Fall Colours in Owen Sound Hiking Trip
Friday October 16 – Sunday October 18, 2020
Leader: Isabel Bravo, ibravo_13@icloud.com
Assistant Leaders: Jim and Patti Blair, Dave Pomeroy
Description: Join us in the exploration of hiking trails in the Sydenham and Beaver Valley sections of the Bruce Trail, and Wiarton area. Our hikes will feature varied terrain for all levels of fitness and expertise, geology, waterfalls, forests and fall colours.
The city of Owen Sound is located on the Southern shores of Georgian Bay in a valley below the sheer rock cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. Owen Sound has a magnificent harbour and bay, 2 rivers and an extensive park system. The town of Wiarton is the basecamp to the Bruce Peninsula and the home of the groundhog, Willie.
Trip cost per person: $174 doubles and $332 singles
Maximum number of participants is 30 members including leader and assistant leaders. The number of singles will be limited to 4 rooms. The cost include: 2 nights at Best Western Inn on the Bay of Owen Sound, hiking and sightseeing for 3 days, maps, all taxes and gratuities.
Note: breakfast, lunches and dinners are not included.
Transportation: Travel by private car. This club trip does not include bus transportation and car- pooling is discouraged due to Covid 19 restrictions.
The Hikes
We will do our best to offer a long, medium and short option on all hikes. Hikes will be loops or there and back to avoid car pooling. We are working on the hiking routes. Distances and hikes may be affected by weather, trailhead and suitable parking, and trail closings. Hikers should be prepared with proper hiking boots, hiking poles and a day backpack for snacks/lunches, water and extra clothing for a day hike. Hike details and meeting points will be sent to trip participants a few weeks before October 15.
Long hike: approximately 15 km at a pace of 4 - 5km/hr.
Medium hike: less than 10 km at a pace of 3.5 - 4 km/hr.
Short hike: 4-6 km at a pace of less than 3.5 km/hr.
Friday, Oct. 16: Departure to Owen Sound on your own or with your room mate no later than 8:30 am to reach the destination, on time for our first hike at 12:00 noon. After lunch we will hike about 3-4 hrs. Drive to and check in at the hotel in the late afternoon.
Saturday, Oct. 17: hikes at 3 levels of difficulty will be offered. Meet outside the hotel to caravan to the hike trailhead. Follow the nice HOC flags. Drive your own car.
Sunday, Oct. 18: Check out and go for a hike before heading home. Meet outside the hotel to caravan to the hike trailhead. Once hikes are completed you are free to head home. Adieu mon ami!
Accommodation: Best Western Inn on the Bay of Owen Sound, 1800 2nd Ave. East, Owen Sound, 519-371-9200, bwowensound.com
All rooms have 2 queens beds, small fridge and coffee maker. We suggest bringing your food for making your lunches and breakfast. At this point in time, restaurants are open for take out or for patio dining. A list of restaurants and/or dinner arrangements will be sent closer to the trip dates.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel prior to September 12, 2020 you will receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee. After Sept. 12, 2020, you will be responsible for any costs that the club incurs on your behalf. This would include accommodation and leader subsidy. In the event that the entire trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, each participant will receive a full refund.
COVID 19 Guidelines and Information for your protection: