Friday, September 17, 2010

Hiking in the Hockley Valley

On Saturday, September 11th, Margaret-Ann and John drove up to “Hockleycrest” – Dave and Sally’s 76 acre farm on Airport Road just north of Highway 9, in the Hockley Valley. John and Dave worked together at the Ministry of Transportation, and still play hockey together. Dave and Sally were each celebrating a “significant” birthday. All Dave would say was that their combined ages totaled 110. About 100 people attended the all-day party, with the most adventurous (including Margaret-Ann and John) arriving early enough to go on the 10 kilometre hike along the Bruce Trail through the Hockley Valley. After the hike there was a fine BBQ back at “Hockleycrest” with plenty of beer and wine to quench everyone’s thirst.

Following the Bruce Trail, we crossed Hockley Road in Simcoe County. September 11, 2010The Bruce Trail passes through Dave and Sally’s farm and crosses Hockley Road on it’s way into the Hockley Valley.

 Part of our group (Margaret-Ann, third last) hiking along the ridge of the Hockley Valley. September 11, 2010The lead group (Margaret-Ann is third from the end) of the 10 kilometre hike.

 Margaret-Ann on left, waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. Besides the 13 year-old and the dogs, the older man was probably the fittest among us. Sseptember 11, 2010Margaret-Ann, on the left, and others in the lead group wait for the rest of the hikers to catch up. Other than the 13 year old and the two dogs, the older man on the right was probably one of the most fit hikers in the group.

 A little early for the leaves to turn color in the Hockley Valley, but the golden rod was is full bloom. September 11, 2010 It was just a bit early for the leaves to turn colour, but the golden rod was in full bloom in the Hockley Valley.

 Hiking along the ridge of the Hockey Valley we pass an abondoned ski hill. September 11, 2010 On the way back to Dave and Sally’s farm, we pass an abandoned ski hill in the Hockley Valley.

It was a wonderful day, mostly sunny and 21 degrees, for a hike and a birthday party – another excellent adventure for Margaret-Ann and John!

 

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