S1.Ep1 "And So It Begins". Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
End to End : Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario
Season 1, Episode One : “And So It Begins”
In this first episode the long and beautiful journey begins. The first steps are taken at Queenston Heights - the Southern Terminus of the Bruce Trail - not far from Niagara Falls which itself breaks over the Niagara Escarpment, the rocky ridge that the entire length of the Bruce Trail is built on. A cliff that transforms into rolling hills and cliffs again as it travels up and across Ontario all the way to the tip of the Niagara Peninsula, where it descends into Lake Huron, 900 km or 550 miles from the start.
Episode One covers the first 90 km, through the Niagara Section of the Bruce Trail to Cline Mountain Road in Grimsby. Hiked in early Spring 2021 over 3 ½ days, the snow had mostly melted and the rivers and creeks were flowing well – with beautiful waterfalls in fine form along the way.
Travel across the Niagara Peninsula through Thorold, St.Catherines, Jordan, Lincoln, and Grimsby, with scenes from Woodend Conservation Area, the Welland Canal of 1887, Short Hills Provincial Park, Rockway Conservation Area, Louth Conservation Area, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, Twenty Mile Creek, Cave Springs, Mountainview Conservation Area, Forty Mile Creek, Beamer Memorial Conservation Area, Grimsby Mountain, and Grimsby Point.
Season One covers the first 450 km of the Bruce Trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com) for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 1-5
Total Map Distance : 90.4 km
Step Counter Distance (always greater than the map distance) : 106.8km
Music:
Features the songs “Seems So” and “Silent Stream” from the album Upland
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
#BruceTrail #Hiking #NiagaraEscarpment
#Conservation #TrailHike #CanadianHiking #SectionHike #Niagara #Woodend #ShortHills #Rockway #Louth #BallsFalls #CaveSprings #Mountainview
S1.Ep2 "Hamilrock". Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 2 : “Hamilrock”
In this the 2nd episode documenting a 900km / 550 mile journey across Ontario on the Bruce Trail, we pick up at Cline Mountain Rd. in Grimsby and head to Hamilton. I am joined by Kanaka Lui for a day, then I’m on my own through Hamilton to Tiffany Falls at the edge of the Dundas Valley. The total distance covered is 38 km or 24 mi.
Hiking through the Iroquoia Section of the Bruce Trail, the path runs along the escarpment ridge through Woolverton, Winona and Vinemount Conservation Areas skirting below the Devil’s Punch Bowl, to Felker Falls Conservation Area, nestled in the suburban landscape of Stoney Creek. The trail heads down into the Red Hill Valley after which it weaves through the city of Hamilton. The Bruce Trail remains a “thin stretch of green” that runs through the largest city in the entire length of the trail. In West Hamilton the trail runs through Chedoke Park and then hugs the escarpment with the magnificent Dundas Valley coming into view. Hiking through Iroquoia Heights affords some beautiful views, then the trail crosses highway 403 to the stunning Tiffany Falls to end the day.
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 5-8
Total Map Distance : 38 km
Step Counter Distance (always greater than the map distance) : 47 km
Music from the Episode:
“A Spell” from the album Steve Welch 2019 and
“Stealin’” from the album Upland
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
Porcupine Out On The Trail!
Steve Welch Ontario
Ran into a porcupine out on the Bruce Trail. Was it hiking the entire 900km? We were - and we ran into another the next day. Check out End To End : Hiking the Bruce Trail on Rumble for episodes dropping weekly.
S1.Ep3 "Into The Dundas Valley". Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 3 : “Into The Dundas Valley”
What a day this was. In the 3rd episode of ‘End to End : Hiking The Bruce Trail”, we enter the magnificent Dundas Valley. It was a hot day in June to hike 25 km up and down the escarpment - 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) and not a cloud in the sky. Thankfully there was plenty of water, at least for the first half of the day, from the many creeks and waterfalls that run through the valley. I think I drank close to 8 litres that day and ran out of water at one point. It was a hot one.
The day started just below Tiffany Falls where the trail runs through a jumbly rocky forested section and then emerges at Old Dundas Rd, at Ancaster Creek. I took a quick trip up to see the stunning Sherman Falls, then continued, entering the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. There is a deep beautiful forest through this stretch, with great cliffs and crevasse’s to explore. Eventually it leads to the Hermitage, stone ruins that hold stories, history and legends from the Dundas Valley. In fact the whole area steeped in history.
We make a short stop at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre and check out the old Canadian National Railroad cars on display – then head back into the woods making our way along the railway tracks, eventually taking a turn off the beaten path, and up to the Dundas Lookout.
Here I carefully edit out the monstrosity of a fence / barrier recently built atop the Dundas Lookout, a historical and incredible place to connect with nature and view the giant expanse of the Spencer Gorge. I remember bringing my young daughter there when she was only a few months old, when I lived in Dundas, and held her up to see the view like a scene from the Lion King. There was no fence then.
The hike continued up and down and back up the escarpment on Sydenham Rd, past Borer’s Falls, light in water but heavy in beauty, and along the escarpment edge beyond into the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here we start to get some great views from the West side of the Valley, at the landmark “Skyway Bridge” that crosses Hamilton Harbour and has been in view off and on since Grimsby, and scenes of Burlington, Hamilton and Lake Ontario.
The day ends down the steps at “Old Guelph Rd.” (HWY 6).
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 8-9
Total Map Distance : 20.7 km
Step Counter Distance (including side trips) : 25.4 km
Music from the Episode:
“Country Road” and “Things Are Happening” from the album Upland
“Long Way Down”, and “Love Travels Far 2019” from Steve Welch 2019
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
#BruceTrail #Hiking #Dundas
#TrailHike #CanadianHiking #SectionHike #TiffanyFalls #DundasValley #ShermanFalls #Hermitage #DundasLookout #SpencerGorge #RoyalBotanicalGardens #NiagaraEscarpment #Waterfalls
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
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S1.Ep4 "The Legend Of Smokey Hollow". Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End Grindstone Creek Great Falls
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 4 : “The Legend Of Smokey Hollow”
This episode marks the return (from the future) of my good friend Steve Hayes. We had already been hiking together on the trail as you will see in future episodes, but had to come back to finish this section.
We walked under HWY 6 through a well graffiti’d tunnel, and through the beautiful Clappison Woods, over the railway tracks and across Snake Rd where we descended into the deep Grindstone Creek Valley.
Walking up Grindstone Creek we took some time to explore and adventure among the giant slabs of rock, and many small waterfalls cascading down the creek. We came across a fantastic and magical art project – someone (or a group of people) had made hundreds of towers of balanced rocks over a sprawling area along the river bed. It was really amazing to see, and a beautiful tribute to the land.
We made our way up to “Smokey Hollow”, the spot where Grindstone Creek becomes Great Falls and majestically slips over the escarpment and onto the jumbled rocks below, creating the “hollow” which used to fill up with smoke from the mill that was once there, hence the name, Smokey Hollow.
At that site is an old millstone, once used at the mill, donated by my Grandparents Robert and Rose McNairn, longtime residents of Waterdown who lived just up the hill across from Smokey Hollow.
We continued across Waterdown Rd. along a weaving trail through town, that eventually led to Waterdown Woods for a pleasant jaunt. Approaching Burlington we walked through Kerncliff Park, nestled in a beautiful revitalized quarry. We crossed Dundas St (HWY 5), and further Cedar Springs Rd. and Guelph Line with an extended road section to end the day, a nice walk with an escarpment view, and continued up Walkers Line where the day ended, at the base of Mt.Nemo.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 9-10
Total Map Distance : 21.5 km
Step Counter Distance : 26.1 km
Music from the Episode:
“Plantation” and “Bleasdell’s Boulder” from the album Steve Welch 2019
“Drumtree” from the album Upland
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep5 "Mt.Nemo" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 5 : “Mt.Nemo”
In this episode, take a journey up the iconic Mt. Nemo. This remarkable rock outcrop is the dominant feature on the Western skyline if you are anywhere near Hamilton Harbor on Lake Ontario and was the closest access to the Bruce Trail from where I grew up in Burlington. If I needed an escape, this was often where I went.
Not much can be said, other than enjoy the beautiful views of the sprawling lowland countryside and Lake Ontario to the east and Rattlesnake Point and the Nassagaweya canyon to the west. As the wind rips along the cliff edge, the turkey vultures whip by and play in the strong air currents that come up through the valleys.
From there the hike heads past a beautiful old quarry on Colling Road and leads to a nice country walk down Blind Line between Lowville and Cedar Springs where Bronte Creek flows through. Lots to explore in there, and some magnificent big trees in that valley.
