A sneak preview of this Sunday’s hike
Words and photographs by Pamela Stagg The scent of lilacs and the sound of bird song will greet those of you who join us for a free hike on Sunday. This is Prince Edward County at its prettiest.
Our walk will take us along the section of the Trail which will be improved and upgraded, thanks to the generosity of Wellington Rotary. In Wellington, there’s a fascinating cross-section of the rural, industrial, residential, creative and historical – even a glimpse of the new Duke Dome. The half-way rest stop will be right by this old station. You’ll see how Wellington grew up around the station.
After our midway break, we’ll head out to the country again, for lovely views of local farms and even a glimpse of the lake in the distance.
The walk is approximately 7 km, with guides Terry Sprague and Pamela Stagg. We’ll meet at Hillier Hall, which will be open at 9:15 for coffee and nibbles. Then at 10:00 sharp, we’ll head out to the Trail by shuttle bus. The bus will meet us at the end of the walk and take us back to the hall for well-earned refreshments. And this is all free, thanks to our sponsors.
Come out and enjoy the Trail!
Filed under Pamela Stagg
Hiking the Trail – Consecon Street to Conley Road, Wellington.
Words and photographs by Pamela Stagg
January 7th, 2012 – What a change from last winter! A year ago, when I started hiking the trail, there was so much snow drifting acrossConley Road, I didn’t dare drive my car up to the trail. This year, no snow anywhere.
One thing hasn’t changed: this is still a very popular section of the trail. Dog-walkers and families are out for a stroll in the springlike weather. Groups of ATV riders pass me with smiles and waves.
This section of the trail encompasses history, entrepreneurship, sports, homes and farms. Old warehouses show theWellingtonof the past; today they house barrel-makers and glass-blowers – new County businesses. In town, houses back onto the trail. Chickadees and bright house finches flutter around bird feeders and a dog barks from someone’s backyard. Duke Dome is up ahead. And there’s lovely open country, the corn stubble burnished gold by the afternoon sun. In places the trail is littered with nibbled corn cobs. Are raccoons or geese to blame, I wonder?
The only thing less than ideal on this section of trail is the footing. East of the Duke Dome, large chunks of gravel call for sturdy boots or tires – and a certain amount of patience. Fortunately, the pretty scenery is worth the effort.
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A Sneak Preview of Sunday’s Free Hike – November 6th 2011
Words and photographs by Pamela Stagg
This Sunday (November 6th), legendary County naturalist, Terry Sprague, and I will lead a free hike from Hillier Hall to Danforth Road. Here’s a sneak preview of the beautiful countryside we’ll be covering.
Niles Corner to Danforth Road. This is a great time of year to hike the trail. The trees are (mostly) bare, which means you’ll see lovely views of the countryside from the old railroad bed. And while the flowers are almost over, there are captivating seeds and berries all along the trail.
This section highlights traditional agriculture and the new County crops – corn for biodiesel and grapes for our wonderful wines. Then there are wide sweeps of Terry’s favourite marsh.
All along, you’ll see remnants of the old railroad that helped shape our County.
So come join us for a special walk to celebrate the nature and culture of PrinceEdwardCounty’s storied path. At the end of the hike, a shuttle bus to take you back to Hillier Hall, where refreshments will be available before and after the hike.
Walking the Trail – October 18th, 2011
Words and photographs by Pamela Stagg
October 18, 2011. Fort Kente Road to Smoke’s Point Road. Ta-dah! At last I can say I’ve hiked the entire Millennium Trail.
My friend Marilyn joined me for this momentous hike – and what a day it was. At first, I thought it would be an ordinary walk, pleasant, yet nothing special. Then we reached the huge marsh betweenHarbard Roadand Smoke’sPoint Road. And there in front of us where four magnifient great egrets.
As we admired the lovely birds, I heard what I though was a Wilson’s snipe calling above. Sure enough, there it was, zig-zagging above the cat-tails.
Then we left the marsh and its inhabitants behind. Before I knew it, we were at the Smoke’sPoint Road. The great adventure, which began in the snows of February, had reached its end. What a wonderful way to celebrate the rich history and heritage of the County.
Normally, I’d comment on the surface of the trail but today, I was walking on air.
I’ll continue to hike and blog on the spur line.
Filed under Pamela Stagg, Stories
Hiking the Trail – October 17th, 2011
October 17, 2011. Loyalist Parkway west of Bloomfield to the 10 km post.
I’m counting down. This is my next-to-last hike on the main Millennium Trail. Amazing!
A fierce wind is blowing as I set out. In no time at all, I reach for my gloves. That thin autumn sun isn’t enough to keep me warm.
Apart from traffic noise, it seems very quiet. Most of the migrating birds have departed. There’s just a lone turkey vulture, a large flock of gulls, some blue jays and a small flock of robins raiding the wild grapes.
This section of the trail highlights the diversity that make the County so interesting. Working farms on one side of the trail, wide sweeps of marsh on the other. Despite the late-October bleakness, there’s a stark beauty in this landscape.
I reach the 10 km marker and turn back into the teeth of the wind – and promise myself a nice, hot cup of tea the minute I get home.
Filed under Pamela Stagg, Stories
Walking the Trail – August 22, 2011
Hiking the Trail – August 22, 2011
Photography and story by Pamela Stagg
August 22, 2011. Benway Road to Station Road. Another break from summer kayaking,this time to explore wildflowers along the trail with Conrad Beaubien (creator of this site). And a delight – in addition to the company – to hike under sunny, summer skies.
At first the trail traversed farmland, looking lush and green after all this summer’s rain. Chickadees and goldfinches chattered in the shrubs and often we heard the clap and whistle of a mourning dove.
As we walked east, we entered one of the County’s great swamps, full of tree ghosts, magnificent in death as they must have been in life. Somewhere in the background, a willow flycatcher sang, while a turkey vulture soared overhead.
Oh yes, the wildflowers. Fall is a time for floral fireworks and the trail didn’t disappoint. There were stands of goldenrod and joe-pye weed, tiny orange jewels of touch-me-not, the firstNew Englandasters and everywhere, fruit and berries ripening.
The track along this section of the trail is rough gravel. Hikers: sturdy boots are recommended. Cyclists: try a scenic detour around this section and visit some of the excellent wineries along the adjoining roads.
Filed under Pamela Stagg, Stories
