WOOT Adventures

'Tis the Fall hiking season! Grindstone Creek and Smokey Hollow Falls is another one of my favourites because of the way the trail winds it's way along the creek as it leads up to the Falls! For much of the hike we'll be in forest and because we are further south than last week there should be some trees with vibrant Fall colour.

Midway through our hike we'll take a 30 min break to have a snack or lunch.

After the hike: we'll stop at a local cafe, a "hidden gem" where they serve delicous fresh (made to order) Apple Fritters, as well as delicously homemade and healthy soups, sandwiches, coffee and tea. Some may want to have a meal, others just grab a quick beverage. This stop will provide the opportunity for everyone to continue to socialize and have fun together.

Cost all-in: *Not Included: Any purchases at the cafe.

• Passengers pay $15, this includes an event fee and gas costs for the drive (organizer coordinates carpool) and a great hike with hiking buddies new and old.
• Drivers at carpool taking passengers pay $5 only, as they already have to cover costs of the gas to drive up.
• There might be a small adjustment (not higher) to the above based on number of passengers in each car which will go back to the drivers at the end of the hike.

*Costs above help with meetup dues and the time required to research and plan successful events.

📅 Hike Details:

• 11 km moderate hike, about 3.5 to 4 km an hour.
• If you like a leisurely stroll this hike is likely not for you, however, we will stop to enjoy our surroundings, to take photos at scenic spots, and to explore.

Carpool: Meet at 8:45 am, depart *9:00* am sharp. We will carpool to the hike start point, meeting at Kipling Subway Station, passenger pick-up area.
Return Times: This is a full day event, planning to return to Toronto by 5:30 pm including visiting the cafe.

RSVP: To move to the “Going” list, you must answer all RSVP questions:

1. What is your cell number? (private – only organizer sees this)
2. What are your transportation preferences?
   A. Passenger at carpool
   B. Driver at carpool (my own car, can take x passengers)
   C. Prefer passenger, but can drive x passengers if needed
   D. Driver but meet at location (preference given to those who can take passengers from carpool)

Note: Prompt responses are required if organizer contacts you to be able to add you to the "going" list.

WOOT Score: Outdoors: [5] | Adventure: [5] | Fall Fun: [5]
Overall WOOT Score: 5++

Organizer: Rphinn / Rebecca

2 or 3 nights Option (return Sunday or Monday)
Let's face it, November is kinda blah. Let's shake it up a bit with a WOOT weekend trip. 3 nights, leaving Friday night from Toronto, returning Monday.

*If you are not able to do 3 nights, there may be an option for a few people to just do 2 nights. Please reach out directly to the organizer if this is the case.

Amenities include: free wifi, 3+ bathrooms, yoga and meditation space, hot tub, fireplace, firepit, dishwasher, tv and more. All sheets/towels provided. More details will be provided once you're confirmed for the trip.

Location: We are heading to the Georgian Bluffs area, near Wiarton and staying in a Luxury Lakehouse which is nestled amongst four acres of nature and near a lake. Local attractions include the Bruce Trail for hiking Skinners Bluff, Lion’s Head, Bruce's Caves Conservation Area, and the small town charm of Wiarton just 10 minutes away.

This cottage is beautiful and will probably feel more luxurious than other WOOT cottages we've booked.

There is space for 14-18 people on this trip. Everyone will have their own bed or share a King bed with someone (though hopefully those will go to couples). Some will have to share a room with 1-2 other people of their same gender. *Options for sleeping will be first-come first served based on who pays first.

Amenities include: free wifi, 3+ bathrooms, yoga and meditation space, hot tub, fireplace, firepit, dishwasher, tv and more. All sheets/towels provided. More details will be provided once your confirmed for the trip.

Activities: We'll do hiking on the Bruce Trail and explore the area, perhaps checking out Bruce's caves. We'll visit Wiarton and possibly Owen Sound and buy some local treats for home. In the evening we'll cook and eat together in the large kitchen, tell stories and share our experiences, play boardgames, listen to music, relax, sip wine, possibly do yoga and meditation in the yoga room, and of course...enjoy the hot tub! We are going to have such a great outdoors and relaxation weekend.

Depart Friday after work around 5pm by carpooling and return on Monday. That's 3 nights, and about 2.5 days. We will have various carpool departure spots and times.

Organizer (Rebecca) will coordinate all sleeping arrangements so people are comfortable, as well as coordinate carpool. Food plans will be coordinated by Rebecca and discussed as a group. We usually on trips have at least one night dedicated to a shared group dinner.

About RSVPs: Must provide your phone number so the organizer can contact you. Prompt response required or you will be moved to the bottom of the list. Everyone goes to wait list to start. No one is confirmed attendance until payment is received and the organizer has spoken to you. Payment secures your spot.

Everybody must answer both RSVP questions to be moved to the GOING list, which you should see when you sign up for the event (everyone goes to the waitlist first):
(1) What is your cell number? (this is private - only the organizer sees this info)
(2) What are your transportation preferences:
A. Passenger at carpool
B. Driver at carpool (I have my own car) for x passengers - do not say "B" unless you own your own car
C. Prefer to be passenger, but driver at carpool for x passengers if needed

Cost for attendance on this trip is $285 Max per person (keep in mind this is also 3 nights). Price will go down if more than 14 people sign-up.

Additional costs not indicated above:
- $ to contribute to gas for driving there. Estimate is up to $20 per person. Gas costs are determined at the end of the trip. Drivers are reimbursed for their gas.
- Food cost for the weekend. We'll have a plan and discuss together!
- $ for any extra activites or parking costs. These costs will be minimal.

WOOT Score: Outdoors 5, Adventure 4, Fun 5, overall WOOT Score - 5++ (I only post events that are a 5 = awesome)

Hope you can join us!

Rebecca (rphinn)