This short but beautiful hike ended at Twiss Rd. and No.8 Sideroad.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 9-10
Total Map Distance : 21.5 km
Step Counter Distance : 26.1 km
Music from the Episode:
“Right Here Right Now” from deep in the Steve Welch archives and
“Algorithm” from the album Upland
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
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S1.Ep6 "Nassagaweya" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : Crawford Lake Rattlesnake Point
Steve Welch Ontario
End to End : Hiking the Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario
Season 1, Episode 6 : “Nassagaweya”
This episode continues the journey hiking the Bruce Trail north and takes us through Yaremko-Ridley Park, Crawford Lake, through the Nassagaweya Canton to Rattlesnake Point.
The day started with some rain and hail. It didn’t last long, before the beautiful beaming sun came out. There is no parking on the east side of this park, so there were not many people in that gorgeous stretch. I had a short road walk to get there.
The trail exits Yaremko-Ridley Park at Twiss Road and enters what I can only call a spiritual place (for me at least), the Crawford Forest Tract which precedes Crawford Lake Conservation Area. This lesser used trail section sits next to the popular Crawford Lake, and brings a unique feeling of magic and solitude to hikers and explorers walking among the cliffs, crags, and crevasses.
Crossing Guelph line, the trail passes through Crawford Lake Conservation Area. The Bruce Trail does not pass beside Crawford Lake itself, which is a natural and deep lake that is a fascinating gem in the area, kind of like a time machine, so if you want to check it out, you’ll have to take a side trail.
The trail leads to another valley, known as Nassagaweya Canyon, descending the escarpment through a chaotic jumbled pile of rocks to the valley floor. The views are fantastic from the edge of the cliff as you approach the valley, and the vultures circle and play, with Mt.Nemo fading further into the distance as the miles pass, and Rattlesnake Point, the east side of the Milton Outlier, jutting out majestically on the other side of the valley. What an incredible vantage point.
The Bruce Trail doesn’t take you to the Rattlesnake Point overlook , so leave some time for a side trip if you want to check out another great view.
Lots of memories here from my childhood and youth and a special place for me.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 10-11
Total Map Distance : 15 km
Step Counter Distance : 19 km
Music from the Episode:
“Fine Thread” from album Steve Welch 2019
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep7 "Kelso" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 7 : “Kelso”
This section of the Bruce Trail travels over the top of the Milton Outlier – the towering isolated mountain of escarpment rock that has Rattlesnake Point to on the east side, and Glen Eden Ski Area to the West if you want to zip down the mountain.
Kelso Conservation Area is a popular mountain biking spot, with many interweaving bike trails criss- crossing the Bruce Trail that runs through it. The trail runs through a flat deciduous forest before popping out at the dramatic Kelso cliff which stands so majestically facing the busy traffic travelling up and down highway 401 in the distance.
The trail follows the cliff edge and the ever present turkey vultures rip through the air currents as usual.
There are some fascinating lime kilns buried in the forest just off the trail, a common feature along the Bruce Trail – which itself is made of limestone once used in the kilns.
The trail works it’s way through Glen Eden Ski Area, across the train tracks, past 16 Mile Creek (where on the next hike we will see it’s masterwork : Hilton Falls), under the 401 and to an inconspicuous spot in the woods where the Iroquoia section of the Bruce Trail officially ends and the Toronto Section begins.
It’s here we end our hike for the day, and gear up for the mega Hilton Falls Loop featured in the next episode.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 11
Total Map Distance : 10 km
Step Counter Distance : 13 km
Music from the Episode:
“Alive Healthy and Free” from album Upland
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep8 "Hilton Falls Loop" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 8 : “Hilton Falls Loop”
I was on my own on this beautiful day in May – I wanted to complete a section of the Bruce Trail through Hilton Falls Conservation Area – but had no shuttle – so I embarked on an ambitious loop through Hilton Falls, and back up the Bruce Trail. This would turn out to be one of my longest hiking days yet – by the end my step counter read 37 km, completed over 10 hours.
I parked at 15 Sideroad and started down the Vanderleck Side trail, which eventually enters Hilton Falls Conservation Area, and merges into the Hilton Falls side trail. This route took me right to the falls, something you wouldn’t see if you stuck to the Bruce Trail. I hiked through the park and around the Hilton Reservoir where I found some cool caves to explore, eventually connecting to the Bruce Trail where I had left off on my last hike through Kelso.
The Bruce Trail portion is amazing here (as are the side trails) following the escarpment edge, with views of Kelso, the 401 passing through and the GTA. It included passing Dufferin Quarry – the “famous” gap in the escarpment that can be seen driving West on Highway 401. The quarry is fascinating and the bridge crossing the gap is a blessing.
I pushed through into Speyside and to the parking area on 17th sideroad where I exited the Bruce Trail and ventured back on the Vanderleck side trail, walking slowly and arduously back to my car to complete this epic day.
“I bit off more than I could chew” as the saying goes, but with a few days of recovery, all was well.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 11-12
Bruce Trail only distance : 13 km
Step Counter Distance for the day (Complete Hilton Falls Loop) : 37 km
Music from the Episode:
“Waves of Joy” from album Steve Welch 2019
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
17 Gorgeous Waterfalls From Niagara to the Blue Mountains along the Bruce Trail
Steve Welch Ontario
Take a waterfall tour across Ontario - beginning with the great and majestic Niagara Falls - then travel along the Bruce Trail for the first 17 Waterfalls on this iconic 900km footpath, with many rivers, creeks, and streams along the way.
The Niagara Escarpment, which the Bruce Trail follows, is a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, and for good reason with seemingly endless cascades over the Limestone cliffs.
Including : Niagara Falls, beautiful Tiffany Falls, Sherman Falls, picturesque Hilton Falls, and many other inspiring natural monuments from this great land we call "Ontario".
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and check out the Bruce Trail series "End To End : Hiking the Bruce Trail - A Journey Across Ontario".
visit : stevewelchontario.com for more
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
S1.Ep9 "The Journey Starts Beneath One’s Feet 旅程从脚下开始" Hiking The Bruce Trail
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 9 : “The Journey Starts Beneath One’s Feet 旅程从脚下开始”
The trek across Ontario continues and this stretch begins at Speyside, one of my favorite spots. The Speyside section is a special place for me – and has “helped me out” on many occasions as I have walked, reflected, planned, recharged and even mourned when needed there over the years.
I completed the Speyside section this time around in March of 2021, while the snow still covered the frozen ground, and it was on this hike that my friend Steve and I decided it was time to hike the entire length of the 900km 550mi Bruce Trail. I thought it would take about 5 years, but after year 1 we made it half way – 450 km, and what a journey it has been. This was our first “official” section completed – 8 km of 920. A modest beginning.
We passed through Limehouse Conservation Area with it's lime kiln ruins, some great crevasses and lots of other areas to explore. A couple of road sections led to Silver Creek Conservation Area where we explored some of the side trails in a big loop including the historic Scottsdale Farm site.
I had never been to the northern sections of Silver Creek Conservation Area, and it didn’t disappoint. It is a beautiful park with Snows Creek, and classic craggy escarpment limestone with some beautiful vistas and cool side trails. It was there I accidentally came across a rare “Jefferson Salamander” while looking for fossils.
Finishing at the northern border of Silver Creek set us up the next 4 days of hiking over May 24th weekend where we covered the entire Caledon section and walked 120 km over 4 days. Those episodes are up next and things get interesting (and fun / funny).
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 12-13
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 25 km
Step Counter Distance Including Side Trails and Doubling Back: 41.5 km
Music from the Episode:
“Fire In The Belly” from the Retro Archives
And “Gladness Ubiquitous” from the album Steve Welch 2019
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep10 "The Badlands" Hiking the Bruce Trail End To End
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 10 : “The Badlands”
It was a hot day in May when we completed the Toronto Section through the beautiful Terra Cotta Conservation Area. This was the start of a 4 day stretch over the May 24 weekend, tackling the entire 71 km Caledon Hills Section of the Bruce Trail and beyond.
The terrain through this stretch merges into the many rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine, where the majestic limestone escarpment rock is mostly buried under sand. There are some incredible forested sections and lots of ups and downs. We came across a fellow traveller – a big ‘ol Porcupine – ambling down the trail, so we hiked with it for a bit before saying goodbye.
