The "Mood Walks" Success Story

Mood Walks is a program initiated by HikeOntario in partnership with the CanadianMental Health Association and ConservationOntario to expose mental health clients to

regular, quality hiking experiences. The general ideabeing that several metrics of mental health for anindividual can be uplifted by a routine of regular longwalks or hikes, a notion well-supported by clinicalstudies. As you have read in earlier newsletters, GHTCpioneered this activity for two previous seasons inpartnership with The Homewood (Christine Wenzlerand Jalna Colquohoun coordinating a number ofGHTC's certified hike leaders who led short walks.)

In 2014 Mood Walks expanded on this groundbreakingexperience by offering funding, training and projectcoordination that allowed for The Homewood to mounta slate of 10 longer weekly hikes for its older clients. Homewood made the client contacts, promoted theprogram, provided accompanying staff, and transportedclients to the venues. These included well-knowndestinations ranging from Rockwood CA, the StarkeyHill and Spencer Gorge (none of the clients had everbeen there; few had even been to Starkey Hill.) Weeven managed a group of 25 through thesemi-wilderness of Section 2 of Speed River Trail,successfully navigating its tricky drain-holes, planksand swamps. Clients' reactions to the hikes verged onthe ecstatic.

GHTC's job was easy. We simply provided "the guide"and sweep, and picked the locations and routes, allunder 4.5 km or 90 minutes. Thanks to the many hikeleaders and other members who came when asked tohelp with one or more of the 10 hikes. To help cementthe hiking habit with the clients, I presented aninteractive, condensed version of the Hike Ontario"Safe Hiker" course one morning at The Homewood.Clients were left with a list of 23 locations within theCity with worthwhile hiking that could be accessed bybus (though a number of the clients did drive.)

Province-wide, the program was a stunning success.And the GHTC / Homewood program had the highestturnouts of clients, averaging over 2 dozen each week.And Hike Ontario's Mood Walks presentation at theHike Ontario Summit in Guelph received the highestrating out of all 11 sessions, made especially poignantby the most moving and positive testimonials by anumber of the clients and mental health agency staffwho came to this presentation.

The CMHA is currently seeking funding to sponsorMood Walks in 2015, and a number of members havesaid they would love to again be involved.

Bill Mungall (Coordinator, 2014 Mood Walks)

GHTC Newsletter - March, 2015 - Page 3

GH

HIKING SCHEDULEMar 2015 through mid July 2015

Over the years the GHTC has enjoyed permission from the generosity of private landowners for footpathsthrough their property. The friendship, respect and trust of these landowners are the Club’s most importantassets. Let us continue to care for and properly use their property while maintaining the objectives of the Club.

All hikers should check the GHTC web site www.guelphhiking.com for detailed advice and information onTerrain Rating System, Hike Speed, special seasonal instructions and other timely recommendations.

• To avoid disappointment due to cancellation, please notify the hike leader if you intend to join a scheduledhike.

• Cancelled, changed or rescheduled hikes will be posted on the GHTC web site as TWEETS. You can also “Follow”our TWEETS to have them sent automatically to your smartphone or tablet. The calendar of events, accessedfrom GHTC home page will also reflect cancellations and changes. The leader may choose to post a rain datehere. Be sure to check for updates and impromptu hikes!

• Occasionally it proves more convenient for a hike leader to select a meeting place that is not in Guelph. If youcannot arrange a ride to get there, call the hike leader who may know of someone who is willing to take you.In other out-of-town hikes the leader will meet at a local location to carpool. If the distance is considerable, itis customary to offer to help pay for the gasoline.

• It is important to stay with the group while hiking, alerting the leader of intentions to ‘drop-out’ at thebeginning a necessity and appreciated.

NOTE: HIKE Dates and TITLES in BOLD are conducted by the Guelph Hiking Trail Club.

Thanks again to GHTC hike leaders for a great hiking schedule that address different interests and hikinglevels.

