EVCco
Senior Member
...just need to make a little space.
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Urban Wilderness!
- Thread starter EVCco
- Start date
EVCco
Senior Member
Southwest Highland Creek - upon closer inspection
Here's a section of the Southwest Highland that I nearly missed entirely! Although it shows up on the old hard-copy map I've been using, a lot of things show up on it that are no longer there - so when I initially went to check on its existence via Google Earth, about 2 years ago, I couldn't find any trace of it and dismissed it as just another cartographic relic. However, as the areas of Toronto I've yet to explore continue to dwindle, I'm being forced to re-assess some earlier assumptions - and, upon closer inspection, I recently discovered that what I must have previously took for a backyard fenceline in the aerial photos was, in fact, the creek on my map!
But before we get to that, I begin with another off-shoot of the Southwest Highland which I already encountered in passing through Knob Hill Park two Decembers ago. I could not find a name for this little branch, though it's trajectory suggests that it could actually be a continuation of the previously covered Bellamy Ravine Creek, or perhaps one of the streams in Cudia Park. However, if memory serves, the flow of this creek headed north, towards the Highland, and not south to the lake - so that theory wouldn't make much sense. In any event, it starts here at Trudelle Street, just northeast of Eglinton & Brimley:
Down into Trudelle Park:
Out on the other side of Danforth Road, and into Knob Hill Park:
Some fairytale-sized fungus around Greylee Ave:
On to confluence with the Southwest Highland:
North and west a little ways, now, to the Lawrence & Kennedy area, to complete the Southwest Highland Creek once and for all. You may recall that I already took a few pics here, east of Nantucket Boulevard, during my first venture to the creek:
And now for the rest, heading from Nantucket to Kennedy:
Past Kennedy it's a straight shot northwest the rest of the way:
Through Wye Valley Road, and up a series of seven steps:
On through Ellendale Drive, with a few more flights to climb:
The creek lays low, underground for a while, then pops-up again between Birchmount and Ellesmere:
North of Ellesmere the creek narrows to a tight trickle, hidden away within the confines of some fairly dense bush, then ends/begins just south of the CP rail tracks, fed by a few un-photoworthy industrial ditches:
Here's a section of the Southwest Highland that I nearly missed entirely! Although it shows up on the old hard-copy map I've been using, a lot of things show up on it that are no longer there - so when I initially went to check on its existence via Google Earth, about 2 years ago, I couldn't find any trace of it and dismissed it as just another cartographic relic. However, as the areas of Toronto I've yet to explore continue to dwindle, I'm being forced to re-assess some earlier assumptions - and, upon closer inspection, I recently discovered that what I must have previously took for a backyard fenceline in the aerial photos was, in fact, the creek on my map!
But before we get to that, I begin with another off-shoot of the Southwest Highland which I already encountered in passing through Knob Hill Park two Decembers ago. I could not find a name for this little branch, though it's trajectory suggests that it could actually be a continuation of the previously covered Bellamy Ravine Creek, or perhaps one of the streams in Cudia Park. However, if memory serves, the flow of this creek headed north, towards the Highland, and not south to the lake - so that theory wouldn't make much sense. In any event, it starts here at Trudelle Street, just northeast of Eglinton & Brimley:
Down into Trudelle Park:
Out on the other side of Danforth Road, and into Knob Hill Park:
Some fairytale-sized fungus around Greylee Ave:
On to confluence with the Southwest Highland:
North and west a little ways, now, to the Lawrence & Kennedy area, to complete the Southwest Highland Creek once and for all. You may recall that I already took a few pics here, east of Nantucket Boulevard, during my first venture to the creek:
And now for the rest, heading from Nantucket to Kennedy:
Past Kennedy it's a straight shot northwest the rest of the way:
Through Wye Valley Road, and up a series of seven steps:
On through Ellendale Drive, with a few more flights to climb:
The creek lays low, underground for a while, then pops-up again between Birchmount and Ellesmere:
North of Ellesmere the creek narrows to a tight trickle, hidden away within the confines of some fairly dense bush, then ends/begins just south of the CP rail tracks, fed by a few un-photoworthy industrial ditches:
EVCco
Senior Member
Little Rouge Creek - down on the border*
I've been debating for a while whether or not to tackle this particular creek. Up until now I've set the eastern limits of my Toronto wilderness explorations at the Rouge. However, the eastern limits of Toronto itself also include the Little Rouge Creek, which then opens up a whole can of worms with regards to it's varied off-shoots and tributaries up in Rouge Park - all very "wild," but with very little "urban" about them. Being the obsessive completist that I am, though, I knew I'd have to open that can eventually. So today was the day, and I must say I'm rather glad I did. Starting, then, where the Little Rouge splits from the big one, just north of Kingston Road in Glen Rouge Park:
Here the trail heads up, and often away from the creek, making for much up-and-down hill scaling in order to stay on course:
Back on flat land, heading towards Twyn Rivers Drive:
Further north, into Rouge Park, along the Orchard Trail:
A path leads up into the hydro corridor where, just south of the Beare Road Landfill, you'll find this sort of "infinity pond" with its waters pouring over the edge of a retaining wall, into a little stream which then leads back to the creek:
The last little bit of this first stage of the Little Rouge, as I end the day at Zoo Road:
*for those wondering, this was the name of a minor hit from "The Little River Band"...
