A Return to Group Hiking for PBTC
Submitted by Marg Glendon
Smiling ear to ear as they approached the Cairn, the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club (PBTC) E2E group of hikers completed the Peninsula Section of the Bruce Trail.
A team of PBTC Hike Leaders – Barb Reuber, Randy Vanderlaan, Saabir Sohrab and sweep Praveen Sohrab guided this hardy group of over 20 hikers on the Bruce Trail from Wiarton to Tobermory over several weekends. The hike leaders’ first priority is to make sure all the hikers are safe. The leaders complete pre-hike inspections of the Trail and are also certified by Hike Ontario and have a minimum of First Aid and CPR Certification.
It feels good to return to group hiking after the challenges of the pandemic! “I have hiked the Bruce Trail before, but hiking in a group is a whole different experience. You learn from each other – about nature and about their other End to End hikes. Having a Hike Leadership Team brings different leadership strengths to the group, too. I will definitely do this again.” said one of the hikers.
Tamara Wilson, PBTC President, proudly presented each hiker with their Peninsula Bruce Trail Club E2E badge.
The Hiking Group presented each of the hike leaders with an emotional thank you and note or appreciation. “You can see how much of your heart and dedication you put into these hikes.”, hike participant.
Everyone celebrated the end of their group hike with a toast, hugs and lots of laughter – most of all with pride in their accomplishment and the beginning of some new friendships.
Look for a repeat PBTC E2E in 2023! In the meantime, make sure to check the organized hike schedule on the PBTC website (www.pbtc.ca) for organized day hikes this year.
