to turn slowly to change direction, or conduct a small loop, to ensure that the snowshoes would not overlap one another and cause loss of balance/falling. My browsing partner and I had figured this out on our own, though the reminder was likely helpful for those with lower levels of coordination. We were encouraged us to maintain our usual gait (walking stance) and use the crampons by digging the toes into the snow when climbing uphill. Loose, fluffy snow would induce slight sinkage, but stiff, compacted snow were easy to navigate given the added suspension.

​Soon, we commenced the journey into the woods in single-file. While one of the trail leaders guided the group while providing informative  tidbits, the second was stationed at the end to ensure all attendees were accounted for.

​Majority of the path was flat, with just a few sections of steep elevation and one instance of crossing over a frozen bridge. We proceeded at a relatively swift pace, stopping occasionally to identify areas of interest.

Animal tracks constituted the most prominent "snow clue". The thick, plush layers of precipitation, combined with lack of rain and snow leading up to the event day, had preserved the shape and trail of the tracks splendidly. Our guide provided insight on methods of identifying animal tracks (deer, rabbit, squirrels) and differentiating elements between tracks of domestic dogs and coyotes. The direction of travel was telltale of the animal's domestication status, for the tracks that reverted to the trail were likely belonged to a dog and his/her owner, while those that crossed the trail perpendicularly were likely wild and belonging to the conservation area.

​Our attention had also been drawn to berries on the side of the trail, insects encased within cocoons, and various types of excrement. "Scientists love poop!" our trail leader declared. "They tell a lot about the type of animal, its prey, and its predator, if present."

Contained within coyote feces were small strands of hair, as their prey consisted of fur-bearing species such as squirrels. Meanwhile, we also found a somewhat bloody, frozen mouse and damp, hair-less stool.

​My watch did not record the journey as I had hoped. From my observations, the group traversed between trailmarkers No. 31 to 34. Winds were minimal and temperatures admittedly mild. That said, it didn't stop my nose from becoming runny and my fingertips from accumulating frostiness. Vital on this trip was one pack of Kleenex and four handwarmers.

Around trailmarker No. 34, our guide paused for a brief stretch. He warned that, with repetitive, loaded movements, one can fatigue faster, making breaks critical for maintaining overall wellness. 

During the final leg of the trek. we were instructed to remove our snowshoes and try walking around in the snow on the side of the trail. Our ease of mobility was reduced significantly, to an uncanny yet utterly expected degree. Strapping on snowshoes had allowed the average person to venture further into the snow while conserving energy.

​Back in the Field Studies Centre, the snowshoes were returned to the table. I dashed towards the washrooms upon our return, while others completed a post-walk survey. Operating on a septic tank system, I ought to have known that flushing capabilities of the toilet would be inferior to commercial establishments. One wrong move lead to overflow, followed by the shameful confession to a member of staff. Ultimately, the drainage path unclogged naturally under water pressure, nixing the need for a plunger. Nevertheless, I couldn't feel any more apologetic for the mishap.

​Outside the lavatories was a water fountain, information desk, and rubber replicas of various types of animal feces. These artifacts were astoundingly realistic, embracing detailed textural features - but thankfully devoid of olfactory essences. Nearby were identification cards with rulers for accurate identification of its originating animal.

​The event was a fabulous experience, and a fun, free one to boot! Spanning just over one hour in moderate wintry climate (with snowshoes provided!), I truly could not have predicted a better educational adventure. Preservation of animal tracks ("snow clues"), in particular, were unique to having snow, thus necessary to explore in the winter months.

Post-snowshoeing activities would either involve heading home for the day or grabbing an afternoon snack first. The latter option would involve an expense of some sort, big or small, thus I had been inclined to merely head back. My browsing partner appeared reluctant to conclude the day as is, but expressed plain frustration instead of proposing alternatives. Embarking on the trip back and deciding midway was also frowned upon, for improvising while driving was not the preferred approach to travel.

To end the silent annoyance, I suggested Paris Baguette, given its convenient geographic coordinates.

