As we prepared for our hike last Sunday, unnerving weather reports swirled around. Snow squall warnings, possible road closures, predictions of snowfall ranging from 5 – 25 cm. What’s a hiker to do?
As we debated whether to postpone the hike, we received an email from a group member who shall remain nameless, but whose initials are “MJ.” MJ was already up in the Beaver Valley and her helpful response to our safety concerns was “Buck up, Ladies, it’s just a few flakes!”
Here we are hiking in “a few flakes:”
Yes, just the slightest trace of winter. You’d hardly notice, except for the snow and the cold!
In honour of the first snowfall of the season, I have composed a seasonal song. Please feel free to hum along as you read:
Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the Trail is so delightful. And since hiking is how we go, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
The hikers bravely marching through frozen woods.
Oh it doesn’t show signs of stopping, As through the fields we’re plodding, And those “few flakes” continue to blow, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
Yes, only a few flakes. Fortunately, we saw no cars at all. Motorists were too smart to venture out on these roads!
When the wind howls in from the west, How we love going out in the storm! And if you bundle up in Gore-Tex, All through the hike you’ll be warm!
Fashionably attired for winter!
The sunlight is slowly dying And the hikers are happily sighing. As our mileage continues to grow, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
Late in the day: Dramatic skies over 4th Concession
Here are a few highlights of the day:
We spent most of the hike meandering beside the very prettily babbling Walters Creek.
The creek was charming with its pristine white banks.
We hiked through the woods for a long time, then emerged beside what appeared to be an Soviet-era nursing home adjacent to the river. Well, it turned out to be the elegant Falls Inn (not so elegant from the back side, I must say). We were lucky to find a picnic table in the woods not far from the Inn, which turned out to be the perfect lunch spot.
A table for 12!
One thing about hiking in blowing snow is that the trail markers can be hard to find. Often the tree trunks are coated with fluffy whiteness and those white blazes just disappear. We had only one significant mishap, when we walked backwards along a section of trail without realizing it! No harm done, just a little extra exercise!
Are we lost?
This is so much fun!
We had a surprise visit from some Sports Illustrated winter hiking gear models and they posed for us against the scenic backdrop of the 4th Concession. Watch for the winter hiking model issue coming soon to a newsstand near you! Here’s a sneak peek:
Svetlana, straight from the pages of Sports Illustrated
Oscar de la Renta’s favourite model: Elisabeta.
The lovely Lola. Under the Gore-tex, she wears Victoria’s Secret!
She stole the runway at New York’s Fashion Week: 15 year old modelling sensation: Brooklynn.
The supermodels pose at Walters Falls. Moments later, they were swarmed by paparazzi
Sad to say, this is our last hike of 2015. Happy holidays to all and we’ll see you for more of the same, (only better!) in 2016.
Keep on hiking and keep on smiling!
What a fabulous day out enjoying the snowy landscape. I am so glad we didn’t cancel… but I wasn’t stuck waiting at the start for an hour and a half for us to show up.
Another great blog! You amaze me every time. I didn’t know you were a great songwriter.
That snow looks insane! I’m from the UK, and I got excited seeing a few flakes on Oxford Street in London!
P.S. Love your blog – I’m writing from Travel Tea Tv, and we’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award! http://travelteatv.com/2015/12/02/liebster-award/ X
It seems that you do a lot of traveling. If you end up in Canada sometime, why not join us for a hike on the beautiful Bruce Trail?
I do indeed! I’m hoping to visit Canada next year – that’s an amazing offer, and I would love to take you up on it!
We will try not to disappoint you.