There are also a lot of road walks through the Caledon Hills, where we managed to entertain ourselves. It’s still a great experience walking the landscape, whether on a country road or on a trail – the variety creates a great overall experience. We love the rural countryside.
The midpoint of the day took us through the Cheltenham Badlands. It is a unique environment (though there is similar terrain in spots around the area). The red “terra cotta” coloured ground is known as Queenston Shale, the remnants of an ancient mountain range that existed here many hundreds of millions of years ago.
Road sections and road allowances through the forests led us to Forks of The Credit Provincial Park as we descended the “Devil’s Pulpit” into the Credit River Valley where we came across a natural air conditioner. Cool air from ice still remaining deep underground was blasting out from the rocks. An incredible treat during a long hot day. We hit the mighty Credit River and roamed through the great Credit River Valley, ending our day at Willoughby Road, tired but happy.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 14-15
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 27 km
Step Counter Distance : 32.5 km
Music from the Episode:
“Upland” from the album Upland
And “Contentment” from the retro archives
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep11 "Oak Ridges and Caledon Hills" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End
Steve Welch Ontario
End to End : Hiking the Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario
Season 1, Episode 11 : “Oak Ridges and Caledon Hills”
This incredible hike was the second day of a four day stretch hiking through the Caledon Hills. Starting on Willoughby Road where we left off the previous day, the green grass was growing tall and the fields were bursting with life. We hit the milestone of HWY 10, crossing under through a tunnel.
The day’s hike included several lengthy road sections – as happens at times on the Bruce Trail, a great time to entertain ourselves with jokes and song. I enjoy the road sections because they complete the scene of walking across Ontario. The good people who farm the fields and preserve the land bring life to the landscape. It’s a special thing to walk down a peaceful country road on a sunny day - quiet with the occasional truck passing by. Some generous landowners along the way share their properties with hikers so the trail pops on and off the roads as it goes.
The road sections also help when “crushing miles”!
As the day progressed we got into some amazing Caledon Hills forested sections and ended the day in style hiking through “The Dingle” crossing through the Oak Ridges Moraine where the Oak Ridges Moraine trail meets the Bruce Trail.
The classic escarpment rock is buried under Oak Ridges sandy hills in this stretch. We worked our way through Glen Haffy Conservation Area, across highway 9, and into the Humber River Valley with some big trees and big hills challenging our weary bodies before we could call it a day.
A day which ended with a fantastic over look across the countryside as we made our way to the 7th line parking access.
We hiked 27km on the map but as usual the step counter added a couple of kilometres – reading 30.5 km for the day. A short rest and back at it the next day!
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 15-18
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 27 km
Step Counter Distance : 30.5 km
Music from the Episode:
“Wandering Along” from the retro archives
“Wandering Along” 2022 from the Turtleshell Trilogy
“Prelude” and “Pollution Free Cars” from the retro archives
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep12 "Rambling Up To Hockley Valley" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End
Steve Welch Ontario
End to End : Hiking the Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario
Season 1, Episode 12 : “Rambling Up To Hockley Valley”
The Bruce Trail Journey continues at 7th line, just north of Mono Mills as we amble and ramble up to the incredible Hockley Valley. This is a very hilly section and one for the glutes, but the landscape is amazing. The trees are large and plentiful and the lush forest canopy sometimes seems to touch the sky.
The whole stretch is quite spectacular. What seemed like a relatively short distance on the map turned into a long journey on the trail with it’s many twists and turns and ups and downs. We hiked up and down the many hills trodding through the remnants of the Oak Ridges Moraine’s sandy hills and we begin to re-enter Escarpment country approaching Mono Cliffs.
Reaching the Nottawasaga River at the valley floor was a great treat as the water was still ice cold and had incredible healing power on our throbbing feet. This gave us the boost we needed to finish the day trekking up and up and up and out of the valley hiking through the Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve. More beautiful big trees.
We ended the day at the famous “Dunby Road” setting up our next hike through Mono Cliffs.
This was the third day of our 4 day stretch in May where we covered 100km of trail and made it to the Dufferin Highlands.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 18
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 25 km
Step Counter Distance : 29 km
Music from the Episode:
“I’ve Got A Feeling” from the retro archives
And “L’Amour Voyage” from the album “Upland”
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “L’Amour Voyage” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep13 "Mono Cliffs" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
End to End : Hiking the Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario
Season 1, Episode 13 : “Mono Cliffs”
We begin the last day of our 4 day Bruce Trail stretch at Dunby Road for a cool morning road walk followed by a nice escarpment jumble section adjacent to 3rd line. Slowly but surely made our way to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, which also ended the Caledon Section and began the journey through the Dufferin Highlands.
Mono Cliffs is a beautiful park, and it was a beautiful bluebird day as we walked through it. It’s the first stretch of the Bruce Trail with a few ponds and lakes and it was a new and refreshing environment. Our familiar friends the turkey vultures soared majestically overhead.
There was a gorgeous view from the cliff top of the valley and the “South Outlier”. Like the Milton Outlier from many miles ago, the landscape conjures images of a great flood when the glaciers and meltwater intensely carved out the landscape.
Hiking from there up to McCarstons lake, and further into what was a magical deep green forest that was erupting in song from the many birds in the treetops. It’s not often you walk through such an exuberant symphony.
Up one more country road and we set up our next hike – into the Boyne Valley.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 18-19
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 14 km
Step Counter Distance : 15 km
Music from the Episode:
“L’Amour Voyage” (Outro) from the album “Upland”
“Hang In There” from the album “Steve Welch 2019”
And “Love Travels Far” (Outro) from the album “Steve Welch 2019”
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep14 "Boyne Valley" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 14 : “Boyne Valley”
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It was great to get back on trail after a few weeks, now in the mid summer July heat. From 1st Line Granger the trail took us through the rolling rural countryside. The wildflowers were in bloom and the fields were full of life.
The song to start this episode is the popular “Drop That Load” from the album “Upland”. It’s a song about freeing yourself from unnecessary concerns and troubles – to “only carry what needs to be carried”. It doesn’t do us any good to perpetually carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Hiking the Bruce Trail frees the mind – it’s also good when hiking to only carry what needs to be carried (pack light) for this would be a long hot day on the trail.
There’s something special about the rolling countryside, and fields in summer. Then a couple of road sections, also beautiful with summer flowers, horses and butterflies took us to the south end of Boyne Valley Provincial Park.
Beautiful creeks and tall trees welcomed us as we traversed the terrain.
The hike was so awesome it is split into two episodes. We popped out on 1st Line Mulmer and that’s where this one ends. The next episode is titled “Pine River”
The second song featured is the fun reggae tune “Horses Are Supposed to Know Your Feelings”. “Communicate with love” it says.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 19-20
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 11 km
Step Counter Distance : 13 km
Music from the Episode:
“Drop That Load” from the album “Upland” and
“Horses Are Supposed To Know Your Feelings” from the album “Steve Welch 2019”
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
Title : S1.Ep15 "Pine River" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 15 : “Pine River”
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Part two of our epic 29 km hike last July along the beautiful stretch of the Bruce Trail from 1st Line Granger, through Boyne Valley Provincial Park (episode 14) across the ridges, over the rolling hills, down the country roads, under a big blue sky in the sweltering sun, rambling down to the Pine River country of Kilgore.
The land was in full summer bloom, the flowers were out, the vultures were soaring, and the land was sparking in the hazy heat. The hike took us past the Mulmer Lookout overlooking the expanse of the Boyne Valley, through Walker’s Woods, in memory of Chris Walker, a Bruce Trail pioneer, into the “Enchanted Forest”, and through Rock Hill Park as the sun shone gloriously through the escarpment rock crevasses.
The town of Kilgore turned out to be just a mailbox on a quiet dirt road, then we got into the Pine River section where we explored the Dufferin Light And Power Co. power plant ruins. We had a great surprise near the end of the day, a rare lake (pond) scene on the Bruce Trail, with the beautiful Pine River Fishing Pond.
It was a struggle to finish and we were thankful to have the long days of summer to complete this awesome hike. Next up: “Noisy River”.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 19-20
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance Part Two : 17 km
Total Map Distance for complete hike : 28km
Step Counter Distance 33km
Music from the Episode:
“Worth The Wait” from the album “Upland” and
“Beautiful Truth” from the retro archives
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep16 "Noisy River" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Season 1, Episode 16 : “Noisy River”
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The Bruce Trail Journey across Ontario continues through the rural Mulmer countryside and into Noisy River Nature Reserve / Provincial Park.
