After spending half of the day hiking Webster and Tews falls, we rested our weary legs back at home and geared up for a second day of hiking.
I threw this lovely dinner together for post-hike fuel. This salad is a potential cookbook recipe, but if it doesn’t make the cut I will certainly post it on the blog! It was so yummy.
First up on day 2: a quick hike to Tiffany falls. This is definitely another family-friendly hike. It only takes about 3-5 minutes to get to the falls from the parking area.
Unfortunately, the falls are quite dried up right now due to the dry and hot spring we’ve had. We need rain so badly for farmers and mother nature alike! *rain dance*
Check out how dried up the stream is…
We tried to hike to the top of Tiffany falls (there is no trail and it’s super steep), but we weren’t properly equipped for the climb. I started to climb the rocks and daddy long leg spiders (“orange-backs” as I like to call these) were everywhere, crawling all over my hands. Ahhhhh! A mini freak out ensued. It was not one of my braver moments…but Eric found it humorous at least.
We decided to come back another time when we have proper gear…aka hiking gloves and shoes! I’ll get ‘em next time.
After Tiffany falls, we crossed the road (County Road 2/Wilson St East) and hit the trail that would take us to Sherman falls. The trail was mostly groomed, but a bit rocky and hilly in some areas. My Garmin measured it at about 1 mile and took us about 20 minutes of fast-paced hiking. It’s always fun when you start to get close to the water and you can see the stream! If you don’t want to hike there, you can simply drive there and park on the side of the road. I think it’s only a 5 minute walk from the road.
You may have seen Eric’s 360 image that I posted yesterday. He was totally flattered that some of you enjoyed it! Keep your eyes peeled for a how-to post coming up. He’s gearing up for his second debut on the blog…! I think he’s a bit nervous about it, but I told him you are all easy to chat with. ;)
As you can see, the trail is smooth as can be. We saw quite a few families with small children at these falls and heard it’s very popular spot for wedding photos!
At long last, the gorgeous Sherman falls! Thankfully, not super dried up.
But first, snack time. What is it about hiking that makes me hungry every 5 minutes?
We enjoyed fruit and drinks (I had a refreshing mango Kombucha drink!), then got to work.
I was convinced I was going to slip and destroy my camera.
I did more experiments with shutter speed. ;)
and had fun getting up close and personal from different angles.
I also annoyed Eric many times by getting in the way of his 360 grid photos! He’s such a waterfall hog.
Here he is in action taking a gazillion pictures for the 360. I really would not have patience for this. Plus, I think my hard drive would implode. You can see the stream is quite dried up here.
Seeing this picture makes me want to travel the world as a photographer! What a cool gig that would be, eh?
I cannot believe that we just discovered what a gorgeous area this is. As a few of you mentioned yesterday, Hamilton doesn’t always have a great reputation for being a “pretty” or “scenic” area and it’s a shame. Hopefully these posts will do the Hamilton area proud!
Once back to the car, we enjoyed some crunchy trail mix cookies that I made just for the occasion. Recipe coming up next!
5 down, only 115 to go…(cookies or waterfalls?)
Ahh wow this looks even better than day one!!! Gorgeous waterfall shots. I can just picture the spider freak-out, and while I’m sure it was funny for Eric, I’d have probably done the same thing as you!!! PS. I’m strongly considering popping over to my health food store to get me some mango Tonica at lunch! ;)
I have you to thank for that addiction. :) I think we need to buy a case in bulk and split it…
It is so interesting to see how much shutter speed effects the photos – I appreciate you taking the time to show us those differences and the waterfalls are definitely perfect places to illustrate that!
I’m glad you enjoy them Erica :)
I love those hikes where you can really do some climbing. I finally bought hiking shoes so I can do more of it without feeling like I might fall to my death. :)
That salad looks cookbook worthy… but I wish I could have the recipe now! Instant gratification – lol! Can’t wait for the cookies tmorrow!
Hey Laura, do you have any tips on buying hiking shoes or have a brand to recommend? I’m not really sure what to look for. Any help is appreciated!
Some brands are definitely better than others, but the type of shoe/boot depends on the types of trails you plan on hiking/climbing, how much you want to spend, and how often. Brands like Montrail, Merrell, Keen, and Vasque are very popular.
Boots like this: http://www.rei.com/product/763342/vasque-wasatch-gtx-hiking-boots-womens will last you forever and are designed for heavy duty hiking and backpacking. I’ve worked outside every summer for the past 6 years and my pair of boots similar to this are still kicking!