Entering any Heartland plaza on a weekend afternoon is truly tragic, especially when it involves navigating around Costco's congested corridors and around one-way accesses. I quickly pointed towards the nearest parking spot available, then we made our way into the bustling space from the north entrance. Immediately adjacent was a bakery station for filling and finishing cream puffs; opposite was a refrigerated display with sandwiches, mini choux, and croissant sandwiches. This suburban outpost was undeniably more spacious than the North York store.

Trays and tongs were located next to the primary entrance on the west side of the establishment. As such, we'd be required to make our way through the stagnant weekend crowds before selection of buns and pastries.

With every step around the establishment, my browsing partner grew increasingly more impatient. "What do you want?!"
Frankly, I wasn't at all sure.

Two laps around the displays confirmed a craving for the Coffee Bun. We also agreed upon the bakery's signature Strawberry Soft Cream Cake. App users had the benefit of redeeming a complimentary Medium-sized beverage with any purchase. Initially, our gaze fell upon the priciest items on the menu: Lavender Matcha Frappe at $7.29 (Medium) or the Butter Pecan Sweet Cream Cold Brew at a whopping $8.85 (!!!). But I desired neither an icy beverage nor matcha. My heart instead yearned for a robust cup of milky coffee.

A Caramel Macchiato with Oat Milk and less caramel emerged as the final decision. Milk choices encompassed oat, almond, soy, homo, and half & half. While the substitution of oat milk would normally incur a 79-cent surcharge, the adjustment was complimentary as part of the voucher redemption.

​Queuing to place the order spanned approximately 7 minutes, while waiting for drink delivery another 7-10 minutes. The waiting area was chaotic, the counter was grimy, the tables wholly occupied, and the condiment counter sticky and/or damp. I refrained from visiting the washroom facilities under the assumption that busy weekend customer volumes would equate to revolting stalls.
Upon retrieving the order, I suggested consuming the items elsewhere, ideally a destination with a clean, private washroom.

The Coffee Bun, which I had presumed similarity to a Malaysian Roti Boy/Papparoti, bore greater resemblance to a low-gluten pastry with a cookie choux topping. It could also be described as being somewhat croissant-like in terms of its textured underside (lamination?) and buttery mouthfeel. The interior was tender in the way of pastry as opposed to brioche and encased a small pad of salted butter, though less than the standard quantity - think Pappa Roti and Pâtisserie Harmonie.

Unlike the depressing, wrinkly specimens from the Valentine's Day pre-order, the single slice of Strawberry Soft Cream Cake was fluffy and delicious, with just enough syrup to maintain moist layers and crunchy strawberries arranged throughout. The despicable, dry tops and bitter, mushy fruit of the previous experience were nowhere to be found. Suffice to say, the cake slices were a hit or miss.

Separately observed in store were the Chocoholic Chiffon Cake and Blueberry Chiffon Cake slices. I had remarked on their drastically non-uniform layers, wherein the top and bottom were noticeably thicker than the middle. All factors considered, the prices of Paris Baguette's cake remain unjustified. There likely wasn't a single $8-$10 creation that I could not replicate with my bare hands in the comfort of my own kitchen.

​Crafted with Lavazza espresso, the Caramel Macchiato was aromatic and gratifying, and not too sweet for pairing alongside carby creations (ie. buns). When paired alongside the cake slice though, it was a tad cloying for my liking. Let it be known that black coffee is best for consuming alongside sweet treats.

Sheerly on the basis of price, I'd be unlikely to return for a $4.39 Coffee Bun, $7.28 Caramel Macchiato (or $6.49 without oat milk), and $8.39 Strawberry Soft Cream Cake Slice. The buns were passable, but hardly deserving of their charging price.

​My browsing partner admitted to sluggish consumption of sugary goods, then gifted me a second package of TimTams. The Double Coat rendition adopted royal blue packaging, as opposed to the classic cocoa chroma.

​Unfortunately, in sampling the biscuits, they were confirmed to be at least three notches sweeter without providing heightened chocolatey-ness.