And just a reminder that the times listed with hikes are departure times so please arrive 5-10 minutesearlier. We would be disappointed if we left without you.

***************************** NOTE *********************************GHTC’s dogs on hike policy is that unless hike states “dogs welcome” please call the leader to determineif dogs make be brought on hike.

As long as the parking lot at the Guelph Covered bridge off of Gordon St. is occupied by road constructionequipment the leader will be waiting on the west side of the covered bridge.

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Sat Feb 28 ELORA TO FERGUS LOOP 8kmHike the Cataract Trail between Elora and Fergus. Meet at the Guelph Canadian Tire Store on Woodlawn Ave for a 1pmdeparture. Carpool to Fergus and hike the loop. Bring water, snack, appropriate footwear and clothing for snow and ice.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Thu Mar 05 UP AND DOWN AROUND TOWN TWO RIVERS FULL MOON HIKE 2hrGuided by the light of a full moon, we hike around Guelph's core plus the two rivers Royal Recreational Trails. Park alongCardigan Street or in the Youth Music Centre parking lot opposite London Road for a 7 p.m. start at Goldie Mill Park. Bringwater and lights.Leader: Susan Bard 519 836-6570; Peter Jaspers-Fayer 519-835-0829. Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Mar 07 MOUNT NEMO 8kmMeet 10am on west side of the Guelph covered bridge, on Gordon Street for car pooling to the trail head for a loop hike on theNiagara Escarpment. Bring snacks and water.Leader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell ` Level 3 Speed Moderate

Sun Mar 08 GUELPH LAKE CONSERVATION TRAILS 2hrThe Trails at Guelph Lake are very beautiful in the winter. Meet at 10am at the Guelph Golden Griddle Parking Lot offWoodlawn Rd. E. to carpool to the Guelph Conservation Park (Conservation Rd.) and we will hike for about 2 hours.Leader: Suzanne Gates 519-265-3962 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Mar 14 BREAKFAST AT BONNIE LOU'S CAFE, FLORADALE 7kmMeet at Bonnie Lou's Cafe in Floradale for an 8:30am breakfast to enjoy homemade Mennonite food. We will then do the 7kmloop around the Woolwich Reservoir. Bring water and wear appropriate footwear.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 1. Speed Moderate

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Sun Mar 15 ROYAL RECREATION TRAIL 2hrMeet 1pm on west side of the Guelph covered bridge, on Gordon Street for a loop hike around the Eramosa River from Gordonstreet to Victoria Road then back.Leader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sat Mar 21 CALEDON TRAILWAY 15-20 km 5-6 hrWe will explore the Caledon Trailway, part of the National Trail, an abandoned rail-line between Caledon East and Terra Cotta.This will be an easy hike over 5 or 6 hours. Bring water and a lunch. We will meet near Georgetown around 9:30am. Call Mikefor details of the rendezvous place. Optional drop out after 8km at Ingelwood needs to be arranged in advance with leader.Leader: Mike Curtis 1-905-877-4134 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thur Mar 19 Trek & Tell Rift Valley End to End (almost) Gord KingZhers Community Room, Imperial &Paisley, Guelph 7:00 to 9:00 pm

Sun Mar 22 LIMEHOUSE LOOP 2-3hrMeet 1pm on west side of the Guelph covered bridge, on Gordon Street for a loop hike, come see the Hole in the wall, andheritage lime kilns restored. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell Level 3. Speed Moderate

Sat Mar 28 RIVERSIDE PARK - PHOTO HIKE 3-5km, 2hrWe will explore the trail on the east side of the river, north to Woodlawn Rd. Bring a camera that you are comfortable using.Meet at the unpaved parking lot at the north end of the park just off Woodlawn Rd in Guelph, at 1:30 PM. Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822 5181 bobfan@idirect.com Level 1, casual

