Camino Misterioso: The Cave Springs Caper
Covid measures: Group size limited to 10 and only one person per car, the driver.
Date: Sun., Jul. 12, 2020
Time: Start walking at 8:00 a.m., but try to arrive by 7:45 a.m. to get meet-and-greet and “paper work” out of the way.
Location: Cave Springs Conservation Area near Beamsville.
Mandatory Registration: Maximum number of hikers including the leader is 10. Registration closes at midnight on the Thursday preceding the hike.
Meeting Place: Shoulder of Quarry Rd. (near Beamsville) at the top of the escarpment. For those with the 29th edition of the Bruce Trail maps, look for Km 65.0 on Map # 4.
Type of Hike, Length, Duration, and Pace: A 9 km loop hike, roughly 2-2.5 hrs long and conducted at a pace of about 4 kmph and 6 feet apart (this latter condition being a Covid measure).
Description of Route: This hike covers the maze of trails which comprise the Cave Springs Conservation Area. It is surprising how far you can go in this complex trail system yet remain within a small area. The views from the escarpment edge are stunning.
Terrain: Although mostly flat, tree roots and rocks can make for uncertain footing. As well, there are two steep ascents and descents of the escarpment. This is definitely hiking boot terrain.
Requirements: Wear boots and clothing appropriate to the weather of the day. Bring snacks and plenty of water, and I do mean plenty. As well, it would be advisable to bring a face mask and hand sanitizer in case of close encounters of the yucky kind.
How to Get There: Some people who live on the north side of Lake Ontario seem to think that the south side is in a distant country. It isn't, and on Sunday mornings it's a fast drive because the speed limit between Hamilton and Beamsville is 110 (which, for me, means 118) and the traffic volume is low.
- Follow the QEW around the head of the lake and along the south shore of Lake Ontario as if Niagara bound.
- Exit at Ontario St. in Beamsville (not to be confused with Ontario St. in Grimsby) and follow it towards the escarpment.
- When you reach King St. at the traffic light in downtown Beamsville, turn left.
- Follow King for 2 km until you reach Quarry Rd. on your right. (It takes off steeply from King St. on an angle.)
- Follow Quarry Rd. for about 2 km until you reach the wide portion of the shoulder on your right at the top of the escarpment.
Leader: Richard Reble at reblerichard@gmail.com or 905-945-0536 anytime before 9:00 p.m.
