This month’s Looper outing was scheduled to have 21 participants and was initially split into 4 groups, cleverly named Group 1 through 4.  Unfortunately several Group 3 Loopers had to cancel at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances leaving Group 3 with just 2 members.  A quick adjustment by Dave, our fearless organizer, moved a Group 2 member (Gordon) to Group 1.  The remaining Group 3 members (Liz and Jon) then joined Group 2.  Group 4 remained as-is (and was or wasn’t renamed to Group 3).  The result was a nicely balanced 3 groups of 6.  Of course nothing works exactly as planned.

Group 1 (Dave, Angela, Carol, Gordon, and Larrie)

Group 1 started shortly after 10:00. Sandy had decided that his vehicle was low on gas, so he had gone back to look for a gas station.

It was perfect sunny fall hiking weather. One of our number was hungry for lunch earlier than the clock would indicate because of last night’s time change. But we pressed on, deaf to his entreaties. There was a selection of furniture for sitting on along the trail, but nothing at the right place for a lunch stop.

At the turnaround point we sat on the edge of the bridge and on moss-covered tree stumps. The second group arrived just as we finished lunch and were pleased to report that they had picked up Angela’s missing grey glove along the trail and left it on a pole. You can’t miss it on the way back, they said. (But we did.)

Meanwhile, Sandy had arrived at the starting point after the other groups had left, started along the trail, and caught up with Group 4, or was it 3? We met him and them at a point where the path was conveniently wide for chatting. Sandy joined Group 1 and we returned, taking the side trip to the dramatic Steelhead Falls on our return.

Group 2 (Julie, Alan, Janet S, Kathy, Liz, and Jon)

Group 2 waved goodbye to Group 1 and then waited a respectful length of time before heading out.  The trail south first descended and crossed a creek and then dipped up and down through verdant mossy woods with the sun streaming through.  About halfway along we came upon a grey glove on the path.  Since we weren’t sure it belonged to someone from our group, we left it prominently (we thought) displayed on a pole beside the path and carried on.

We caught up with Group 1 at a small bridge where they had chosen to stop for lunch.  After bidding them farewell as they started their return journey we decided to go a bit further along before turning back.  We came to a small cove and then returned to have our lunch break at the spot where we met Group 1.

As we returned we wondered why we had not encountered Group 3.  After much speculation we met them about halfway back and determined that they had taken a detour at the start.  After a brief conversation we continued our journey, stopping near the end to view the Steelhead Falls.  We agreed that the decision to visit at the end of the day was wise, as this was a highlight of the day.

Upon rejoining the main path we once again met Group 3 who were on their way to the Falls.

Group 3 (Fred, Joette, Michael, Jean, Janet K, and Bruce)

Group 3 (formerly known as Group 4) started with an unscheduled 2km detour on Stave Dam Forest trail (turning North rather than South at the start) which included a wonderful high view of both Stave and Hayward lakes.  Both this trail and the Hayward Lake trail were fun to walk, with a lot of variation in the terrain and flora, from brooding dark woods to bright open trail.

People commented more than once on the colours in the forest and the glittering play of the dappled afternoon light on the forest floor.  All hands were very impressed with Steelhead Falls, a great roaring beast. This was definitely the highlight of the day!

Post-Hike

Some of us braved HottiesFood Emporio for afters. There was musical entertainment, in the form of a singer with a guitar. Soft background music it was not.  But the drinks and snacks were good.

Liz presented Angela with the glove that they had retrieved on the way back. Julie bought Angela a large glass of wine to celebrate her recent birthday. Angela was very happy.

Words by Jon, Angela, Fred

Pictures by Jon, Angela, Janet S, Dave, Michael, Bruce, Fred, Sandy