Sat Mar 28 DIFFERENT KIND OF SOUTH END LOOP 2.5-3hrMeet at the very back of the Bishop MacDonell High School parking lot on Clair Rd at 9am. We will do a loop hike thatincludes a variety of trail conditions, from light bush-whacking to groomed gravel trail, and will go through a wide variety ofterrain on both sides of the Hanlon Expressway. Contact hike leader for ride or car pool.Leader: dculham@gmail.com, 519 716-8273 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Mar 29 FAMILY MAPLE SYRUP EVENT Join us at Shady Grove Maple Farm – 6640 Fife Road (Woolwich) at 2:00 pm. Learn about making Maple Syrup, take a rideon a horse drawn wagon, enjoy the small petting zoo and feast on pancakes and maple syrup (extra cost for pancakes). There isalso a short walking trail. Admission is $ 8.00 for adults and $ 5.00 for children. Children under 3 go free. 25% discount forgroups of 25 and over. Carpool at Tim Hortons on Imperial and Wellington at 1:30 pmLeader: Florence White – fpwhite@sympatico.ca - 519-824-6241 Level 1, casual

Wed Apr 01 HISTORIC DOWNTOWN RAMBLE AND RANT 2½ hrLed by one of the Arts Council's historic walks guides, we will wander around downtown and hear stories old and new of someof the buildings and persons who have given the downtown its unique cachet. Meet at 1pm in the rear parking lot of Church ofOur Lady.Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com. Level 1. Speed Slow

Sat Apr 04 KELSO (MILTON) 2-3hrMeet in parking lot in the plaza on the NW corner of Clair/Gordon. Car pool will depart for Kelso at 9am... approximately 30minute drive. We will walk along the escarpment trail, checking out 1000+ yr old cedars and impressive views. Optionalrestaurant lunch stop at the Trail Eatery before return drive (contact hike leader in advance if interested so arrangements can bemade).Leader: dculham@gmail.com, 519 716-8273 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thu Apr 09 STARKEY HILL 1½hrMeet at 6:30pm in Starkey Hill parking lot, south side of Arkell Rd., about 1km east of Arkell Village. We may see a few earlywild flowers such as Hepatica.Leader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell Level 2. Speed Casual

Sat Apr 11 ELORA GORGE AREA (GVTA TRAIL) 4km, 1hrSpectacular views of the Grand. Meet at parking lot of ball diamond on west side Ct.Rd7 (Elora Rd) and Middlebrook Rd. for a10am departure. Please call before heading out for any last minute changes or cancellations.Leader: Stan Litch 519-843-5915 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Apr 12 SNYDERS FLATS 7km, 2hrMeet at the Guelph Woodlawn Canadian Tire parking lot for a 1pm departure. Car pool to Bloomingdale for an easy hike alongpart of the Grand Valley trail. Bring water, insect repellent, no dogs.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 1. Speed Moderate

Thu Apr 16 ROCKWOOD CONSERVATION 1½ hrHike the Rockwood Conservation area trails and view some of the 200 glacial potholes found here. We'll pass by one of the 12caves and the ruins of a woollen mill as we follow the Eramosa River that will take us to Rockwood's Main Street. Park onMary or Falls Street in Rockwood for a 6:15pm start.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 1. Speed Moderate

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Sat Apr 18 HALTON AGREEMENT FOREST 3hrWe enter on the 4th Line of Nassagaweya and hike along fire road and parts of Bruce Side Trail. Meet on west side of theGuelph covered bridge, on Gordon Street at 1pm to car pool. Bring water and snacks. Trails may be wet.Leader: Norm 519-831-3657, Gayle 519-856-1012 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sun Apr 19 SPEED RIVER TRAIL SECTIONS 2 AND 3 END-TO-END PART 1 10kmHere is your first chance to earn the new and attractive GHTC End-to-End badge! Hike leaders are breaking the trail into agreater number of hikes so as to make earning the end-to-end more accessible for those who prefer a led-hike. We will try tohave these shorter hikes cover the length of the Speed and Radial Line Trails over course of the year. Meet on west side of theGuelph covered bridge, on Gordon Street in Guelph at 9:30am.Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com Level 2. Speed Moderate

