Wildman winter 2022

This is the time of year, when the temperature swings from warm enough to send trickles of thawing water down icy rivulets, and then back again to sub-zero temperatures with arctic winds, that can be a nightmare for hikers. The trails are either too wet and muddy, or too icy to safely navigate. Well, I have a trick for this, a secret, a way to navigate many trails without getting muddy or flailing through rotten snow and ice.

I arrived at the parking area for Wildman Forest just off concession 4 west of Wyevale and then onto the little used Wildman sideroad. I am intensely curious who this wild man is, that the forest is named for. After all, should I be concerned about some heavily bearded and loinclothed man jumping out from behind a tree? Hmmm, maybe. Though to be honest, nowadays that really shouldn’t surprise me. This is why I carry bear spray. Not for the random bear who is uninterested in me, but for the wildlife that runs around on two feet.

Just getting into the parking area can be a challenge, as I am not sure who occasionally plows the area for parking. Today I made the decision to make a run at the snowbank to get in. I drive a small vehicle but tend to push its all-wheel drive to the limits. Granted, I loved the look that the guy in the jacked-up truck gave me when I ran at the snowbank, flew through the pile with snow flying high, and slid in behind him. That’s right, my car is like me, small and squat and a bit aged, but never to be underestimated.

I spent the next two hours hiking from the Wildman Road then east towards Wyevale and back again. The day was warm with the spring sun, and I found myself removing my hat and mitts and opening my coat. This is why layers are so important in hiking. You want to be able to remove or add layers as the temperature changes. If you can tolerate wool, then this is the material you want to use. Unfortunately for me, I would swell up to look like a giant sheep if I tried to wear wool, so instead I use synthetic blends. I also ensure I always have a spare set of socks and mitts in this season, as it is very possible to step into a large puddle and end up with wet feet, or hands, or really any part of you. Those puddles are deviously deep sometimes. I strongly suggest hiking poles, as they can give you an idea about the depth of the bottomless pit you are trying to cross. This is an gentle hike with little elevation changes and an easily marked trail. A scrambling sound from a dead tree had me looking up and into the eyes of a racoon. With the longer days, the wildlife is reappearing.

I indicated that I might let you in my secret for navigating the trails in this intermittent season between ice and mud. This is when I thank the snowmobilers. The OFSC trails are generally packed hard and retain the snow layer later than the surrounding areas, making it easier to trek the trails and avoid the mud. The trails are rarely used by anyone else at this time of year, so I get my solitude as well. By next month these trails will be a muddy mess and I will change my location to high ground hiking, such as Horseshoe Valley. Another good alternative is the rail trails. The Tiny rail trail from Elmvale to Penetanguishene is almost completely clear of snow and ice, yet the paved Tay trail is still deep in snow. I hate to complain, because within a few weeks we will be heading into mosquito season, ugh.