Those zany weather people! They had predicted a high of minus 7 for the day of our hike and we were excited at the prospect of a balmy day (after the wicked cold we’ve been experiencing). Turns out those crazy pranksters were just kidding! It was minus 15 when we set off from the Halton Country Inn so we had to huddle inside our layers to stay warm until we got into full stride.
But the Limestone Ladies are game for any frigid, frozen, frostbitten adventure. First we warmed up with some polkas and the chicken dance in the driveway of the Halton Country Inn (sadly, the Irish Pub is closed). Then we set off in good spirits to discover the delights of our beloved Bruce Trail in March.
The trail passes through a rock crevice and then travels along the edge of the escarpment, offering us scenic views for the next 5 kilometres.
The next interesting landmark was the Dufferin Quarry Bridge. The quarry stands in sharp contrast to the natural beauty of the woods and rock formations.
The woods are lovely, silent and deep, but there are dangers lurking. The happy hiker must be vigilant!

A bottomless crevice yawns in front of us. Don’t be fooled by the snow-bridge. It will collapse with the first footstep.
Although the Toronto Club had done an impressive job of cleaning the trail following the ice storm, there were still a few downed trees to deal with. Everyone had their own method of getting past these obstacles.
Sometimes we get too focused on looking down at our feet. It’s important to stop every so often to appreciate the natural beauty.
And then there is the most important moment of every hike: lunch! Due to the cold, we didn’t linger.
After lunch, something magical happened. The sun came out! We were treated to a sky of pure, faultless blue. Since we have been deprived of sunlight for many months, this was a joyous occasion. And the beauty of the woods glittered in all its glory.
The last section of our hike, from Speyside to Third Line was definitely the prettiest. The trail was narrow and curved and wound through the forest like a child’s scribble. A winding path is always more interesting than a straight road. It forces you to focus on the journey, as the destination is obscured.
There were other hikers in the forest this day. Although we didn’t see them, we knew they had been there from their prints.
We were also continuously reminded of the devastation of the ice storm. All around us, the trees bore witness to the power of nature. We saw countless ripped, torn and mangled trees. It will take many years to recover.
We had a little difficulty finding the Third Line Side Trail as it was not marked with the usual blue sign & blue blazes.
Once again the Limestone Ladies proved their fine qualities of strength, fortitude and optimism. On a day when most people would not have ventured outside, we had a wonderful adventure in the woods! Thanks, ladies. We should do it again!
Dare I say that I am looking forward to another winter hike. I’m so happy that we have a real winter this year. Snow is so much nicer than mud! Then again, I am looking forward to the spring ephemerals. What a dilemma!
Another great evocative blog! Even though I wasn’t there, I could almost experience the hike. I too experienced the “sky of pure, faultless blue” that afternoon, and I loved your description of the narrow and curved trail, “winding through the forest like a child’s scribble”. And, as much as I like straight lines, I agree that “A winding path is always more interesting than a straight road. It forces you to focus on the journey, as the destination is obscured”. Glad you “enjoyed the journey” this day!
This looks like the BEST HIKE EVER! I can relate to the picture with the trail sigh… how many times I have been almost sure I was lost and off trail. Wish I was there.