Wed Apr 22 EARTH DAY SPEED RIVER TRAIL SECTION 2 HIKE 2hrThis section is perfect to find some spring flora along with beginning vegetation on an evening hike. Bring water. Meet 6p.m. atthe east end of the plaza cornering on Wellington Street and Imperial Road to shuttle to start point.Leader: Susan Bard 519 836-6570; Peter Jaspers-Fayer 519-835-0829. Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Apr 25 TRAILS OPEN - PRESERVATION PARK 45-75min (a.k.a. the Hanlon Creek Conservation Area) celebrating our 5th Annual Doors Open/Trails Open event, we are featuringguided walks through a slice of this huge 450 acre wetland. (GHTC opened the first – ever trails through this area in 1976.)Learn how the area came to be acquired, about the ancient Guelph Esker, and how volunteers were raised to complete the manyboardwalks and bridges. Short hikes leave at 10:30, 12:30 and 3:00. Longer hike of 3.5 km at 1:30. Meet in Hanlon Creek Parkparking lot on north side of Kortright Road. Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com. Level 1. Speed Slow

Sun Apr 26 RADIAL LINE SECTION 1 - PHOTO HIKE 3-5km, 2hrWe will explore the west end of Section 1, including the Blue side trail. Bring a camera that you are comfortable using. Meet atthe Guelph Eramosa river Park at Victoria Rd and the Eramosa River, at 1:30 PM.Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822 5181 bobfan@idirect.com Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sun Apr 26 MIKE'S TRADITIONAL SPRING HIKE 6hrThis is a great hike, looping along the Bruce Trail near Scottsdale Farm, north of Georgetown. The meeting place is onTrafalgar Road north of Hwy 7, opposite the Cango gas Station (Silvercreek) at 10:00am, and a three minute drive takes us tothe parking lot at Scottsdale Farm. We will follow the Bruce and a couple of side trails returning to the cars around 4:00ish. Wear appropriate clothing, andfootwear (rocks can be slippery), lunch and water are essential. Leader: Mike Curtis 905-877-4134 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thu Apr 30 STARKEY HILL SPRING WILDFLOWER WALK 1½hrMeet at 6:30pm in Starkey Hill parking lot, south side of Arkell Rd., about 1km east of Arkell Village. We will meander along trail looking for wild flowers such as Trilliums, Hepatica, Spring Beauty and Dutchman's Breeches.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012, Jim Hoare James.W.Hoare@gmail.com or 519-835-5284 Level 2. Speed Casual

Sat May 02 HOCKLEY VALLEY 14km, 4-5hrHike the Bruce Trail in beautiful Hockley Valley. Meet on west side of the Guelph covered bridge, on Gordon Street for a 9amdeparture. Carpool to hike start. Lots of hills. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Suitable hiking footwear is necessary.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 3, Speed moderate

Sun May 03 5 ANNIVERSARY KID'S HIKE AT STARKEY TRAIL 90 minth

Introduce the young people in your life to the fun of hiking as we celebrate our 5th anniversary of seasonal Kids Hikes with awalk in the woods at Starkey Trail. Prior to the 1:00 pm hike start, meet at the Starkey Trail parking lot on the south side ofArkell Road, about a kilometre east of the hamlet of Arkell.The rain date is May 24.Children must be accompanied by an adult on the Tortoise or Hare hikes. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear. No pets or strollers please. Refreshments provided after the hike. For details and to register, please call Kathy at 519 836-9147 or ksomersghtc@gmail.com.Leader: various GHTC certified leaders Tortoise and Hare speeds

Thu May 07 SMITHS SIDE TRAIL 4kmMeet at 6:30pm at the trail head on Watson Rd. just south of Stone Rd. This is a loop along the Eramosa River past the dam,through woods and meadows. Bring water and snacks, dogs welcomeLeader: Norm 519-831-3657 Level 2. Speed Moderate.