It was a beautiful day in September, and the leaves were just starting to show some fall colours. This episode is kind of like a stand alone movie. We have a new hiking companion and the late summer scenes and flora were soaking in the heat and the sun. I tried to capture the experience in a different way - really trying to bring you along with us on this astoundingly beautiful walk.
The day started where we left off a month earlier on Prince of Wales Road in Kilgore. There were a lot of road sections in this stretch but as usual they were inspiring and gorgeous in their own way. Nice to have that variety of rural and deep woods.
We ducked off the road for a trail section (thanks to the landowners) and then back to Prince of Wales Road which we would veer off from again shortly after and then back on further up the trail. In this next section we came upon a spectacular view of the Pine River country and the vast expanse of the landscape. The crickets were chirping loudly in the September air.
Eventually we hit the bridge crossing of Black Bank Creek – thanks again to the volunteers and pioneers who make this all possible. The day was sweet, the flowers were popping and there was plenty of water sources to keep hydrated for the hot road sections.
We found a cave / crevasse system that we explored for a while, then back on trail, After a few delicious trail apples we made it to the end of the Dufferin Hi-Land section and entered the “Blue Mountains”, gaining an inch or two in elevation as we walked through Lavender.
Noisy River park brought us back into escarpment rock crevasses and a gorgeous countryside to end the day cooling our feet in the mighty Noisy River.
We never did find the Mulmer Tavern.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 20-21
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 25 km
Step Counter Distance 28 km
Music from the Episode:
“Guilty” from the album “Upland” and
“See You Next Year” from the album “Steve Welch 2019”
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep17 "Devil’s Glen – Freedom Rock" - Hiking The Bruce Trail
Steve Welch Ontario
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Season 1, Episode 17 : “Devil’s Glen – Freedom Rock”
We began our journey on HWY 9 where we left off a few weeks earlier. It was a gorgeous sunrise and the leaves were beginning to change – with a 25C degree day in October we knew were in for a treat. Everything looked amazing the entire day as you will see, with glowing fields and golden autumn colours backed against a clear blue sky.
Field walking to start the day and weaving in and out of woodlots and road sections to eventually make it to the Transcarioca / Bruce Trail Friendship trail where beauty abounds and the apples were ripe and plentiful.
More pleasant road sections led up to Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area where things got very interesting. We first took the short, and highly recommended, Keyhole Side Trail which led to a network of spectacular crevasses, and ultimately deep into the bowels of the Earth as we did some caving.
We took the long way around the Conservation Area walking through diverse environments – meadows, cedar forest, glowing autumnal deciduous trees, and eventually, the fantastic lookout where we ate lunch and gazed out over the vast and colourful rolling hills below.
After lunch we took another side trip to explore the fascinating “Freedom Rock”.
For more information on “Freedom Rock”, it’s history, and location, check out this great article : https://people.ryerson.ca/valliere/freedom.html
“Individualist Are Diamonds”, “Try”, and “Do Good” are a few of the interesting carvings etched so long ago in the escarpment rock.
The day got better as we made our way along the escarpment ridge then deep down into Devil’s Glen where the Mad River flows. Of course, when you descend into a deep river valley you also have to climb up and out the other side. Whew!
We caught some incredible views through the trees of the Mad River Valley and where we had came from, as the sun shone during the golden hour of the day on the great majesty below.
We pushed a bit further to Conc 10 where we ended the day just as the sun was setting,
Sunrise to Sunset on the trail – a well lived day.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 21-22
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 28 km plus side trails
Step Counter Distance 32 km
Music from the Episode:
“Backstabber” from the retro archives.
“Glad You Have Come”, and “Pray For Rain” from the album Steve Welch 2019
And “Pebble In A Stream” from the retro archives
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep18 "Pretty River Valley" - Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
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Season 1, Episode 18 : “Pretty River Valley”
Saving the best to last – in this the 18th and 2nd last episode of Season One covering the first half of the Bruce Trail, we had one of the most beautiful and epic hikes of them all. 30km across the landscape, bursting with sunshine and fall color.
The day started off quite differently though, it was October 31st and it was a chilly and damp 5 degrees Celsius to start the day with a short road walk before we veered off into a proper trail. Mud was a theme of the day.
With some great views starting to appear the landscape was beautiful despite the weather. But on one of our first great overlooks of the day we saw some blue sky opening up on the horizon. A good sign of things to come.
This was one of the few times we took a side trail diversion from the Bruce Trail – that was to go through the “Standing Rock and Caves Side Trail”. It leads to the same spot as the Bruce Trail section, is much more interesting and challenging and not any shorter so that’s what we did. A great decision as we weaved through great crevasses and channels which led to a dynamic and powerful rock wall “room”. Through a small crack we made our way out of the labyrinth and broke out into the shining sunshine that had emerged from behind the clouds.
Hard to describe the beautiful autumn scene – next level beauty.
We descended into the Pretty River Valley slipping and sliding all the way down in the mud. At the valley floor the hillsides and clouds, blue sky and autumn colors were truly mesmerizing. But the best was still yet to come.
We made it to the Pretty River which was, pretty, and then headed up the other side of the valley up seemingly endless hills and alongside a gorgeous mountain stream. Eventually we reached the top and came upon the best views so far on the Bruce Trail – and our first good look at Georgian Bay – that of Osler Bluffs. Astounding.
Almost as if choreographed (the whole hike felt like this), the November winds started blowing in as soon as we left the scenic bluffs and we pushed our aching bodies further as the sun began to set.
We made it to the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, where we would end the day overlooking the lake and the bay, setting up our final hike of season one – through the Blue Mountains and to the half way point of the trail (and beyond).
In Season Two I hope to finish the trail, and episodes will launch weekly starting in November of 2022 if all goes well.
Season one ends in a dramatic cliffhanger with the last episode - Episode 19 : “The Blue Mountains Mystery”. Don’t miss it!
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the incredible landscape.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 22-24
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 31 km
Step Counter Distance 33 km
Music from the Episode:
“More Time” from the album “Upland”
“We Found Love” featuring Prosad on Sitar, recorded at Turtleshell Studio, Breslau Ontario
“Joy” and “And Humbly So” from the Retro Archives
and “The Hard Truth”, unreleased from the “Upland” sessions.
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S1.Ep19 "Mystery In The Blue Mountains" Season Finale - Half Way! Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End
Steve Welch Ontario
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Season 1, Episode 19 : “Mystery In The Blue Mountains” Season Finale
Murder on the trail? A slip and fall? Or did someone forget their lunch?
Tune in to find out as we reach the half way point of our 900 km 550 mile journey across Ontario - marking the thrilling end of season one on this brisk day in November.
Hiking through the majestic Blue Mountains overlooking the spectacular Nottawasaga Bay, part of great Lake Huron, we start the day at the Blue Mountain Ski resort parking lot and head along the ridge as the sun hung tight to the horizon and a light early snowfall painted the land white but for the trees and babbling brooks cascading down the slope.
At some point on the ridgeline that overlooked the bay we reached the end of the Blue Mountains Section of the Bruce Trail and entered the Beaver Valley Section – and continued on the ridge until we reached the Len Gertler Memorial Loree Forest.
After passing through a grand valley and up to and fantastic overlook we descended again then ascended and regained the ridge that led to the half way point of the trail, around 7km in to the Beaver Valley Section and nicely situated overlooking a serene forested hillside and the bay.
There is no official marker for the half way point, but we gave our best guess. When you reach a great milestone like this, it is an occasion to celebrate and that we did, with some sober reflection and appreciation of all we have experienced so far on the trail. After a brief ceremony we continued through the Loree forest and popped out to some rural November road walks, as we began our journey through the vast Beaver Valley, where we would spend the next 4-5 days of hiking before eventually returning back to Georgian Bay.
We came upon a great field of cows who greeted us curiously as the trail passed through their grazing field.
Somewhere in those field crossings we lost track of Murray as the beautiful scenes and the anticipation of reaching the end of our hike, and season one, kept pulling us forward – and on to Kolapore where we celebrated reaching our goal!
Tune in for Season Two as the thrilling tale continues. This epic journey where the great mystery reveals itself – and may even reveal the answer to the most important question of all - where’s Murray?
Season Two begins with weekly episodes starting Tuesday November 15th 2022 at 7pm as we trudge on to Tobermory and that beautiful cairn.
Thanks for watching and commenting and hiking.
Visit stevewelchontario.com for links to all episodes and music from the series as well as music videos and adventure films. Peace!
