A quick climb to the Kelso summit

A quick climb to the Kelso summit. Always helps the writer as he looks at the blank screen, hoping that a fantastic story or anecdote will be siphoned itself through his fingers. Then ending in a magnificent tale filled with intrigue, complimented by outstanding prose. Sadly that rarely happens. The goal would be to concoct a fancy story of fiction that would encompass all of those things. Yet, this is not fair to the reader, you, that reads this blog for entertainment and education. I genuinely have been covid struck-figuratively speaking. 

You’ve been Covid struck- Fire! (insert AC/DC guitar riff.)

Writing is a solitary exercise, with little or no collaboration. On occasion, I have asked friends and colleagues for guidance and additional information. We all look at situations from separate points of view, and often this is helpful. In the end, it is still the writer that compiles the collected information in an attempt to place it in a cohesive piece of writing. With luck, some good writing will come of it or, more often, not bad writing. The muse of Robertson Davies or Dylan Thomas rarely runs through the consciousness of the captain of the keyboard!

Why, I am not sure.

For a myriad of reasons, travel in this area is closed. There are large fines imposed when you come back to your homeland. The government does not frame them as a fine. Yet, when you place a jacket on your dog, it is still a dog, now with a fancy cardigan. Here you are confined in a “reformatory” camp-like hotel. There are no amenities, no chief serving you some of the world’s finest cuisine. Your three-day stay in “stalag YYZ” will cost you the traveller 2000 Canadian dollars for the privilege of being let back into your homeland. Many feel this is fair. On the contrary, this is nothing more than a fine for leaving the country. Yet, many state heads do so regularly (not solely for business) with no levy placed upon them.

So here I sit. The keyboard beckons for my next press of a letter. Hmm, which one seems inviting? What letter will begin a saga of travel? A consonant that will lead you  enthusiastically to your favourite mode of transportation and taking that proverbial walk-in “another man’s moccasins.” What letter will it be called upon to create a colourful world of allusion?

Westward

The falling snow covered the hard grey earth with a pristine layer of white. While the bright sun glistened off of the snowflakes as they ascended to the ground.  Some would call this a beautiful day. One thing is sure a  bone-chilling cold will accompany it. Dressed for the elements, we embarked on one of the only realms of freedom that still exists, a hike in the woods on a cold, blustery day. Providing you do not get pulled over by the police, yes, we did have to drive through a couple of provincial no travel zones. It really is just a  quick climb to the Kelso summit.

Most Provincial Parks and Conservation areas were still open, so the governing bodies did not think it too much of a risk. Yes, you had to book in advance, pay online and arrive at your designated time. I don’t know how many people are permitted for each two-hour segment, yet it seemed to be no more than fifty. On the surface, this seems fair enough. However, when you consider this is a 500-acre area, it did seem very cautious. In fact, we only came in contact with a few people during our two-hour trek in the unyielding wind as the creaks of dormant winter trees threatened to awaken under the winds calling.

Conservation or Provincial Park

Conservation areas are busy throughout the weekends. I was down to my last couple of choices before landing upon a vacancy at the Kelso Summit. Located in the Milton area of Southern Ontario, it is a quick car ride from downtown Toronto. The journey should take you no more than an hour before you reach the main entrance with moderate traffic. Here the park attendant will verify your license plate number and confirm your park departure time. The parking area is located just slightly to the right of the kiosk.

Each car is limited to a two-hour appointment with the great outdoors. Looking around, we didn’t see any washroom or place to wash your hands. No canteen to warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate or coffee. Here we were going back to basics- which was alright with me. Others in our party thought that this was a little too full of pioneering spirit. Relegated to changing into our outerwear in the car- I can’t drive in my hiking boots. We were ready to take on the snow-shrouded and windy wonderland.

Really, Urine?

Trails in the conservation area are numerous, well-groomed and clearly marked, although this did not help us very much. Someone in the party must be colour blind as we soon found ourselves on the blue trail, although we started from the green course. Often, being slightly lost is part of the fun. Besides, how lost can you get these days anyway? 5G antennas are everywhere. As long as you have a cell phone, a “rescue should be only a phone call away.” I wonder if this could be a telecommunications company slogan!

However, it would be nice to have to rely on the old survival skills. I am not sure about being forced to ingest one’s urine the way Bear Grylls has become famous. Thinking about it, I have never drunk my bodily fluid under any circumstance. In contrast, this should explain why I am an unknown and plan to stay that way if pee drinking is a catalyst to fame and fortune.

