pics from 2oldguyswalking website
Hi Cathy,
Apologies for dithering over replying. I've had to do some reflection on the issue regarding improving trails at Callaghan's. My main concern is to continue the campaign to stop the vandals on ATVs from further destroying this beautiful habitat. But once this main problem has been solved, I'm not so sure how much I'd like to see Callaghan's 'improved' for further human use. To me it's meant to primarily be a conservation area, and the main stakeholders are the resident wildlife.
It's nice that we humans can enjoy visiting the main areas of appeal at Callaghan's - the bridges and islands to the north, the rapids to the south, and of course wading the river which connects them. One website even noted that the river itself IS the main trail for humans at Callaghan's. But there is an incredible system of animal dens, nests, caverns and even special magikal and mysterious remote places - sacred even - areas where I believe it's best for humans to leave peacefully undisturbed. For those who are bushwise, there are abundant trails throughout the area, but we humans have to learn how to read these subtle signs in order to navigate them, and again, it's probably best for the resident wildlife if we don't venture too far afield.
Of course the three main trails from the parking lot to the river need improvement, and if Hastings Trails group is content to limit their help to repairing these, that'd be great. Signage would be nice at the parking lot, and years ago there were outhouse toilets/change areas right at the rapids. I just don't want to see too much 'improvement' at Callaghan's for human enjoyment to the detriment of wildlife. I've walked at Callaghan's for over three decades now, and for hikers the railway bed is a great challenge. You can park on Tiffin Road and walk into Callaghan's along the railbed in half an hour. Or park on Morrison Road and walk in 45 minutes each way. There are rarely used trails off the rail bed if you look carefully. At least one of these leads to a back road in Riverside Pines and is a pleasant twisting and turning challenge through almost undisturbed nature.
Much of the above thoughts occurred while I was walking the short trail at Naylor's Commons a couple of days ago. I wonder if Cathy Trimble and her group are aware of this small system of public trails? Anne Philpot, of the Marmora Historical Society, arranged for this public park and coordinated several summer student trail building projects through the area. Much of Naylor's Common is a reed-filled swamp located on the eastern edge of Marmora. The students also built a wooden viewing structure overlooking the swamp. The entrance off Highway #7 is a bit hidden, it's just before the Timmy's. There's a large billboard covered in plexiglass with a map of the three short trails - the main trail leads from Highway 7 to Mary Street, the dirt road leading to the Marmora Mine.
Enough blather . . . it's so encouraging how much enthusiasm exists in our greater area for preserving and enjoying nature.
peace,
Chris
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