Sat May 09 FORKS OF THE CREDIT 12kmA moderate level 12km loop hike at a medium pace on hilly terrain (4 hrs). Meet 9.00 am at Exhibition Park arena parking loton Exhibition & Division sts. No drop-outs and no dogs please. Hiking boots required. Bring water and lunch.Leader: Susan Atkinson formerbrit@hotmail.com Level 2, Speed moderate

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Sat May 09 MAGNIFICENT MAGNOLIA BIKE RIDE 2hr "Come Celebrate Spring" at our "Magnificent Magnolia Bike Ride". Dress up & have fun! Prizes for Best Dressed Cyclist,Best Spring Bonnet and Most Outlandish Ensemble. Meet at the Speed River Cycle Shop at 1pm for our bicycle ride organizedwith Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation and Ned Coates. We will BIKE through different neighbourhoods to highlightMagnolia trees in our city. We will stop at the Boat House and finish at Magnolia Cafe for refreshments at your discretion.There will also be lemonade along the way. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Suzanne Gates 519-265-3962 Level 2, Speed moderate

Thu May 14 ROYAL RECREATION TRAIL 1½hrMeet at 6:30pm in the Guelph Golden Griddle parking lot off Woodlawn Rd. E. We will hike along the river trail to VictoriaRd and back.Leader: Gayle 519 856-1012 Level 1, Speed Moderate

Sat May 16 WEISSENBERG RD TO ELORA 10kmWe will start on the North shore of the Grand River at Weissenberg Rd. (Townline Rd.) and hike back to Elora, ending up atthe ball diamond at Middlebrook Rd. and the Elora Rd.( on GVTA trail on the north side of the river, SW corner of Ct.Rd7 andMiddlebrook Rd) Meet at ball diamond for a 10am departure to Weissenberg Rd. Please call before heading out for any lastminute changes or cancellations.Leader: Stan Litch 519-843-5915 Level 2. Speed Moderate to Brisk

Sun May 17 RLT SECT 6 2½-3hrSection 6 is most interesting and attractive along the Radial Line Trail any season, especially with the Kong Hill lookout. Meet1:30pm on west side of the Guelph covered bridge, on Gordon Street to carpool to Nassagaweya 6th Line for a 2pm hike starteast to Dublin Line then return. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Jim Hoare James.W.Hoare@gmail.com or 519-835-5284 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Thu May 21 SPEED RIVER SECTION 1-2hrMeet for a 6pm departure at the parking just outside of Guelph Humane Society. We will follow SRT sect 1 to Niska Rd. andreturn on the John Woods Side trail. Dogs welcomeLeader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sat May 23 CREDIT RIVER (MISSISSAUGA) 3-4hrMeet in parking lot in the plaza on the NW corner of Clair/Gordon. Car pool will depart for Erindale Park at9am...approximately 45 minute drive. We will walk north along the east bank of the Credit River. Bring packed lunch as welikely won't be back to Guelph until early or mid afternoon.Leader: dculham@gmail.com, 519 716-8273 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sat May 23 GRAND VALLEY TRAIL, DUNNVILLE 19kmEnd–to-End #1 of 18 Grand Valley Trail. Join Charles and Jim for a 275-kilometre trek on the Grand Valley Trail. They willlead a series of weekend hikes commencing at the southern end of the Grand Valley hiking trail near the mouth of the GrandRiver south of Dunnville and finishing nine weekend hikes later on top of Pinnacle Hill near the Caledon hamlet of Alton. Thisseries of hikes will consist of nine weekend hikes in the Spring and Fall of 2015 and 2016. No drop outs, no dogs. For moreinfo contact leader or go to gvta.on.ca.Leader: Charles Whitlock, (519) 742-7435 or walkaway.treks@sympatico.ca Jim Vanderlip, (416) 925-9134 7-10 pm or jvanderlip@sympatico.ca Level 2 Speed Fast