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 24-25
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 25 km
Music from the Episode:
“Divide and Conquer” from the album “Upland”
“Unseen” from the 2007 album “The Time Of My Life” (re-recorded at Turtleshell Studio)
“Rockwood” and “Sing” unreleased from the retro archives
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
S2.Ep1 “Kolapore Uplands” Season Two Begins! Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End – Back on Trail 🌲
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the inaugural episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario.
"Kolapore Uplands"
The season starts on a very cold January day as we embark on the second half of this amazing 910km 550 mile trail. A trail that follows the Niagara Escarpment from the Niagara River, across Ontario to Tobermory where the escarpment submerges into Great Lake Huron. Season One ep. 1-19 covers the first half of the Bruce Trail from Niagara to the Blue Mountains.
Season Two begins at Kolapore and ends at the Northern Terminus. All set to the music of Steve Welch and the new album "Vitality".
After a calamitous start to the day we head out into the winter wonderland, approaching the vast Beaver Valley. Metcalfe Rock stands out as a magnificent marker and is also a popular climbing spot.
We were not sure what to expect with winter hiking – not enough snow for snowshoes but it was enough to slow us down. We may have taken on too much for our first winter hike – we ended up walking back to our car by moonlight.
After a great lunch at the Mill Creek bridge we hiked through Duncan Crevice Caves Provincial Nature Reserve with it’s great views across the valley and back toward Metcalfe Rock.
We ran into some challenging hiking late in the day over snow covered jumbled boulders at the base of the escarpment near McCluskey’s Rock which was a good test for our weary bones. This was rewarded with some easy ridge walking and an incredible view of the beautiful winter sunset across the Beaver Valley.
An incredible day in so many ways to start Season Two.
Map Distance : 21.2km / Start km 23.8 Kolapore / End km 45 Sideroad 7b
This episode features the song “Winter Song” featuring Jason Lane on guitar, from the album “Vitality” out now and available at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Albums $9.99
S2.Ep2 “Old Baldy” Beaver Valley : Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End – On a Windy Day! 🌲
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the second episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario.
Hiking "Old Baldy" in the Beaver Valley.
Episode two starts with a beautiful sunrise over Old Baldy, the iconic escarpment cliff face that towers above the Beaver Valley, near the town of Kimberley Ontario. We make our way up the treacherous ice and the steep cliffs and the valley opens up behind us.
The clouds roll in and the wind picks up as we summit and explore the Mac Kirk side trail taking us to the cliff and our first real view of the magnificent Beaver Valley - which we will be hiking in for days - down one side and up the other to complete this section.
We are two episodes into the second half of the trail – Season Two. Season One ep. 1-19 covers the first half of the Bruce Trail from Niagara to the Blue Mountains.
Learning from our last hike, which ended as we fumbled our way to our car by moonlight, we took on a shorter day this day, hiking through the snow drifts, slush and late winter flooding.
Beautiful scenes abound and there were many fast flowing creeks and bulging waterfalls surging over the escarpment rocks and ice, and into the valley below.
We made it to North St. in Eugenia – looking forward to our next hike in the series through the incredible Eugenia Falls and Cuckoo Valley. Eugenia Falls is closed for the winter as it is very dangerous with ice and snow and the steep cliffs – so we would skip this section and return in the Spring. So with Episode 3, in the magnificent Eugenia Falls, the trilliums will be out and the sun shining bright.
Map Distance : 13.3km / Start km 45 Sideroad 7b / End North St. Eugenia 58.3
This episode features the song “Spirit Guide” from the album “Vitality” out now and available at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep3 “Eugenia Falls” Hiking The Bruce Trail - Beaver Valley – An Incredible Waterfall Section! 🌊
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the third episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario.
"Eugenia Falls"
Spring had sprung and the trilliums were in bloom for a breathtaking hike through Eugenia Falls. This was a spectacular section we had been looking forward to and the falls still flowed strong with spring runoff in its beautiful cascade into the Cuckoo Valley below.
The day was perfect – sunny and blue skies all the way.
Past Eugenia Falls (where we met up with an old friend!), we continued through a beautiful woods to a second falls : Hogg’s Falls. A perfect spot for lunch.
Soon we reached the most southernly point of the Bruce Trail in the Beaver Valley – we had hiked 68 km into the Beaver Valley section to reach the bottom – now to hike up the other side and back to Nottawasaga Bay.
We started the hike up the Western flank of the valley in it’s glowing Spring forests to where we ended the day at Road 30.
Map Distance : 21 km / Start : North St. Eugenia : km 58.3 / End Road 30 : km 78.9
This episode features the song “Vitality” featuring Jason Lane on guitar, from the album “Vitality” out now and available at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep4 “Beaver Valley” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End : Up the West Side of the Great Valley
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the fourth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario.
"Beaver Valley"
It was a beautiful day in the valley – snow still lingered and the ground was muddy after a couple of days of rain. The ski slopes were still active – during ski season the trail is rerouted around the Beaver Valley Ski Club, where the trail normally travels in the summer. We took the Valley Crossover Trail past Wodehouse Creek and the Beaver River, and up along the ski hills on the Kimberley Forest Side Trail, and back onto the Bruce Trail.
It went from cold to warm to cold again depending on where you were on the trail that day and if the sun was out. With wet feet in the snow we had to keep moving.
We hiked through the Wodehouse Karst area and came upon a ranging floodwater creek churning down the hillside – something that would normally be a trickle of water. The Beaver River below swelled with the runoff coming in from all sides.
The trail led to some beautiful valley vistas, through fields just thinking about waking up as winter slowly let go of it’s hold on the land. The winds blew strong across the fields up high in the valley.
The hiking was challenging – and exhausting – trudging through the crumbling snow and muck – but the day was glorious and the hiking grand. We made it to what felt like the mouth of the Beaver Valley – or maybe we still had another day to go to finish “The Beast”. Yes, we still had one more day to go.
Map Distance : 23.6 km / Start Road 30 : km 78.9 / End Sideroad 22C : km 102.5
This episode features the song “When Will You Learn?” from the album “Vitality” out now and available at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Also featured is the song “Poor Creative Man” performed by "Atlas" : Steve Welch, Kenny Phelps, Josh Gabriel, Ryan Allen Dave Rozell and Fijl on drums, recorded at Turtleshell Studio in Breslau Ontario.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Albums $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep5 “Blantyre” Beaver Valley - Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End : Overnight Camp!
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the fifth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario.
"Blantrye"
This was the start of an epic two day Bruce Trail adventure with an overnight at one of the few official camping spots along the Bruce Trail : “Ambrose Camp”. It was a gorgeous day as we continued up the Beaver Valley with it’s vast landscape and views.
We had some road sections on this blue sky sunny morning - which were easy going and fun. We were soon rewarded by the lovely Webwood Falls, also the site of some old mill ruins.
As we walked through the subsequent fields, the birds – crows and vultures and hawks – were playing in the winds and celebrating the gorgeous spring weather, along with us.
We came across some great cliff formations, and a creek that sunk underground only to emerge at the base of the cliff shooting out of cracks in the rock. We were excited to stop at the famous “Blantyre Pub” for some fish and chips and a couple of pints before camp but alas it may have just been a rural myth.
We arrived at camp an hour before sunset – just enough time to set up, start a fire, and cook a fine dinner. There was a great spring fed creek at the camp for some refreshing water. With the tractors humming in the fields through the night we slept well.
Map Distance : 23.6 km / Start Sideroad 22C : km 102.5 / End 119.9 End Beaver Valley Section and 1.6 KM into the Sydenham Section at Ambrose Camp where we spent the night.
This episode features the song “Bring It Back” featuring Jason Lane on guitar, from the album “Vitality” out now and available at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com) Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep6 “Rocklyn Creek” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End – Absolutely Gorgeous Section
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the sixth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario.
We awoke just off the trail at Ambrose camp where we spent the night – in one of the few official camping sites along the trail so far. It was a great night and we were excited about the day – hiking to the Bognor Marsh over some amazing countryside.
The day began with an encounter with a big ol’ porcupine hiking on the trail. I had seen it’s companion the night before close to camp. We hiked together for a while until it veered off the trail down into a rocky crevasse.
We were in the “Rocklyn Creek Management Area” and crossed the creek on a fine bridge before entering some dramatic high hill country, with the wind blowing strong and some light rain attempting to fall.
Rocklyn creek is hard to describe, and impossible to capture in photographs or video. It’s sort of like a natural zen garden of mossy cascading waterfalls flowing down a long sloped hillside. It’s quite a magical place.