I've been debating for a while whether or not to tackle this particular creek. Up until now I've set the eastern limits of my Toronto wilderness explorations at the Rouge. However, the eastern limits of Toronto itself also include the Little Rouge Creek, which then opens up a whole can of worms with regards to it's varied off-shoots and tributaries up in Rouge Park - all very "wild," but with very little "urban" about them. Being the obsessive completist that I am, though, I knew I'd have to open that can eventually. So today was the day, and I must say I'm rather glad I did. Starting, then, where the Little Rouge splits from the big one, just north of Kingston Road in Glen Rouge Park:
Here the trail heads up, and often away from the creek, making for much up-and-down hill scaling in order to stay on course:
Back on flat land, heading towards Twyn Rivers Drive:
Further north, into Rouge Park, along the Orchard Trail:
A path leads up into the hydro corridor where, just south of the Beare Road Landfill, you'll find this sort of "infinity pond" with its waters pouring over the edge of a retaining wall, into a little stream which then leads back to the creek:
The last little bit of this first stage of the Little Rouge, as I end the day at Zoo Road:
*for those wondering, this was the name of a minor hit from "The Little River Band"...
the lemur
Senior Member
Thanks for these.
Have you already covered the part of the Rouge Valley behind Centenary Hospital (Morningside Park/Botany Hill Park?
Have you already covered the part of the Rouge Valley behind Centenary Hospital (Morningside Park/Botany Hill Park?
Goldie
Senior Member
I expect you're referring to Highland Creek Valley - the Rouge is much further east.
the lemur
Senior Member
Yes, sorry. I was looking at the Google Map and noticed that what I used to know as Centenary Hospital now has 'Rouge Valley' prefixed to it for some reason.
I'm mainly asking because I tried going south through Botany Hill Park from Ellesmere a few weeks ago and found the creek basically impassable.
EVCco
Senior Member
I did indeed cover the Highland, West Highland, and Ellesmere Ravine behind, and around Centenary:
As I recall the area through Botany Hill Park was undergoing some fairly large-scale relandscaping when I was there.
Is that still the case?
As I recall the area through Botany Hill Park was undergoing some fairly large-scale relandscaping when I was there.
Is that still the case?
the lemur
Senior Member
Thanks!
Yes, BHP is still a work in progress. I biked from the north side of Ellesmere down the trail passing back under it and while I was able to negotiate the ledge around the curve in the creek, once it flattened out there was really no way of continuing, short of wading the creek to the east side. It didn't seem to be the subject of major landscaping work so much as just wild and unmaintained.
EVCco
Senior Member
I can imagine. A lot of the waterways I've traveled aren't even pedestrian accessible, let alone bike accessible.
And speaking of wild, unmaintained, and wading through creeks...
And speaking of wild, unmaintained, and wading through creeks...
EVCco
Senior Member
Morningside Creek - in the light of day
I hope everyone is enjoying this recent spate of Scarborough treks, becuase it seems that's where I'll continue to be for the foreseeable future. I've sort of painted myself into a corner, having now completed every single waterway in town (at least all that show up on my trusty street map), save for a few remainders in the city's northeastern-most extremities. Of course, "wilderness" is not wholly confined to riparian areas - and I do plan to hit-up a couple more places outside the "realm of the riverine" before I put a bow on this project - but the creeks, brooks, streams, and rivers of Toronto are still, by and large, the main refuge of wild and untamed territory in this city...and now I've pretty well seen them all.
