The thrill of embarking on this momentous journey with great friends on an early September morning in Tobermory. The realization from sheer physical exhaustion that this was not going to be an easy undertaking. The sheer beauty of the trail, the limestone cliffs and shimmering Georgian Bay — and the warm feeling of knowing this natural treasure will be preserved for generations to come.
Walking along a stone "beach" of 30 cm limestone boulders stretching hundreds of metres with 25 kg packs, desperately avoiding a twisted ankle. Or was it climbing up and down so many natural "ladders" and "staircases" cut into the bedrock? 🤔
Stormhaven was unforgettable. Walking down to the water for a bracing dip in the surf, then preparing dinner and breakfast on the natural limestone "tables" littered everywhere. And the sunrise — truly fire in the sky.
Near the end of Day 2, Soren was so fed up with his unwieldy pack that he dropped it at the first road access spot, planning to drive back for it later. I left mine too — not thinking about the food inside. We were anxious when a mama and baby bear crossed the gravel road ahead of us, headed straight toward our packs. Luckily, they didn't sniff them out. 😅
Enjoying a cold post-hike Sunnyside sitting in the sun at the back of our sweet St. Catherine's AirBnb. Guest hiker Rob, with his dog Ellie, joining us for part of the Saturday hike.
The mind and body numbing climbing up and back down endless river gorges and the absolutely terrifying muddy descents.
Sitting by an old section of the Welland Canal.
Finally relenting to Chris' demands to stop at a winery. It was a unique experience.
Spending time with the lads. Camp life. Gorgeous scenery. Phenomenal hikes. Stargazing on the rock beach.
Weaving through the minefield of rocks leaving Lion's Head to finish off the hike for the day. Amazing that we didn't twist at least one ankle.
Couldn't resist a swim at the end of the hike. Sore legs, tired, hot. The Georgian Bay waters were the perfect antidote.
Camp life. The freeze dried Mexican meal that Sarah prepared for our trip was divine especially with the guacamole that Chris prepared on the spot. Something about Chris and avocados 🤔
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Chris' epic snoring. Paul and I banished him to the truck and that still didn't quiet the roar/snore.
The parade of waterfalls and the camaraderie of the hiking crew. Pretty sweet AirBnb in Stoney Creek helped us rest and replenish.
I seem to remember one heck of a staircase up the escarpment that crazy Hammer residents would climb for the sheer exercise of it.
The sheer number of different waterfalls in this section was the real treasure. Each one was unique and memorable.
From the escarpment near Waterdown looking south across the QEW and Lake Ontario knowing that we had completed the entire Hammer horseshoe this trip.
Todd and family letting us use their great cottage that was virtually right off the trail and exactly at the end of our Day 1 hike. We ate pretty darn well and this section of the Bruce was spectacular.
The Day 2 segment was over 30 km and being the second day, it was definitely the toughest.
The Colpoy's Bay views from Todd's cottage were unbelievable morning and evening, day in and day out.
Something about popcorn comes to mind 🤣
The sheer number and array of guest hikers for these two near-Toronto day hikes. Rob, Jeremy, Sean and Marilyn making our adventure that much more memorable. Thank you ❤️
Climbing up Mt. Nemo is not for the faint of heart. One of the more interesting pathways up/down the escarpment.
The storm that blew in after our short rest break at the top of Mt. Nemo. The wind was howling, the rain came pelting down and the lightning was electric. Lucky this was the end of the hike for the day 😅
Seeing the turkey vultures up close was pretty special. Always great to have Jeremy and Loki along as guest hikers. And pretty cool walking through the Glen Eden ski area.
The long stretches of gravel road were rather tough to get through. Not in terms of difficulty but more just sheer tedium.
A picnic table in a meadow with a view of a pond that materialized out of nowhere near the lunch hour. When you happen upon something like this, you take it.
The prick in the black Mercedes doing close to 100 km down the gravel road we were walking along. Most people slow down and give a wide berth. Not this joker. His car kicked up a piece of gravel that hit Charles in the throat. Wish we'd had a handful of roofing nails handy for that piece of work.
Poul and Janet hosting our crew at their great place in Grey County. Such a great place to come back to rest and recharge with great conversation, food and amenities.
It got pretty tight hiking through some of those spectacular crevices in the escarpment. Tough but unbelievably rewarding.
Even though the escarpment was amazing, I've got to say the view across the "Field of Dreams" was enchanting.
Picking veggies in the garden, helping Poul install the tarp over the swim spa, sharing dinner with Poul, Janet and Bruno — all of this contributed to one unforgettable trip.
Thanks to Rob and Erin for letting us weary hikers use their Creemore chalet. It was perfect.
Having returning guest hikers Sean and Jeremy on two separate days.
Enjoying a post hike beer at the Mono Centre Brewing Co.
Two gravel road hills are candidates. Both were never-ending and steep. The one with Jeremy (shown in the pictures) and another near Hockley Valley.
There was a really good view of the surrounding countryside when we were walking alongside the Hockley Valley golf course.
Encountering the club president of the Dufferin Highlands section along the trail and having him recount the devastation of the spring 2025 ice storm.
The Blue Flash (Chris) hoofing it on the last day. Perhaps he was so fleet of foot because he forgot his pack? 🤔
