Hamilton's Green Space: Chedoke Radial Trail

Yesterday morning I had the chance to bike and explore the beauty of the Chedoke Radial Trail. The trail has been converted from the old interurban Brantford and Hamilton Electric Railway (1908-1931). It spans just under 3 kilometers with so much versatility. For those who haven’t had the chance to venture out to it, this trail is definitely a must whether you want to walk, bike ride, jog, or hike  as there is plenty to see. There are streams, waterfalls, side trails, wildlife, great views of West Hamilton and Dundas, meadows and it even crosses through a golf course.  I cannot imagine being bored here. 

This morning there were plenty of people on the trail despite the morning hours walking thier dogs, biking, hiking, even some photographers. The main path has a good terrain even for strollers and wheelchairs. Honestly it was a great little adventure and I had only the great weather to thank; an abundance of sun and warmth in mid-May had no one complaining. 

Like I mentioned before, this was my second time venturing on the Chedoke Trail. On my first encounter, I had stumbled on the trail by accident with my boyfriend while trying to locate the Canadian Pacific Trail that crossed over HWY 403 into Westdale. I didn't notice we were ascending the escarpment rather than biking straight across until we made it to a look out point and realized we had long past McMaster University and were way above the Westdale area. At this point it was obvious we were on the wrong trail and had to go back and cross through the gold course.

However, this time around, I took it upon myself to continue on the route to see where it leads and what surprises it may hold.  Despite all that I had seen on the trail thus far, which don’t get me wrong, was great, but the best part was yet to come. As I continued to bike on, I got more and more curious to diverge on the one of the multiple side trails. Having just past the Iroquois Side Trails, I became determined to swerve left into the next side trail. Just as I embarked on the trail, I started to hear this awkward whimper. I started to slow down to locate the direction of the cry and suddenly, barely showing above the tall greenery, I spot the fawn crying, searching aimlessly for it’s mother. 

The cries were breaking my heart and I started speaking to it in a gentle voice, trying to assure it’s mother’s return. Rather than running away, the fawn started to follow my voice. It came right up to my feet. I wondered whether it was normal for a fawn to come so close to me without its mother anywhere to be seen. As she got closer, I found her to look very thin. This cause me to think whether or not it was abandoned by its mother.
I quickly searched for the number on my blackberry and called the SPCA Hamilton. I explained to them my worries and the dispatched chuckled a little bit amused at my worry. She said the fawn was fine and that it was perfectly normal. She assured me that her mother will return and cautioned me to keep from touching the fawn. Feeling better about leaving the fawn (a bit disappointed that I can't take it home with me) I prepared to leave. The fawn followed me to my bike in its wobbly newborn state. I couldn't help but take one more quick video of the little thing.

Moral of the story: you never know what adventures you’ll find, the key it to go out and have them!
Please feel free to share your own adventures on the Chedoke Radial Trail in my comment box. I’d love to hear all about them.

Signing Off,

A.Mihaela