These: http://www.rei.com/product/810830/merrell-moab-waterproof-hiking-shoes-womens are somewhere in the middle, providing support, good for most hiking if you plan on staying on trails.
And here’s a link to a bunch of vegan hiking shoes/boots, if that matters to you: http://hikingboots.com/news/vegan-hiking-boots
Thanks for your help guys! Will look into this :)
I got New Balance trail Running shoes. I opted for those over boots since they provide grip but I can still run in them. My shoe rack is over flowing!
I have a pair of Keen hikers that come up over the ankle and a pair of Patagonia light hikers that are more like shoes with really great tread. I’ve hiked the Escarpment in my Keens and they were fantastic – no blisters and my feet stayed dry. I recently hiked on the Athabasca Glacier in Alberta in my Patagonia’s and they provided great grip, although they’re not water proof. For the area you’re planning on exploring either would work. Just a note about the Keen’s, they’re kind of ugly. But really as long as your feet and ankles are protected it doesn’t really matter what they look like.
Looks like a wonderful day! I am not afraid of spiders, but I also don’t want them crawling all over me :)
I’m still stunned (& a little sad) that I lived in Hamilton for 3 years without ever exploring this! I guess I have to chalk it up to being 20-ish and caring more about where the bars were located at the time haha …
You’ve totally inspired me to get out and enjoy local scenery — last night I asked my husband to go to a local conservation area with trails and waterfalls this weekend – hopefully the weather cooperates!
I had no idea Hamilton had so many waterfalls! I have been to two of them that were a 2min walk from the car but it would be fun to see the ones that require more of the hike. You are luck you were the only ones there to enjoy the falls!
Yay! You’re giving me more dayhikes to add to the list. Beautiful. :)
Good reminder to pick up gloves first though…
By the way, if you’re looking for hiking boots or shoes you may want to check out Hiker’s Haven on South Service Road there in Oakville or Mountain Equipment Co-op in Burlington. In the past I’ve had Vasque hiking shoes and Salomon hiking boots, both of which I’ve loved. My boots are Gore-tex – I don’t like squishing my toes around in wet socks (gross!) so I opted to go for waterproof. In any case, good luck!
If you are up for hiking adventures you may want to take a drive up to Georgian Bay, you can stay over night in Tobermory which is a beautiful little town right at the tip of Georgian Bay. They have some great hiking trails on the Bruce Trails along the water edge. We did a hike up there one year and the views were amazing, then we got adventurous and hiked to the bottom and dipped our feet in the water. You can check out the trails here https://brucetrail.org/store/category/11 sadly you have to pay for the maps now. Years ago they used to be free.
thank you I will check it out!
There is nothing more gorgeous and relaxing than a waterfall(s). There is nothing more screech inducing that daddy long legs all over your hands!
Cookies please and the dinner salad! BTW, loving the easy overnight buckwheat parfait. Had no idea it would that good!! Yum yum to me tum tum, heehee! Thank you again for nourishing our lives:-)
I would be too scared to bring my camera into the water. I’m clumsy enough!
I’m excited for the cookiesss :)
Me too! I took some pictures of my kids in the hot tub the other day (I was in the hot tub, with the camera) & thought–I must be CRAZY!
I was thinking the same thing when I was in there! hah
I’m will ya, traveling the world photographing everything, that would be quite an adventure. Now that I have a DSLR, I’m completely addicted & love tinkering with shutterspeed & aperature. I love how the shutterspeed affects the waterfall. Lovely & I’m a bit jealous–gets me thinking we’re due for some hiking ourselves!
Beautiful waterfall pics! Looking forward to the cookie recipe!
You’re so awesome and brave Angela. I really liked seeing the comparison of shutters speeds. What a fun weekend indeed! :)
Wow, go Hamilton! I had no idea it had such lovely hiking areas. I will have to make a trip out to the falls someday!
Also, um, HOLY YUMMY SALAD! :)
gorgeous photos ange!! i just have a point and shoot, but i’d love to get more into photography. its a good excuse to travel more too haha i agree that professional photography would be a great job, its in my dream job file along with “gear tester” for a running or outdoor sports equipment company ;)
those cookies look incredible! can’t wait for the recipe
Hamilton is a hidden gem. Unless you get off the highway and start expolring, you’d never know it. Great waterfall pics btw.
I’m so jelly! I’ve been to Webster Falls before but always wanted to go to Tiffany’s.It’s sad that so few of us McMaster students have actually been to the falls. Ooh. Have you ever considered going to the Devil’s Punchbowl? It should be really pretty :)
What beautiful pictures! The area looks wonderful – little water or not! :)