Colpoys Bay
On February 21, 2026, at 8am, the pups and I left our warm and cozy home in a packed truck ready to start our next adventure. Our destination was a trailhead in the Bruce Peninsula which we expected to arrive at by 10am. This trip marked the beginning of an exciting four-day excursion. I made a conscious decision to keep our first hike relatively easy and short. I wanted to ensure that the pups, with their boundless energy and enthusiasm, would not be overwhelmed on the first of four days. It was crucial to strike a balance between enjoying the beautiful trails and allowing the pups to build their stamina gradually over the days to come. The last thing I wanted was to tire them out too soon, risking their enjoyment of the entire trip.
Trailhead
We reached the trailhead, where there was a dilapidated structure that appeared rather strange. After confirming I was in the right location, I parked the truck and started getting ready for our hike.. I made sure the pups were fitted with their harnesses and leashes, ensuring their safety and comfort as we ventured into the wilderness. There were a couple other vehicles parked nearby, their occupants also gearing up for a day of outdoor activity. They were preparing to go cross-country skiing in the same general area as the Bruce Trail, which added a sense of camaraderie to the moment. Oliver and Mia, with their friendly dispositions, were immediately drawn to the other humans, eager to greet anyone who showed the slightest bit of interest in them.
One lady approached, her eyes lighting up at the sight of these two. She asked if she could meet them, and I, of course, obliged without hesitation. As she pet them, Oliver and Mia leaned into her, soaking up the attention and affection. We struck up a conversation about the weather, sharing insights about how the previous day had brought a mix of snow and rain. This combination had created conditions that made the snow very sticky and soft, which could pose challenges not only for my hike but specifically for skiing.
After our brief but pleasant encounter, I wished her and her daughter an enjoyable day skiing, hoping they would find the perfect trails to navigate. This interaction brought back fond memories of times spent with my Mom, when we would venture out to the trails together. I reminisced about how the snow conditions could dramatically alter our skiing experiences, sometimes making for an easy day gliding across the snow and other times struggling to ski through the sticky snow.
With a wave goodbye, I turned my attention back to the trail ahead, excited to explore the natural beauty of the Bruce Peninsula. We traveled along the edge of an open field, watching the skiers glide over the snow in a different direction. Occasionally, the pups' feet would sink into the snow, turning it into a guessing game of whether they would break through, a challenge I know firsthand makes walking much more difficult.
I had come prepared, having brought along my trusty snowshoes, which allowed me to move smoothly over the surface of the snow, staying afloat while the pups navigated their own challenges. However, even with my snowshoes, I could already sense that this hike was going to test our endurance and resolve. The soft snow was deceptive; while it appeared inviting, it required more energy to traverse than one might anticipate.
Fortunately, there was a silver lining to our situation. Since it was just me and the dogs, we were following a straightforward out-and-back route. This meant that the return journey would be considerably easier, as my snowshoes would have already packed down a decent trail for us to follow back to the truck. I could envision the relief we would feel on the way back, with each step becoming less of a struggle as we retraced our path.
It was a very mild day hovering around the 1 degree Celsius mark, which is quite pleasant for this time of year. The moderate temperature is particularly advantageous because it means that my water bladder and tube won't freeze, allowing me to stay hydrated without the hassle of removing my backpack to drink out of a water bottle. This small comfort makes drinking water that much easier during my hike, as I know I can rely on a steady supply without interruption. I carefully selected my attire for the day, opting for my light snow pants, a lightweight jacket, a snug headband to keep my ears warm, and a pair of mitts to protect my hands from the chill. Despite the fact that I had chosen lighter gear to accommodate the mild conditions, I quickly found myself on the verge of sweating within just ten minutes of starting the hike.
Fifteen minutes into the hike, we entered into the serene embrace of the forest. I noticed that someone had snowshoed the trail not too long ago, as the path was slightly packed down. With the trail being slightly more compacted, I felt a sense of relief knowing that the dogs would have an easier time.
Forgotten Hiking Item
I soon realized I had forgotten my waist belt, which means that I have to hold the leash the entire time, complicating the hike for me. The waist belt is an essential piece of gear during our outdoor adventures, as it allows me to securely attach the dogs’ leashes to my body. This design not only keeps them connected to me at all times but also frees up my hands, enabling me to assist myself when navigating challenging terrain or adjusting my snowshoes etc.
