Day 7 - Rest Day 1 – Tuesday September 12

Day 7 - Rest Day 1 – Tuesday September 12 

Saved from the rigours of the trail today we slept in till 8:30. Then peacefully, got up, showered and wandered out into the relaxing garden at Lionheart Guest House. Our hosts, Doug and Marlene Hill have been wonderful. They are knowledgeable about the trail, and direct and encourage us on our hikes. Doug has suggested changes to our schedule which we have thankfully followed!  Their B & B and guest house is set in beautiful grounds and I think you will agree when you see the pictures.

We went to every existing restaurant bar one in Lion’s Head today (for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner)! Also drove into Ferndale for gas and stopped at a farm side market on the way back to buy tomatoes and apples. We managed some computer time, a walk around the harbour at Lion’s Head and a trip back to Rush Cove to amble on the boulder beach and admire the beauty.

Our biggest challenge has been lack of Internet. However, today we camped down in the dining room in the B & B and it has been terrific. Now I find my Nike watch seems to have quit working which I find devastating, and I can’t seem to keep the Bruce Trail App or AllTrails working on my cell phone due to lack of cell coverage. Robin’s Roger’s phone continues to be our only tracking device. Does Bell really not work in this area?  And a recent discovery, my mouse isn't working! Is it the battery?

We are truly grateful for good hiking boots, light weight and easily foldable trekking poles (even if I have lost 2 sets of rubber tips and now only have my carbon tips), well fitting back packs, the Bruce Trail App, and the fact that the blazes are well marked in most places. We have had some doubts at some critical points, and did go off course one day, but generally speaking the signage is very good.

Doing a recap on the physical and mental impact, so far we both agree that our bodies are fit and healthy, and our minds eager and energized. We are ready for what comes up next.

Overview to Date by Robin
Day 7 of our Bruce Trail adventure. It is a rest day. Very welcome after covering 142.49k in our first six days. The trail is beautiful. Varied, both in scenery and difficulty. We had one of the most gnarly bits yesterday. Thankfully it wasn't too long. 

I developed some blisters on day 2, and every step hurt! That evening we met an Australian couple who were staying at the same b&b. They are very experienced hikers, having completed many 1000+ hikes all over the world. Lari taped up my blisters and I've been good to go! 

Addition:
The small town of Lions Bay is a "dark skies" town. Meaning: The Bruce Peninsula is part of the "Dark Skies Project" of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. There are 5 great reasons to have a natural sky in your town. Here is what is quoted at http://www.brucepeninsula.ca/darksky/media/ 

"Major benefits of a natural night sky:

1. Wildlife and Habitat Preservation - Animals require dark night skies and minimum excess artificial light to maintain biological cycles, foraging, predation and migration patterns. For example, MacGregor Point is an important migratory corridor for birds. A current phenomenon occurs when birds fly into light domes during the night, and because they can’t instinctually fly from an area of light to dark, they become trapped there, flying in circles all night. By morning, they have expended large amounts of energy, haven’t reached their destination, and have missed other important behaviours.
2. Socio-Cultural – Starry skies are part of First Nations’ oral histories and so preserving these mean cultural enjoyment. Backyard astronomers and other nature enthusiasts enjoy viewing a truly starry sky, which is part of the Peninsula’s local culture.
3. Economic – A dark sky promotes sustainable economic development and tourism/cottaging potential for millions who are within a good day’s drive to this premier dark sky destination.
4. Safety Concerns – Glare from exterior lighting can create light contrast and shadows, which reduces visibility. Motion features in parking lots and public spaces can provide a form of alert not offered by areas which stay lighted all night.
5. Energy Conservation - Billions of dollars are wasted each year in North America on excess light. Efficient lighting can reduce energy consumption by 50%, while still providing the same amount of visibility."