September 7 and 8 proved to be perfect hiking days – cool, breezy, and overcast – with a sprinkle of rain here and there – for a walk in the woods and along local roads. The annual Toronto Club’s End-to-End brought smiles, blisters, laughter, and the meeting of old friends and new acquaintances.

One hundred hikers were registered for this year’s two-day event with close to seventy-five successfully completing both days. For hikers, the weather was near perfect and event coordinator Jacqueline Van Dyke received many compliments about the good condition of the trail, the wide variety of snacks and drinks, and the overall excellent organization of the event.

“The biggest highlights for me are the smiles on everyone’s faces when they finish, regardless of how tired or sore they are,” says Jacqueline. “Each hiker hikes their own hike so the pace, ability, and experience varies tremendously.” For many, this was their first club organized E2E, and for many more, it was their first time completing the Toronto section.

Jacqueline was extremely grateful for the great turnout of volunteers who helped prepare for the event beforehand and over the weekend. Volunteers coordinated permits, helped with parking, provided assistance at checkpoints ensured hikers were accounted for, offered a variety of delicious snacks and refreshments, ensured the trail was well maintained, and enthusiastically cheered on hikers. “Loved the cowbells!” shouted a hiker as she crossed the finish line. A very pleasant surprise occurred when 10 x 24 cases of juice were donated by Lassonde Beverages. Volunteers came predominantly from the Toronto Club and also from other clubs as well.

Next year’s Toronto E2E is but eleven months away and we hope to see you there! To see more photos of the event, go to our Toronto Share Your Hike Facebook page for Eppie Alvarez Rodriques’ Sept 9 pictures https://www.facebook.com/groups/torontobrucetrailclub/