We set out once again from Fireman’s Park, this time headed for Paul Naray Silurian Adventure Trail. It was much colder (-14ºC) today and I wasn’t going to chance anything and put on my snowboard suit. Andrew threw on 2 pairs of pyjamas under his cargos and his gators to keep his legs warm. He looked like a true Tyrol and I think it’s lederhosen for the summer!
It was windy, but thankfully the trail twists its way through a lot of sheltered areas. There was slightly more snow and more uphills/downhills and switch backs on this portion as the path made its way past creeks and ravines. The sound of the vineyards’ clappers was nowhere to be heard. But there was the highway.
Stay out of the railway!
Crossing the highway left us exposed and was the chilliest part of the hike, but also gave us the true scope of the ground we were covering. Luckily today the sky was clear and bright and well worth braving the wind for.
Walking bridge over the QEW
The long stretch over the bridge at the highway, led us to a short pass under a bridge, where we had to watch our steps so that we didn’t soak our feet. I think it was here that Andrew discovered that his poles were less effective than normal, due to the ice build up blunting their tips. (he kept wondering why he was slipping!)
The tunnel under the train tracks
Once we arrived at our destination, we grabbed a quick bite – N.B.-granola bars will turn into small bricks at this temperature, and then we were back on our way!
The staircase was the final uphill before the parking lot – a welcome sight, and we were happy for a solid base even if they were covered in snow! (apparently I have the reflexes of a cat ’cause I looked like I bounced when I fell on the natural terrain downhills!) We did notice a re-route on our journey so it cut our distance considerably. I’ll have to add our mileage in later. Which turned out to be lucky because we misinterpreted the map and the amount of elevation changes we’d be encountering. This leg was definitely good for the old ticker!
Staircase back to Fireman's Pit parking lot
