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Date: 5/4/2021
Subject: LOC: May e-Newsletter
From: Lambton Outdoor Club



Lambton Outdoor Club
May 2021 e-Newsletter

President’s Message

We are united as a club in our love for the outdoors. This time of year is certainly an exciting time to observe nature as there are an abundance of activities to observe in an ever changing environment. Spring brings a renewed sense of hope and renewal as we see growth of once dormant plants and the return of birds building nests. The weather fluctuates from record setting warmth of 28C to late April snowfall and -5C.

We are lucky to live in Lambton county where we have a choice of outdoor exercise venues ranging from our own Provincial Park, many conservation areas, nature conservancies and municipal parks, all providing trails, cycling paths, and water ways. Even though our province is under a lockdown until May 20th, we are encouraged to get outdoor exercise though only with those we live.

I always start the day with a two to three kilometer hike with my two dogs around 08:00 AM. Sometimes the weather is not so pleasant, but like any hike, with the proper clothing, I enjoy the experience in the fresh air to get me going. With the longer daylight and warmer temperatures, I can now make plans for cycling and paddling as well as hiking. I enjoy the Pinery the best, and though there is no overnight camping, it is open for day use until 10:00 PM. Because of the large area, it is easy to maintain social distance. I especially enjoy hiking the longer cross country ski trails.

The spring flowers were abundant when I was hiking the Ausable trails north of Mystery Falls, Dunes and Swales (saw an Eastern Fox snake), and Port Franks Nature trails. It is a great time to learn to identify plants, trees, birds  and reptiles. Some of us are more knowledgeable than I but then there are those apps and books that may help for identification.

We are all looking forward to getting together in a more sociable way soon. In the meantime, continue to enjoy the outdoors during this beautiful spring season.

With kind regards to all, Nico  


LOC Journeys

We are active, outdoor-oriented people. We feel joy when we get out there, move our limbs, work our bodies and absorb the beauty of nature around us. And we like to do it with one another. That is our nature.

But, what happens when our activities are curtailed; when we cannot walk and ride and paddle and ski together? Why, we zoom of course! (Whoever thought zoom would be a dominant verb?) And so it has come to pass that another one of Chris Richmond‘s great ideas has become a club standard. Since the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 we have gotten through the grey months together via online shared experiences. Even club members who are innately introvert (the majority of us) are overcoming their inhibitions to share their stories, allowing us to absorb nature and share joy in front of our computers. We have truly appreciated these mini-oasis in the desert of group activities.  

The Suffields shared their joyful journey into the world of whole food and opened our minds to a new level of wholesome. Phil introduced us to the way to enjoy the delights(?!) of cold water paddling safely. Brenda Lorenz took us hiking in France through the Verdon Gorge and we saw the Cabot Trail through the experiences of Joan and Jim Elliott.

We went to our own prairies and hiking in urban Toronto, hiked the Grand Canyon and the Appalachian Trail, explored Newfoundland, went to China, Peru, Bolivia, Nepal, Ireland, Scotland, Malta, Italy and Portugal. We shared paddling in Killarney, rail trail riding the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath, cycling in Germany, sailing on the Tall Ships and hiking with the Skyline Hikers of the Canadian Rockies... and much, much more.
“Thank you” to all our presenters for sharing their journeys and their joy.

Sharon Crowe


     Outdoors During Covid

Covid has curtailed gatherings indoors and out, and LOC activities have suffered as a result, and with no news the Newsletter has been dormant this year. As summer approaches and hopefully the situation in Ontario eases to the point where outdoor activities are sanctioned, I thought that I would would put together a roundup of related news items. Elsewhere Sharon has written of the resourcefulness of members, and the easy adaptation to Zooming to share. I watched the live stream premiere of ‘The Big Cycle of Life’, which is a celebratory documentary on Lambton’s Gran Fondo bike event, and its associated cause, Palliative and Hospice care and education. It might seem an odd combination, but the poignant and celebratory stories from caregivers and patients marries well with the exuberant and passionate participants in the annual ride. It makes one proud to be a resident, the fields and shores of the County and people’s tremendous hospitality shine forth, and showcase this area as an attractive place to live, and die.

