Ganaraska trail # 2

The Ganaraska has a side trail that starts right here in our own backyard. Starting from the bridge at the Wye Marsh in Midland, the trail follows the Tay trail before crossing highway 12 and following the old CNR rail line. I used this trail as my training for the main event. Hefting my pack I followed this trail until the gorgeous Copeland forest. The route is typical for the Ganaraska trail; rail trails, country roads and little used bush paths. It is important to note that often the trail will be following a well-used trail, then veer off abruptly into dense bush with little visible trail. Often I would be blissfully hiking along until I noticed that my white blazes had disappeared. There is nothing more annoying than having to backtrack to find the proper trail; except black flies and mosquitoes, they are definitely more annoying. This trial run made me aware of how much I may have overestimated my ability to travel long distances. Without my pack it was usual for me to do a four hour hike of 18-20 km. This would be over rough terrain and with a lot of different elevations. That changes, drastically, once you throw on a pack weighing close to 40-50 lbs. Basically, it would take me twice the time to go the same length. I was now wondering if I could really do a 500 km solo hike. As a last trial, I again hefted that pack and did another side trail, from Wasaga Beach to the Tiny rail trail into Penetanguishene. I consider this the easiest of the trail, as it is a clear path along the rail trail. It is also where I have one of my most horrible memories. As I was coming to Balm Beach road in Perkinsfield, a beautiful cat was drinking from a puddle next to the road. My bear bells startled the poor fella, and he ran into the road and was hit by a car. I was devastated, especially when the car didn’t stop. I now hold and silence my bells whenever I am nearing a village or town, or see any animals on the trail. Lessons learned too late. Finally I embarked on the last side trail with my daughter Lauren and her partner Ryan. This was a real test of my ability. The Devil's lake side trail is about a 10km return trip wilderness trail near Moores Falls. It requires hikers to traverse down a small cliff face and then onto a challenging route through the Canadian shield and multiple marshes. It was on the return that I became ill, very ill. I began to feel neaseous, with a headache and vertigo. I was well hydrated, but unable to walk straight. Ryan took my pack, hoping that would help, but it did not. By the time we returned to the car I was unable to walk unaided. I was delirious. On the drive home I eventually came around, but was lost as to why I had such severe syptoms of what seemed like heat stroke. The answer would come to me once I headed out on my own on the trail a week later. I was going to do this…I was going to do a 500 km hike on my own.