Sun May 24 AMAZING RACE PHOTO CHALLENGE AT U OF G ARBORETUM 2½hrMeet at U of G Main Arboretum Parking lot at 1:30 PM. Each participant, or team, if numbers warrant, will be given a list of10 clues to objects to be found in the central area of the Arboretum. First to correctly find all 10 items will be the winner. If noone finds all 10 within 90 minutes then the closest to the total will win. Scoring in this case will include bonus points for themost artistic picture for each object. Those who do not find the designated objects, but can make a convincing case for theirfound object to be a good fit for the clue will be given credit towards their score.Short distance, 90 minutes for finding objects and 60 minutes for review of pictures and declaration of winner(s). Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822 5181 bobfan@idirect.com Level 1. Speed Moderate

Sun May 24 SCOTTSDALE FARM 12+km, 4hrWe will do a loop using the main Bruce Trail and side trails. Meet on west side of the Guelph covered bridge, on Gordon Streetfor a 9am departure. Carpool to hike start. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Suitable hiking footwear is necessary.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 2, Speed moderate

Sun May 24 GRAND VALLEY TRAIL, CAYUGA 20kmEnd-to-End #2 of 18. Grand Valley Trail. Contact leader for more info or go to gvta.on.ca.Leader: Charles Whitlock, (519) 742-7435 or walkaway.treks@sympatico.ca Jim Vanderlip, (416) 925-9134 7-10 pm or jvanderlip@sympatico.ca Level 2 Speed Fast

Sat May 30 TORONTO BT SPEYSIDE LOOP 10kmHere is a lovely area close to home for a loop hike along Bruce main and side trails with variable terrain, rocky sections as wellas a great lookout. Wear proper footwear and seasonal protective clothing. Bring water and snacks. Meet 1pm on west side ofthe Guelph covered bridge, on Gordon Street for carpooling to trail head. Possible pub stop in ActonLeader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell Level 3 Speed Moderate

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Sun May 31 RLT SECTIONS 3&4 4/8kmDeparture from west side of Guelph covered bridge, on Gordon St. at 1:30pm or meet at trail head First Line Nassagaweya(County Rd 29) at intersection of Arkell Rd for a 2pm start. Hiking west to east through RLT sections 3&4 woodlands, gentleterrain across private lands. First part ends as section 4 comes out on Guelph Line. Carpooling would be required to get thoseonly going one way back to start and/or covered bridge. Recommend parking on 1st Line SOUTH of Arkell Rd.Leader: Jim Hoare James.W.Hoare@gmail.com or 519-835-5284 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Tue Jun 02 CANOEING/KAYAKING EVENING Courtesy of Speed River Paddling Inc., club members (only) are once again offered free use of their boats for this popularevening paddle up and back on the peaceful Eramosa River. (Or bring your own boat if you prefer.) All equipment supplied.Meet at the Boathouse on Gordon St. in Guelph at 6pm to go as a group, or come a bit later if you prefer. Return by dusk.Leader: Bill Mungall wmungall0809@rogers.com

Wed Jun 03 SPURLINE 2hrThis is considered to catch spring in city gardens as we hike along some of the Trans Canada and Spurline Trails as well as citystreets and park paths. Meet 6p.m. at the Youth music Centre parking lot opposite London Road on Cardigan Street. Bringwater.Leader: Susan Bard 519 836-6570; Peter Jaspers-Fayer 519-835-0829. Level 2. Speed Casual

Sat Jun 06 IGNATIUS JESUIT CENTRE 2hrCelebrate International Trails day on the Great Auk and Stations of the Cosmos Walk. Meet in the parking lot beside thelabyrinth at Ignatius Jesuit Centre, 5420 Highway 6 North at 1:30 pm. We'll explore the Marden Creek Wetlands and return to higher land to walk through several spiral walks such as the labyrinthand the Stations of the Cosmos and end up at the Peace Pole. Come prepared for the weather. Bring snacks and waterLeader: Suzanne 519-265-3962 Level 1 Speed Moderate

