The many layers of Limestone

The region had its first heat warning of the season. It was hot…Weather Network said it felt like high 30s to 40! So, of course, we got outside into the sweltering death heat for some hiking! So we consulted our favourite hiking book(s) the Nicola Ross, Loops & Lattes books. Since we had a little more time, we looked at hikes in the Halton Hikes books which are a little further drive for us. We originally pondering checking out some waterfalls in Hamilton but settled on the Limehouse “Hole in the Wall” Loop (Hike #22). Limehouse was a pretty cool area. Ross’ book suggests hikes on two sides of Sideroad 22 to make a figure 8. We hiked only the Southern, Limehouse Conservation Area section of the hike. The Northern section looked like it was too open (farmland etc.) and we wanted to try to be in forested areas as much as possible. The Limehouse area had some significant historical buildings, old Lime Kilns and some other interesting buildings. I thought the curious ground fissures were impressive. The piles of limestone rocks and curious crevasses (such as the popular “Hole in the Wall”) made for an engaging walk. There were sections that were difficult to manoeuvre for the dog, however.

The Limehouse Arch

There was a beautiful old stone bridge (“the Arch”) across Black Creek, the river that runs through the Conservation area. The bridge is now blocked off, but that didn’t seem to stop the stream of people hopping a fence for a photo op on it. We walked both sections of the Bruce Trail and the Black Creek, Bruce Trail side trail.

Bruce Trail side trail. Black Creek

It was a nice walk. Do watch your step as limestone rocks jut out everywhere.

Yesterday we ventured to another local conservation area, Rockwood Conservation area on the Eramosa River. As I said, it was stupid hot, so we wanted to find a place to hike and swim. Rockwood fit the bill perfectly. We started with a short but stunning hike along the Pothole Trail. The trail runs along the river with high rocky cliff overlooking some sections. It is a wonderfully maintained trail. It was a shame it was really short. The trail led to the Harris Woolen Mill ruins. The ruins are a fabulous subject to photograph.

One of the rooms in the ruined Mill

After the Mill, we continued down to the “Caves”. It was remarkable how much cooler it was inside the caves. It was like naturally occurring air conditioning. After the “Caves”, we followed the Cedar Ridge Trail back the swimming area. The walk up and down the stairs, from the car to the beach was taxing but well worth it. It was really refreshing to cool off in the river. We sat near the water for a while. It was funny watching the unattended picnic tables getting rummaged through by the blackbirds. They had even time to poke around and be *selective* about what they took. *snort*

Enjoying the lovely AC in the Caves

Rockwood was a good experience. It was clean and well maintained. We’ll certainly return to swim and hike.

We’ve been trying to get to Wonder Woman for a few days now. Hopefully we’ll get to it soon!

Ugh. I was solidly supporting Nashville for the Cup. Nashville’s support for their team was phenomenal. After a ref mistake to cost them a goal, a crappy late goal in a scoreless game cost them the game. How disappointing. At least now the Sabres can continue their interviews for Head Coach. I’m hoping for Housley.

The ending of Netflix Bloodline was also a mess. Great acting but a garbage ending. Meh.