Because of the length of the system, I had wanted to get started much earlier in the spring. The past two summers, I have hiked trail systems which were each slightly over 100K each, and with some fairly intensive section hiking, I was able to get them done in the summer. This summer, however, I'm going to have to ratchet things up a bit!
The other issue which complicates things is the logistics. Dunnville, as an example, is a two hour drive from London. Previous hikes have all been within (somewhat) easy driving range and I was always blessed with Doralyn being willing to meet me at an ending point and then drive me to the start. This summer, I can't really ask her (or anyone) to spend four hours in a car, just so I can hike for two or three. So my plan is go there solo, hike, and then have a taxi pick me up and drive me back to my car. Not cheap, at first look, but when you factor in the gas for two cars driving all over hell's half acre.....
I also have learned how to program co-ordinates into my car's GPS---a handy thing to know because the Grand River trail maps all provide GPS co-ordinates for the different locations you'll need to arrive at, and leave from.
Okay. All this planning and yesterday still turned into kind of a shit-show.
It really doesn't matter how much time you spend envisioning what a trail will look like, when you actually get there, it's all different. Yesterday, I got just about as turned around and confused as I ever have, trying to follow both a map and the written instructions provided with it. Because of this, I ended up hiking an extra three kilometers. My plan was to have hiked 15K to a certain parking area just west of Dunnville but I ended up exhausted and a little disgusted right in the heart of Dunnville and that's where I called it a day and a cab, both at the same time. Still got in 13K, though, so not too bad.
After I got home, I was able to check out my hike on Garmin Connect and totally saw where I went wrong! It was actually pretty funny to see where I was running around, checking road signs and talking to locals and crossing the same road back and forth. This made me feel a little better and somewhat more prepared for my next outing, just knowing where I had gone wrong on this one!
At any rate, and as is my habit, here are some pics and commentary, just to prove that I walked the walk!
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| The start of the trail! |
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| The entrance to Lake Erie |
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| Walking along the canal. Lots of "boat stuff" going on here, which always elicits a visceral response. |
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| I am always wary of these things. These were as tall as me, and looking somewhat like Giant Hogweed (an extremely toxic plant), although were more likely Cow Parsnip (although I hear that this can be toxic as well) Regardless, I may inform the local authorities. |
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| lol In the guide, this was described as a "dirt road". Because I knew I would only be walking on "dirt roads" and highways, I wore my running shoes... |
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| The village of Stromness, note the threatening sky. I saw Stromness from more directions than I really wanted to, due to an inability to decipher maps. |
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| Say hello to my little friend! Saw LOTS of these yesterday! |
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| A LONG walk along North Shore Dr., which becomes Main Street when you reach Dunnville. |
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| Much of the walk on North Shore Drive was along a canal which featured lily pads. Beautiful! |
