Over the last couple of years I have spent a lot of time at Claireville, especially in the winter months to capture the birds at the feeders. It’s not very often I head over there at other times of the year. Usually its because I’m out hiking the Bruce Trail rather than staying close to home. So, because of this I haven’t actually explored too much of the paths. Today I decided to check out one trail I’ve never been on in the hopes of finding some autumn colour.
The Old Forest Path
As you can see by the above photo, I found a lot of brown. I always find these particular paths to be on the creepy side and I’m always looking around expecting to see someone or something hiding in the distance. (I have apparently watched too many horror flicks.) The path did open up into some colour, as it usually does.
Autumn Road
When I decided to turn and head back to the car I found myself a little turned around once I reached the creepy part of the trail. When hiking the trails I’m used to seeing trail markers of some sort – there are none of these in Claireville. So when all the trees look the same it can get easy to turn the wrong way – which I did today. Luckily it wasn’t too long before I found my way and was back on the path again.
Pollen Eater
Before I got back to the car I stopped at a small opening and found this busy little bee gathering the last of the pollen before the autumn ends. A great way to end the hike through the park.
After our last foray into the world of waterfalls Nigel Banks and I headed to yet another waterfall, this time in Grey County. Walter’s Falls is located south of Owen Sound at the Walter’s Falls Inn and Spa. I had never tried to get down into the gorge here but this time it was on our agenda to find the path down. Turns out there is a fairly easy way to get down to the river its just getting upstream that can be just slightly tricky as there is no real path so you have to watch your step. It’s easy to turn your ankle here but if you go slow you will be met by a beautiful little waterfall.
Walter’s Falls
As you can see the waterfall splits into two separate ones as it comes over the top meaning you’ll need the wide lens to capture the full waterfall. Even mine was a little on the tight side. But you can focus on each one like I did here.
Walters Falls Right Side
My favourite side was to the left. There was just something about how the water came down and hit the large rock just below it.
Walters Falls Left Side
You may have also noticed the dark mood of the photos above. We came at a specific time of day (and on one that was overcast) which meant there was barely any light getting down to the bottom of the gorge. And definitely none shining on the waterfall itself. This gave me the opportunity to create a set of moody photographs. I’m liking how they turned out. What do you think?
My friend Nigel Banks and I headed to Spencer Gorge in Hamilton to get us a waterfall fix. Our destination – Webster Falls. The falls used to be easily accessed to from the Webster’s Falls parking lot but a few years ago they closed the stairwell that led down to the base of the waterfall. That left only one option to get to the base – hike the 2km from further downstream.
Spencer Creek
With Autumn still kicking around and most of the leaves hanging on for dear life to their branches it was well worth the hike upstream. There were many opportunities to stop and photograph our surroundings which made the walk take just a “squidge” longer than it should have (okay a lot longer – but who’s counting?).
Webster’s Falls
Webster’s Falls never disappoints, with its two level drop and good flow there is no bad time of year to come here. Which is why it was so popular before they closed the stairwell. Hopefully one day soon they will replace the stairs and reopen the area.
Looking Downstream from the Falls
But it is nice to have the time alone here without any crowds so we can just do our thing and take our time about it.
Another glorious day on the trail and this time I’m up on Old Baldy overlooking the green valley below.
Have a Seat
The path winds along the edge of the escarpment through dusty trails and into lush forests. The wonderful thing about the Bruce Trail is how the stress melts away as you sweat your way along its rocky path.
Mysterious Trail
The day always ends too soon no matter how long I stay on the trails but there is always more to look forward to.
Before I left the Coldwater area for the weekend I thought I would visit a couple other provincial parks. Both Mara and McRae Provincial Parks are located within 30 minutes of Bass Lake Provincial Park were I was camping. The morning started out cloudy and a little damp but it made for some beautiful atmosphere along the trail.
Mara PP
At Mara Provincial Park I was greeted by a large spider in its web blocking access to the trail. I’m always glad when I spot these on my hikes because the last thing I need is a face full of web and a freaked out spider crawling on me.
McRae Point
The thick forest trail of McRae Point was made spookier by the stormy sky but was a great lakeside hike although you don’t see the water for a good portion of your walk. A short little adventure to close a fun filled weekend.
