Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Back to Walking

My regular walks have suffered over the past three weeks during our move, but I headed out late this afternoon to get back into it.  I need to find some regular routes here in Meaford that will make good walking.  The Georgian Trail was an obvious place to start.

The Georgian Trail is a hiking/skiing/biking trail that runs east from Meaford along the route of the old Northern Railway, as far as Collingwood.  The story of the Northern Railway, Upper Canada's first steam railway, is a fascinating one, to which I will undoubtedly return.  It was completed as far as Collingwood from Toronto in 1855, intended to serve as a modern 'portage' across southern Ontario.  It gained the nickname the 'Oats, Straw and Hay' railway from carrying so much farm produce.

The section from Collingwood to Meaford was completed as the North Grey Railway in 1871, but abandoned in 1986 after the failure of the Collingwood shipyards, the major customer at that time.  A non-profit group of citizens raised money, purchased the right-of-way, and created the trail after that.

A short distance along my walk the trail crosses a deep ravine on a tall embankment.  It's hard to believe how this railway was built in the days before modern machinery back in the 1870's!  This creek looks worth exploring.

There are still some leaves on the smaller saplings, even though it's now November.

I walked as far as the St. Vincent Lookout Trail, dedicated to the conservationist Art Latornell.  I knew Art, who gave a large legacy to the University of Guelph when he died.  I helped manage the legacy when I was still teaching, turning it into programs and scholarships to help interested students.  Another topic I should write more about.

But his trail is in BAD shape!  Construction to improve it started well over a year ago, and signs indicate it is closed for work.  But it appears they delivered two loads of gravel and have done nothing else in over a year.  I'm appalled!  I'll be phoning the County Forests office tomorrow to find out what's going on and start my own private campaign to get this fixed.

This side trail is the one that leads to the top of the Claybanks, so I did get a good view east and west from the top.  Certainly an area I'm going to be exploring more in the future.  And yet another topic to learn more about.  The geology of this area is fascinating.  The Georgian Trail is a great place for a good brisk walk, even if the Lookout Trail is not at the moment.  I did get in a good long walk, so it's going to be a quiet evening!

Meanwhile, ran around between the bank, builder, and lawyer's offices today trying to ensure that we actually have enough money to complete our house sale and purchase, which close tomorrow.  If it weren't for banks, lawyers and the taxman, this process would be so simple!

21 comments:

  1. A great area to explore and frequent by the look of it, FG.

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  2. Looks like an interesting trail -- enjoy. We have several abandoned railroad grades that have been converted to walking/bicycle trails that are absolutely beautiful, but it's expensive work; I believe one 62-mile trail cost around $7 million.

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  3. Congratulations on your new home! I hope all went well at the closing. This looks like an interesting trail and I hope it gets the repair work it needs. I'm looking forward to learning more about the geology of your new area.

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  4. That looks like a wonderful place to walk!

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  5. Why does settlement always be late on a Friday, and if something goes wrong??? no time to get a fix!!! Hope it all goes smoothly, and you do not need to find a moneytree!!! Love that high view, looking forward to more.

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  6. What a nice trail hope you can get things fixed up while you are now in the area. Loved the Collingwood ships yards was always a favourite place of mine to visit.

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  7. It looks like you have your work cut out for you in getting that trail fixed up. I'm sure you can raise some interest in it. I do hope your financial dealings work out to your satisfaction. :-)

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  8. So glad we have places like these to restore out soul.

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  9. You have found a beautiful place to walk, good luck with the push towards restoration of the trail. What a shame!
    Finally the house closing, yay! Enjoy FG!

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  10. What a beautiful trail! It's nice that it travels to many different natural features. The trail does look neglected, but what a great project for you to focus on now. Best of luck with your inquiries. We have a railroad/bike trail not too far north of us, but honestly, it was far too boring as it just ran behind farmers' fields in a dead straight line. Maybe further along it would improve to some forested areas. Enjoy your exploring!
    Wendy

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  11. some nice new, refreshing trails, this one is beautiful. i like the reflection picture!!!

    you are so right about the details of a closing, good luck with that!!

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  12. Nothing like a brisk walk through fallen leaves to reinvigorate the soul.

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  13. Looks like you found a great place to walk --but hope they will work on the trail soon...

    Good Luck on your sale.... Hope it goes smoothly.. I laughed at your TRUE comment about lawyers, banks and taxmen..... ha

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  14. Nice to hear you are back to walking and looks like you have some nice places to walk.
    Hope all goes well with the sale.

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  15. Congratulations on completing your move! Looks like you landed in a lovely part of the world.

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  16. The view from the top is amazing. I could imagine it could get quite cold up there in the dead of winter.

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  17. Breathtakingly beautiful.
    Thank you for sharing, it's made my day.
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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  18. I love finding new walks and places to visit, looks beautiful what you have there.

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  19. Oooh- nice places to walk and take us.

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  20. Such a beautiful area for walks.

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