We got a little confused with the trail going through Walter’s Falls Management Area – the trail to Walter’s Falls is now a side trail, not part of the main trail, and the main trail sticks to the roads through the area which wasn’t what our map said. After stopping for a roadside lunch break to recalibrate we discovered we were right on track.
The walk down Holland-Sydenham Townline was awesome – the sky opened up with some dramatic clouds, the wind was blowing and the vultures soared – the sky was endless as we walked through the rural landscape. We crossed the Bighead River and then made our way up what we dubbed “Heart Attack Hill” which led to another official BT campsite- “Bighead Campsite”.
Somewhere a bit further on we walked through a great old woodlot with what looked like old growth maple and beech trees – beautiful giants that escaped the axe. We dipped briefly into Massie Hills Management Area and then to the long end of day road walk to Bognor Marsh with our feet burning for the last few km of a great 50 km weekend.
Map Distance : 27.8 km / Start : km 1.6 Sydenham / End : km 29.4 Bognor Marsh
This episode features the song “Time to Find” from the album “Vitality” out now and available at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep7 “Bognor Marsh to Bayview” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End – Ridge Walking Silent Valley
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the seventh episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario.
"Bognor Marsh to Bayview"
It was a beautiful frosty morning in April when we entered the Bognor Marsh. The hiking was perfect through this muddy wetland, as the ground was just frozen enough early in the day to keep us from sinking. We hiked around the magnificent marsh and then up the escarpment to the ridge where we had a sustained ridge walk overlooking the peaceful Silent Valley below.
Beautiful hiking on a beautiful day – lots of crevasses, and weaving through mossy outcrops as the early Spring sun shone it’s best on the scattered snow that remained.
We hiked through the community of Woodford which led to a cool hike through more crevasses, and lime kilns and stone ruins to the St.Vincent-Sydenham Townline. We had already hiked a long way along the rocky ridge but had a lot more miles to go as the clouds rolled in.
Into the muddy rocky Bayview Escarpment Provincial Nature Reserve for more ridge walking and some great views of Georgian Bay as we were getting close to Owen Sound. We walked along the border of the military base which we thought may have been the source of the loud cannon blasts we had been hearing at times in the Beaver Valley hikes.
Once again we stumbled to the finish line – another great day out on the trail.
Map Distance : 25.8 km / Start : km 29.4 Bognor Marsh / End km 55.2 St. Vincent-Sydenham Townline
This episode features the songs “Turtle Gulch” and “So Many Days” from the album “Vitality” out now and available at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep8 “On The Road To Owen Sound” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End – Big Blue Sky Country
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the eighth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario.
"On The Road To Owen Sound"
We were lucky once again to have blue sky to walk under as we trekked from Bayview Escarpment Nature Reserve right to the border of Owen Sound.
There was a lot of road walking in this section - all on quiet peaceful country roads with the giant sky and big views all along the way. It was an amazing rural countryside walk, and like all Bruce Trail hikes, it had it’s own personality and impressions to make as we walked on through.
We ducked into Sydenham Forest East along the way and into the woods again near the Pines Side trail – the weather made everything fine and this was a cool section along short cliffs shimmering in the sunlight.
The last section was a real beauty – the trail through the KOA campground was still closed (closed in winter) so we walked up Sideroad 15 and into the back end for a gorgeous walk in the late day sun through an awesome forest and creek behind the campground.
A great day with good friends! And we made it to Owen Sound! Quite a milestone, and the first “big city” on the trail since Hamilton. As it turns out the trail takes a wide berth around Owen Sound so we never got too close to the city – but that’s a story for next episode – where we hiked to the incomparable Inglis Falls.
Map Distance : 27.8 km / Start : km 55.2 St. Vincent-Sydenham Townline / End : km 83 Sideroad 15
This episode features the songs “Good Morning”, “Paddling” and “Heavy Water” from the Remnants debut EP “Riverspeed”, Performed by Steve Welch, Kenny Phelps, Nathan Martin and Fijl on drums, recorded at Purple Shag Studios and engineered by Jake Janzen.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep9 “Inglis Falls” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End – Best Falls on the Trail!
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the ninth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario.
"Inglis Falls"
My sister lives right off the trail in Owen Sound and we had spent the night at her place so we could get an early start on the day and pound out 7 km or so before stopping for breakfast back. The day started with some amazing crevasses and giant chunks of the escarpment cleaved off and standing as erratics in the foggy morning mist.
We hiked some great countryside approaching Owen Sound and made it up the observation tower for a view of the city and the Sound. There was challenging jumbled rock and shale hiking from there – some tough technical hiking in this stretch - and we definitely earned our breakfast.
We picked up a couple more folks to hike with to Inglis Falls – my parents – both in their eighties and still hiking the escarpment. Our pace slowed a bit but it was amazing to hike with family – including my sister Donna and her partner Greg on this beautiful stretch – which led to the best waterfall so far on the trail – the magnificent Inglis Falls.
We said goodbye to my parents and sister and Greg, Steve and I continued for more Bruce Trail awesomeness as we got into “West Rocks” and “Springmount Forest” for some sweet ridge walking overlooking the forested and green Owen Sound below.
Our last stop included another great waterfall : Jones Falls, as we entered the Pottawatomi Conservation Area up to km 106 where we ended the day’s hike at Derby-Sarawak Townline.
Crossing Highway 21, we saw a sign for “Tobermory” and the Tobermory Ferry the Chi-Cheemaun which travels from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island. It was another milestone reached as we were officially past Owen Sound and about to begin the incredible, unforgettable, challenging, awe inspiring hike up the Bruce Peninsula to the finish line.
Map Distance : 23.1 km / Start : km 83 Sideroad 15 / End km 106.1 Derby-Sarawak Townline
This episode features the songs “Bruce Trail Song” and “Lost In Everywhere” from the album “Vitality” out now and available at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep10 “The Glen” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End – A Spectacular Spot!
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the tenth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario:
“The Glen”
The day started with some road walking on a hot summer day as we passed the last homes of Owen Sound and walked out into the rural countryside.
Soon we ducked into the forest for some escarpment cliff walking – an area with many deep slot crevasses to walk over, a common theme through the Owen Sound trail sections. We popped back out on the road and made it to a rail trail section surrounded by peaceful farms. Making our way toward The Glen, munching on the occasional ripe raspberry along the way.
The Glen was a very cool section with some sweet hiking. The escarpment horseshoes around a giant wetland and the trail hugs the top of the escarpment ridge the whole distance. The hiking was relatively flat with great scenery and dramatic cleaved escarpment rock crevasses and giant islands created by them resting heavily.
It was a hot day – with not a lot of water sources – there was a nice spring off the rail trail but not much else. Lots of water below the cliffs but not on top.
We made it to Lindenwood Road and soldiered on to our end point – the Dawson Road Side Trail where we ended another glorious day on the Bruce.
Map Distance : 26.1 km / Start : km 106.1 Derby-Sarawak Townline / End km 132.2 at Dawson Road Side Trail
This episode features the song “Hot and Sunny” featuring Jason Lane on guitar, from the album “Vitality” out now and available at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
The second feature song came from the vault – the retro classic, “Blackfly”
“Blackfly, I’ll always know, where you are is where I should go. Behind your wall of hardship, lies delight.”
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep11 “Kemble Mountain” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End A Journey Across Ontario. What a hike!
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the eleventh episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario:
“Kemble Mountain”
This fantastic hike full of variety took us toward the great Georgian Bay shore across fields, and country roads, deciduous forest, open meadows, and over jumbled escarpment rock.
We started the day hiking up the Dawson Road side trail to get to the Bruce Trail where we ended last episode. The day began with a giant puffball mushroom at the side of the trail. There were lots of “trail feathers” along the way as we journeyed through Lindenwood Management Area, popping out eventually at Lundy Road.
After a short road stretch we came upon a glorious apple orchard grassy meadow marsh, with a sign letting us know we were in “bear country”. After a short apple fight, we continued on our way, sampling the various kinds of apples that were hanging just above our heads and dropping occasionally on the trail.
Eventually we started ascending Kemble Mountain, a large rock outcropping that looks as though it may have been an island long ago. We passed the Birch Camp where we ate our lunch in the emerging sun, and continued along some mossy cliffs and jumbled rock.
We came out of the woods to another meadow and apple orchard flanking the trail and more delicious apples. Some beautiful evening sunshine ended the day as we made our way up the notorious Colpoy’s Range Road section and up the escarpment to Skinner’s Bluff, near the Slough of Despond (which somehow we managed to get past).
