The Niagara Bruce Trail Club

Bruce Trail logoNiagara Bruce Trail Grapevine

Summer 2003

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Editor: Barbara Henderson   72778 Con. 6 Rd. RR #1, Wellandport, ON, LOR 2J0
Phone 905 386 6543    FAX 905 386 7400   email philbarb.henderson@sympatico.ca

Web Version: John Lye email jlye@brocku.ca

Deadline for inclusion in the Autumn 2003 issue is August 1.

Contents:

NBTC Executive

From Jim Rainforth, Outgoing President

All Members of the Niagara Bruce Trail Club:

A big “thank you” to the members at large, the many volunteers and the Board of Directors for the strong support and good fellowship shown to me during my two years as your President. Certainly, the past few years have been an education to me of the many issues the current and past Boards have had to deal with, and attempt to resolve, in order to maintain and improve our section of the trail, and to maintain our landowner relations at a positive level. New challenges continue to arise, proving that the work of our many volunteers is never ending.

Fundraising in itself is a unique and sometimes a divisive challenge, a challenge where ideas and opinions differ, and emotions sometimes runs high. Hopefully, at the "end of the day" we have accomplished our goals, enjoyed ourselves as volunteers, and remain committed friends.

A word to Fred Azzopardi: Fred expressed concern re: my reference to his "canvassing: of members, and I accept his explanation that members were the "instigators" in donating money to Fred to the "Legacy Campaign." At last count, Fred had raised approximately $1,600, an achievement to be proud of, proving once again his unique ability as a "fund raiser."

Again, thanks to all of you, and my very best wishes to your new Board.

— Jim Rainforth, Past President

And a large thanks to you, Jim, from all the members.

Trail Maintenance Report

Many thanks to Kym Burt, our retiring Trail Maintenance Director. Kym has held the post for four years and she and Kevin will now devote their spare time to refurbishing their home on Lake Erie. I didn't realize that Kym had such big feet until so many people told me what big shoes I had to fill.

Hats off to Ruth Wedderspoon who was presented with a service award at the recent AGM. Ruth is retiring after 14 years as trail captain of section 13, Effingham Road to Rockaway. Thanks Ruth. Welcome aboard to Everett Collins who will take over this section.

A reroute was completed from the end of Leonard Court , through a Bruce trail property and through East Dell Estate Winery, rejoining the old trail at Locust lane and Mountainview road. The new section is 2.32 kms and replaces 1.84 kms of the old trail. It is a very pleasant walk and you can add a few bottles to your cellar at the same time.

A closure of the trail from Beechwood Road (km 19) to the Glendale Ave bridge (km 22) and the St Catharines Side trail north of Davis Road will be in effect from June 21 to 24 inclusive. These areas access Royal Niagara Golf course which will be hosting the Canadian Skins Game.

Construction on the Thorold tunnel will commence this spring and continue into the summer. Please use caution in this area.

I will be taking over from Kym effective May 1. Anyone wishing to contact me can do so at (905) 646-2461 or email at david.walters@sympatico.ca

— Dave Walters, Trail Maintenance Director

Many thanks to Kim for all her hard work, patience, good humour...!!!

11th Annual Fort to Fort Hike

Thirty one hikers from across Southern Ontario, gathered at Kingsbridge Park, in Chippawa, for the Eleventh Annual Fort To Fort Hike on April 12th & 13th.

Among the twenty-six who finished the hike were 12 members of the Niagara Bruce Trail Club. Congratulations to Judy Gaudier, Lynda Bonnar, Marion Roggeband, Mona Austrup, Marion Hanover, Everett Collins, Vito Fasano, Fred Azzopardi, Nick Chudyk, Ebert Dykstra, Dave Walters and Nick Ebner.

President Jim Rainforth, presented the hikers with the Fort to Fort Badge.

Thanks to every one including the weatherman for a successful early spring hike.

Many thanks to Mary Tennant and Ann Cowper for manning the checkpoints on Saturday. Mary and Barry Leighton and Shirley and Gord Orr did a great job manning the checkpoints on Sunday.

— Frank Delogu, Hike Coordinator

Front row - (L to R) Ebert Dykstra, Judy Gaudier and Marion Hanover Back row - Fred Azzopardi, Everett Collins and Mona Austrup. Click pictures for larger versions.

Just Excuses

We've all had times when we couldn't hike, but sometimes it's just excuses that keep us off the trails. You've probably heard, or even used, some of these yourselves.

June - The mosquitoes and black flies are really bad at this time of year. I get eaten alive every time I step out the door!

July - It's too hot and I burn easily. When it cools down a bit I'll be out there.

August - Once our summer vacation is over and the kids are back in school, I'll join you.

The 12th annual Laura Secord Hike

The 12th annual Laura Secord Hike will be held on Saturday, June 14. A registration fee of $15.00 is required to cover the cost of the badge, bus and lunch at DeCew House.

Please send your cheque (payable to the Niagara Bruce Trail Club) to Frank Delogu, 144 Village Rd. St. Catharines, ON L2T 3C5. For further information call 905-684-2090 or email: auggo@vaxxine.com

BTA Appointee Report

The following are a few of the issues dealt with at the BTA Board Meeting.