A change in scenery is required every so often. No matter the degree of traditionalist, mortals cannot further development under static conditions. Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and change is inevitable.
For this particular purpose, I proposed a mid-week drive up north to Collingwood, where people are few and temperatures more moderate than the suburbs.
The 2-hour drive served to kill two birds with one stone - why, many quotes are we using today - in that I would checking off one of the furthest bookmarks on my to-go list.
We stopped first in the Collingwood BIA for lunch, where McDonald's provided us sustenance and public washroom facilities (limited to single file entry). My initial intention had been to check out Gibson & Co., a local coffee shop, at our time of departure, however we ended up quite behind schedule and were unable to return before their slate closing time.
We stopped first in the Collingwood BIA for lunch, where McDonald's provided us sustenance and public washroom facilities (limited to single file entry). My initial intention had been to check out Gibson & Co., a local coffee shop, at our time of departure, however we ended up quite behind schedule and were unable to return before their slate closing time.
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Lunch comprised of a McChicken (with extra lettuce), a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and potato salad prepared late into the previous evening.
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And with that, we proceeded to the main feature of the day. Awaiting us was the Scenic Caves Nature Adventure and its dusty, gravel parking lot.
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Admission fees were on the lofty end of the spectrum, admittedly. Though, the trek and overall experience well warranted its price.
Nearly all access points were limited to one-way entry, including the ticket booth at the entrance. Masks or face coverings had been made mandatory for all entering the premises, however staff had explained them to be "optional". And given the layout of the outdoor facility, its noncompulsory status made sense.
Nearly all access points were limited to one-way entry, including the ticket booth at the entrance. Masks or face coverings had been made mandatory for all entering the premises, however staff had explained them to be "optional". And given the layout of the outdoor facility, its noncompulsory status made sense.
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View the full album HERE !
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Laminated trail maps were provided to us upon surrend of the admission fee; the sheet depicted several coloured routes, all one-way paths, with different symbols denoting difficulty.
Signage had been implemented throughout the site, with certain areas roped off for distinct designation of the appropriate path.
Signage had been implemented throughout the site, with certain areas roped off for distinct designation of the appropriate path.
The Scenic Caves connected to Ontario's infamous Bruce Trail, but was not quite a provincial park. The self-acclaimed "hiking centre" featured 15 kilometres of trail, mixing gravel, wood chips, dirt, and breezy, shaded paths. That said, the highlight was undoubtedly the steep plummet into the "caves". Jagged and intimidating, the cluster of boulders proved quite the challenge to traverse. Hiking boots and wrist/knee guards are highly recommended, as is tackling the segment early on to prevent fatigue-induced injury.
As with many situations, being vigilant is crucial. Dramatic changes in elevation and the occasional protruding stone are quick to pounce on careless hikers.
As with many situations, being vigilant is crucial. Dramatic changes in elevation and the occasional protruding stone are quick to pounce on careless hikers.
Nonetheless, the paths provided a great daytime adventure. With majority of visitors respecting the 2-metre (or more) distancing protocol, masks could be removed for ease of breathing, in one's ten-count social bubble, of course.
Attendants and trail maps at different points along the way ensured that guests would be navigating efficiently and enjoying themselves thoroughly, even in the face of COVID-19. Along the way were even promises of ice cream for encouragement!
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The hut had been positioned strategically towards the end of the Caves Lookout trail, serving to reward those triumphing over the unexpected exhibit of moss-blanketed boulders with their choice of an Oreo drumstick, Rolo drumstick, or Haagen Dazs bar.
Much to our glee, the ice cream resisted dissolution amidst the humidity, remaining icy with each bite. Moreover, they were priced far more reasonably than anticipated: $2.50 per drumstick instead of the whopping $12 double scoop cones from Sweet Dreams.
Another enjoyable aspect was the absence of bugs and pests. Rocky downhill descents and areas devoid of tree cover were quite tragic for our knees and scalps, though the trails generally comprised of a mix of terrain styles. Lining the journey were frequent gusts and beautiful, bokeh-like shadows.
Where attendants were present, sanitizers also reared their heads. Garbage bins had also been placed sparingly about to reduce littering.
Where attendants were present, sanitizers also reared their heads. Garbage bins had also been placed sparingly about to reduce littering.
We concluded the four-hour expedition with the yellow trail, otherwise known as the Suspension Bridge Loop.
| Scenic Caves Trail Map - Summer 2020 |
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I couldn't resist but pay the gift shop a quick visit, resulting in the subsequent acquisition of a themed shot glass - a properly patriotic one to replace the specimen that had succumbed to mistreatment (via the dishwasher) over a decade prior. Bathrooms were available for guest usage, though we hastily hauled ourselves back to the vehicle in preparation for the next stop.
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Visits to the local brewery are not unprecedented on this space, and Side Launch's in-store exclusives were sufficient reason to detour.
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Entry inside the brewery was prohibited. Customers instead had the options of purchasing cans to go, or ordering pints for the patio. We took to the former, then returned to McDonald's for a last pit stop before hitting the road.
Pictured is a Cranberry Orange Muffin hailing from McD's; not pictured is their summer staple of one-dollar Iced Coffee.
The evening ended with homemade Turkey Dill Meatballs, a refreshing Wheat Ale, sweet yet sultry Midnight Lager, and quick glimpses of neighbourhood fireworks.
Happy 153rd Birthday, Canada!
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