Map Distance : 26.1 km / Start : km 132.2 Dawson Road Side Trail / End : km 158.1 Skinner’s Bluff
This episode features the songs
“Hang In There - Instrumental” (originally from the album Steve Welch 2019)
“The Man Who Trusts in God” from the album Vitality
“Time” written and performed by Dan Richard
“Time and Time Again” written and performed by Kenny Phelps
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire “Vitality” Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep12 “Skinner’s Bluff” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End – Thunder on the Bay!
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the twelfth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario:
“Skinner’s Bluff”
The day began a stone’s throw from the Slough of Despond side trail and the mid summer heat set the tone for the day. There was a “heat warning”, the temperature was in the mid 30’s C and with humidity it could reach 40 degrees. There were not any water sources high on the cliff- we were going to have to keep hydrated.
The hiking was great and the views from Skinner’s Bluff to out on the bay were dramatic as rainstorms moved across the water in the distance.
Sure enough the rain arrived and it escalated to a full blown thunderstorm. The glorious rain came gushing down cooling the air and the stifling heat. It was a great stretch along Skinner’s Bluff which led to Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area – I wish we had some time to explore the caves!
We hiked through fields, and past the Wiarton Airport and dried out as we walked. Once we got into Wiarton it began pouring again – but not before we ducked into a Subway for lunch. Good timing.
Wiarton Willie stood tall as the trail hugged the shoreline through Wiarton and into Spirit Rock Conservation Area, and up the Spiral Staircase to the escarpment ridge.
It looked like a smooth end to a long day with some easy and pleasant field walking through Colpoy’s Bay and across highway 9, but we were met with some rocky rumbly terrain, hopping from nub to nub on the escarpment ridge – tough going for our weary end of day bones – but we made it to our destination - Mallory Beach Side Trail.
Map Distance : 26.7 km / Start : km 158.1 Colpoy’s Range Rd. / End km 174.4 end Sydenham Section and 10.4 km into the Peninsula Section to Mallory Beach Side Trail
This episode features the songs “Can’t Take It With You” and “Everybody” by Loyal Sun Dogs from their debut album. Visit Loyalsundogs.ca for more info on this amazing band.
The episode includes a song from the archives “Lake Lavielle” and and instrumental remix of the song "Fine Thread" to start things off.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99 at stevewelchontario.com
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep13 “Malcolm Bluff” Magnificent Georgian Bay - Hiking The Bruce Trail A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the thirteenth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario:
“Malcolm Bluff”
At this point in the trail, and for the remainder, we would be in some astoundingly beautiful country.
Starting at Mallory Beach Side Trail, we embarked on another 50 km weekend with an overnight at Cape Croker Park.
The morning hike was a long stretch along the gorgeous ridge in Malcolm Shores Nature Reserve overlooking Colpoy’s Bay and this was a sign of great things to come that weekend, journeying up the shoreline.
We had fabulous hiking as we left the bluff and into some amazing forest country with occasional rock outcrops and crevasses. We had short stop at McIver Pond for a rest hiking through interesting meadow country as the wildflowers blew in the wind.
We made our way out to Jones Bluff with it’s spectacular view of the bay and Neyaashiinigmiing, and around the bend overlooking Sydney Bay, eventually descending the escarpment and wandering down Park Road into Cape Croker Park where we camped for the night – after a great meal of fresh caught trout at the Fish and Chips Truck at the campground. Delicious!
Map Distance : 23.3 km / Start : km 10.4 km Mallory Beach Side Trail / End km 33.7 Cape Croker Park
This episode features the songs “Window’s Open” (featuring Jason Lane on guitar), and “Awareness” from the album “Vitality” available for download at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep14 “Jackson’s Cove” Magnificent Georgian Bay Hiking The Bruce Trail - A Journey Across Ontario
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the fourteenth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario:
“Jackson’s Cove”
The day started at Cape Croker campground waking up beside Sydney Bay to a light rain and deep morning fog. A perfect setting for hiking through the drenched forest and the over 1km boardwalk through the marsh leading to our first escarpment ascent.
The frogs chirped, the flowers were in bloom, and the beavers did whatever beavers do in the morning, as we made our way through the mist.
We had an amazing “rainforest hike” along the ridge with tall trees and birds chirping the whole way along Sydney Bay Bluffs and eventually out into Hope Bay and Hope Bay Road. We had a short jaunt down the road then back into the bush for what was some of the sustained toughest hiking on the trail so far. We had a long day (28km) and this was definitely going to slow us down. Lots of ups and downs and boulders and jumbled rock for miles, all the way to Jackson’s Cove Point.
The fog lifted and the sky opened up as we ate lunch on an incredible point looking out into Melville Sound. The hiking remained tough but with the sun out, a new day was born. The hardest hiking led ultimately to the best view on the trail so far, the incredible Jackson’s Cove Point Lookout.
We descended the escarpment, a long way down from such a great peak, right to the waters edge for a short beach walk and evening chill out session. We pushed through the remaining road sections to get back to our car just before dark.
What an amazing day!
Map Distance : 26.8 km / Start : km 33.7 Cape Croker Park / End : km 60.5 Rush Cove Rd.
This episode features the song “Well Fed” from the album “Vitality” available for download at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Also featuring “Sitar Drum Song” recorded at Turtleshell Studio and featuring Prosad Freeman on Sitar.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
Check out Mike's latest adventures at : Mikeshike.ca
S2.Ep15 “Lion’s Head” An Incredible Iconic Hike On Georgian Bay - Hiking The Bruce Trail -End to End
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the fifteenth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario:
“Lion’s Head”
We begin our epic adventure, a two day Bruce Trail Journey completing 45 km of difficult trail, at Rush Cove Road. There is a newly added Bruce Trail section where the former Barrow Bay Side Trail has become the official Bruce Trail route thanks to a stairway installed going up the escarpment, eliminating about 7km of road. It was a great hike to the beach and the jagged rocks and outliers were a sign of things to come on this amazing day.
Looping around Barrow Bay and Little Lake, we eventually entered the Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve, but not before seeing a rare Bald Eagle soaring and fishing out in the bay. Entering Lion’s Head Park we were immediately warned of poison ivy, and were in the thick of it right off the bat. It’s all over the Bruce Peninsula, as I had found out the hard way on a previous hike, so we were careful and I was wearing long pants.
Dangers aside, we were soon into the magic country of endless clifftop views, and the familiar and stunning aquamarine water that hugs the shoreline of Georgian Bay.
The views just kept getting better and better and the trail hugged the cliff edge very closely – it’s a hike where you need to pay attention to every step, with the poison ivy and the steep cliff edge and deep crevasses. The best was yet to come though with the pinnacle of Lion’s Head lookout which was absolutely breathtaking.
Heading into town, we set up camp at the Lion’s Head Beach Campground and had a great dinner out at “Rachel’s Restaurant” – good food and friendly folks.
Map Distance : 23 km / Start : km 60.5 Rush Cove Rd. / End : km 83 Lion’s Head Beach
This episode features the song “No Robots” from the album “Vitality” and “See You Next Year” from the album “Steve Welch 2019” available for download at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep16 “Cape Chin” Beautiful Along The Cliffs Of Georgian Bay - Hiking The Bruce Trail – End To End
Steve Welch Ontario
Get back on trail with the sixteenth episode of Season Two : End to End Hiking The Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario:
“Cape Chin”
We begin this amazing hike after an overnight at Lion’s Head Beach Campground, and a delicious breakfast at “Rachel’s Restaurant” to fuel the day. The morning hike started with some sweet road walking (crushing miles) all right along the Georgian Bay shoreline – as the waves broke on the rock plateau and filled the air with it’s music.
We ducked into the “Forty Hills” and began our incredible journey up the coastline with the sun breaking out for us in fine form - on what was supposed to be a cloudy rainy day. Most of the day was spent in Smokey Head White Bluff Provincial Nature Reserve, and I won’t try to describe it here – other than it was stunning and epic as you’ll see in the video.
A special treat was the new trail section in Cape Chin, acquired by the Bruce Trail Conservancy in 2021, taking the trail right up along the edge of the Cape, where an old cottage / mansion sits in it’s first stages of decay, the house of the former owner of the land that was acquired. It is a remarkable place with an epic view and insane rock outcrop ledge overlooking Georgian Bay, with glimpses of Dyer’s Bay further up the coast.
We wrapped up our hike just before dark. The Bruce Peninsula is certainly proving to be a “grand finale” like no other on this great adventure along the Bruce Trail.
