More Fun at Silver Creek Conservation Area
This past weekend Darrell, Jack and I once again headed for the Silver Creek Conservation Area.
Instead of starting at the main entrance we headed to the creek itself and spent some time exploring the creek and the original bridge that runs under 27 Sideroad.
The bridge is one of those true marvels that has survived over the years despite advancements in technology and construction. It’s a glimpse back to another time when workmanship was valued and things were built to last. Unfortunately, the mortar is starting to crumble and how long the bridge will survive is a question that must be asked. Various reports I have read have discussed the possibility of closing 27 Sideroad to traffic in hopes the bridge will survive longer, even when it is no longer safe for vehicles to cross.
The bridge and it’s surroundings make for an enchanting scene in the new fallen snow. We were the first to venture down the path that morning and the unspoiled beauty in front of us was one of the few times I have truly enjoyed snow in the past few months.
All along the creek was a winter wonderland. Snow-covered cedars stretching to the sky, and the creek rushing by under ice and snow, sometimes making an appearance.
Snow-Covered Cedars
Branches almost seem to guard the creek from onlookers.
'Steps' leading into the creek.
Old leaves covered with snow, waiting for the new to arrive.
A lone brick wall on the other side of the creek.
Once I had my fill of snapping pictures and exploring the area we decided to move off to the Bruce Trail, starting just up from the creek, and see where the trail would take us.
The slippery slopes we had encountered on our last visit were, if anything, even more slippery this time around. As the trail descends alongside the creek we came across a very steep, and very icy, section of the trail. The spring coming out the side of the hill had flowed over this area creating a treacherous path. There were more than a few marks indicating someone had slid down the hill on their fanny! Taking into consideration my ability to slip on the most dry and even ground I opted to climb through the fallen trees and arrived unharmed at the bottom of the hill.
Even under the cover of snow you see the beauty of this area. The forest, the creek, the springs, the hills…I get so busy looking around I forget to watch where I’m walking and continuously stumble.
In too short a time we reached the main entrance to the conservation area off 9th Line. Not wanting our afternoon to be over we continued along the Bruce Trail following the hills and walking along the cliffs. Eventually we had covered almost the entire country block and were looking at the trail entrance from the 10th Line. I will admit that at this point I had turn around – my legs were starting to feel the hike and it was a good ways back to the car. Although Darrell wouldn’t admit it I think he was starting to feel it as well since he raised no objections about turning around. Even Jack seemed relieved.
The hike back was uneventful as we knew what obstacles we would encounter and how to get around them. However, Jack gave us one more moment to remember when he started to play with a snowball Darrell had tossed at him. After picking it up Jack ran around with the snowball, periodically dropping it in the snow until it was more than twice the size it had started at. 
He ran around for a few minutes, seemingly proud of himself for reasons unknown to me, before he decided to run off and bury his prized snowball. The whole incident left a smile on my face for a good 15 minutes afterwards.
Finally we returned to the car, our afternoon hike over, the three of us thoroughly tired but happy. It’s amazing how much better a good hike can make you feel, and discovering the hidden treasures of Silver Creek along the way made for one awesome day.
argosgirl
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[…] September 2007, Credit Valley Conservation, owners of the Fallbrook Trail Farm property, applied to the Town for a demolition permit for the deteriorating empty building improperly closed […]