Please note that our current 2013 trail guidebook is no longer available for sale. There is a project underway to make updated printed maps and a mobile app version of our maps available before year end. Meanwhile, we plan to have a set of PDF files of our current 2013 maps available by end of July. These will be downloadable for free from our website and will provide an interim solution for people that want to hike or have a look at our trail.
Frieda Baldwin 705-245-1005
A couple of weeks ago we did our trail maintenance. One area always gives us grief and this year it was no different. The section between Peter St. and Vasey Road (County Road 23) – right in the middle of that section it was once again too wet to get into. Very swampy and of course with this wet spring it did not help this year. I would like to warn any hikers who may be attempting to hike in this area to be aware that it is impassable and they should continue along the road – that is Line 5 until they reach Vasey Road.
Christine Cornu Ph 705-733-3825
Thanks to Jenny Schimmel for the photography.
On May 16, 2019 a reroute for a section of the GHTA Mad River Club trail was blazed near Glencairn, getting 2 km of the trail off of Webster Road and Centre Line Road. Our thanks to Sharon and Steve Striegl for allowing the new route on their property at 9230 Webster Road.
The new trail section provides a pleasant hike beside tree nursery fields and through forested areas. The property has an interesting history, as described below by Sharon and Steve.
“The property was purchased in 1961 by George and Gertrude Striegl. At the time, it was one of over 200 tobacco farms in the region. The Striegls retired in 1975 when the current owners and 2nd generation of tobacco growers, Steve and Sharon Striegl, grew tobacco until 1988. At that time, the property was one of only 4 tobacco farms left in the area. The property has been leased to Somerville Nurseries where it has been planted in X-mas trees (Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir), ever since.”
The attached files provide a marked up version of map #24 from the Guidebook, a satellite image of the new route, and a topo map of the new route.
The GHTA very much appreciates the generosity and support from Sharon and Steve for allowing this trail section to be established on their property.
– John
John Sloan Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Director Trails and Landowner Relations / Barrie Club President jjcsloan@gmail.com / 705-715-6994
http://ganaraska-hiking-trail.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Map-24-Update-20190516.pdf
http://ganaraska-hiking-trail.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Striegl-Property-Trail-Topo.pdf
http://ganaraska-hiking-trail.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/lyme-disease-risk-area-map-2019.pdf
Map provides provincial picture of where there are known blacklegged tick populations and the estimated risk areas of Lyme disease.
In the ‘Trail Changes’ section of the website you will find details of a change in the Barrie trail at the east end (where it meets the Orillia trail). We have eliminated road walking as you head west from Line 6N in Oro-Medonte and replaced it with some very nice forest paths all the way to Line 5N. Details and maps are provided in the ‘Trail Changes’ section.
The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc. mourns the passing of one of its most active and dedicated trail volunteers. Peter Verbeek was the long time trail director for the Ganaraska Hiking Trail (also the secretary for some years) and a real connaisseur of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, and especially of the Wilderness Section in the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands. We are very thankful for his many contributions and for introducing so many people to the joys of hiking.
May he rest in peace.
Last fall, at the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, we also recognized Peter for his many contributions to the Ganaraska Hiking Trail.
Frieda Baldwin
President, Ganaraska Hiking Trail Inc.
705-245-1005
Peter Verbeek (Petrus Bernardus Joannes Verbeek) With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Peter Verbeek on Wednesday April 17, 2019 at the age of 88. Born in Holland on July 6, 1930, he arrived in Canada on March 18, 1955 to begin a new adventure. His travels took him from Prince Edward Island, to Hamilton and then Toronto where he met and married Wyn. They settled in Scarborough, where they raised their family. Peter studied and became a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers and graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. His love of the outdoors led him to many canoeing and hiking adventures. Predeceased by his beloved wife Winifred (Thomson) of 53 years, dear father of Sandra Lebrun (Yannick) and Lisa Caster (Murray) and proud grandfather of Alex, Chelsea (Jake), Kaeli (Jon) and Andrew (Kara). Beloved son of the late Petrus and Maria Verbeek of the Netherlands, Brother of the late Elizabeth �Bep� Keijer-Ferguson (Gerard & Danny), Theodora �Thea� Van Der Heiden (Antonius), and Bernardus and survived by sisters Alida �Lia� van Houdt (Henk), and Bernarda �Bernie� Fens (Leo). He is survived by many cousins, nephews and nieces around the world. Peter was a proud 35 year employee/retiree of CIBC, previous member of the East York Outing Club, Ganaraska Trail Association, Ambassador of the Wilderness Trail, Wilderness Canoe Association, Bruce Trail Hiking Club and long term volunteer at Scarborough Hospital. This is the pearl at the end of the string, enjoy!
*** Words from Robert Campbell ***
I’m sad to hear about the passing of Peter Verbeek. Leader, Founder, Hiker, Friend, Father Figure.
I Remember back to my first Wilderness Crossover, which was the first one led as a group. Wayback in the early 90’s. The ferns were as high as my shoulders in places. We all followed Peter with a sense of security. The trail was marked but there was no trail under foot. At times Peter would have to point us in the right direction, even taking his compass out at times. We continued over the weekend towards Victoria Bridge making our way over the many beaver dams, most of which had no easy way across at this point. We all made it out with a sense of accomplishment, even the two at Loon Lake taken out by helicopter.
Over the years to follow, I continued to hike the Wilderness Section with Peter. I came to appreciate the area more and more and I could see what he seen and loved. I believe the trail wouldn’t have came to its present day glory without Peter there at the beginning. Thank you.
Rest in peace
Robert Campbell Co-President GHTA Wilderness
Laura and John Giffen (daughter and father) have offered to take over the leadership role for the Ganaraska Mad River Hiking Club as co-presidents. The Giffen family owns Giffen Farm and Giffen County Market in Glen Huron and bring a lot of enthusiasm and vision for promoting hiking in the area to the role. This is effective immediately, but I will remain involved as long as Laura and John feel is necessary. Welcome to both Laura and John and our thanks to both of them – they are a great addition to the Ganaraska team at both the club and association level.
John Sloan
Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association
Director Trails and Landowner Relations / Barrie Club President