Something for Everyone

As with most areas like this, the trails correspond to the level of hikers. You must understand that a 20 km hike may not be the best idea for someone who is not physically active. We decided on something moderate. The reasoning behind this was sound. We had become a little sluggish during the covid invaded winter months, so our fitness level was not as high as it should be. 

Although I have been developing my right biceps as beer lifting has made my arm very developed. If Interbrew sponsors it, I wonder if there is room for such an event in the next Olympics? It would be ideal. It could be both a winter and summer games event. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) is more concerned with selling commercial advertising space. And not as worried about the well being of sport in general, this would be well within their agenda.

Hikers and Bikers alike.

Soon we realized that mountain bikers used these trails too. Surprisingly, there were a few of many ages riding the snow-covered routes. Still, the park is large enough to accommodate far more than they currently admit. As an avid cyclist (warm weather), I would keep this on my list of summer activities when the warmer weather arrives- soon, I hope. 

Inspired by the bright blue sky, walking poles in hand, we walked across the frozen landscape like very well dressed arctic explorers of years past. The gusting wind and blowing snow made it both difficult to see and breathe as the condensation of my breath began to freeze my moustache under my balaclava. The trees began to sway violently once again. We were always looking above us to ensure the trunks had not discarded any limbs. It was reminiscent of going to a baseball game, where you focused more on your nachos and beer and then suddenly you heard the sound of a ball against a bat. Frantically you look around to gain the location of the ball. Safe! You go back to your confections. 

Over hills and deep into valleys, we were not perturbed from our overland march. As our bodies became more accustomed to the exercise, our pace quickened, and our enjoyment exceeded all expectations. A quick climb to the Kelso summit. Yes, it was cold, a mere -15 degrees celsius. Of course, this was not arctic frigid, still cold enough that you had to take proper precautions to ensure that our trip was comfortable.

Consider your Clothing.

When you decide to go on an outdoor adventure, proper clothing is paramount. Remember to dress in layers, and if you get too warm, you can always remove a layer. The outer layers are the most obvious: a warm coat, hat/toque, winter gloves, snow pants and boots. Your underlayer(s) could consist of a warmer shirt or jacket, preferably one that offers some form of ventilation. If snow pants are not available, long underwear under your pants is another perfect layer of insolation. Against your skin, primarily the torso, a long sleeve shirt, preferably made of wicking material such as Merino wool, this fabric transfers moisture away from the body. In the intense cold, avoid cotton fabrics as they absorb sweat. There is a saying amongst outdoors people “cotton kills” for precisely this reason.

Nearing the midway portion of the journey allowed us to enjoy our surroundings that many of us take for granted. Being able to spend time with your family in another environment introduces another side of their personalities. Often overlooked when living in such proximity with one another over a prolonged period. 

It’s just a perfect day

With the right attitude and being appropriately dressed, our 10 km hike was over before we knew it. Out of the last valley, the parking lot we began our trek a mere two hours previously came into view. With a renewed enthusiasm towards the day, the fresh air in our lungs, and wind-burned faces, we arrived at our four-wheel-drive carriage. Stripping from our outer layers and anticipating the scenic drive home, the orange coloured sun, set upon the horizon.

The area around Milton has many Conservation areas that offer a wide variety of outdoor opportunities. From bicycle riding to farms and fishing, each Conservation location is unique. If you are looking for a chance to escape the doldrums of everyday quarantine life, explore what the Halton Conservation Authority has to offer. They are open seven days a week and all year round. You must register online to ensure that there is room available. A word of caution, book early to ensure that you reserve the location you desire. always remember it is always a quick climb to the Kelso summit.

Come one, come all.

Have any of you ever been to the Conservation areas mentioned here? If not this one, perhaps another of the many located around Ontario? Let us know how you felt about your experience. Would it be a place that you would recommend? Or one to be avoided?  We have been to many, some for a quick trip, others for an overnight or weekend. Each offers something new, and all are not equal. 

Please leave your comments below, and we will be sure to reply as soon as we can. Most importantly, go and explore, may it be your backyard or journey to a local park. A footslog through the forest is often an ideal rejuvenation method, returning yourself to the most critical place—your environment.

Your safety, both mentally and physically, is our priority.

Stay safe and be prepared.

As always, it is our privilege to help you with your next adventure.

Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE