By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
Underfoot, sparkling snow; above, stars twinkling; and a forest path lit by glowing torches—it feels like stepping back in time to an era before electricity. It is pure magic!
This is the second year of the special winter event organized by Sibbald Point’s Discovery Team. It began with a New Year’s Eve walk, which attracted about 40 hikers from the GTA.
The hike along Maidenhair Fern Trail is led by Caitlyn Carney, a program educator with a background in ecosystem management. During the 2-kilometre hike, Caitlyn shares fascinating insights about the park’s diverse species, and expertly answers the many questions participants throw her way!
Jackie, Jocelyn, Angela, and Michelle, who joined for the first time, all agree: “Caitlyn knows her stuff! The whole experience is lovely. The trail is well-marked, and the fun facts our guide shared made it even more enjoyable.”
One of her fun facts: a wood frog. It’s like one of nature’s frozen magic tricks. When it gets cold, the wood frog freezes…like a popsicle! It makes its own antifreeze, a special kind of sugar that keeps organs such as the heart and brain safe from cold. When the weather warms up, the frog thaws out, its heart starts beating again, and it hops away like nothing happened.
Caitlyn has plenty of stories to share, along with a pouch full of fur from different mammals for everyone to touch.
Eight-year-old Parker Peters couldn’t quite decide which part of the hike was most exciting—learning about the species, or soaking in the magical, torch-lit night. One thing he was sure of, though: as he exclaimed, “The whole hike was phenomenal!”
His mom, Kasandra Peters, shared, “It’s our second year doing the walk, and we really enjoy it. We usually come camping in early spring, so it’s nice to see the park in a different season.”
Visitors can also choose to do the hike at their own pace. Along the trail, you’ll find two cozy campfires where you can roast your own marshmallows or simply take a break to warm up and enjoy the atmosphere!
There are two more adventures coming up under the stars—February 14 and 15.
For more information visit: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/sibbaldpoint/events
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