Day 2 – Sydenham Trail (Sunday, 1 September 2019)

Skinner’s Bluff

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Today is a beautiful sunny day and we are walking along Skinner’s bluff. I am worried about AJ who has a fear of heights. I have never been here before, so I am not sure how close the trail will go to the edge of the Escarpment.

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The ground feels like a squishy carpet underfoot. It is as if the trail rolled out the welcome mat! The cedars seem to be holding the rocks in place with a network of roots. Over time the leaves, seedpods and other plant debris fell onto the ground and turned into compost. Eventually this springy layer of soil build up. It feels so soft and safe.

soft moss and lichens
under the tall cedar trees
forest floor carpet

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The trail is a good distance from the edge, but you can still see the bay through the trees or at at the occasional look-out point. The view over Colpoy’s bay is very impressive. You can see the white limestone cliffs of Malcolm’s bluff on the other side of the blue water. Down below there are some holiday cottages, working farms and the occasional boat out on the water. We have the trail all to ourselves.

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Slowly, the dark cedar forest changes into a forest with a more diverse selection of trees. The trail has more rocks and roots as well as ferns and moss. It’s pretty, but you do have to watch your step.

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dainty ferns and moss
among gnarly roots and rocks
twisted together

This was an easy walk and we felt safe all the way throughout since we never encountered any severe heights directly on or next to the trail.

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We followed the trail into a deciduous forest where the soil had a more solid feel to it. At Colpoy’s look-out we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the three islands at the end of the bay.

white limestone ridges
edged by crystal clean water
islands in the bay