 

On the trail front, it seems that a benevolent citizen has offered to fund an East-West multi use trail from the waterfront to Howard Watson; now that would be a bonus. It is being reviewed  by Council, let’s hope... Another stretch of Lakeshore Road will be under construction, from Blackwell to Telfer, and will include paved shoulders. Yippee. The folks in  Lambton Shores have been quietly developing their own trail infrastructure for the past ten years. Inspired by the effort and passion of the late Klaus Keunecke, it is good to see the organization continue his visionary work. Lambton Shores Nature Trails have improved and added to trails in the Ausable Valley, Ipperwash Dunes and Swales, and many of us have enjoyed the improved access. If trail clearing and construction appeals and working in the outdoors with a great bunch of people, check out their website.

 

If camping is on your radar, then better book a site early because what was once a casual and easy choice is now akin to buying a ticket to a sold out Leaf’s game. I experienced this last fall, when I tried in vain to book a site at a local Provincial Park or Conservation area at Thanksgiving. No room to be had, although I did claim a spot at a private site at Goderich. Be warned. It is still legal to ride your bike, or paddle your canoe, socially distanced of course, and the trails are busy with individuals or couples enjoying the early Spring weather. What is inconvenient to most can be life changing or fatal to some who have caught the disease. And we should not forget the dedication and sacrifice of the front line health care and support workers who have stayed the course, at considerable risk to themselves. Thank you!!

 

One hidden bonus, with most of us staying close to home and deprived of the trips and entertainment we usually enjoy, dream of the outdoor holidays you can enjoy once this cloud passes. And it will,

 

Stay Safe,
Mike Tanner, Editor


Harold Batson

We are sad to announce the passing of Harold Batson on April 24, 2021. Harold and wife Barb were active members of the LOC, (Barb was President from 2009-2011). They were enthusiastic hikers, Harold completed the Bruce Trail on LOC weekend hikes during 2003-2010, and they were active in the camping group for many years. Harold was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain cancer in August 2020. He had a kind and generous nature, and was always reliable, tolerant and patient. He was a treasured husband, father and grandfather. He and Barb contributed greatly to the vitality of the Club, and their commitment and enthusiasm is valued, and should serve as an example to all. Our sincere condolences to Barb and the family; we mourn his passing. Further details at www.smithfuneralhome.ca

Upcoming LOC Zoom Presentations


Tuesday May 4, 2021, 7:00pm

Food Dehydration by Judy Mahoney

Judy dehydrates food for wonderful meals on canoe trips. These meals are balanced with meat, vegetables, starch and fruit. She will give helpful hints on how to have meals that are light-weight, but big on flavour.

Tuesday May 11, 2021, 7:00pm

Grandpas Ride across Canada Part 1 by Mike Tanner

Share the epic ride by five Grandpas from Victoria to North Bay, in 2018.  Slogging up the mighty Rocky Mountains,  battling headwinds across the prairie and the endless lakes, hills and forests North of Superior. We rode for ourselves and for a cause, saw amazing scenery and met remarkable people. Camped and cooked for ourselves each night on a twenty foot trailer, and remained friends.

 

Tuesday May 18, 2021, 7:00pm

Grandpas Ride across Canada Part 2 by John Damoiseaux

John joined the group in North Bay, and recounts the ride through Bike-friendly Quebec, scenic East Coast and Cape Breton, catching the ferry across to the rock, and the final triumphant sprint to St Johns.

 

To watch any of these register online to receive a link.  

 


LOC Compass Challenge

LOC member Tony Arnold has created a self-led compass challenge event (any time in May) to test your compass reading skills and get you outdoors safely either solo or with family members. See website calendar for details and note there's a draw for an awesome prize!

Hike, Paddle, Ride... Smile!

Lambton Outdoor Club | P.O. Box 653 | Sarnia, Ontario, N7T 7J7