Mabel Davis Conservation Area (Newmarket)

This was one of those bone chilling days in late winter, just approaching spring, when we decided to check out another trail to walk off some calories after our AYCE lunches.  We decided to go to Mabel Davis Conservation area as the map showed us it was close.

You can enter the kilometre trail here either from Bayview Parkway or off of Davis Drive.  We started from the Davis drive location where we were able to find some parking off the side of the road.  

The trail is south of the Rogers Reservoir,  which I had blogged before (you can search for it to see some nice pictures of Holland landing).

This 7 hectare area is surrounded by city development, but you can still find a wide range of animals like rabbits, muskrats and raccoons.  Of course this time of year, the geese, ducks and drakes are in full swing totally acclimatized to the winters here in Canada.  

One of the most unique features of this trail however are the trail markers.  They are known as 'doodems' and they all use natural elements and are inspired by the Ojibwe ancestors.  There are 10 'doodems' in total.   I only captured 1 of them.  The OWL (GOOKOOKO'OO(G) - Which means wisdom and foresight.  Keeper of sacred knowledge.  This may largely be due to the fact that the owl is a great foreteller of weather conditions and are creatures of the night.

By the time we got as far as the Newmarket Radial Arch bridge, the sky had washed out creating a sombre feel (at least that's how I viewed it).  The Radial Arch bridge was built in  1909 by the Toronto and York Radial Railway company and is known to be one of the earliest reinforced concrete arches.  Standing on it's own now as a piece of history, it once supported part of a trestle bridge spanning the Holland river and Grand Trunk railway tracks. 

Newmarket is very proud of this parabolic arch which has a clear span of 15 metres and a rise of 7 metres.  The railway was discontinued in the 1930s, but since the arch was one of few of its kind, it was preserved in 1979 by the town of Newmarket.  I am not going to say I was impressed as today's standard architecture and engineering leaves this little archway paling...but considering the tools and technology we have today I will respect what I saw nonetheless. 

My final thoughts are this is a must see trail when the leaves are out and you might be able to catch some wildlife.  Also, I'd like to see all the 'doodems' when I have more time.

Oh, and who was Mabel Davis?  She was a lifetime resident of Newmarket who donated a strip of land to the Conservation Area.   She was the namesake for this trail.

Thornton Bale Conservation Area -(Joker's Hill)

It was a seasonal afternoon, when temperatures almost crept up into the double digits when we both had the afternoon off.  I've been wanting to go to Thornton Bales Conservation Area for quite some time now since I heard about "Joker's Hill".  The name intrigued me, here we are.

Thornton Bales is located near King, Ontario and has some parking closeby for the public.  The map on entrance of the trail shows a 4.2 kilometer loop which is perfect to bring us out and back with an hour or so.   

The trail itself was wet and at times slippery or muddy but generally in good hiking condition.  It is considered moderate because there are plenty of hills, slopes and valleys to conquer.  The beauty is rugged and undeniable. 

Here's the interesting part and I will get to the 'Joker's Hill" in a second.  This land was donated by Drs. Murray and Marvel Koffler and encompasses 350 Hectares of ecosystems, with 50 hectares accessible all year around to the public for hiking and trail blazing.  Scientists and students come from all over the world to this area called ANSI which is the Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.  Quickly you'll notice a 54 metre drop up ahead from the southwest corner to the north boundary nicknamed "The 99 Steps"   

So the bulk of this donated land is used by the University of Toronto to investigate critical environmental issues such as biological invasions and climate change and to study the basic biology of the region's diverse plants and flora life.  You will see marked areas such as 'research in progress' All they really ask is that you avoid those areas so the scientific studies to continue.

The Koffler Scientific Reserve which it is called, hosts many activities such as for the university involving their coursework or even public nature walks.  So this is called Joker's Hill.  Still don't understand why it's called that :)

Their mission: Building a sustainable future through  research and education on the environment, in the environment.




We had to use the GPS, much to my husband's lament because the marked trail didn't follow the loop in my all trails app, and I am pretty sure would have gotten lost without it.  Part of the problem is that the markers can be confusing and there are so many forks at times.  Beautiful woody trail.  I really think they could remark some of the areas.  

We met up with a lot of people who were lost from the Bathurst entrance.   So it turned into quite the adventure after all.  I wouldn't trade this experience though and I think I would prefer to be here on grey wet days and it seems to suit the mood of the dark wood much more than the bright warmth of the sun.

Great trails, amazing views .  I will definitely come back again in the fall.

Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area

Almost six years ago now, when I was driving back from somewhere... I don't remember where,  I stumbled onto one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. 

Funny thing is from the outside it was just a parking lot and not even a properly paved one.  I almost didn't bother.  But that time, almost dusk I took a couple of my favourite photographs ever.  It was hard to top it again.  I don't think I ever did.


