Sun, Sep 10 2006 - Forks of the Credit/Cataract El Rey's group (View Original Event Details)
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THE ‘FORKS’ Of THE CREDIT
One lesson that I’ve learned is that when you make a suggestion, you’d better be
ready to follow through on it! So when I had suggested that a second volunteer lead
the already extensive waiting list on a separate hike, guess who got the tap on the
shoulder!? Was I nervous? Ofcourse! But I was ready for the challenge of leading
a large group. The ground work had already been laid by Jo, who had organized the
event itself, so how hard could it be?
Morning came, and I made sure I had all my t’s crossed and my i's dotted before I left
for the carpool, as I would have six (yes 6!) new members participating in their first
event! I arrived at the carpool location to find Jo and some of her group getting
ready to go. My group arrived shortly after, and thankfully everything went
smoothly, and soon enough everyone was on their way, including Lori, who was left
behind by the big meanie Jo! (ps- really, I don’t think there is a mean bone in her
body she’s so sweet)
The day itself could not have been any more picturesque. The leaves were changing
colour, the sun was out, and a cool September breeze whisked by to keep things
comfortable. While the original plan was to keep our groups separate, we decided
that keeping it together wouldn’t be such a bad idea. I goaded my group to be
snobby and ignore Jo’s group, but they being of good nature welcomed Jo’s group
with open arms.
We started our hike, and we VERY quickly learned why the park was aptly named
the ‘Forks’ of the Credit (besides the obvious meeting of the Credit River). Almost
at every turn there was a fork in the trial, but fortunately, a sixth sense (map) guided
us through the park. Our first scenic stop was Kettle Lake, a pretty little lake
perfect for picture taking. As we continued, the next fork in the road presented another
decision to be made. This time we chose to walk towards the old ruins (did
anybody see them?) and crossed the bridge over the Cataract Falls. We passed another
bridge which was currently being reconstructed (and closed) and thought nothing of
it. Little did we know how important that bridge would be 4 hours later! A few
forks later, and we had completed the first ‘loop’ of our hike, and this time headed south
towards the next leg of the hike.
This portion of the hike actually led us closer to the Credit River, but also led out of
the Park! This concerned a few of our members, but with reassurance that it was
part of the hike, they hopped over the stil/ladder. The trail at this point narrowed
considerably, as we literally walked on the edge! As I had fallen behind making
sure that everyone hopped the fence safely and didn’t fall into the gaping chasm
below, I quickly ran to the front of the group to ensure that nobody would get lost!
Once we reached the end of that trail, we walked along a gravel road for short bit,
looking for a scenic spot for lunch as we had definitely earned the break! A nice
spot was found with several felled trees and stumps which made for perfect seating.
As I looked around and took photos, it nice to see what the TOC is really all about,
making new connections and friends! A kindred soul rolled up to our group, and
suggested we head back and take a trial that would lead us to the Forks, and seeing
as how that’s what we came for, we quickly packed up and headed back on our
adventure!
Perhaps it’s worth mentioning that since there were so many forks and twists to the
trial, concern started to spread that we really didn’t have a set route and perhaps,
there was a slight possibility that we were - lost! Maybe it was my Mr. Magoo act
that I laid on pretty thick at every twist and turn, and even headed in the ‘wrong’
direction before Jo would quickly point out that we should be heading the other way
(bless her soul!). With Trusty map in hand and directions from a local, there was
never a doubt as to where we were heading! We finally reached the Forks of the
Credit, and what a pretty sight to behold! As we soaked up the scenery, we prepared
ourselves for the next stretch of the hike.
Part of the hike took us along a supposedly quiet Mississauga Rd, which should
quickly be changed to Big Steep Mountain Road, as this stretch not only tested our
physical prowess, but also our mental toughness, and bladders! We climbed and climbed
for what seemed an eternity, until finally we reached the ‘summit’ and everyone,
and I do mean EVERYONE, stopped to take a more than welcome breather. Sadly
for some, this wasn’t the end of the hike, but fortunately for everybody, we were
close to the home stretch. We arrived at the Elora-Cataract Trailway, which would
quickly lead us back to the Park, but there was one minor obstacle. Remember that
bridge that was being reconstructed? Well it so happened to be the very bridge that
would lead us back to the park, and eventually, our cars! Seeing as how there was
no turning back at this point, we ventured on in hopes that a solution would present
itself (We were even willing to cross the river if need be). Much to the relief of
every TOC member there, we only needed to cross the railway line, and even better,
there was already a path to follow to cross to the other side! With the end in sight,
smiles spread across many a face knowing that a very satisfying hike would soon come to
a welcome end!
Since this turned out to be such a large group, and members from both groups freely
mingled, I’ll take this time to thank everyone from my group, in particular the first
timers, Jennifer D., Elodie, Janet D, James, Megan and Eric, I hope that this was a
great first experience with the club and that we haven’t scared you away! To
Daniel, Hong, John F., QOQO, Jennifer B., Deb, Joanna, Lydia and Lourita for being the
troopers and trail blazers they where! And finally to Jo, for not only organizing the
hike, but also for ensuring no TOCers where left behind (I probably would have lost
one or two, but that’s why there’s waivers right?)
I’ll end this Epic Tale with a poem I feel is most fitting to the adventure we had, and
may perhaps one day become a TOC credo, The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost
Enjoy!
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
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