The Ganaraska Trail goes from Port Hope to near Collingwood, almost 500 km. The Pine Ridge Hiking Club is responsible for maintaining the most southerly section. Part of our section is on a former rail bed. It's pretty well as flat as a pancake. But, not all of the trail is level and easy to navigate. One of the bridges in our section was a little less than safe and today that bridge got replaced.
I decided to take my camera for a walk and see how the guys were coming along.
Looks like someone has been spreading a little kindness on the trail.
Sometimes you can get hints of what is ahead by paying attention. It looks like they had to drag the joists to the site.
The seasons are changing. Winter is coming. They wanted to get the job done before the snow flies.
I parked where the trail crosses the 4th line and walked to where the arrow is on the map below. Most people turn around where that arrow is. It's too dangerous for them to go further.
Here's why. A little less than safe.
Following the sounds of hammers hammering and shovels shovelling, it was easy to find where the new bridge was being installed. What a team! Everyone had his own job and they were working like beavers.
What do you think?
Won't that bridge be a pleasant surprise for dog walkers from Port Hope and end-to-end trail walkers from who knows where?
Rocks were carefully placed to give the steps a firm foundation.
And, like a well-oiled machine, more rocks appeared when needed. And, they were even clean. How thoughtful.
Looking east from the new bridge, you get a good view of the old one.
And, looking west, there's a jumble of forest.
The last screw. Done!
Can you imagine future generations walking over this bridge? Maybe this bridge builder's grandkids will enjoy it.
Imagine future hikers exploring the natural beauty that is just over the bridge.
Beauty that looks like tree-covered mountains if they let their imaginations loose.
Back to the present, final tweaking was done. Soil was levelled for safe access......
....... that last-piece-of-wood-that-might-catch-someone's-clothing was cut off and hand-sanded.......
...... and five bridge-building guys were enticed onto the bridge for a group photo.
Well done!
Well done.
Wow - what an improvement on the old "structure". I hope the ice is kind to it in the winter / spring.
Obviously, these men have done a great job that will be appreciated by many hikers to come. I just want to also commend the excellent bit of reportage in words and photos that tell their story. Many thanks to all!
Wow! What a fabulous job! A great big thank you to all you hard working hiker/builders! 👍
Good job guys!! I must admit, I'll miss the challenge of the old bridge ;)