Hosted by the Maitland Trail Association, the ‘El Camino’ was a hiking journey from Auburn to Goderich along the entire length of the Maitland Trail. The event was held the
weekend of June 22nd—23rd, 2013. The Lower Maitland Stewardship Group participated by hosting a checkpoint along the trail for tired hikers who needed a rest and a snack. Hikers were greeted by Barrie Elliott, Tom Lobb, Beth Ross, and Carolyn Williams with homemade treats and ‘souvenir’ LMSG postcards showing the unique and sensitive plants and animals that can be found along the Lower Maitland River.
The LMSG checkpoint at Cherrydale was 27 km in to the 30 km hike, and was voted the best rest stop on Day 1 by the MTA. Eighty-nine hikers participated in the event, both from the area and out of town. The checkpoint gave us a chance to spread the word about our group, showcase the rare species that rely on the Maitland, and promote good stewardship!