A few weeks ago, when we had some oddly warm weather, we decided to go for a hike on a section of the Oak Ridges Trail. Part of the trail actually runs just south of where we live but we decided to do a longer track a little north east of us. We also wanted to go on a longer hike as we are planning a couple of backpacking trips later this year (posts to come) that include some longer hikes between sites. So we set out to see how we would hold up with only day packs on our back for a 13km hike. This was our longest hike to date. For those that don't know, the Oak Ridges Trail is a system of trails that run the full length of the Oak Ridges Moraine.  They are maintained by a group called the Oak Ridges Trail Association (for more information on the trail system, visit: http://www.oakridgestrail.org/) We started out around 12 from the trail head at the Whitechurch conservation area. We planned to hike for an hour or so and stop for a late lunch before continuing on. It was a gorgeous day out. Warm and sunny.

The Whitechurch Conservation Area is a short side hike off the main Oak Ridges Trail. We followed the trail and joined up with the main trail after a few minutes. This hike we found out how really useful our trekking poles could be. The start of the trail was muddy but got drier in areas. Once we joined the main trail there were sections that were basically just sheets of ice. The trekking poles helped immensely. I don't know how many times we both would have fallen if not for them, or how much slower we would have had to go.

They helped to stabilize us on the ice and on the much slipperier sections of half melted ice. They also were used to check how deep some of the water puddles were which saved our boots some major water crossings as some of the puddles were pretty deep. I have to say that the trail was extremely well maintained and was very easy to follow.  The blue markings were numerous and were in places that were immediately noticeable. I can't say them for some other trails we have been on where we literally had to stop and turn 360 degrees looking for the next marker. I suppose if either of us gets better at reading a map and a compass this won't be as much of an issue. Among the things I've noticed about myself during these hikes is that I really watch where I step and put my feet. It gets to the point where I'm not actually watching for the trail markers. I'm almost exclusively relying on Zoe to keep us on track. While this is fine and I trust her to keep us on the trail, I really do need to pay more attention and its something I'll have to work on. sample generic viagra On the other hand, without sexual incitement in the body this item can't perform anything. Or levitra prescription much better yet, consult your physician. Some NY rehab center offer luxurious resort type amenities cheap viagra look at this now while others just concentrate on simple rehabilitation needs. Although most people have been discovered to be compatible and tolerable with 10mg viagra buy usa dosage but you should take your physician's advice in regarding to the active drug ingredient. The trail passed through some fairly dense forest and then exists out on to a residential area.  It then follows a small residential road from Kennedy Rd. out to McCowan.  From there we took the Clark Tract Side Trail, which is a 3km loop track and then retraced our steps back to our car at the Whitechurch Conservation area.  Here's a Google Maps image of the trail we took - I used Endomondo on my Nexus to track our route.

It's actually pretty accurate compared with the maps provided by the Oak Ridges Trail Association. About 20 minutes into the side track we decided to stop for a late lunch of Chef Boyardee. This has become our favourite on trail lunch if we have the time to prepare and pack it in the morning. We were on a side trail and found a nice fallen tree to use as a bench and sat down for a nice hot meal.

We've come to really enjoy these hot meals in the middle of our hikes. Its really nice to just sit there and eat something hot in the middle of a forest. We hadn't counted on how hot it would be that day.  We packed hot water - just boiled water in our thermos - instead of cold water.  A nice cold drink would have been quite nice after lunch, but we were stuck with our hot water.  Have to check the weather a bit more closely next time. Well, not much else to write about.  It's a nice trail, and actually probably pretty good in the winter to go snow shoeing on.  I'm sure we'll be heading along that trail again in the winter.  Still catching up with my writing, so hopefully will have a few more new posts in the next while...