May 29, 2012

Denlow Falls-Hamilton

It's been over a few weeks since going to Upper Chedoke, but I thought I would do a little bit of a write up on her next door neighbour, Denlow Falls.   To get here, you will have to be a bit of a skilled rock hopper as you will be deciphering many moss-laden stones and large cragged boulders.  But perseverance will eventually take you to where you need to go.  If you park in the lot off of Scenic Drive and Upper Paradise Road, you can descend the metal staircase down half way venturing east (right) into the woodland of the marked Bruce Trail and follow it toward Lower Chedoke.  Once there, you can climb upward off the marked trail and continue south until you reach Denlow Falls (on the left) and Upper Chedoke (on the right). 


Later I learned, you can also get here by parking at the east end of the Chedoke Golf Course parking lot and following the ravine upwards.   

Denlow Falls at her base looking upwards reaches a height of 19 metres.  Her crest is any where from 2-9 metres at different point of the "Horse tail" cascade.  She doesn't really have much of a flow, except after a good rainfall, which is why she isn't photographed that much.  A word of caution though, it really is pretty dangerous getting here, so good rubber waterproof boots with good traction and always plan your footing ahead of time.  

I like water-falling and especially the more challenging terrains, mostly because it forces me to slow down and be more methodical in my thinking. 




May 28, 2012

Dundurn Castle-Hamilton




I've been to Dundurn Castle several time over the last three years, and have yet to find my way inside her doors.  I just haven't shown up at the right times I guess.  Since weekend hours are limited too.   Dundurn Castle is located at 610 York Blvd. in Hamilton.  It's an historic site now, and was built in 1835 and was once the home of the Sir Allan McNab who later became the Prime Minister of the "United Province of Canada between 1854 and 1856. 

This castle is huge and now owned by the City of Hamilton it has 72 rooms in an area of over 18000 square feet! It took three years to build.  I haven't gone inside yet, but will make that an item on my bucket list.  The outside grounds are stunning enough, which includes a "mystery building" on the eastern part of the property.  A beautiful house that no one actually knows who or what it was for.  Some assume it was meant for a chapel, or a theatre. Others believe there were tunnels being built under the castle grounds leading to the 'mystery building' perhaps for some cockfighting? The grounds also contain a civic museum and Dundurn park which is a great backdrop for wedding photography.
  
More on castles to explore in Canada and beyond are added to my bucket list.