I stopped blogging for so many years because I saw so many other people taking pictures that I thought were better or pictures of the same thing.

Then after hearing so many people tell me that they missed "my stories" or my photography that I realized that we are all stars in our own right.  We all have that take on something and that you shouldn't compare yourself to anyone else.

Taking pictures of the shot or what I love is precious whether 1 person or 1 million people read or see what it is you do, it is a part of you.  It is your legacy.  Sometimes it's the only thing you leave behind and you have a duty to share it.

So now after all that melodrama is over with -  I come back again.  The weather is perfect and the day ahead is long, not nearing an end at all.  I encountered some great blue herons overhead, but scrambled with a camera feeble-handed and excited and never got one clear shot of them.

The Rogers Reservoir is 70 hectares of trails which follows the route of the abandoned 'Ghost Canal system' of the early 1900s and is part of the Nokiidaa Trail system which links the Towns of East Gwillimbury, Newmarket and Aurora.  You can access it from the parking lot that I am speaking of earlier which is on the north side of Green Lane, between 2nd Concession and Leslie St.  

Start your hike by walking west towards the bridge. Before the bridge, you will notice a trail going north; this is the route of the historic Metropolitan Radial Line. As you cross the foot bridge, you will see the remains of a swing bridge that was once part of the canal system.

Next you will be at a T-intersection. The trail to the south heads to Newmarket and the East Gwillimbury GO station; the trail to the north is the Rogers Reservoir Trail.

The trail is flat and is perfect for walking, jogging and biking. Take note of the wildlife you may see: heron, geese, American coot, rails, kingfishers and several varieties of ducks floating along the waters.

Note the many spots along the trail that give visitors the opportunity to take a rest and enjoy watching the river from either the benches or sitting rocks. To your right, you will see the Holland River, on the left-hand side there are wetlands. Work is ongoing to enhance this habitat.

The Region of York is undertaking a dramatic transformation of 2nd Concession where it crosses the Holland River. Changes to the trail system and access points should be anticipated.

With its natural wetlands, meadow habitats and mixed forest, areas like Rogers Reservoir are becoming more important to have access to. As our homes get larger and our yards smaller, we’re becoming more detached from nature. And study after study highlights the importance of exposure to nature for our mental and physical well-being.

For those living in East Gwillimbury, a quick stroll from the corner of Yonge Street and Mount Albert Sideroad will lead you into the Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area where you’ll see all sorts of birds like great blue herons, American coots and sora rails. You’ll also see turtles, frogs and dragonflies in the newly enhanced wetland.

You can also relax and cast a fishing line in the river. There are many options for your outdoor adventure.

For those a little further south of East Gwillimbury, you’ll be pleased to know that Rogers Reservoir can now be accessed from the Nokiidaa trail, connecting Aurora, Newmarket and East Gwillimbury along the East Holland River. So grab your bike or plan a hike for the day and hit the trail. For those who are too far to walk, or don’t own a bike, you can also park your car and enter the Conservation Area on the north side of Greenlane, between Yonge Street and Leslie Street.

If you’re new to the area or not so confident in your outdoor exploration skills, a perfect opportunity to explore the area is coming on June 16, when they host  a Community BioBlitz event. BioBlitz events are increasing in popularity across the world for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike. The daylong event will see many experienced nature lovers sharing their knowledge and expertise with others as they explore the area to catalogue the hundreds of species that can be found.

Elora Gorge and Trail

The Grand River is one of my favorite places to go in the warmer months.  It flows through the bottom of the Elora gorge, approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) long, with limestone cliffs reaching 22 metres (72 ft) high. 

The Elora Gorge is another remnant of the last ice age much like the Scarborough  bluffs, it was formed from glacial meltwaters.  The area includes a park with camping sites, hiking trails, and is also popular for kayaking and tubing.  

When we went there people gathered in a row to do some ziplining.  Usually in the summer months in July and August only, you can buy a seat across the Gorge suspended in the air for about 5-10 minutes for $40 a head.  That's a little too much money for such a short time for me not even for the thrill of it all.
 

 Located nearby is the "old swimming hole", at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area, a 0.8 hectare (two acre) which was a former limestone quarry Elora Quarry did not become a conservation area until 1976, but it was a popular swimming area long before that.

This shot was taken a little later in the year

The Elora Gorge Falls are located a bit upstream from the Gorge.  It's roughly a 7 m tall waterfall. 

As an interesting fact: The Quarry served as a film location in the 2017 adaptation of Stephen King's novel It.

There are wonderful trails in and around the Gorge as well to explore.   Absolutely one of my favourite go-to places in Ontario to get out the big city and go exploring!