The last of 10 hikes covering the entire 130km length of the Avon Trail concluded Saturday, July 5, in St Marys at the trail’s western terminus by the Thames River.
Hiking conditions were humid and hot. Still, 11 hikers joined the 14km hike from the Kiosk at Wildwood to the Tennis Courts in St. Marys.
Three of the hikers earned the special edition 50th Anniversary End-to-End badge by completing all 10 sections.
I joined the first hike, which took place on April 26. We hiked from the eastern trail terminus, through Conestogo Village, and along the Heath Valley Trail, ending up at km 118.2, for a hike distance of 11.5 km. We dressed for warmth against winds and rain. But, on this 10th section hike July 5, we had all the warmth we wanted plus some.
Hot and humid hiking conditions prevailed throughout the hike’s 14 km distance. Our hike leader, Christine Lee, led us at a brisk pace. Given the conditions, we did well to cover the 14 km distance under 4 hours. The trail’s section involved hiking through woods and along fields and roads, into St Marys, and to the Thames River.
Trail President Bruce Graham met us at km 4.9 with a cooler filled with ice-cold water. After recharging with water and snacks, we hikers continued along Line 14 and Glass St into the town.
By the time we arrived at the Tennis courts and the western terminus marker rock, Bruce was once again there serving us with more water and champagne to toast the end of the hike.
Thank you to all hike leaders who provide hikers with the opportunity to join in on Saturday hikes. Many hikers joined the hikes, but we were not able to attend all 10.
Tom Kimber – News