I've covered so much ground, in fact, that I'm beginning to re-cover places that I'd almost forgot I've already been to. Case in point, the upper end of the Morningside Creek. Back when I was deep in the throes of my street signs phase, a few years ago, I recall trying to make my way from "Solitude Street," across the Morningside, to "Quality Place," just off Markham Road. My map (the same one I'm still using) implied that this should be no trouble, showing numerous trails and bridges which crossed the creek. However, I was at the end of a long day of street-signing, and by this time it was well after dark, and I found myself blindly wandering in circles for about an hour trying to find the path through the woods that led to the other side.
Well, it seems the Morningside had even more tricks in store for me today. Where I left off last time, just south of Seasons Drive (the street I should have took instead of looking for that path), the creek splits in two. So I decided to tackle the west branch first, then circle back down the east branch to end where I began. My map, again, showed a handy little path heading along the creek from Canoe Crescent to Oasis Boulevard. But, in the cold light of day, I could now see what the problem was: no more path, just a waste-high field of weeds! That's what you get for using a 10-year old map, I guess. But furthermore: no creek! Just this nice little stormwater pond, and a vague indent where it seemed the creek used to flow, but what signs now say is a trench for a petroleum pipeline:
Well, no matter. It's probably best I didn't have to wade through that sea of stinging nettle to document some trifling little trickle. Back down Seasons Drive, then, to head north up the bigger, more existant branch of the Morningside - only to encounter even more deception!:
A false fluvius! The creek, in fact, continues a little to the left where, of course, the accompanying path on my map is no longer there. So, not only do I have to wade through the weeds, in spots I also have to wade through the creek itself - a perfect time to learn that I apparently now have two large holes in the heels of both my boots!:
I now encounter the woods which had so vexed me all those years earlier. Ironically, it's in these woods where the only remnants of this alleged system of pathways remains, making for the easiest portion of my trip:
Out past Boulderbrook Drive now, possibly the last outpost of "urbanity" in my urban wilderness adventures:
[When bushwhacking through untamed territory, I always find it best to just keep moving and plow ahead at a pretty good pace. This helps to keep all the insects (and whatever else might be lurking around) well off and away from you. However, every once in a while it does pay to stop and have a look around - you never know what you might see...]
Approaching the CP crossing of the Havelock Subdivision - a modest little span, but a welcome sign of civilization in the midst of this hostile hinterland:
Past the bridge I push in a little further, but after suffering untold bites from bugs and stings from shrubs - and making such slow progress in this relatively short distance - I've had just about enough. I start to think that this was a section of creek I probably should have saved for the winter. But then I remember that I did, in fact, cover the last little portion up to Steeles this very winter while coming back from another trek along the Rouge! So, with that in mind, I head back along the railroad tracks assuming my day was done...:
...Just as head past Grackle Trail, though, I find that the Morningside has one last little surprise for me: the west branch does actually still exist - though just barely. So I follow it along through Hummingbird Park, and under the railway again, to where it finally fades away, somewhere between a marsh and a gravel pit, south of Passmore Ave:
I hope everyone is enjoying this recent spate of Scarborough treks, becuase it seems that's where I'll continue to be for the foreseeable future. I've sort of painted myself into a corner, having now completed every single waterway in town (at least all that show up on my trusty street map), save for a few remainders in the city's northeastern-most extremities. Of course, "wilderness" is not wholly confined to riparian areas - and I do plan to hit-up a couple more places outside the "realm of the riverine" before I put a bow on this project - but the creeks, brooks, streams, and rivers of Toronto are still, by and large, the main refuge of wild and untamed territory in this city...and now I've pretty well seen them all.
I've covered so much ground, in fact, that I'm beginning to re-cover places that I'd almost forgot I've already been to. Case in point, the upper end of the Morningside Creek. Back when I was deep in the throes of my street signs phase, a few years ago, I recall trying to make my way from "Solitude Street," across the Morningside, to "Quality Place," just off Markham Road. My map (the same one I'm still using) implied that this should be no trouble, showing numerous trails and bridges which crossed the creek. However, I was at the end of a long day of street-signing, and by this time it was well after dark, and I found myself blindly wandering in circles for about an hour trying to find the path through the woods that led to the other side.
