CANCELLED Hiking Westdale Ravine: Explore RBG Cootes Paradise Trails

HIKE TITLE

Westdale Ravine: Explore RBG Cootes Paradise Trails

DATE

Tuesday November 8 2022

HIKE LEADER(S)

Jane Walker & Marilyn Baker. Two of our newest leaders. Welcome on board!!!

EMAIL AND CELL NUMBER

Jwhamilton9@gmail.com  905-807-3025

GENERAL LOCATION

Westdale, Hamilton

START TIME

10:00 (hike will leave at 10:15am)

SPECIFIC MEETING PLACE OR PARKING LOCATION

Park in the RBG Aviary parking lot at 85 Oak Knoll Drive.  At the north end of Dalewood Crescent and Oak Knoll Drive in Westdale, Hamilton.  Free parking for RBG members with parking pass or $3/hour for non-members.  Coins or credit.

DISTANCE

5km maximum.

PACE:

Leisurely / Moderate / Fast

Moderate

DURATION APPROX

1 ½ - 2 hours

TERRAIN:

Easy / Moderate / Challenging

Moderate terrain, varying in type.  Sometimes hilly, gravel, board walk (slippery when wet), possible mud and a flat gravel path in the middle of the walk.   At times, the trail is narrow with lots of tree roots.  A steep gravel section at the beginning on Caleb and on the Ginger Valley trail.  Bring hiking poles if you feel more comfortable/stable with them.

TYPE OF HIKE:

i.e. loop or out and back

Out and back

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Point of interests

Westdale Ravine: Located on the south shore of Cootes Paradise, this deeply incised sand-plain ravine features a spring-fed creek and some of the tallest trees on the RBG property.  A hotspot for birding (Great Blue Herons, ducks, swans, woodpeckers, Arctic Terns), viewing other wildlife (chipmunks, deer and once a fox) and gorgeous fall colours.  While we’ll stay mostly in the woods, the walk will include the recently completed trail in Churchill Park too.  We’ll take a viewing break at the end of the Sassafras Trail with a beautiful view of Cootes Paradise marsh.  Washrooms – a seasonal City washroom may still be open near the end of the walk.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Yes. A Must.  Leaders appreciate early registration and at least 24 hours before the event.

CANCELLATION

•  If your plans change, please self-cancel as soon as possible so that other HOC members may take your spot.

•  The club may cancel due to bad weather that may impact the safety of participants or due to low attendance.

REGISTRATION OPENS

2 weeks before the hike. Up to 10 members are welcome to participate in this event!

WHAT TO BRING

•  Wear supportive hiking boots with good tread. Hiking poles will be helpful.

•  Dress in layers according to the weather.

•  Bring snacks and water

IMPORTANT COVID REMINDERS

The club’s Covid-19 Safety Guidelines will be observed.