On September 12th, the Walking Club took a hike up the Black Creek Valley. Black Creek has been in the news lately: near Steeles Ave., there is a Black Creek Community Garden, just south of Black Creek Pioneer Village and it was featured in a recent edition of the Toronto Star; during the 100mm downpours this summer, at its southern end, west of Weston Road, the creek flowed over its banks and damaged several homes with flooding. However, the day we walked, the creek was a quietly gurgling little brook, very peaceful to behold.
We began the walk at Northwood Park which is on Sheppard Avenue, just west of Keele Street at the bottom of a steep hill. The driveway to the parking lot is about 400 meters through forest and there are washrooms at the parking.
We headed north, through an open area with beautiful trees, including a chestnut tree.
a gorgeous catalpa tree . . .
and a grove of curvy pines.
The trail enters into a forest after this open area has been traversed.
Although it was early September, at least one of the trees was beginning to show its autumn colours.
There was also beautiful golden rod, which if growing in your garden would be considered a weed, but on the trail it was quite stunning.
We often passed over the creek as it meandered around and under our path. It was quite placid and clear.
There were a few rapids as it flowed over rocks.
In one calm spot we even saw minnows.
At the 45-minute point, the group decided to turn around and head back to the cars, making the walk last and hour and a half — enough for most.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 