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DUNDAS VALLEY OUTDOORS

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A forum on the Dundas Valley. A site dedicated to sharing photo's, trail information and stories of the rich and vibrant natural wonders of the area.

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Getting Outdoors during the Pandemic and Why it’s Important

A Victoria Day Weekend to be Grateful For

Seven Lessons I’ve Taken From This Pandemic

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Getting Outdoors during the Pandemic and Why it’s Important

Getting Outdoors during the Pandemic and Why it’s Important

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” - John Muir How are you managing during these unprecedented times? Heightened uncertainty, conflicted messaging and new protocols in place for almost everything that are regularly changing. Up until 6 months ago, I had never even heard the term “social distancing” and the idea that a mask had been added to the “must bring when I leave the house”

A Victoria Day Weekend to be Grateful For

A Victoria Day Weekend to be Grateful For

“I live to enjoy life by the littlest things, feeling the grass between my toes, breathing fresh air, watching the wind sway the trees, enjoying the company of loved ones, a deep conversation, getting lost in a good book, going for a walk in nature, watching my kids grow up. Just the feeling itself of being alive, the absolute amazing fact that we are here right now, breathing, thinking, doing.” - Marigold Wellington It’s interesting how, when something is put out of reach,

Seven Lessons I’ve Taken From This Pandemic

Seven Lessons I’ve Taken From This Pandemic

On March 24, the province ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Shortly after that and in keeping with the direction of the province, all Hamilton Conservation Areas were closed. The good news is that we are just now starting to see early signs of restrictions loosening up. The province announced yesterday that garden centres and hardware stores can re-open as of today and the Hamilton Conservati

Cootes Paradise – My Perspective

Cootes Paradise – My Perspective

“The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.” — Ernest Hemingway I visited Princess Point yesterday afternoon. With the revelations of the past week, I just felt the need to have a look and to reflect. The fact that the parking lot is closed and under construction simply added a further element of desolation to my surroundings and all was quiet as I walked to the water. I thought back to the Hamilton Spectator stories of these past days starting with the original Nov

Rambling Thoughts from a Snowy Trail

Rambling Thoughts from a Snowy Trail

“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” - Mary Davis After a busy work week, the call of the outdoors is generally expected and unrelenting, a persistent pull that urges me to venture out and reconnect. Giving in to that call, it wasn't surprising that I found myself wandering down the Spring Creek Trail yesterday afternoon and like always, it was time well spent. We've received snow early this year, much earlier than I recall from past years and as a result, the trail w

Savouring the Melody of Cootes Paradise

Savouring the Melody of Cootes Paradise

“The earth has music for those who listen.” - George Santayana The magic of early evening paddling lives in the melody and in the unrushed pace with which the day draws to a close. Pushing away from the shore for an after-dinner paddle last night, Cootes Paradise was just that and I quickly realized that I had picked the best time of day to get out. With the sun just starting to set, the light was beautiful, and it seemed that I had this little slice of Heaven all to myself.

Family Day in the Valley

Family Day in the Valley

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir There are certain winter days that appear to be just about perfect, and today would be one of those days. Bright blue skies, brilliant sunshine and a fresh blanket of pristine snow making sunglasses an absolute necessity; perfect conditions to be outdoors. Taking full advantage of the conditions, we wandered the Spring Creek Trail today, crunching between snow covered pines and the meandering creek w

Crooks Hollow; Like a Fine Wine, it Keeps Getting Better

Crooks Hollow; Like a Fine Wine, it Keeps Getting Better

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” - John Muir For decades, the Crooks Hollow dam and reservoir was a magical place, like a secret paradise known only by a small group of local residents. When the dam came into disrepair, there was significant controversy over the decision of repairing or demolishing it. I recall at the time (2011 – 2012) that I was firmly in the camp of those that favoured repair over demolition. That didn’t happen, and the deci

Feeding My Kayaking Addiction

Feeding My Kayaking Addiction

After a long winter, it is finally June and I have the bug, the kayaking bug. I have it bad too, just itching to be on the water, feeling the pull of the paddle, the muscles in my back and arms coming alive and welcoming the work. Greeting the birds and wildlife after a long break and taking in the views, the beautiful sights to be seen. I would be yearning for the wind in my hair as well, that is, if I had any. Fortunately, the opportunities are close by and plentiful and th

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