Albion Falls

I have a tendency to be über–prepared when I go on hikes. Which I guess is the responsible thing to do. But schlepping a load every time is a drag. Especially in the heat wave we’ve been having.

I went out for a wander on Sunday morning, mainly to go and get something for breakfast. No real plans beyond that. All I had on me was a Kifaru E&E, a waterbottle, a couple of maps, a small first aid kit, a NyFFyrLyt on my belt, a wallet and cell phone and keys and a few other odds and ends in pockets, and a hat and sunglasses on my head, and perhaps most uselessly, a book in my pack. (Although I am really enjoying it.) Decided to throw caution to the wind, grabbed some snacks and a bottle of juice, used up a bus ticket that is getting old in my wallet, jumped on the HSR #21 Upper Kenilworth and went out to Albion Falls and to hike back along the Bruce Trail. If it proved way too hot, I could always jump back on a bus or grab a cab home. Nice to be out with barely any weight dragging me down.

Now I am rather ashamed to say that I have never been out to Albion Falls in all the time I have lived in Hamilton. No good reason why.  The whole eastern section of town is a bit of terra incognito for me. My aim this year is to remedy that, and explore that end of the city more.

The falls from one of the viewing platforms.

Albion Falls is categorized as “Complex Classic Cascade” waterfall and is 19 metres (62') in height. Like so many of the waterfalls in this area, it was exploited by early European settlers. A settlement rose up around the grist mill, which ran until 1907, when Robert Grassie, the owner fell into the wheel pit and was killed.

(And my apologies to all the tourists in silly footwear who thought they were going to make an appearance in my blog. Poof! – I make you disappear. And to the muslim girl in a buttoned and belted rain coat – it’s 35º out. I guess if you’re from Saudi Arabia that’s chilly, but come on...loosen up just a smidge okay?)

I always find clambering all over rocks and jumping from one to the other hugely fun.

Looking down the Red Hill Valley.

I’ve hiked along the Mountain Brow and along the rail trail, but opted for the Bruce Trail this time. Since it was both in the shade and a more challenging walk than the level and paved rail trail offers. 

Wandered around in the Valley for a while, then crossed the Kings Valley Golf Course and made my way to the Bruce Trail. Counting the two guys I saw paragliding, I only saw 7 people on the trail after leaving Albion Falls. Gorgeous day, beautiful trail, and barely a soul out. I admit I like having the place pretty much to myself, but it always amazes me that more people don’t enjoy the things this place has to offer.

Looking across the Red Hill Valley, towards Felker’s Falls Conservation Area and Devil’s Punch Bowl Conservation Area.

Two guys para-gliding at the long out of service and over growing King’s Forest ski hill. The updrafts associated with the Escarpment make it popular with both human and non human gliders.

Following the deep philosophy of Mr. Yogi Berra, when I came to a fork in the trail I took it. Unfortunately, the trail I took petered out and I had to do some up hill bushwhacking to find the other trail I should have taken. While moving through the forest, I found this turkey feather. As long as my pack. Nice to know they are spreading throughout the province again after being gone for a long time. 

Shadowcasting.

The bottom of Uli’s Stairs.

I know I’m not in “wilderness”. I can hear the sounds of the city that surrounds me. But even a few hours wandering around in a woodland, the sun dappled through the foliage overhead, does me a world of good.

Where the BT crosses the Kenilworth Stairs, and the view from the break in the canopy.

Built like a brick brickworks.

Terrific afternoon.