Map Distance : 22 km / Start : km 82.5 Lion’s Head Beach / End : km 109.7 Cape Chin North Road (Distance shortened vs map by new Trail Sections through Cape Chin – eliminating road reroutes)
This episode features the songs “Old Ontario” from the album “Vitality” and “Love Travels Far 2021” from the album “Upland” available for download at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep17 “Dyer’s Bay” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End thru the incredible landscape of Georgian Bay
Steve Welch Ontario
This incredible hike began at just off Cape Chin North Rd, as we entered a beautiful forest on a freshly cut trail on a hot summer blue sky day. I guess a new section of trail had been recently added which is great news. The trail was spongy and the trees freshly cut – and it was fun to walk.
Most of the day was high ridge walking with endless incredible views of Dyer’s Bay, the aquamarine water at the shoreline below, and the green trees soaking up the sun. The views were outstanding and the hiking amazing,
We stopped for a side trip to Devils Monument and walked down to the clear water for a refreshing swim. A good chance to refill water on a hot day from the spring gushing from the base of the cliff.
Late in the day we left the shoreline and headed inward eventually coming out of the woods at Lindsay Rd. 40 for a scorching late afternoon road walk through the countryside and later through the wetland on Crane Lake Road, which led us into Bruce Peninsula National Park, and our car.
There are two hikes left to end the trail, and the series, both in the incredible Bruce Peninsula National Park.
Map Distance : 18.2 km / Start : km 109.7 Cape Chin / End : km 127.9 Crane Lake Road
This episode features the songs “Done” and “Bateau” from the album “Vitality” available for download at stevewelchontario.com and on all major platforms.
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality – Entire Album $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and even some BT related merch.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach in the algorithm.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep18 “Bruce Peninsula National Park” Hiking The Bruce Trail End to End - An Incredible Landscape
Steve Welch Ontario
We've made it to ”Bruce Peninsula National Park"
We're on our last weekend of hiking to finish the trail. Day one starts at the end of a swamped Crane Lake Road at the southern boundary of the incredible Bruce Peninsula National Park. It was late October but the weather was spectacular, and the fall colours still embraced the landscape in golden glory.
We hiked through the marvelous land passing lakes and marshes with warm winds blowing and grasses dancing in the breeze as we approached the shoreline and the big blue beauty of the bay.
We stopped at High Dump for lunch on the shores of Georgian Bay, far up the Peninsula, almost at the end.
We were walking the ridge all afternoon, turquoise water below, blue sky above, great cliffs cascading into fall foliage and jumbled rock at the waters edge.
Our destination was "Stormhaven" where we were camping for the night - and we made it just before dusk, as usual.
We looked forward to a starry sky above and a morning sunrise by the water to start our final day on the trail.
Map Distance : 16.8 km / Start : km 127.9 Crane Lake Road / End : km 144.7 Stormhaven
This episode features the songs “Whales”, "Revitalize" and "Flawed and Proud" from the album that will follow “Vitality” - release date 2023. Songs from the series are available for download at stevewelchontario.com and for streaming on all major platforms
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality / Upland / Steve Welch 2018– Entire Albums $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and more.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach and visibility.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
S2.Ep19 “Tobermory” THE END Hiking The Bruce Trail - An Incredible Coastline Finish to Tag the Cairn
Steve Welch Ontario
We made it to the final hike on the Bruce Trail. The day started with a starry sky and a crescent moon on the shores of Georgian Bay at Stormhaven, far up the coast in Bruce Peninsula National Park, where we spent the night. I woke up early for the sunrise on this special day - an unseasonably and amazingly warm and sunny day for late October.
Coffee and the sunrise started the day, and it would be yet another sunrise to sunset day of hiking. We packed up camp after breakfast and hit the trail, making our way down to the shore for an incredible coastline hike in the glorious morning sun - with the cool blue waters of Georgian Bay by our side.
We approached the Grotto, and at this time of year, and at this time of day, it retained it's natural glory with only a few visitors - today it was just another amazing spot, of so many, out on the trail. Even though it was almost November, the water, and more importantly the air outside was warm enough for a cold but survivable swim. Once last dip into the amazing turquoise water of Georgian Bay.
The journey up the coast continued through clifftop forests long battered by the elements, and long rocky beaches and coves, in and out of the trees still glowing in their autumn foliage.
We ate lunch in such a forest and then the hike turned inland, through some swamped sections, open plains, and back into some incredible deciduous landscapes that melted the heart with their beauty.
Out past Cabot Head, we returned to the coastline for a challenging and rocky finish for our weary bones. The Bruce Trail was not going to go out easy.
This was one of the greatest hikes of the entire trail - so much variety and intense beauty around every turn.
Once we passed the Bruce Peninsula Park Visitors Centre, we were on the last mile of the trail - heading slowly but surely into town, where we rounded a few corners and ended on a path to the cairn we had worked so hard to reach.
1 year and 7 1/2 months after innocently starting the trail one day in March, we tagged the cairn at the northern terminus, just as the sun was setting on the horizon, ending our incredible journey.
The End.
Thanks for watching!
Map Distance : 22.3 km / Start : km 144.7 Stormhaven / End : km 167 Tobermory
This episode features the songs “As Sure As The Water Moves Me” and "Down In The Valley" from the album that will follow “Vitality” - release date 2023, and "Bruce Trail Song" from the album "Vitality". Songs from the series are available for download at stevewelchontario.com and for streaming on all major platforms
Individual songs $0.99 / Vitality / Upland / Steve Welch 2018– Entire Albums $9.99
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Check out all episodes and original music from Season One and Two at stevewelchontario.com where you will find links to music videos, adventure films, blogs and more.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel – it really helps the channel grow and for the videos to have more reach and visibility.
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media / Facebook : Steve Welch | Facebook / Instagram : Steve Welch (@stevewelchontario) • Instagram photos and videos
Larry's Channel (WhatsNext4Larry) : https://www.youtube.com/@larryexplores6661
S1.Ep18 "Pretty River Valley" - Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario
3 years ago
194
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Season 1, Episode 18 : “Pretty River Valley”
Saving the best to last – in this the 18th and 2nd last episode of Season One covering the first half of the Bruce Trail, we had one of the most beautiful and epic hikes of them all. 30km across the landscape, bursting with sunshine and fall color.
The day started off quite differently though, it was October 31st and it was a chilly and damp 5 degrees Celsius to start the day with a short road walk before we veered off into a proper trail. Mud was a theme of the day.
With some great views starting to appear the landscape was beautiful despite the weather. But on one of our first great overlooks of the day we saw some blue sky opening up on the horizon. A good sign of things to come.
This was one of the few times we took a side trail diversion from the Bruce Trail – that was to go through the “Standing Rock and Caves Side Trail”. It leads to the same spot as the Bruce Trail section, is much more interesting and challenging and not any shorter so that’s what we did. A great decision as we weaved through great crevasses and channels which led to a dynamic and powerful rock wall “room”. Through a small crack we made our way out of the labyrinth and broke out into the shining sunshine that had emerged from behind the clouds.
Hard to describe the beautiful autumn scene – next level beauty.
We descended into the Pretty River Valley slipping and sliding all the way down in the mud. At the valley floor the hillsides and clouds, blue sky and autumn colors were truly mesmerizing. But the best was still yet to come.
We made it to the Pretty River which was, pretty, and then headed up the other side of the valley up seemingly endless hills and alongside a gorgeous mountain stream. Eventually we reached the top and came upon the best views so far on the Bruce Trail – and our first good look at Georgian Bay – that of Osler Bluffs. Astounding.
Almost as if choreographed (the whole hike felt like this), the November winds started blowing in as soon as we left the scenic bluffs and we pushed our aching bodies further as the sun began to set.
We made it to the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, where we would end the day overlooking the lake and the bay, setting up our final hike of season one – through the Blue Mountains and to the half way point of the trail (and beyond).
In Season Two I hope to finish the trail, and episodes will launch weekly starting in November of 2022 if all goes well.
Season one ends in a dramatic cliffhanger with the last episode - Episode 19 : “The Blue Mountains Mystery”. Don’t miss it!
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the incredible landscape.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 22-24
Total Bruce Trail Map Distance : 31 km
Step Counter Distance 33 km
Music from the Episode:
“More Time” from the album “Upland”
“We Found Love” featuring Prosad on Sitar, recorded at Turtleshell Studio, Breslau Ontario
“Joy” and “And Humbly So” from the Retro Archives
and “The Hard Truth”, unreleased from the “Upland” sessions.
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/
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