There are two things most people agree on about the Peninsula Section of the Bruce Trail: that it’s the most spectacular section of our trail, and that it’s the most challenging.
On last weekend’s hiking bus coach trip to the Saugeen Peninsula, I was able to see for myself that both things are true. The section is beautiful, stunningly so, and it’s also difficult, but in the very best way.
On our first day, we hiked a brand-new trail between Rush Cove and Barrows Bay. “We haven’t had a chance to pre-hike this,” Martina warned us. “We’ll be exploring it for the first time right along with you.”
Those were conditions that made for great adventure. It took longer than expected, given the many boulders we had to skirt and the rocks we had to clamber up and down. At one point Emma’s boot got wedged so tightly in a rock crevice, she had to remove her foot from the boot to get it out. In the end, everyone was rewarded with a sense of accomplishment from completing the route without significant mishap.
The next day took us to Cape Chin where we stayed mostly at the top of the ridge and were offered spectacular views. Our third hike took us to Cape Croker (Neyaashiinigmiing), an unceded First Nation territory. We hiked atop Sydney’s Bluff, and once again the views were stunning.
Cape Chin and Rush Cove are two recent BTC acquisitions that help secure an optimum route for the Bruce Trail. I, for one, will view the Conservancy’s fund-raising letters with a new attitude after this trip. What treasures these have opened up for trail users.
A final word about my fellow hikers and our hike leaders. It’s hard to think of a group that is more welcoming, or that represents as many fascinating and inspiring stories from around the world. I had signed up solo, not knowing what to expect, but there was always a friendly face along the trail, over dinner, and on the bus.
“Are you coming again next year?” I was asked as we neared Toronto on Sunday. “In a heartbeat,” was my immediate response.
- by Magdalena Vanderkooy