Greetings from the President!
We’re all looking forward to getting outdoors for Spring activities. Those of us in hiking clubs don’t need to be reminded of the benefits of a daily dose of the outdoors. Everything from being happier and more creative, to reducing stress, building relationships and strengthening bones. One reason caught my eye. The Harvard Business Review estimates that for every dollar spent on preventative health, including time spent walking, you’ll save $2.71 in health costs down the road.
Thanks to Jane Foster and all our hike leaders for compiling an attractive array of options. Note that full details of each hike event can be found on the website and that a printable PDF version is found in the ‘Members Only’ section of the website. Let’s get out and join in!
It is worth remarking that we have had a more active winter schedule with several snowshoe and cross country ski outings. Now, in spite of Wiarton Willy’s predictions, it looks like Spring weather is around the corner. That means Trail Monitors and the Maintenance Crew will be sharpening their tools in readiness to get out and clear the trail of winter debris. Thanks to Bruce Graham for his capable guidance of the Monitors and to Ken Nicholson, Trail Coordinator, as he takes on the supervisory role of projects along the 113km of trail.
Thirty people enjoyed the successful ‘Show & Tell’ in February, convened by Dennis Rawe. Jeff Sager gave an excellent presentation on the history, operation and services of Perth-Huron Emergency Services and several club members shared in the program.
The new website is now configured to generate a tax receipt for new memberships and donations, going forward. (Check your spam or junk mail folder if you don’t see it). The Shop (Pay Pal/Credit card enabled) should be up and running by the time you read this.
This issue of the Newsletter introduces our new Co-editors, Brenda Tarr and Tom Kimber. Our thanks and congratulations to you both! It is our plan that this and subsequent issues will be published on-line only.
Congratulations to Meg Westley and Edmond Thomas who have recently completed the Hike Leaders Certification Course.
Thanks also to Carol Miller and Cindy Kimber who have taken on the Public Relations and Marketing role. You may have noticed posters around town for upcoming hikes and events. The new Avon Trail Banner, on display at our Members Meeting and designed by club member Katherine Moffat, will be used at expositions and fairs to advertise the club. Carol and Cindy are working on a new flyer for use in tourist bureaus and other locations.
To all our members, thanks for all you do, whether it be simply paying dues to spending countless volunteer hours, you all contribute to making the Avon Trail a great little hiking club.
Bernard Goward,
President.
Articles
Recent Outings and Events
- Harrington Pond Grist Mill Hike by Tom Kimber
- Perth Museum Snowshoe Hike by Tom Kimber
- Schneider’s Woods Cross Country Skiing by Meg Westley
- Winter Social – Show and Tell by Tom Kimber
For your Interest
- Hike Ontario Board Meeting Report January 2018 by Bernard Goward
- Tundra Swans by Steve Thorpe
- Maple Syrup by Donna Weitzel
- Snacks for Hiking by Carol Miller
Profiles
- Landowner – Mrs. Wilma McCaig by Terry Aitken
- Tuesday Ramblers – Joshua Penfold and Joseph Green by Brenda Tarr
Recent End-to-End Accomplishments by Brenda Tarr
- Bouvier Family – Chris, Lonnie, Everett (9) and Natalie (8)
- The Elgin Group – Brian Wilsdon, Jim Northey, Tom Beharrell and Dave Kirkpatrick
- Solo hiker – Matthew George
New Members List
Hike Schedule by Jane Foster