I had finally kicked that nasty flu, but it had really sapped my energy, so I was not really in the mood for a hike. To add to that, with the grey skies and occasional rain drops, I just wanted to curl up with a warm cup of tea and a good book. Instead, here I was pulling into the parking area of the Amos forest tract near Horseshoe Valley with a gloomy spirit to match the gloomy day.
The Amos Forest tract has several trails that connect with the nearby Copeland Forest, and it is prudent to take a photo of the map on the information board, as once in Copeland there are a staggering number of trails that crisscross this vast area. This is also a part of the Oro Moraine, a geologically significant area that was formed when receding glaciers left behind huge mounds of gravel, silt and meltwater valleys. Great for both skiers and hikers, though my legs might not thank me at the end of the day. The moraine is also important as a groundwater recharging area and replenishes the local aquifers, providing us with clean drinking water. All fantastic reasons to protect this beautiful forest.
Off I went, under those grey skies, through a forest of oak, maple and beech. The freshly sprouting buds gave the canopy a soft green tinge. Under the trees the forest floor was bright with colors; vibrant greens of new growth, bright white trilliums, yellow bellwort and delicate blue and white ground violets. Very soon the morels, with their brown wrinkled caps, would be poking up through the detritus. Foragers will be out collecting these mushrooms as well as the pungent ramps and delicious fiddleheads. The best foragers will abide by the ten percent rule, and only harvest ten percent of any material in patch, a sustainable practice that ensures that there is enough left for reproduction and to feed the animals that need it.
Sparrows and robins sang in the branches, as a red squirrel raced along a fallen tree. My walk became more relaxed as I began to enjoy my hike, breathing deeply of the clean air and letting my cares fall away. I had planned a short jaunt into the forest, but I was now feeling stronger and happier, and decided to go further afield. The Ganaraska Trail runs through a portion of both Amos and Copeland Forests, and the white blazes are easy to follow. Down the trail went through a valley with high hills on either side, meandering through the tall trees on a gentle decline. A small flutter near some downed trees had me stopping and standing still until a small olive colored bird hopped upon the tumbled branches. Perhaps a vireo or warbler, though my birding skills are such that it could have been a parrot for all I know!
The forest began to change, hardwoods giving way to pine and cedar, and the ground became damp and muddy. The temperature dropped dramatically, and at times my breath was visible in the cold air. The trail began to branch off in several directions, and this is when the map comes in handy, as each intersection is marked with a number. However, if you are directionally challenged even the markers might not keep you from setting off down the wrong trail. I had no destination in mind and found myself taking random twists and turns, leaving the Ganaraska trail behind. This southeast section of Copeland is relatively flat, with wide trails and easy terrain. Today I had the trails to myself, except for the fleeting glance of a biker’s blue and white helmet as he maneuvered through the trees. Horse riders also use the forest, so it’s best to watch for road apples on the trail.
Signs indicated that I was getting close to the local resort, so I changed course and began a leisurely hike back towards the general direction that I had come from. Of course, that meant a significant climb back up through those hills and valleys. The trails became narrower and less used, and even the trail markers were occasionally missing or damaged. Luckily, I have a good sense of direction and soon found myself on a high ridge of land. I had worked up a good sweat from that uphill climb, so I was happy to see the trail heading back down to lower land. That is, until I realized that the nice climb down had brought me to the original trail that I had come in, only halfway down it and I would have to head back up again. I wiped the condensation from my glasses and have a soft sigh, and gripped my poles and trekked back up those hills. Back at my car I realized how good I felt, both mentally and physically, reminding me of the need to push ourselves sometimes to get out of both our heads and homes. Get out and enjoy nature, your soul with thank you.