Early a Saturday morning, a friend and I left on another hike. The clouds seemed to have still persistent rains from the previous night, but I was optimistic. We had an hour before our destination and I thought that when we arrived, it would be another beautiful sunny day. Our destination was the provincial park of Boyne Valley.
The Boyne Valley provincial park is a non -operational park, which means that there are no installations. Just you, the trails and the savages. Shelter a few paths that include; Boyne Valley Side Trail Loop and Primrose Side Trail. It also houses the Bruce Trail! Located just outside Shelburne, Ontario, the Boyne valley is full of hills, the Boyne river crosses it and varying habitats covering more than 1000 acres.
From the parking lot, we headed north along the winding road a little to access the lateral primrose path. As soon as we entered the dense forest, we met an ever growing slope. No better way to start than on the UP. The trail took us through Feuillus forests and passed open fields. Then suddenly, there on our right, there were big open views of the luxuriant of the Boyne valley. You couldn’t see civilization at all and it was incredible. The rolling hills met with intact green fields and it was starting to sprinkle with rain. But that did not alleviate our minds, but it was refreshing. In addition, I always think that any day spent in the woods is a good day.
On this part of the path, we came across some cairns. A cairn is a bunch of human manufacturing stones, used for many reasons in time, but are commonly used as markers of trails. It appeared that the area was once full of these stones, but when some of them were cleared for pastures and fields, all the stones were stacked in large masses along the path. And on one of these big piles of stone, we decided to create our own special cairns. And to be honest, it was not as simple as it seems. But a cool way to leave our brand without harming the path.
In addition one on the hill, we met the Bruce Trail. Turning left, we headed along my main man Bruce. Is it strange to be in a love story with a path? Certainly not! He loves outdoor, likes hiking and has a flair for the adventure. And I know a few other women who feel the same.
As the Bruce generally does, it surprised us. We have gone from leafy forests to this enchanting forest of rocks covered with moss, imposing trees and an air of fairy dust. The path took us to a valley where the trees looked like giants and mushrooms bordered on the way. We put thick and fallen trees on the scale and were amazed by the richness of the bays and wild flowers that littered the area. I could not believe all the beautiful flowers we have seen, each requiring their own attention. There was everything, from Queen Anne to Susans to black eyes and wild daisy to chicory. Flowers of each color!
A particular flower stole my heart. It was this delicate, bright yellow and orchid flowering. Get closer to inspect it and photograph it, I felt like Alice in Wonderland. Did I finally find one of the rare orchids that can be found along the Bruce path? No. I learned later that it was actually a pale touch that I did not. However, no less beautiful.
After wandering in the valley, past prehistoric ferns, we decided to return. We came back as we came, always stumbling on increasingly striking flowers. Near the place where the Bruce trail meets the lateral primrose path is another side path, the side track of Murphy. This path takes you to a conical hill, known as Kame, which was deposited by Meltwater during the last glacial period.
And the views of his pinnacle were intoxicating! 360 -degree views from the Boyne valley. Under the covered sky, his lush green seemed to appear even more than if it was a misty and dazzling day. We stood with our hands in the air and enjoyed in sight, the rain and soaked in this beautiful moment.
It just proves that if you are ready to see, open your eyes and your heart, every day and each path has something to give.
Specifications
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Located 1 km north of the highway 89 on Prince of Wales Road, on the right.
Time: +3 hours
Trails: Boyne Valley Side Trail Loop, Primrose Side Trail and The Bruce Trail
Places to hike nearby
Earl Rowe Provincial Park
Provincial Nature Reserve of the Hockley Valley
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