On the Trail

This past weekend was my Scout troop's fall camp—held again this year at Camp Manitou, near Milton, Ontario, Canada. It is located near the Bruce Trail and some great hiking.

The main highlight of the camp was our six hour hike along the Bruce Trail from Twiss Road to Crawford Lake and back, following the outcrops of limestone and shale which form the Niagara Escarpment. Lots of rocks and trees, but not just "any" rocks and trees. At almost 500,000,000 years old, the craggy limestone cliffs, crevasses and caves are ageless. If only they could speak to us.

Wisdom of the Ages

For the most part, trees which are dead or are dying are left to fall along the trail. These two trees have most likely been marked for cutting, and will probably be left to rot near where they stand.

Two X's

The cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment are known for their ancient trees—some of which can be as old as five hundred years. I was attracted to this particular stump, lifeless and completely devoid of bark, and appearing to sit on the rocks.

A Tree Lived

Amongst the dead trees are birches, and their bark can be easily removed and used to write notes for fellow hikers.

Birch Bark Warning