Luther Marsh and Grand Valley
Today we took a hiking day trip to Luther Marsh Conservation Area. We had recently purchased a Grand River Conservation Authority annual pass, so our entry fee was included in this. There are two trails starting from the main carpark. Today we took the longer North Launch Trail, which is 11km in total, but we travelled 7km out and then back again. At the car park there are a few viewing points/towers accessible by steps for photo opportunities.
This is the sign to look out for from the road. It’s pretty big. Rita for comparison.
The gravel trail is accessible to cars (we encountered a few going to/from the canoe launch points), so it is pretty wide and easy to follow. The trail goes around Luther Lake, which sits in the middle of the park, but the views of the lake are shielded from view by trees for most of the way. It was quite a hot day for Rita so the shade from the trees was welcome today. At some points, the forest opened up to marshland, and we could catch glimpses of the lake. There are over 263 species of birds in Luther Marsh, and their songs and chirping provided a soundtrack to our walk. We also spotted what I think was a Great White Erget take flight.
Some marshland.
There were two boat launches along the trail, which we wandered down to for better views of the lake. We used the West Boat Launch as our turning point. The North Boat Launch was less mucky underfoot and provided more extensive views.
Time for tea break by the Lake
Us two :)
Before heading home, we stopped at Grand Valley for some food. Mill Creek Pub (which also has a location in nearby Orangeville) had a small outdoor patio out front for Rita and me. They had a great choice of food, from salads to flatbreads and pasta. I got a veggie black bean burger with sweet potato fries.
“Global celebrity visits local pub”
For dessert, Rita and I got some ice cream from a nearby kiosk, Kawartha Dairy. There was lactose-free vanilla for Rita, and I chose Mocha Almond Fudge and Cookies & Cream. Warning: their “1 scoop” is more like 3!!
I scream, Rita screams….
