Hiking in Haliburton

Each year I try to squeeze in some walks/hikes throughout the County where I haven't been before and with the annual Hike Haliburton Festival coming up (details further along), I was curious to check out High Falls in the eastern portion of the County, within the borders of Algonquin Park. Yesterday was a beautiful Fall day and so it was decided! Now, having never been there, the question was - is it a large rapids or truly a Falls we were going to get to discover? As we arrived at the starting point, we (my husband John and I) were perplexed. We heard it was a rugged walk requiring really good footwear and were met with a completely level walk through new-growth forest. It was like walking through a farmers' field with young trees in it! This continued for a good 15 minutes - then we turned a corner and the old-growth forest, a hiker's true love, met us. It was still an easy hike at this point but we could hear rushing water ahead. We soon came to the river, a wide area with rapids at the top. The water was very low and most rocks were high and dry. Was this it? We tried to picture it in high water and thought it would be quite pretty. The trail continued.....another pond - more rocks - the rushing water a little more vibrant this time. We rock hopped along the rapids - very easy with that many rocks! Leaving the rock hopping behind, we got back on the path and found it to be getting much more difficult - many roots, rocks, boulders with great crevices everywhere (perfect homes for wildlife), and we noticed for the first time we were travelling higher and higher. There it was - about 40 minutes into the walk - High Falls. Not Niagara Falls by any means, but incredibly picturesque, with great spots to sit and enjoy the sounds and sights. Eventually you go right to the top and if you aren't nervous about hopping (really just stepping) from rock to rock, you can sit at the top - a great level spot, and relax. It was a great day and a lovely walk - 81 photos later!

Now, as promised - Hike Haliburton Festival! This is a great excuse to come to Haliburton County. On September 23, 24 and 25 there are over 30 guided hikes held across the County. They are FREE (donations appreciated), and organizers ask that you pre-register the hikes you wish to go on. The hikes range from short and sweet, to hardy. Something for every age and ability. Pick an area of the County you haven't been to before - get out and explore this gorgeous part of Ontario. For hike info, visit www.haliburtoncounty.ca/tourism/fall/hikehaliburton.asp .

Exciting News!

Wow - I have two announcements today!
1. The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust has received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for $91,500 over 3 years to hire staff who will increase the organization's capacity to carry out its mission to protect the natural heritage of Haliburton County. That is incredible news and well deserved of a very hard working and committed group of volunteers. Congratulations everyone!
2. HCDC (Haliburton County Development Corporation) announced yesterday that they are providing a grant of $1,700 to FoRT (Friends of the Rail Trail) to assist the group in costs associated with promoting their Rambles programs and developing a website. This is a huge boost to a very small group and on behalf of the Executive - thank you so much HCDC!!

For those wondering how Haliburton County is coming with Spring - it has been rolling along at breakneck speed! Buds are just starting to appear but once they start, it doesn't take long for trees to take on that beautiful lime fresh green they have in Spring time. It is so exciting to watch everything come to life again - I never want to go inside! I cannot believe how early boats have been going into the lakes this year! I was out at Boshkung Lake the other day and there was a line up at the boat launch - unheard of in April. If predictions come true, there will be a lot of beach and boat time this summer. We sure deserve it after the cool, wet summer last year! 600 lakes and counting.....no better place to be!

What a fabulous day yesterday for our first Rambles of the season! The weather was perfect. We headed out at 11:30 from Rails' End Gallery and followed the rail trail to Barnum Lake and back. 27 people came out - from children to seniors. The dogs had a great time too! Some people had cameras and although there was no greenery yet or many birds to spot, the walk was simply refreshing after a long winter! Next Sunday (April 11) we head out from Sedgwick Farm in Gelert at 11:00 am. To get there take County Rd. 1 (Gelert Rd.) to the hamlet of Gelert. On the left is Sedgwick Road - follow until you cross the bridge - immediately across the bridge there is a sharp fork to the right and the farm is right at the Y in the road. After, for those who wish, we shall meet at the Wintergreen Pancake Barn in Gelert to enjoy some fabulous food! See you there!

Busy Spring!

Happy Easter! What a busy Spring it has been....the real estate season definitely started early this year and we are getting into seasonal properties earlier than ever. Marilyn (my colleague) and I were at the Toronto Cottage Life Show on the weekend. We had the Friday evening shift which was quiet but agents that attended on Saturday said it was great! We had collages of all our listings displayed and know that several of our past clients attended the show and enjoyed it.

This Sunday is the first "Ramble" of the season. Everyone meets at 11:30 at the Rails End Gallery in Haliburton. Departure for this week only will be at Noon. So take a look at the exhibits and say hello to everyone! For those who wish a chance to socialize and unwind afterward, we will convene at McKecks - The Blue Line for lunch. If you haven't been since the big renovations, come check it out (even if you miss the walk) - the more the merrier!

For those who know my family (don't wish to bore anyone!).....our daughter Shannon is doing fabulous in Australia. School is going well - she is finding the Masters' programme there easier than the Honours programme here (weird eh?) and she is working hard at a Cafe, plus has a casual position at a Thai Restaurant (they needed someone who could speak Thai and English). Our other daughter, Christine, was invited to speak at a conference at Nipissing last weekend to present her research. She received an award for Excellence in Research and we are incredibly proud of her! She is about to move out of residence and into her first apartment next week and just got her official acceptance at Teacher's College, so things are rolling along!

All for now everyone - I need to go sell some real estate! Happy, Happy Easter!