Chalmers Quarry near West Rocks Hike #18

It has started to become a bit of a joke in our house, my percent failure rate when it comes to finding codes. Finding the code on hike number 18 in the Chalmer's Quarry Nature Reserve is no exception. I have not yet learned to read directions thoroughly!

Alexa and I met and headed sharply up the escarpment after parking on a residential street right in the middle of Owen Sound.

It's crazy to me that trail like this exist through the heart of this small city!

Rudger was pretty thrilled to be tearing through the woods! Our first "error" was taking a left when we met the main trail. But a lucky error since there are crevices, crags, and interesting trees everywhere here!

Deep enough crevices and edges for Lex to be worried about her frenzied dog for good reason!

We turned around after a while, realizing our error and joined the Derby Forest Side Trail. There are mountain bike trails all through this area and the Derby Side Trail is the main artery to access the West Rocks Conservation Area from town. A lovely wide stroll in the autumn forest covered with leaves. Easy hiking to be sure.

Off this path a bit you can see an experiment taking place. Apparently the MNRF and GSCA are introducing a new species of wasp hoping they will kill the larvae of the Emerald Ash Borer.

Science at work here!

The sun was starting to set on our hike so we retraced our steps along the main trail passing this amazing view of the grain elevators at the harbor. Never consulting the book again, we headed to our vehicles knowing we'd need to return for the missing code another day.

Even the name of the reserve should have told us our error. We never did enter the Chalmer's Quarry Reserve, or hike the side trail! lol

For round 2 I headed up with a group of co-workers (and Secrets of Sydenham converts) on our lunch break.

We parked in the same spot, and headed up the escarpment again via the 7th St. West Side Trail, but this time took note of the Chalmers Quarry Side Trail and made a left to follow circling, well, the old quarry! A flat space that is still mostly void of vegetation from the quarry activities in the 1960's.

A great big breath of fresh air on our lunch break. Codes for Linda and I to log, and a little lesson in what to look for and what to do (and not to do!) for Rachael and Carleen when they begin to explore! A pretty decent Thursday in my books!

Total hiked - maybe 1km?

Time - 35 min

Nov 6th and 12th 2020