Sunday, December 11 at Caledon Village Place

by: Joan Richard

December Social a popular event

In spite of the blasts of cold artic air blowing down from the north, over 30 intrepid hikers braved the wind chill to follow our fearless hike leader, Albert McMaster through the wilds of Alton, including parts of the Alton Side Trail maintained by CHBTC, and parts of the trails of the Alton Grange, the Grand Valley Trail Association and Millcroft Inn.  While we didn’t climb the Alton Pinnacle, Albert did manage to have us skirt the base and come out at a partially frozen pond.  Of course, by this time, we were warmed up and enjoying the sunshine.   Returning to Caledon Village Place, the hikers were greeted with warm drinks and refreshments, and joined by several other members who came for the entertaining slide show about hiking trips in Newfoundland, ably produced by Peter Leeney.  Following a question and answer session, there was an hour or so for socializing, meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. During this time, there was not a space to be had in the parking lot.   There were so many items at the silent auction, that the stage where they were displayed was a very busy and crowded place. Soon the odours from the kitchen announced that the pot luck was ready.  And that was perhaps the most popular time of all.  During the afternoon, I counted 70 plus participants, but by the supper, there were over 80 at table.  It is always surprising, in a very good way, that a pot luck with no regime of who brings what should turn out so well.  No one went away hungry, in fact, quite the opposite.  There were a couple of draws, including one for a large framed photo donated by Gary Hall.  Gary also sold note cards with his photos and donated his earnings to BTC.  Calendars and general merchandise were also available.  Together with the silent auction, this event netted a tidy profit for the club’s projects.  
When the silent auction was closed, there was a lot of celebration by some of the “winners” who outfoxed their competitors and snagged the favoured item.  Thanks to Greg, and his assistants, Colleen and Nicole, and the many who prepped and cleaned.  Thanks to Peter for the show, Gary for the portrait draw and card sales, Albert for leading the hike, everyone who brought items for the silent auction and everyone who bought items.   And to everyone who came, for making it such a success.  Same time, next year; save the date. 

December Social 2010: Good fun was had by all by Joan Richard

On the first Sunday in December, CHBTC members gathered to celebrate the season. Albert McMaster led twenty hardy hikers on a walk through a dusting of fresh snow in the Alton area, circling the Alton Grange, the Alton Mill and falls, and the Millcroft Inn trails. Although the weather was brisk with a cold wind in the open stretches, the woods were magical. The hikers returned to a lovely spread of hot soup, fresh bread, all sorts of appetizers, cookies, and hot drinks. About 65 people gathered in the afternoon to hear Beth Kummling's talk about recent and future land acquisitions.  With her fabulous slide show Beth brought to life all of the land purchases we have seen in the Bruce Trail Magazine in recent years.   To say Beth is enthusiastic about land acquisition is definitely an understatement. 

While the main purpose of the event is to visit with old friends and meet new ones who share a common interest, love of the Bruce Trail, the opportunity was not wasted to do some fundraising for the club. Many, many items were donated to the silent auction and most were taken home by happy new owners. As well, Gary Hall donated a framed picture for which there was a draw, and he sold cards that he produces, donating the proceeds to the Bruce Trail. BTC merchandise was also available for sale, including the latest guide book. In all over $600 was raised.

Finally, there was the potluck, always a miracle of what can be assembled all by chance. What each person brings is left entirely up to the individual, but it is pleasingly laid out under the capable direction of the social committee, Irene Christie and Jean Trask. No one went hungry, actually quite the opposite, I'm sure. And after, there was a full crew pitching in on the cleanup, making it look like fun. Kris Kringle had come as well, so there was a gift exchange to take home a little treat to round out a most enjoyable day.

What a great way to close out the year. Thanks to all who helped make this day a success. Don't miss out on this annual event when it comes around again. Mark it on your calendar for 2011, the first Sunday in December. Watch the website for details, all are welcome.