Well, it seems the Morningside had even more tricks in store for me today. Where I left off last time, just south of Seasons Drive (the street I should have took instead of looking for that path), the creek splits in two. So I decided to tackle the west branch first, then circle back down the east branch to end where I began. My map, again, showed a handy little path heading along the creek from Canoe Crescent to Oasis Boulevard. But, in the cold light of day, I could now see what the problem was: no more path, just a waste-high field of weeds! That's what you get for using a 10-year old map, I guess. But furthermore: no creek! Just this nice little stormwater pond, and a vague indent where it seemed the creek used to flow, but what signs now say is a trench for a petroleum pipeline:
Well, no matter. It's probably best I didn't have to wade through that sea of stinging nettle to document some trifling little trickle. Back down Seasons Drive, then, to head north up the bigger, more existant branch of the Morningside - only to encounter even more deception!:
A false fluvius! The creek, in fact, continues a little to the left where, of course, the accompanying path on my map is no longer there. So, not only do I have to wade through the weeds, in spots I also have to wade through the creek itself - a perfect time to learn that I apparently now have two large holes in the heels of both my boots!:
I now encounter the woods which had so vexed me all those years earlier. Ironically, it's in these woods where the only remnants of this alleged system of pathways remains, making for the easiest portion of my trip:
Out past Boulderbrook Drive now, possibly the last outpost of "urbanity" in my urban wilderness adventures:
[When bushwhacking through untamed territory, I always find it best to just keep moving and plow ahead at a pretty good pace. This helps to keep all the insects (and whatever else might be lurking around) well off and away from you. However, every once in a while it does pay to stop and have a look around - you never know what you might see...]
Approaching the CP crossing of the Havelock Subdivision - a modest little span, but a welcome sign of civilization in the midst of this hostile hinterland:
Past the bridge I push in a little further, but after suffering untold bites from bugs and stings from shrubs - and making such slow progress in this relatively short distance - I've had just about enough. I start to think that this was a section of creek I probably should have saved for the winter. But then I remember that I did, in fact, cover the last little portion up to Steeles this very winter while coming back from another trek along the Rouge! So, with that in mind, I head back along the railroad tracks assuming my day was done...:
...Just as head past Grackle Trail, though, I find that the Morningside has one last little surprise for me: the west branch does actually still exist - though just barely. So I follow it along through Hummingbird Park, and under the railway again, to where it finally fades away, somewhere between a marsh and a gravel pit, south of Passmore Ave:
datgtatrailsguy
Active Member
I really enjoyed this set EVCco. The shots you took around Boulderbrook Drive look straight out of the country. Perfect place to stop and have lunch and really appreciate your surroundings. PS. Cool shot of the owl.
EVCco
Senior Member
Thanks!
If you do plan to have lunch out there, however, just be prepared to have the mosquitos make a meal of you, as well...
PS
That owl was pretty cool. I certainly didn't expect to see one a few feet from my feet, just hanging out by the water.
He didn't seem too bothered by my presence, either. He just sat there and stared at me until I moved on.
If you do plan to have lunch out there, however, just be prepared to have the mosquitos make a meal of you, as well...
PS
That owl was pretty cool. I certainly didn't expect to see one a few feet from my feet, just hanging out by the water.
He didn't seem too bothered by my presence, either. He just sat there and stared at me until I moved on.
RC8
Senior Member
That owl pic is really cool, indeed!
The pics from Little Rouge Creek pics bring very pleasant memories from sampling in that river.
You might want to time one of your walks in the Rouge under Milne Dam for fall (mid-September I think, but I will double check) - you'll get to wade with plenty of enormous salmon making their way up. It's a great experience seeing them swim centimetres away from your feet.
The pics from Little Rouge Creek pics bring very pleasant memories from sampling in that river.
You might want to time one of your walks in the Rouge under Milne Dam for fall (mid-September I think, but I will double check) - you'll get to wade with plenty of enormous salmon making their way up. It's a great experience seeing them swim centimetres away from your feet.
EVCco
Senior Member
Thanks for the tip! I just might have to head up there and check that out (although I'm not so sure about the swimming with the fishes part!).
Actually, I'm thinking I may save all the rest of my trips for later in the year, when things are a little less verdant.
I am hoping to fit in one more big trek in the next few days, though - so stay tuned...
Actually, I'm thinking I may save all the rest of my trips for later in the year, when things are a little less verdant.
I am hoping to fit in one more big trek in the next few days, though - so stay tuned...
EVCco
Senior Member
Aforementioned trek coming up...