I've been quick to suggest hiking - or any outdoor activity, really - for the vast majority of my recent meetups. As the seemingly ceaseless trend of laptop-bound analysis continues, my body, mind, and soul desires nothing more than time away from work, and maybe a GOT7 concert (but let's be realistic ̶h̶e̶r̶e̶ for now).
View the full album HERE !
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My detour to Albion Falls had gestured in the direction of Hamilton once again, however plans were modified upon the discovery that trails to the falls were now shuttered from the public. Webster Falls, a location that had regrettably been omitted in my Dundas Peak adventure, was also removed from the list of possibilities given Conservation Hamilton's imposed reservation policy.
Plan C lay with the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, a casual trail easily accessed by highway and neatly nestled in suburbia. A quick review of the surrounding terrain indicated a leisurely walk approximating no longer than two hours, should the entirety of the area be traversed. This factor was particularly important, given my strict appointment slot in the latter part of the afternoon.
Parking was available in a gravel lot by the trail entrance. Despite its proximity to adjacent residential communities though, it was not free. While I cannot confirm whether payment of such fees was enforced, a meter resided at the centre of the lot for self-led services.
Swapping my Birks for Hi-Tecs, we commenced on the Orange Trail, noting points of interest on the map. The first highlight was Potruff Spring; it had dried up, resulting in a somewhat awkward positioning of the nearby lookout bench. Not far from the overpass was Potruff Cave, where a boisterous family with two young children swiftly scaled down. I suggested continuing onwards, not wanting to remain within close proximity of the other party.
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Trail markings were admittedly unclear, with faded arrows point off the gravel trail and into the woods. Nonetheless, we marched on. Elevation was minimal, with an overall delta of 6 m for the Orange Trail and parts of the Yellow Trail. The absence of steepness rendered the area suitable for children, though leaves a lot to be desired for those hankering for a respectable hike.
Muddy detours off the main trail led us to compact sections of tree - or rather, bush - cover. One led to a stream, another a dim dead end, and another a mere loop to where we had come.
Muddy detours off the main trail led us to compact sections of tree - or rather, bush - cover. One led to a stream, another a dim dead end, and another a mere loop to where we had come.
The caves resembled large cracks in the ground rather than smooth sections of rock formed by sedimentation. Damp conditions contributed to a musty smell, while the tops were coated in a light layer of dust, likely transported by foot traffic on the main trails. We descended down the Nexus Cave, wherein a nearby waterway terminated. Not far from this point was the Nexus Cave Window. It offered a deeper, narrower opening at the base of a tree. With minimal illumination in the area, evaporation was less prominent. From the top of the "window", a baby mouse was spotted curling about the slick surfaces of the stones beneath.
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We completed the entirety of the Orange Trail in about ninety minutes. Sightings of nature were quite familiar and consistent with its geographical coordinates: ladybugs, rabbits, earthworms, as well as the common daisy.
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The sole disparity: an expansive assortment of wild mushrooms, vivid in hue and viably toxic.
Exclusive of the Blue Trail, our trek totalled 4.18 km. Perspiration and exertion nominal, we succeeded in postponing lunch until the 2 PM mark. An attempt at Egyptian takeout was made, but when the establishment was nowhere to be found on site, we turned to Timmies and McD's before retracing our path onto Red Hill Valley Parkway.
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Two thorough douses of bug repellant ensured a post-rainfall mosquito-free experience.
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