Sun Jun 07 CHELTENHAM TO INGLEWOOD 8-10kmMeet 1pm at the corner of Falls (off of highway 7) and Mary St in Rockwood for car shuttle to Cheltenham. We will walk theCaledon trail way to Ingelwood where we can get ice cream, baked goods or retro candy from the General Store. Then we willretrace our path back to Cheltenham. Bring water, snack and insect repellent.Leader: Gayle 519-856-1012 Level 1, speed moderate

Wed Jun 10 TWO RIVER FESTIVAL HIKE 2hrMeet 6:30pm on the west side of Guelph covered bridge, on Gordon Street for a loop hike around the Eramosa River fromGordon street to Victoria Road then back. Bring water and snacksLeader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sat Jun 13 ELMIRA RESERVOIR AT FLORADALE 8 km, 2hrFlat ,varied topography including Lion's Club Sugar Bush operation around reservoir on Canagagiue River. Old orderMennonite farm country. Meet on Florapine Rd just west of Arthur St N for a 10am departure. Please call before heading outfor any last minute changes or cancellations.Leader: Stan Litch 519-843-5915 Level 2. Speed Moderate

Sat Jun 13 BRIDGE TO BRIDGE HIKE 24 kmWe will meet at 9am on the west side of the Guelph covered bridge, located on Gordon St. to board the bus for departure to thecovered bridge at West Montrose. From there we will hike back to the covered bridge in Guelph a distance of 24 km.Refreshments and snacks will be provided at checkpoints. Pre registration and a participation fee are required ,a badge will beavailable. See Guelph Hiking trail club web site for online registration or mail in form in near future. More details in upcomingevents email or contact leader. Register early limited seats on the bus, no dogs pleaseLeader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell nsailian@hotmail.com Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sun Jun 14 SPEED RIVER TRAIL SECTION 1 AND THE "CONNECTING LINK" THRU THE CITYTO RADIAL LINE TRAILHEAD AT VICTORIA ROAD END-TO-END PART 2 7km

Explore not only Section 1 but also some seldom used paths under the Hanlon Parkway along the river, and follow the originalToronto Suburban Railway line through The Cutten Club. Meet at Humane Society parking lot off Wellington Rd. at 9:00 AMLeader: Stan and Jana Stanek sjstanek@hotmail.com Level 2 Speed Moderate

Fri Jun 19 SUMMER SOLSTICE PICNIC 1hrWe will gather at Riverside Park in the small picnic shelter (with the green roof) after 4:00 pm. – Potluck supper will be at6:00pm. – Please bring your favourite dish to share and your own eating and drinking utensils. There will be hike after supperor you may just sit and socialize with other members. Contact Gitta - ghousser@netscape.net - 519-822-2568Leader: GHTC certified leader Level 1 Speed causal

Sat Jun 20 CRAWFORD LAKE AND RATTLESNAKE POINT 15km, 4hrLoop hike from Crawford Lake to Rattlesnake Point along the Nassagaweya Canyon. Great views and some hills. Meet at theGuelph covered bridge for a 10am departure, carpool to hike start. Bring water, snacks & lunch. Park admission fee applicable.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 3 Speed Moderate

Sat Jun 20 GRAND VALLEY TRAIL, YORK 18kmEnd-to End #3 of 18. Grand Valley Trail, York. Contact leader for more info or go to gvta.on.ca.