The waist belt is equipped with an extendible section that connects directly to the dogs' leashes, providing them with a bit more freedom to roam while still remaining under my control. This additional length is particularly beneficial when I am wearing snowshoes because it allows the dogs to have more space both in front of and behind me. When Oliver and Mia walk in line with each other instead of beside, I have to take shorter and more cautious steps. So without the extra length from the extendible section and wanting to avoid accidentally kicking them with my snowshoes, this hike is more cumbersome and uncomfortable for both me and the dogs.
To manage the situation on this hike, I decided to position Oliver behind me and Mia in front. This arrangement created a more spacious environment for my snowshoes, giving me the necessary room to maneuver without worrying about stepping on either dog. From previous experience, I know that Mia can never be behind me. She doesn't understand that when she steps on my snowshoes that I can no longer move or I have the potential of falling from her weight holding my foot down. In contrast, Oliver seems to have a better understanding of the dynamics at play; he recognizes that the snowshoes are an extension of my movements and adjusts his behaviour accordingly, maintaining a respectful distance as we traverse the snowy landscape.
Fortunately, Jared was scheduled to join us for our third day hike, and he kindly agreed to bring my waist belt along with him. This meant that I only had to endure the challenges of today’s hike and the second day’s trek without the crucial support of my waist belt. While I was determined to make the best of the situation, I couldn't help but feel a little anxious about how much more difficult it would be to manage the dogs and navigate the terrain without the added convenience of my gear. The thought of tackling the trails without the proper equipment made me appreciate the waist belt even more, as it truly enhances the overall experience of hiking with my dogs.
Turnaround Point
At the halfway point of our journey, we arrived at a familiar location, a spot that held significant meaning for me Mallory Beach Cliffs Edge Hike. This was not just any ordinary place; it was a site where I had previously embarked on a challenging hike that tested my limits and pushed me to confront my inner doubts. As we paused to enjoy a well-deserved snack and hydrate with some refreshing water, I couldn't help but reflect on the memories that flooded my mind, memories from that earlier hike that had left a lasting impression on my spirit. During that previous adventure, I faced numerous obstacles that made the trek feel almost insurmountable at times. The steep inclines and rocky terrain were relentless, and I often found myself grappling with thoughts of inadequacy and fatigue. However, through sheer determination and a shift in my mindset, I learned to embrace the struggle and recognize my own strength. I began to understand that pushing through those moments of doubt was essential not only for physical endurance but also for personal growth. Each step taken during that arduous journey had been a testament to my resilience, a reminder that I am capable of achieving more than I initially believed.
As I stood there, gazing down the trail that lay before us, I noticed there were no visible tracks leading the way, no evidence of the path I had once carved out. The snow had fallen softly since my last visit, blanketing the ground and erasing all signs of my earlier efforts. It was as if the landscape had reset itself, wiping away the traces of my hard work and accomplishments, leaving no reminder of the challenges I had overcome.
While my tracks may have been hidden from view, the lessons I had learned and the strength I had gained were permanent. I understood that even though the physical evidence of my journey had vanished, the growth I experienced was lasting. As we prepared to continue our hike, I felt invigorated, ready to tackle whatever lay ahead, knowing that every step forward was a step towards further self-discovery and empowerment. This break was a reminder of my journey, both past and present, and the endless possibilities that awaited me on the trail ahead.
Our break had been around 15 min long before we started the hike back to the truck. After that break, I had cooled off significantly which led me to dig my headband out of my backpack. As I adjusted the headband, I could feel the temperature drop slightly, a subtle but noticeable change in the air that hinted at the weather shifting. It wasn't long before we noticed the first few delicate flakes of snow falling lightly all around us, drifting down from the overcast sky. The hike back to the truck was filled with lots of silence, punctuated only by the soft crunch of our boots against the snow-covered trail. The determination to reach the truck was palpable, fueled by the knowledge that a warm vehicle awaited us, ready to take us back to the comforts of an Airbnb after our adventurous outing in nature.
Closing
The hike we embarked on took a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes, during which we covered a distance of 7 kms and of this, 3.5 kilometers can be contributed to the main Bruce Trail. This initial hike served as a fantastic start, especially considering we had three more days of hiking planned ahead of us. I was hopeful that the subsequent hikes would mirror the success and enjoyment we experienced on this first outing. However, as the days progressed, I would come to realize that not every hike would be as straightforward and enjoyable as this initial experience. As we looked forward to the next hikes, we carried with us the joy and enthusiasm sparked by our inaugural trek.
As Always,
Thank you so much for following along!
Kendal
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