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Leader: Charles Whitlock, (519) 742-7435 or walkaway.treks@sympatico.ca Jim Vanderlip, (416) 925-9134 7-10 pm or jvanderlip@sympatico.ca Level 2 Speed Fast

Sun Jun 21 GRAND VALLEY TRAIL, ONONDAGA 19kmEnd-to End #4 of 18. Grand Valley Trail, Onondaga. Contact leader for more info or go to gvta.on.ca.Leader: Charles Whitlock, (519) 742-7435 or walkaway.treks@sympatico.ca Jim Vanderlip, (416) 925-9134 7-10 pm or jvanderlip@sympatico.ca Level 2 Speed Fast

Tue Jun 23 RADIAL LINE SECTION 2 SIDE TRAIL - PHOTO HIKE 2hrIn Guelph, meet at the Lens' Mill parking lot (Victoria Rd.) for a 7:00 PM carpool to the trail head. An early evening shoot willgive you a chance to try the effects of low angle lighting and shadows. Bring a camera that you are comfortable using. We willexplore the trail, at a slow pace, taking lots of time to find some great photographs, finishing as the sun begins to set. Leader: Bob Fanning 519 822 5181 bobfan@idirect.com Level 2, Speed moderate

Sun Jun 28 ARKELL SIDE TRAIL & RLT SECTION 2 7.5 km (2-3hr)Hike along this popular side trail. We'll meet 1:30pm at the Starkey Hill parking lot, south side of Arkell Road, east of Arkell.This will be somewhat of a loop hike using part of RLT section 2. Bring water and snacks.Leader: Jim Hoare James.W.Hoare@gmail.com or 519-835-5284 Level 2 Speed Moderate

Sat Jul 04 SCOTTSDALE 8-10kmMeet at the Guelph covered bridge parking lot on Gordon St. for a 9am departure. We will do a loop hike using the main trailand side trails of the Bruce Trail. Please bring water, snacks, lunch and wear hiking boots. Possible pub stop after hike.Leader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell Level 3, Speed Moderate

Sun Jul 05 SPEED RIVER TRAIL 16km, 4-5hrHike the Speed River Trail end to end. Meet at the Guelph covered bridge on Gordon St for a 9am departure. Carpool to hikestart. Bring water, snacks and lunch as well as bug spray.Leader: Terry Spittles 519-265-6203 Level 2, Speed moderate

Thu Jul 09 GUELPH LAKE 2hrMeet at 6pm at Guelph Lake trail head on Victoria Road. Enjoy the scenic trail along the lake. Bring water and snacks, dogswelcomeLeader: Norm 519-831-3657 cell Level 2. Speed Moderate

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For more hikes go to other Clubs website:% Maitland Trail Association - maitlandtrail.ca/upcoming.htm% Grand Valley Trail Association – gvta.on.ca% Halton Hills Bruce Trail Chapter - on a link at

media6.magma.ca/www.torontobrucetrailclub.org/indexhttps.php% Halton Outdoor Club - outdoor.spectranet.ca/index.html% Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club - iroquoia.on.ca/hikes.html% Thames Valley Trail Association - tvta.ca% Dufferin Bruce Trail Club - dufferinbrucetrailclub.orgFor 2015 Bruce Trail Organized End-to-End Hikes go to: www.brucetrail.org/pages/frequently-asked-questions/end-to-ends

GHTC celebratedOntario HikingWeek this pastOctober with aKids’ Hike - checking out theautumn colours andchanges on theGuelph Lake trails.

Next Kids'Hike

May 3Strakey Hill

GHTC Newsletter - March, 2015 - Page 14

WHO KNEW?

The Home & Gardener said: “Put up a bat house toencourage the presence of these shy animals. Bats consume3,000 or more mosquitoes and other insects nightly.”

Need another reason? Bats are responsible for up to 95% ofthe seed dispersal essential to the regeneration of forests.

International Trails DayInternational Trails Day on June 6, 2015, is a day

dedicated to celebrate trails, their development, usesand the healthy lifestyle they encourage. For many

years now North America has traditionallycelebrated a trails day on the first Saturday in June. Celebrate International Trails day with GHTC thisyear as we explore the Marden Creek Wetlands andreturn to higher land to walk through several spiral

walks such as the labyrinth, the Stations of theCosmos and end up at the Peace Pole. Meet in theparking lot beside the labyrinth at Ignatius Jesuit

Centre, 5420 Highway 6 North at 1:30 pm.